STRENGTH OF BRICK MASONRY

The main factors governing the strength of a brick structure include brick strength, mortar strength and elasticity, bricklayer workmanship, brick uniformity, and the method used to lay brick. In this section, we'll cover strength and elasticity. Workmanship is covered separately in the next section.

The strength of a single brick masonry unit varies widely, depending on its ingredients and manufacturing method. Brick can have an ultimate compressive strength as low as 1,600 psi. On the other hand, some well-burned brick has compressive strength exceeding 15,000 psi.

Because portland-cement-lime mortar is normally stronger than the brick, brick masonry laid with this mortar is stronger than an individual brick unit. The load-carrying capacity of a wall or column made with plain lime mortar is less than half that made with portland-cement-lime mortar. The compressive working strength of a brick wall or column laid with plain lime mortar normally ranges from 500 to 600 psi.

For mortar to bond to brick properly, sufficient water must be present to completely hydrate the portland cement in the mortar. Bricks sometimes have high absorption rates, and, if not properly treated, can "suck" the water out of the mortar, preventing complete hydration. Here is a quick field test to determine brick absorptive qualities. Using a medicine dropper, place 20 drops of water in a 1-inch circle (about the size of a quarter) on a brick. A brick that absorbs all the water in less than 11/2 minutes will suck the water out of the mortar when laid. To correct this condition, thoroughly wet the bricks and allow time for the surfaces to air-dry before placing.

BRICKLAYING METHODS

Good bricklaying procedure depends on good workmanship and efficiency. Efficiency involves doing the work with the fewest possible motions. Each motion should have a purpose and should accomplish a definite result. After learning the fundamentals, every Builder should develop methods for achieving maximum efficiency. The work must be arranged in such a way that the Builder is continually supplied with brick and mortar. The scaffolding required must be planned before the work begins. It must be built in such a way as to cause the least interference with other crewmembers.

Bricks should always be stacked on planks; they should never be piled directly on uneven or soft ground. Do not store bricks on scaffolds or runways. This does not, however, prohibit placing normal supplies on scaffolding during actual bricklaying operations. Except where stacked in sheds, brick piles should never be more than 7 feet high. When a pile of brick reaches a height of 4 feet, it must be tapered back 1 inch in every foot of height above the 4-foot level. The tops of brick piles must be kept level, and the taper must be maintained during unpiling operations.

MASONRY TERMS

To efficiently and effectively lay bricks, you must be familiar with the terms that identify the position of masonry units and mortar joints in a wall. The following list, which is referenced to figure 8-32, provides some of the basic terms you will encounter.

Course- One of several continuous, horizontal layers (or rows) of masonry units bonded together.

Wythe- Each continuous, vertical section of a wall, one masonry unit thick. Sometimes called a tier.

Stretcher- A masonry unit laid flat on its bed along the length of a wall with its face parallel to the face of the wall.

Header- A masonry unit laid flat on its bed across the width of a wall with its face perpendicular to the face of the wall. Generally used to bond two wythes.

Row lock- A header laid on its face or edge across the width of a wall.

Bull header- A rowlock brick laid with its bed perpendicular to the face of the wall.

Bull stretcher- A rowlock brick laid with its bed parallel to the face of the wall.

0 Soldier- A brick laid on its end with its face perpendicular to the face of the wall.

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