Understanding and Managing Efflorescence in Brickwork: A Comprehensive Guide

Efflorescence in brickwork

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

HOW TO MINIMISE THE DEFECTS IN PLASTERING WORK?

plastering

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

6 DEFECTS IN BRICKWORK DUE TO POOR WORKMANSHIP

Spalling of brickwork

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

HOW TO PROTECT MASONRY DURING CONSTRUCTION?

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

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS OF GOOD MORTAR

Mortar Mix- Do you know this

Characteristics of Good Mortar The chief properties of hardened mortar are strength, development of good bond with building units, resistance to weathering and those of green mortar mixes are mobility, placability and water retention. In addition, the mortar should be cheap and durable and should not affect the durability of building units in contact. The … Read more

ON SITE QUALITY CONTROL CHECKS FOR BRICKWORK

Quality Control for Brickwork Bricks should be soaked in water for at least one hour before use for brickwork in cement and lime mortars. The bricks should be sufficiently soaked before use but not excessively so. The absence of bubbling when the soaked brick is immersed in water is the test for through soaking. Also … Read more

HOW TO CONSTRUCT A LOW COST BRICK WALKWAY?

Construction of Low Cost Brick Walkway The primary aim for construction of a walkway is to provide easy access within a garden, awn or yard. Because in rainy season, water collected on the ground surface makes it sloppy or muddy. This causes difficulty in easy access. To avoid this we can build an inexpensive brick … Read more

HOW TO SUPERVISE BRICK MASONRY CONSTRUCTION ON SITE?

Quality of Fly ash bricks

Supervision of Brick Work Construction The following points should be kept in mind during supervision of brick work. Before using the bricks in construction it should be checked for its physical properties (such as strength, dimension, water absorption etc). Bricks must conform to the designer’s specification. Prior to use bricks in construction, it should be … Read more