What is Efflorescence? The term ‘efflorescence’ is used to describe the depositing of soluble salts (in other words, those that dissolve in water) on the surface of finished brickwork. Salts of magnesium, calcium, potassium or sodium may have been present in the clay used to make the bricks or in the sand used to make … Read more
Minimising Defects in Plastering Work Defects in plastering work can be minimised by following the below mentioned techniques. The brick and plastering work should be carried out by skilled masons in the best workmanship manner. Bond of brick work should be properly maintained. Efflorescence is removed by rubbing brushes on the damaged surface. A solution … Read more
DEFECTS IN BRICKWORK EFFECTS OF WORKMANSHIP ON MASONRY STRENGTH Masonry has a very long tradition of building by craftsmen, without engineering supervision of the kind applied to reinforced concrete construction. Consequently, it is frequently regarded with some suspicion as a structural material and carries very much higher safety factors than concrete. There is, of course, … Read more
Protection of Masonry During Construction It is necessary to protect masonry during construction when the mortar is green or when masonry has not been laterally supported, against damage due to rain, frost, storm, etc. It is also necessary to protect some vulnerable parts of masonry such as jambs, corners and sills and expose masonry, during … Read more
Sources of Defects in Brick Masonry There are 4 primary reasons that cause defects in brick masonry work. These are as follows. Sulphate Attack Crystallization of Salts from Bricks Corrosion of Embedded Iron or Steel Shrinkage on Drying 1. Sulphate Attack The common forms of defects due to sulphate attack are Chipping and spalling of … Read more
Types of Bonds in Brick Masonry Brick masonry is built with bricks bonded together with mortar. For temporary sheds mud mortar may be used but for all permanent buildings lime or cement mortars are used. The various types of bonds generally used in brick masonry are Stretcher bond Header bond English bond and Flemish bond … Read more
The below mentioned terminologies are used to express different forms of cut bricks used in brick masonry construction. 1. Closer It is the portion of the brick cut along the length in such a way as one long face remains intact. 2. Queen Closer When a brick is cut along its length, making it two … Read more