Specifications for Brick masonry in Cement Mortar

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Brick Masonry with Cement Mortar

Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units themselves. The common materials of masonry construction are brick, stone such as marble, granite, travertine, limestone, concrete block, glass block and tile. Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction. Brick masonry construction involves use of high quality materials in construction. Use of low grade materials in construction or mortar mix in inappropriate ratio can affect the quality of construction.

In our earlier articles, we discussed different types of specifications and purpose of specifications, RCC specifications in detail. We will be discussing specifications for Coursed Rubble Masonry (CRS) and Specifications for Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) in our further articles. In this article, we are going discuss or rather list out all the specifications that are to be given for “Brick Masonry in Cement Mortar”.

Brick Masonry in Cement Mortar
Brick Masonry in Cement Mortar

Specifications for Brick masonry in Cement Mortar

  • The bricks shall be of first class, regular in shape, size and colour.
  • The bricks should be free from flaws, cracks and lumps of any kind.
  • Shall have minimum crushing strength 10.5N/mm2.
  • The bricks shall not absorb the water more than one sixth of the weight of the brick.

  • The sand used shall be medium coarse, clean, sharp, free from clay, mica and other organic matter.
  • The cement used shall satisfy the requirement of Bureau of Indian Standard.
  • The mortar is designated in specified proportion of cement and sand. The materials are weighed or measured and mixed on watertight platform after allowing bulkage of sand.
  • Bricks before laying shall be thoroughly soaked in water.
  • The bricks laid truly horizontal in course with frogs upwards.
  • The brickwork shall be raised 1m in height at a strength all round the building.
  • Only fresh mortar within ½ hour for cement mortar, the time of adding water shall be used.
  • During rains, no brickwork is carried out when special arrangements are made.
  • The brickwork shall be kept wet for atleast 10 days.

11 thoughts on “Specifications for Brick masonry in Cement Mortar”

  1. Give the standard size of 1st Class Brick, 2nd Class Brick.
    What is the compressive strength or 1st class or 2nd class brick?
    What is the coefficient of Absorption of 1st class and 2nd class brick?
    What is the ratio of sand to cement in cement mortar?
    What is the amount of water to be added in mortar?
    How many bricks of Traditional size fits in a truck?
    What is the traditional size of brick in Indian Context?
    How many bricks are there in 1cum of brickwork masonry?

    • Tilak :
      Give the standard size of 1st Class Brick, 2nd Class Brick.
      What is the compressive strength or 1st class or 2nd class brick?
      What is the coefficient of Absorption of 1st class and 2nd class brick?
      What is the ratio of sand to cement in cement mortar?
      What is the amount of water to be added in mortar?
      How many bricks of Traditional size fits in a truck?
      What is the traditional size of brick in Indian Context?
      How many bricks are there in 1cum of brickwork masonry?

  3. I thought your article was very informative. brick masonry is better left to the professionals in my opinion. My employer, McGraw-Hill, has a list of top quality manufacturers and suppliers that really know what they are doing. Check it out.

  5. is grade 43 of cement sutaible for flyash bricks ? Does grade 43 cement increase time for curing ? Any other details with regard to strength in comparision to grade 53.

    • Hello Nikki,
      I am glad my article was of help to you.
      The ratio of sand to cement in cement mortar used for plastering is (1 cement:4 sand);
      Cement mortar used in the brick construction work (1cement:6sand) or (1cement:8sand)

  8. Hi,
    It is urgent
    Please Give me the details of IS specifications (IS specification No.) for tests
    Workability of cement mortar
    Properties of Hardened cement Mortar
    Bond, Flexure, shear strength of Brick masonry prism

  9. Give the standard size of 1st Class Brick, 2nd Class Brick.
    What is the compressive strength or 1st class or 2nd class brick?
    What is the coefficient of Absorption of 1st class and 2nd class brick?
    What is the ratio of sand to cement in cement mortar?
    What is the amount of water to be added in mortar?
    How many bricks of Traditional size fits in a truck?
    What is the traditional size of brick in Indian Context?
    How many bricks are there in 1cum of brickwork masonry?

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