Brick masonry involves installing bricks on a wall to form a structure. Bricks should be evenly distributed throughout the wall and the thickness of the mortar joint should be 12 mm or more. There are several brick types, such as bullnose, channel, coping, hollow bricks, and others. A bricklayer should carefully mark the layout of the bricks on the foundation wall with a level, a theodolite, or chalk. A bricklayer should also make sure that the walls are plumb and the height is correct. After placing the bricks on the foundation wall, a second bricklayer should follow the first bricklayer with half-bricks to ensure that the bricks are level and plumb.
Brick masonry is susceptible to fracture, and if it is not repaired, it can lead to serious structural failure. This is because bricks are susceptible to deterioration and degradation, due to exposure to climatic conditions. Wind, temperature, and moisture promote the expansion of the material, which generates internal forces that can cause fractures. In addition to this, smoke is another cause of fractures. Smoke contains high temperatures and moisture, and these elements may cause the bricks to crack.
Bricks are typically produced using one of two processes. In the dry press process, the clay mixture is pressed with more hydraulic force, resulting in a thicker brick with better edges. This method requires more equipment and is generally more expensive. The heat used during this process also determines the color of the brick.
Header and stretcher bonds are the most common brick bonds. Headers and stretchers are vertically aligned and overlap half of their length. The header is the shorter face of the brick. Header bond brick masonry is more common for one brick thick walls. In addition to header bonds, Flemish bonds are another option. If you’re looking to create a wall of three-quarter brick thickness, header and stretcher bond is an excellent choice.
Another method is called English cross bond. This method is similar to English cross bond but is a modified version of it. It consists of alternate courses of headers and stretchers. Headers are placed on the first course and stretchers are placed at the next. The resulting structure will be able to withstand excessive weight, such as a heavy concrete slab.
Bricks are available in many colors, varieties, and types. The process of brick masonry varies depending on the brick types used. Terra-cotta, stone, and concrete are also often used. There are also several varieties of clay brick, including the bullnose and channel brick. These bricks can vary in size, shape, and color.
Bricks are not waterproof and often have an air gap. For these reasons, structural walls may have a waterproof layer, such as tar paper. A brick veneer may also include weep holes at the base for drainage. Similarly, concrete blocks, real and cultured stones, and veneer adobe are sometimes used to form a wall.