Stone Work

Unified Standard Specifications For Works & Materials Chapter 6 : Stone Work
Chapter 6
Stone Work
6.0 TERMINOLOGY & PROPERTIES Dowels : Dowels are small sections of

OF STONE metal, stone or pebbles bedded with mortar
6.0.1 Terminology in corresponding mortice in bed or side joint
of adjacent stones (Fig.6.1A/1).
Ashlar : Stone masonry using dressed block
of given dimensions having faces Jamb : The part of the wall at the side of an
perpendicular to each other and laid in opening.
courses. Joggle : A key between the stones by
Bed Joint: The joint where one stone providing a groove in one stone to take a
presses on another for example, a horizontal corresponding concealed projection in the
joint in a wall or radiating joint between the edges on the other stone (Fig.6.1A/2).
voussoirs of arch (Fig. 6.1A/1 & 6.1A/3 and Natural Bed : The planes of stratification
6.9). that occur in a sedimentary rock.
Hollow (Open and closed cavity) block Parapet : A solid or pierced guard wall for
A concrete masonry unit with any one of the flat stone terrace or balcony (or a bridge) or
external dimensions greater than the a curb wall at the lower part of a pitched roof
corresponding dimension of a brick and which is exposed to atmosphere on face
having one or more large holes or cavities back and top (Fig.6.1A/3).
which either pass through the block (open Quoin : A quoin is the external angle of wall
cavity) or do effectively pass through the or building. The term is also applied to
block (closed cavity) and having the solid stone specially selected and neatly dressed
material between 50% and 75% of the total for forming such angle.
volume of the block calculated from the Random : Random or irregular size and
over-all dimensions. shapes.
Solid Block Reveal : The part of the jamb between the
A concrete masonry unit with external frame and the arise.
dimensions greater than corresponding Rubble Masonry : Masonry built of stones
dimensions of a brick and having solid either irregular in shapes as quarried or
material not less than 75% of the total squared and only hammer dressed and
volume of the block calculated from over all having comparatively thick joints. As far as
dimension. possible, stones for rubble masonry shall be
Bond : An inter-locking arrangement of angular.
structural units in a wall to ensure stability. Skewback : Sloping surface against which
Bond Stone (Through stone): Selected the springing of an arch rests (Fig. 6.9).
long stone used to hold a wall together Spandrel : Space between the haunches
transversely (Fig.6.2). below the decking level (Fig. 6.9).
Corbel : Stone bonded well into the wall String Course : A horizontal band, plain or
with part of it projecting out of the face of moulded, usually projecting slightly from the
wall to form a bearing surfaces. face of wall (Fig.6.1A/3).
Cornice : A horizontal moulded projection Surfacing or Dressing of Stones : The
which crowns or finishes either a wall, any stones are dressed to have different
horizontal division of wall, or any surfaces as indicated in definitions below.
architectural feature (Fig. 6.1A/3).
Template or Bed Block : A block of stone
Cramp : A small piece of metal or the or concrete bedded on a wall to distribute
hardest or toughest stone procurable sunk in the pressure from a concentrated load.
mortices and fixed across joints as
Self Faced Surfaces : Surfaces of stones
additional ties. The ends of metal cramps
used for roofing, flooring, lintels etc., as
are bent at right angles and stone cramps
obtained from quarry.
are dovetailed (Fig.6.1A/2).
Squared Back Surface : Means the
Course : A layer of stones in wall including
surface shall be dressed back at right angles
the bed mortar.
to the face of the stone.
Page 171 : Chapter 6

Chisel Drafted Margin : The dressing done Close Picked Surface : A punched stone is
with a drafting chisel in narrow strips of further dressed by means of point chisel so
width generally 2 to 5 cm. Chisel drafted as to obtain a finer surface, ridges, or chisel
margin shall be punch dressed. marks left over being very tiny. The depth of
Hammer Dressed Surface : A hammer gap between the surface and a straight edge
dressed stone shall have no sharp and kept over the surface shall not exceed 1.5
irregular corners and shall have a mm (Fig.6.1B/3).
comparatively even surface so as to fit well Fine Tooled Surface : Close picked
in masonry. Hammer dressed stone is also surface is further dressed so that all the
known as hammer faced, quarry faced and projections are removed and fairly smooth
rustic faced. The bushing from the general surface is obtained. The surfaces shall have
wall face shall not be more than 40 mm on 3 to 4 lines per centimeter width depending
exposed face and 10 mm on faces to be on the degree of hardness of stone and
plastered (Fig.6.1B/1). degree of fineness required (Fig.6.1B/4).
Rock Faced Surface : A rock face stone This type of dressing is commonly adopted
shall have a minimum of 25mm wide chisel for ashlar work.
drafted margin at the four edges, all the Polished Surface : Surfaces having a high
edges being in the sample plane. gloss finish. Polishing of stones shall be
Rough Tooled Surface : A rough tooled done by rubbing them with suitable abrasive,
surface shall have a series of bands, made wetting the surface where necessary with
by means of plane chisel 4 to 5 cm wide, water. Alternatively polishing of stones shall
more or less parallel to tool marks all over be done by holding them firmly on the top of
the surface. These marks may be either revolving table to which some abrasive
horizontal, vertical or at an angle of 45 deg. material like sand or carborundum is fed.
as directed. The edges and corners shall be The final polishing shall be performed by
square and true. The depth or gap between rubber or felt, using oxide of lime (called by
the surface and straight edge, held against trade name as putty powder) as a polishing
the surface shall not be more than 3mm. medium.
(Rough tooled stones are used where fairly Moulded: Cut to profile of a moulding with
regular plane faces are required for masonry punched dressed surfaces, unless otherwise
work.) specified.
Punched Dressed Surface : A rough
surface is dressed by means of punch chisel 6.0.2 Properties of Stone :
to show series of parallel ridges. The depth
6.0.2.1 Crushing Strength of Stones
of gap between the surface and a straight
edge held against the surface shall not This shall be as indicated in Table 6.1.Test
exceed 3 mm (Fig.6.1B/2.). Punched for crushing or compressive strength shall
dressed stones are used where even be carried out as prescribed in IS 1121 (Part
surfaces are required. 1).
TABLE 6.1
CRUSHING STRENGTH OF STONE
2 2
TYPE OF STONE MIN. CRUSHING STRENGTH N/mm (kgf/cm )
Granite 100 (1000)
Basalt 40 (400)
Lime Stone (except very soft 20 (200)
stones)
Sandstone 30 (300)
Marble 50(500)
Quartzite 80 (800)
Laterite (Block) 3 (30)
6.0.2.2 Durability : 6.0.2.3 Sizes : Normally stones used shall

Requirements have been indicated in Para be small enough to be lifted and placed by
6.1.1. Petrographic examination of stones hand. Unless otherwise indicated , the length
may be done as per IS 1123 which helps in of stones for stone masonry shall not exceed
identifying natural stones. three times the height and breadth of base

shall not be greater than three fourth the In selection of stones, the situation where it
thickness of the wall , or not less than 15 cm. is to be used shall be considered. Table 6.2
The height of stone may be upto 30 cm. gives the recommended use of common
6.0.2.4 Selection of Stones : types of stones.
Table 6.2
Type of Stone Use
1. Dense stone like granite, a) Masonry work submerged in water
gneiss b) Masonry below plinth level or in contact with soil
2. Granite, quartzite Masonry work exposed to smoke or chemical fumes
3. Sand stone Fire resistant masonry
4. Soft stone like marble, For carved ornamental work, arches, veneers etc.
sandstone
6.0.2.5 Type of Stone Masonry sufficiently long steps for facilitating jointing
The following Types are in common use of old and new work. The stepping of the
raking shall not be more than 45 deg. to the
a) Random Rubble Masonry – Uncoursed
horizontal. Walls and pillars shall be carried
and brought to course & Dry Coursed Rubble
up truly plumb or as to the specified batter.
Masonry.
e) No work shall be done above 1m from
b) Coursed Rubble Masonry - First and
the ground level or the floor level as the case
Second sorts
may be, without the aid of suitable
c) Ashlar Masonry – Plain, Special scaffolding.
d) Stone veneering. 6.0.2.7 Fixing of Door & window Frames
e) Laterite Stone Masonry / Slate Stone Where door and window frames are to be
Masonry fixed in the opening, hold fasts embedded in
6.0.2.6 Laying of Stones – General concrete block replacing a stone block may
requirements be used.
a) The stones should be laid so that the 6.0.2.8 Bearing of floors, Roofs and
pressure is always perpendicular to the bed. Joints
The courses shall be built perpendicular to Corbels or brackets shall be provided for
the pressure which the masonry will bear. In resting of joists. Beams carrying heavy
case of battered walls, the base stone and loads shall be supported by templates of
the plane courses shall be at right angles to concrete stone.
the batter.
6.0.2.9 Jointing and Pointing
b) In the case of coursed rubble masonry, if
All joints shall be full of mortar. Pointing may
the heights of the courses vary, the largest
be avoided. If unavoidable, raking is to be
stone shall be placed in the lowest course;
done and types of pointing shall be as for
the thickness of courses shall also decrease
brick work.
gradually to the top. Vertical joints shall be
staggered as far as possible. Bell shaped 6.0.2.10 Weather protection and
bond stones or headers shall not be used. All Curing
the necessary chases for joggles, dowels Stone masonry laid in cement or lime mortar
and cramps should be formed in the stones shall be protected during construction from
before hand. rain and frost by suitable cover. The masonry
c) Sufficient transverse bonds should be shall be kept wet on all the faces for a period
provided by the use of bond stones extended of 7 days after construction. In case of
from the front to the back of the wall and masonry work, with lime mortar, it is
from outside wall to the interior of thick wall desirable that the work, after every height of
and in the latter case bond stones shall 1.5m or less, shall be allowed to set for
overlap each other in their arrangement. atleast 2 days before starting further
construction over it. Stone masonry laid in
At all angular junctions, the stones at each
mud mortar shall not be watered but shall be
alternate course shall be well bonded into
protected during construction from rain or
the respective courses of adjacent wall.
from uneven drying.
d) Where there is break in the masonry
6.0.2.11 Weep holes are generally to be
work, the masonry shall be raked in
provided in abutments, wings and returns

and other earth retaining structures, as quarries, approved by the Engineer. Stone
shown on the drawings or as directed by the shall be hard, sound, durable and free from
Engineer. These shall be formed either by weathering decay and defects like cavities,
building in pipes of suitable size or by leaving cracks, flaws, sand holes, injurious veins,
holes of the required size through the patches of loose or soft materials and other
masonry, with a proper fall from the back of similar defects that may adversely affect its
the wall to the front. No extra payment shall strength and appearance. As far as possible
be made for forming weep holes and no stones shall be of uniform colour, quality or
deduction will be made from the masonry for texture. Generally stone shall not contain
the gaps for weep holes crystalline silica or chalk, mica and other
6.1 RANDOM & UNCOURSED RUBBLE deleterious materials like iron-oxide, organic
MASONRY (Refer Figure 6.2) impurities etc.,
(Note : This para describes basically Normally Stones with round surface shall not
Random or Uncoursed Rubble Masonry. A be used.
slight improvement in uncoursed Rubble The compressive strength of common types
Masonry is to bring it to course at vertical of stones shall be as per Table 6.1 and the
intervals of 30cm to 90 cms. Paras 6.1.3 and percentage of water absorption shall
6.1.4 may be referred to for details.) generally not exceed 5% for stones other
6.1.1. Stone than those specified in Table 6.3. For
laterite this percentage is 12%.
The stone shall be of the type specified such
as granite, trap, limestone, sand stone,
quartzite etc., and shall be obtained from the
Table 6.3
MAX. WATER ABSORPTION OF STONES
Type of stone Maximum Water Absorption
percentage by weight
Granite 0.5
Basalt 0.5
Lime stone (Slab & Tiles) 0.15
Sand Stone (Slab & Tiles) 2.5
Marble 0.40
Quartzite 0.40
Laterite (Block) 12
Note : Test for water absorption shall be 6.1.4. RR Masonry brought to course :
carried out as laid down in IS:1124. Random rubble masonry brought to the
6.1.2. Size of Stones course is similar to un-coursed random
rubble masonry except that the courses are
Normally stones used should be small
roughly leveled at intervals varying from 30
enough to be lifted and placed by hand.
cm to 90 cm in height according to the size
Unless otherwise indicated, the length of
of stones used.
stones for stone masonry shall not exceed
three times the height and the breadth or 6.1.5. Dressing
base shall not be greater than three-fourth Each stone shall be hammer dressed on the
the thickness of wall, or not less than 15 cm. face, the sides and the bed. Hammer
The height of stone may be up to 30 cm. dressing shall enable the stones to be laid
6.1.3. Categories of RR Masonry:- Random close to neighbouring stones such that the
Rubble Masonry shall be un-coursed (Figure face shall not project more than 40 mm on
6.2) or brought to courses as specified in the exposed face and 10 mm on the face to
Para 6.1.4 Un-coursed random rubble be plastered.
masonry shall be constructed with stones of Mortar :
sizes as referred to in para 6.1.2. and The mortar used for joining shall be as
shapes picked up random from the stones specified and should conform to IS 2250
brought from the approved quarry. Stones (Refer Chapter 26 on “Mortar”)
having sharp corners or round surfaces shall,
6.1.6. Laying
however, normally not be used.

All stones shall be wetted before use. Each where masonry above ground level is finally
stone shall be placed close to the stones required to be plastered.
already laid so that the thickness of the At least one bond stone or a set of bond
mortar joints at the face is not more than 20 stones shall be provided for every 0.5 sqm of
mm. Face stones shall be arranged suitably the area of wall surface. All bond stones
to stagger the vertical joints and long vertical shall be marked suitably with paint as
joints shall be avoided. Stones for hearting directed by the Engineer.
or interior filling shall be hammered down
6.1.8. Quoin and Jamb Stones
with wooden mallet into position and firmly
bedded in mortar. Chips or spalls of stones The quoin and jamb stones shall be of
may be used for filling of interstices between selected stones neatly dressed with hammer
the adjacent stones in hearting and these or chisel to form the required angle. Quoin
shall not exceed 20% of the quantity of stone stones shall not be less than 0.01 cum. in
masonry. To form a bond between volume. Height of quoins and jamb stones
successive courses plum stones projecting shall not be less than 15 cm. Quoins shall
vertically by about 15 to 20 cm shall be firmly be laid header and stretcher alternatively.
embedded in the hearting at the interval of 6.1.9. Joints
about one metre in every course. No hollow Stones shall be so laid that all joints are fully
space shall be left anywhere in the masonry. packed with mortar and chips. Face joints
The masonry work in wall shall be carried up shall not be more than 20 mm thick.
true to plumb or to specified batter. The joints shall be struck flush and finished
Random rubble masonry shall be brought to at the time of laying, when plastering or
the level courses at plinth, window sills, lintel pointing is not to be done. For the surfaces
and roof levels. Leveling shall be done with to be plastered or pointed, the joints shall be
concrete comprising of one part of the mortar raked to a minimum depth of 20 mm when
as used for masonry and two parts of graded the mortar is still green.
stone aggregate of 20 mm nominal size. 6.1.10. Scaffolding
The masonry in structure shall be carried Single scaffolding having one set of vertical
uniformly. Where the masonry of one part is support shall be allowed. The supports shall
to be delayed, the work shall be raked back be sound and strong, tied together by
o
at an angle not steeper than 45 horizontal pieces, over which the scaffolding
6.1.7. Bond Stones planks shall be fixed. The inner end of the
Bond or through stones running right through horizontal scaffolding member may rest in a
the thickness of walls, shall be provided in hole provided in the masonry. Such holes,
walls up to 60cm thick and in case of walls however, shall not be allowed in pillars under
above 60 cm thickness, a set of two or more one metre in width or near the skew back of
bond stones overlapping each other by at arches. The holes left in masonry work for
least 15 cm shall be provided in a line from supporting scaffolding shall be filled and
face of the wall to the back. Details may be made good with cement concrete 1:3:6 (1
seen in Figure 6.4. Cement: 3 coarse sand : 6 stone aggregate
20 mm nominal size).
In case of highly absorbent types of stones
(porous lime stone and sand stone etc.,) 6.1.11. Curing
single piece bond stones may give rise to Masonry work in cement or composite mortar
dampness. For all thicknesses of such walls, shall be kept constantly moist on all faces for
a set of two or more bond stones over- a minimum period of seven days. In case of
lapping each other by at least 15 cm shall be masonry with fat lime mortar, curing shall
provided. Length of each such bond stone commence two days after laying of masonry
shall not be less than two-third of the and shall continue for at least seven days
thickness of the wall. thereafter.
Where bond stones of suitable lengths are 6.1.12. Protection
not available pre-cast cement concrete block Green work shall be protected from rain by
1:2:4 (1 cement : 2coarse sand : 4graded suitable covering. The work shall also be
stone aggregate 20 mm nominal size) of suitably protected from damage, mortar
cross section not less than 225 square dropping and rain during construction.
centimeters and length equal to the
6.1.13. Measurements
thickness of wall shall be used in lieu of bond
stones. This shall however be applicable 6.1.14.1. The length, height and thickness
only in masonry below ground level and shall be measured correct to a cm. The
thickness of wall shall be measured at joints

excluding the bushing. Only specified measured in running metres stating size of
dimension shall be allowed; anything extra flues and paid for separately.
shall be ignored. The quantity shall be 6.1.14.5 Apertures for fire places shall not be
calculated in cubic metre nearest to two deducted and no extra payment made for
places of decimal. splaying of jambs, throating and making arch
6.1.14.2. The work under the following to support the opening.
categories shall be measured separately:- 6.1.14.6 Square or Rectangular Pillars:
(i) From foundation to plinth level These shall be measured as walls, but extra
(a) Work in or under water and or liquid payment shall be allowed for stone work in
mud, square or rectangular pillars over the rate for
stone work in walls. Rectangular pillar shall
(b) Work in or under foul positions.
mean a detached masonry support
(ii) From plinth level to two floor levels. rectangular in section, such that its breadth
(iii) From two floor levels above plinth level does not exceed two and a half times the
for every additional floor or part thereof. thickness.
(iv) Stone masonry in parapet shall be 6.1.14.7 Circular Pillars (Columns): These
measured together with the shall be measured as per actual dimensions,
corresponding item in the wall of the but extra payment shall be allowed for stone
storey next below. work in circular pillars over the rate for stone
6.1.14.3. No deduction shall be made work in walls. The diameter as well as
nor extra payment made for the following:- length shall be measured correct to a cm.
(a) Ends of dissimilar materials (that is 6.1.14.8 Tapered wall shall be measured net,
joists, beams, lintels, posts, girders, rafters, as per actual dimensions and paid for as
purlins, trusses, corbels, steps etc.) up to 0.1 other walls.
sqm in section. 6.1.14.9 Curved Masonry: Stone masonry
(ii) Openings each up to 0.1 sqm in area. curved on plan to a mean radius exceeding 6
In calculating the area of openings, any metres shall be measured and included with
separate lintels or sills shall be included general stone work. Stone work circular on
along with the size of opening but the end plan to a mean radius not exceeding 6
portions of the lintels shall be excluded and metres shall be measured separately and
the extra width of rebated reveals, if any, shall include all cuttings and waste and
shall also be excluded. templates. It shall be measured as the mean
length of the wall.
(iii) Wall plates and bed plates, and
bearing of chhajjas and the like, where the 6.1.15 Rate
thickness does not exceed 10 cm and the The rate shall include the cost of materials
bearing does not extend over the full and labour required for all the operations
thickness of the wall. described above and shall include the
Note : The bearing of floor and roof shall be following :
deducted from wall masonry. (a) Raking out joints for plastering or
(iv) Drain holes and recesses for cement pointing done as a separate item, or
concrete blocks to embed hold-fasts for finishing flush as the work proceeds.
doors, windows, etc., (b) Preparing tops and sides of existing wall
(v) Building in masonry, iron fixture, pipes for raising and extending.
up to 300mm dia, hold fasts of doors and (c) Rough cutting and waste for forming
windows etc., gables, cores, skew backs or spandrels
(vi) Forming chases in masonry each up to of arches, splays at eaves and all rough
section of 360 sq.cm. cutting in the body of walling, unless
otherwise specified.
6.1.14.4 Masonry (excluding fixing brick
work) in chimney breasts with smoke or air (d) Bond stones or cement concrete bond
flues not exceeding 20 sq.dm. (0.20 sq.m.) in blocks.
sectional area shall be measured as solid (e) Leading and making holes for pipes etc.,
and no extra payment shall be made for (f) Bedding and pointing wall plates, lintels,
pargetting and coring such flues. Where sills, etc., in or on walls, bedding roof
flues exceed 20sq.dm. (0.20 sq.m.) sectional tiles and corrugated sheets in or on
area deduction shall be made for the same walls.
and pargetting and coring flues shall be
(g) Building in ends of joists, beams, lintels,
etc.

6.2. COURSED RUBBLE MASONRY – stones in hearting and these shall not
FIRST SORT (Figure 6.3) exceed 10% of the quantity of stone
6.2.1 General:- Coursed Rubble Masonry is masonry.
generally of First Sort or second sort. The masonry in a structure shall be carried
Squared Rubble Masonry is an inferior up uniformly but where breaks are
variety of coursed Rubble Masonry and a unavoidable, the joints shall be raked back at
o
Note on this may be seen in Figure 6.3. an angle not steeper than 45 , Toothing shall
6.2.2 Stone - Shall be as specified in para not be allowed.
6.1.1. 6.2.7 Bond Stones
6.2.3 Size of Stones - Shall be as specified Shall be as specified in para 6.1.8. except
in para 6.1.2. that a bond stone or a set of bond stones
6.2.4 Dressing shall be inserted 1.5 to 1.8 metres apart, in
every course.
Face stones shall be hammer dressed on all
beds and joints so as to give them 6.2.8 Quoins
approximately rectangular block shape. The quoins shall be of the same height as
These shall be squared on all joints and the course in which these occur. These shall
beds. The bed joint shall be rough chisel be at least 45 cm long and shall be laid as
dressed for at least 8 cm back from the face, stretchers and headers alternately. These
and side joints for at least 4 cm such that no shall be laid square on the beds, which shall
portion of the dressed surface is more than 6 be rough-chisel dressed to a depth of at least
mm from a straight edge placed on it. The 10 cm. In case of exposed work, these
bushing on the face shall not project more stones shall have a minimum of 2.5 cm wide
than 4 cm as an exposed face and one cm chisel drafts at four edges, all the edges
on a face to be plastered. The hammer being in the same plane.
dressed stone shall also have a rough 6.2.9 Joints
tooling for minimum width of 2.5 cm along
All bed joints shall be horizontal and all side
the four edges of the face of the stone, when
joints vertical. All joints shall be fully packed
stone work is exposed.
with mortar. Face joints shall not be more
6.2.5 Mortar than one cm thick.
The mortar for jointing shall be specified and When plastering or pointing is not required to
shall conform to IS 2250. Refer to Chapter be done, the joints shall be struck flush and
26 on Mortar. finished at the time of laying. Otherwise,
6.2.6 Laying joints shall be raked to a minimum depth of
All stones shall be wetted before use. The 20 mm by raking tool during the progress of
walls shall be carried up truly plumb or to work, when the mortar is still green.
specified batter. All courses shall be laid 6.2.10 Curing etc.:- Curing, scaffolding,
truly horizontal and all vertical joints shall be measurements and rates shall be as
truly vertical. The height of each course specified under Para 6.1.
shall not be less than 15 cm nor more than 6.3 COURSED RUBBLE MASONRY –
30 cm. SECOND SORT (Figure 6.3)
Face stones shall be laid with alternate 6.3.1. Stone: Shall be as specified in para
headers and stretchers. No pinning shall be 6.1.1.
allowed on the face. No face stone shall be
6.3.2. Size of Stones : Shall be as specified
less in breadth than its height and at least
in para 6.1.2.
one-third of the stones shall tail into the work
for length not less than twice their height. 6.3.3. Dressing
The hearting or the interior filling of the wall Shall be as specified in para 6.2.4 except
shall consist of stones carefully laid on their that no portion of dressed surface shall
proper beds in mortar with chips and spalls exceed 10 mm from a straight edge placed
of stone being used where necessary to on it.
avoid thick beds of joints of mortar and at the 6.3.4. Mortar
same time ensuring that no hollow spaces The mortar for jointing shall be as specified
are left anywhere in the masonry. The chips and shall conform to IS 2250. Refer to
shall not be used below the hearting stone to Chapter 26 on Mortar.
bring these up to the level of face stones.
6.3.5. Laying
The use of chips shall be restricted to the
filling of interstices between the adjacent

Shall be as specified in para 6.2.6 except face that is to come against backing of
that the use of chips shall not exceed 15% of masonry shall be dressed such that variation
the quantity of stone masonry and stone, in from straight edge does not exceed 10 mm.
each course, need not be of the same height All angles and edges that are to remain
but not more than two stones shall be used exposed in the final position shall be true,
in the height of a course. square, and free from chippings.
6.3.6. Bond Stone, Quoins A sample of dressed stone shall be prepared
Shall be as specified in paras 6.2.7 and 6.2.8 for approval of the Engineer. It shall be kept
respectively. at the work site as a sample after being
approved.
6.3.7. Joints
6.4.4. Mortar
All bed joints shall be horizontal and all side
Joints vertical. All joints shall be fully packed The mortar for jointing shall be as specified
with mortar. Face joints shall not be more and should conform to IS 2250. Refer to
than 2 cm thick. Chapter 26 on Mortar.
When plastering or pointing is not required to 6.4.5. Laying
be done, the joints shall be struck flush and All stones shall be wetted before placing in
finished at the time of laying. Otherwise the position. These shall be floated on mortar
joints shall be raked to a minimum depth of and bedded properly in position with wooden
20 mm by raking tool during progress of mallets without the use of chips or under
work, when the mortar is still green. pinning of any sort.
6.3.8. Curing, Scaffolding, measurement The walls and pillars shall be carried up truly
and rates: Shall be as specified. plumb or to batter as shown in drawings. All
6.4. PLAIN ASHLAR MASONRY (Figure courses shall be laid truly horizontal and all
6.5) vertical joints shall be truly vertical.
6.4.1. General : Stone shall be of the type In case of ashlar work without backing of
specified. It shall be hard, sound, durable brick work or coursed rubble masonry, face
and tough, free from cracks, decay and stone shall be laid headers and stretchers
weathering and defects like cavities, cracks, alternately unless otherwise directed. The
flaws, sand holes, veins, patches of soft or headers shall be arranged to come as nearly
loose materials etc., Before starting the work, as possible in the middle of stretchers above
the contractor shall get the stones approved and below. Stone shall be laid in regular
by the Engineer. courses of not less than 15 cm in height and
all the courses shall be of same height,
6.4.2. Size of Stones
unless otherwise specified.
Normally stones used should be small
For ashlar facing with backing of brick work
enough to be lifted and placed by hand. The
or coursed rubble masonry (Fig.6.6) face
length of the stone shall not exceed three
stone shall be laid in alternate courses of
times the height and the breadth on base
headers and stretchers unless otherwise
shall not be greater than three-fourth of the
directed. Face stone and bond stone course
thickness of wall nor less than 15 cm. The
shall be maintained throughout. All
height of stone may be up to 30 cm.
connected masonry in a structure shall be
6.4.3. Dressing carried up nearly at one uniform level
Every stone shall be cut to the required size throughout, but where breaks are
and shape, so as to be free from waviness unavoidable, the joints shall be made in good
and to give truly vertical and horizontal joints. long steps so as to prevent cracks
In exposed masonry, the faces that are to developing between new and old work. Bond
remain exposed in the final position and the stone provided in the masonry shall be
adjoining faces to a depth of 6 mm shall be payable in the item of Ashlar masonry.
fine chisel dressed so that when checked Neither any deduction will be made from the
with 60 cm straight edge, no point varies brick masonry for embedding the bond stone
from it by more than 1 mm. The top and in the backing nor any extra payment shall
bottom faces that are to form the bed joints be made for any extra labour involved in
shall be chisel dressed so that variation from making holes in brick masonry backing.
60 cm straight edge at no point exceeds 3 When necessary, jib crane or other
mm. Faces which are to form the vertical mechanical appliances shall be used to hoist
joints should be chisel dressed so that the heavy pieces of stones and place these
variation at any point with 60 cm straight into correct positions, care being taken that
edge does not exceed 6mm. Any vertical the corners of the stone are not damaged.

Stone shall be covered with gunny bags, rebated reveals, if any, shall also be
before tying or rope is passed over it, and it excluded.
shall be handled carefully. No piece which (iii) Wall plates and bed plates and bearing of
has been damaged shall be used in work. chhajja and the like, where the thickness
6.4.6. Bond Stones does not exceed 10 cm and the bearing does
Shall be as specified in para 6.1.8. not extend over the full thickness of the wall.
6.4.7. Joints Note: The bearing of floor and roof slabs
shall be deducted from wall masonry.
All joints shall be full of mortar. These shall
be not more than 6 mm thick. Face joints (iv) Drainage holes and recesses left for
shall be uniform throughout and a uniform cement concrete blocks to embed hold-fasts
recess of 20 mm depth from face shall be left for doors and windows.
with the help of the steel plate during the v) Building in the masonry iron fixture and
progress of work. pipes up to 300mm diameter.
6.4.8. Pointing Stone walling in chimney breasts, chimney
All exposed joints shall be pointed with stacks, smoke or air flues not exceeding 0.20
mortar as specified. The pointing when sqm. in sectional area shall be measured as
finished shall be sunk from stone face by 5 solid and no extra measurement shall be
mm or as specified. The depth of mortar in made for pargetting and coring such flues.
pointing work shall not be less than 15 mm. Where flues exceed 0.20 sqm. in sectional
area, deduction shall be made for the same
6.4.9. Curing
and pargetting and coring flues paid for
Masonry work in cement or composite mortar separately.
shall be kept constantly moist on all faces for
6.4.12.2. Square, Rectangular or Circular
a minimum period of seven days. In case of
Pillars: Shall be measured and paid for as
masonry with fat lime mortar, curing shall
walls, but extra payment shall be allowed for
commence two days after laying on masonry
such pillars and columns over the rate for
and shall continue for at least seven days
stone work in walls.
thereafter.
Rectangular pillars shall mean a detached
6.4.10. Protection
masonry support, rectangular in section,
Green work shall be protected from rain by such that its breadth shall not exceed two
suitable covering. The work shall also be and half times the thickness.
suitably protected from damage, mortar
6.14.2.3. Curved Stone Work:- Stone
dropping and rain during construction.
work curved on a plan to a mean radius
6.4.11. Scaffolding exceeding six metres shall be measured net
Double scaffolding having two sets of vertical and included with general stone work. Stone
supports shall be provided. The supports work curved in plan to a mean radius not
shall be sound and strong, tied together with exceeding six metres shall be measured
horizontal pieces over which scaffolding separately and extra payment shall be
planks shall be fixed. allowed and shall include all cutting and
6.4.12. Measurements waste and templates. It shall be measured
as the mean length of wall.
The finished work shall be measured correct
to a centimeter in respect of length, breadth 6.4.13. Rate
and height. The cubical contents shall be The rate shall include the cost of materials
calculated in cubic metre nearest to two and labour required for all the operations
places of decimal. described above. Stone facing or wall lining
6.4.12.1 No deduction nor any extra up to and not exceeding 8 cm thickness shall
payment shall be made for the following:- be paid for under “Stone work for wall lining
etc., (Veneer work)”. The stone work of
(i) Ends of dissimilar materials (that is joists,
thickness exceeding 8 cm shall be paid
beams, lintels, posts, girders, rafters, Purlins, under relevant items of work.
trusses, corbels, steps etc.,) up to 0.1 sqm.
in section. 6.5. OTHER TYPES OF ASHLAR
(ORDINARY) MASONRY (Refer Figures
(ii) Openings up to 0.1 sqm. in area. In 6.7A to6.7E)
calculating the area of opening, any separate
lintels or sills shall be included along with the 6.5.1 Punched Ashlar Masonry (Refer
size of the opening but the end portion of the Figure 6.7A)
lintels shall be excluded and extra width of 6.5.1.1 Stone - Shall be as specified in para
6.4.1.

6.5.1.2 Size of Stone - Shall be as 6.6 MOULDED, SUNK, CARVED

specified in para 6.4.2. ASHLAR MASONRY (Refer Figure 6.8)
6.5.1.3 Dressing 6.6.1 Stone
Shall be as specified in para 6.4.3 except Shall be as specified in para 6.4.1.
that the faces exposed in view shall have a 6.6.2 Dressing
fine dressed chisel draft 2.5 cm wide all
a) Every stone shall be cut to the required
round the edges and shall be rough tooled
size and shape and chisel dressed on all
between the drafts, such that the dressed
beds and joints so as to be free from any
surface shall not be more than 3 mm from a
waviness and to give perfectly vertical,
straight edge placed over it.
horizontal, radial or circular joints with
6.5.1.4 Other Details adjoining stones, as the case may be. The
The specifications for mortar, laying and dressed surface shall not be more than 3
fixing, bond stone, joints, pointing, curing, mm from a straight edge placed on it. The
protections, scaffolding, measurements and face shall be gauged, cut, chamfered,
rates shall be same as specified in para 6.4. grooved, rebated, sunk or plain moulded and
6.5.1.5 Ashlar Rock faced (see Figure fine tooled as shown in the working
6.7B) drawings. The joints 6 mm from the face
shall also be fine tooled so that a straight
a) Dressing shall be as for Plain Ashlar
edge laid along it is in contact with every
except that the exposed faces of the stone
point. It shall be the finest surface which can
between the drafts shall be left rough as the
be given to a stone with the chisel and
stone comes from the quarry; but no rock
without rubbing.
face or bushing shall project more than
75mm from plane of drafts. b) In case of sunk or moulded masonry, the
corner stone shall be dressed at true right
b) Other requirements shall be as for Plain
angles or true to the shape as specified, the
Ashlar.
corners being straight and vertical.
6.5.1.6 Ashlar Rough Tooled (see Figure
c) For Arches (see Fig.6.9), dome or circular
6.7C)
work (see Fig.6.8) the stone shall be
a) The dressing of the stone shall be similar dressed to required wedge shape so that
to plain ashlar except that the face exposed joints shall be truly radial.
to view shall have a fine chisel draft 25mm
6.6.2.1 Ashlar Arches
wide round the edges and shall be rough
tooled between the draft such that the a) Every stone shall be cut to the required
dressed surface shall not deviate more than size and shape and chisel dressed on all
3mm from the straight edge placed over it. beds and joints as stipulated in Para 6.6.2
(a) and (c) above.
b) Other requirements shall be as for Plain
Ashlar. b) An elevation of the arch shall be drawn
out on lime or cement plaster on the ground,
6.5.1.7 Ashlar Chamfered (see Figure
and voussiors of different width according to
6.7D)
the stone to be used marked thereon. Sheet
a) The dressing shall be as for Plain Ashlar templates shall then be cut out and the
except that it shall be levelled off to 45 deg. stones well dressed to the templates to a
for a depth of about 25mm or more as uniform and fine finish. The will ensure the
specified. voussiors having sides radial to the centre,
b) Other requirements shall be as for Plain and the upper and lower surfaces cut
Ashlar. concentric.
6.5.1.8 Ashlar Block in Course (see Fig. c) All visible angles and edges shall be
6.7E) true, square and free from chippings as
a) The stones are dressed all squared and stipulated in Para 6.6.2 (a) above.
laid to fine joints; the faces being usually d) Centering : All arches shall be formed on
hammer dressed. The stones selected may a well constructed centering. The centering
be of larger size than plain ashlar. shall be so designed and shall have such a
b) The other requirements are as for Plain profile that with the full weight of the work on
Ashlar except that the courses vary between it, the correct curvature and form of the arch
200-250 mm in thickness. This type of indicated in the drawings are obtained, and
masonry is therefore superior to coursed shall be of such form and dimensions as are
rubble masonry. approved by the Engineer.

Where timber centering is used all the ribs the lagging boards for every length will be
shall be of such class of timber, as the required to be gauged to a uniform thickness
Engineer shall approve and they shall be and their upper surface shall be formed true
properly jointed and fastened at the joints of to the proper curvature and kept perfectly
all segments, ties and struts with suitable clean. All arches and other works must be
fixtures on each side and the centres shall left true to the curvature and form indicated
be provided in such numbers and be used in in the drawings. All centres for skew arches
such sets as in the opinion of the Engineer, shall be constructed and set on the square.
will ensure the various works being carefully The Engineer will determine the period
constantly and continuously carried on. during which the sets of centering shall
Steel Centering shall be preferred to Timber remain fixed after arches are keyed and no
centering. centering shall be eased or struck without
In any structure of more than three spans, the authority from the Engineer.
there shall always be sufficient sets of The centering shall be wedged in position so
centres to allow taking up work on the that it can be “eased” as soon as the arch
number of arches specified by the Engineer has been turned and the haunches filled in.
and in any case not less than four spans 6.6.3 Striking of Centres and application
shall be completely centered at one time. of load:
Where there are three spans or less, all the
The centres should not be struck before one
spans shall be completely centered before
week after the completion of the arch and
the building of any of the arches is
then too only with the permission of the
commenced and the building of the several
Engineer. After completion of any portion of
arches shall be simultaneously executed as
the masonry of an arch bridge, the following
directed. The centering for groined arches
minimum periods of time shall be allowed to
shall be specially constructed as directed. In
elapse before loads as specified below may
erecting the ribs of centering, proper
be imposed on that portion of the masonry.
allowance must be made for settlement and
Class of Cement 50% of designed 75% of designed Full designed

load load load
i) Ordinary cement mortar 7 days 14 days 28 days
and concrete
ii) Rapid hardening 5 days 10 days 28 days
cement mortar and
concrete
The expression “load” means the total clamped together with metal clamp, and if
calculated load with the appropriate impact the upper surface of the „patao‟ has to take
allowance specified for the speed at which roofing, this surface shall be dressed to take
the load is permitted to run. the slope of the „Patti‟. Under no
The above periods shall be suitably circumstances horizontal joints are to be
increased where the mean air temperature is allowed.
less than 16 deg. C 6.6.6 Moulded, sunk, carved Ashlar
6.6.4 Ashlar Pillars:- Pillars if made in masonry :
ashlar, shall be in blocks well dressed on all Dressing:-Every stone shall be cut to the
sides. Unless not obtainable, these shall be required size and shape and chisel dressed
atleast 75 cm deep and shall be built with on all beds and joints so as to be free from
„Khaddi‟ (Gypsum or sweet lime) or cement. any waviness and to give perfectly vertical,
„Khaddi‟ should be mixed with red colour so horizontal, radial, or circular joints with
that its whiteness is not noticed when it has adjoining stones as the case may be. The
set. dressed surface shall not be more than 3mm
6.6.5 Ashlar Stone lintels (Pataos) from a straight edge placed on it. The face
shall be gauged, cut, chamfered, grooved,
The exposed faces shall be well dressed and
rebated, sunk, or plain moulded and fine
other surfaces rough dressed with chisel. If
tooled as shown in the working drawings.
the lintels are wider than 23cm, they may be
The joints 6mm from the face shall also be
made in two pieces joined together with
fine tooled so that the straight edge laid
gypsum with the vertical joint at the centre of
along it is in contact with every point. It shall
the width. The pieces shall invariably be

be finest surface which can be given to a extra payment shall be allowed for moulded
stone with chisel and without rubbing. string and plinth course.
In case of sunk or moulded masonry the 6.6.9.3 In case of arch dome or circular
corner stone shall be dressed at true right moulded work for arches exceeding six
angles or true to the shape as specified. The meters in clear span extra payment for
corners being straight and vertical. additional cost of centering shall be made on
For arch, dome, or circular work stone shall the actual area of soffit including strutting,
be dressed to required wedge shape so that bolting, wedging, easing, stripping and
joints shall be truly radial. removal.
Samples : The full size lay out of the 6.6.10 Rate
moulding etc., shall be prepared on platform The rate includes the cost of all materials
from which sheet templates shall be cut and and labour involved in all the operations
the stone dressed to templates to a uniform described above, including centering and
and fine finish. All the visible angles and shuttering for arch, dome or circular moulded
edge shall be true square and free from work.
chippings. A sample of dressed stone shall
be prepared for approval and it shall be kept
6.7 STONE VENEERING WORK (Figure
as sample after being approved by the
Nos. 6.10, 6.11 & 6.12)
Engineer.
6.7.1 General:- Stone lining up to 8 cm shall
In case of ashlar moulded and carved
be treated as veneering work and lining of
columns a full size model of the required
greater thickness as plain Ashlar Masonry.
moulding, carving etc., shall be prepared in
plaster of paris and kept at site of work as 6.7.2 Stone
sample work after being approved by the Shall be as specified in para 6.4.1.
Engineer. The stones shall be moulded and The stone shall be cut into slabs of required
carved in accordance with the approved thickness along the planes parallel to the
model to a uniform and fine finish. natural bed of stone.
6.6.7 Other Details 6.7.3 Dressing
Shall be as specified in paras 6.4.4., 6.4.5. Shall be as specified in para 6.4.3. except
and 6.4.7 to 6.4.11. that dressing at the back shall not be done,
6.6.8 Centering and Shuttering for arch so as to ensure better grip with hearting or
dome and circular moulded work backing. The dressed slabs shall be of the
Centering and shuttering required for arch, thickness as specified, with permissible
dome or circular moulded work shall be tolerance of +2 mm.
constructed as directed by the Engineer. 6.7.4 Mortar
The stipulations for centering and shuttering Mortar for fixing shall be as specified and
for Arch work indicated in Para 6.6.2.1 shall should conform to IS 2250. Refer to
be adopted for dome and circular moulded Chapter 26 on “Mortar”.
work as applicable.
6.7.5 Laying
6.6.9 Measurement
The stone shall be wetted before laying.
The dimensions of the circumscribing They shall then be fixed with mortar in
rectangles of the dressed stone used in the position without the use of chips or
work shall be measured correct to a cm and underpinning of any sort.
cubical contents shall be calculated in cubic
6.7.5.1 Where so desired, the adjoining
metres, nearest to two places of decimal.
stones shall be secured to each other by
6.6.9.1. In case of sunk or moulded work the means of copper pins 75 mm long and 6 mm
measurements for the work shall be taken diameter or as specified.
course by course. The plain stone used in
6.7.5.2 Further the stones shall be secured
conjunction with sunk or moulded stone shall
be measured and paid for under the relevant to the backing by means of cramps. The
item of stone work. material for cramps shall have high
resistance to corrosion under conditions of
6.6.9.2. Sunk or moulded work in dampness and against the chemical action of
rectangular, square and circular pillars, mortar or concrete in which cramps are
moulded cornices and string courses shall be usually embedded. Cramps shall be of
measured under stone work sunk or 25mm x 6mm and 30 cm long in case of
moulded but extra payment shall be allowed backing of stone masonry walls and brick
over the general work in each case. No such masonry walls thicker than 230mm. In case

of backing with brick masonry walls 230mm 6.7.5.8 The walls shall be carried up truly
or less thick or RCC members, cramps shall plumb. All courses shall be laid truly
be of 25 x 6 mm and length as per horizontal and all vertical joints truly vertical.
requirement, made out of gun metal or any The stones shall break joints on the face for
other metal specified in para 6.7.5.6. at least half the height of the course, unless
Generally the outer length of cramp in half otherwise shown in the drawings. The
brick work backing shall be 115mm and in stones shall be laid in regular courses not
one brick work backing it shall be 150mm. less than 20 cm height and all the stones
Typical shape and details of cramps for such shall be of the same height unless otherwise
backing are indicated in Figure 6.11 for specified. No stone shall be less in length
general guidance. This can be modified as than one and a half times its height unless
directed by the Engineer if so, required at otherwise specified.
site. Cramps shall be spaced not more than 6.7.5.9 As far as possible the backing shall
60 cm horizontally. Alternatively the stone be carried up simultaneously with the face
may be secured to the backing by means of work. In case of reinforced cement concrete
stone dowels 10 x 5 x 2.5 cm as per shape backing, the lining shall be secured to the
indicated in Fig.6.10 and the adjoining backing after it has set and got cured. The
stones secured to each other by means of cramps shall be fixed in concrete at the
gun metal cramps or copper pins of the required positions, while laying.
specified size. Minimum one cramp/stone
6.7.6 Joints
dowel shall be used to secure one slab to the
backing. The joints shall be done with composite
cement lime mortar 1:1:6 (1 Cement: 1 lime
6.7.5.3 Cramps may be attached to the sides
putty: 6 fine sand) or as specified.
(see Fig.6.12A, 6.12B) or top and bottom
(see Fig.6.12C to F) or sides, top and All joints shall be full of mortar. Special care
bottom (see Fig.6.12 G & H). The minimum shall be taken to see that the groundings for
number of cramps required for fixing facing veneer work are full of mortar. If any hollow
unit to the wall are illustrated in Fig.6.12 The groundings are detected by tapping the face
actual number of cramps and their sections, stones, these shall be taken out and re-laid.
however, shall be as per requirements of The thickness of joints shall be as small as
design to carry the loads. possible, not exceeding 5 mm. For a close
but joined facing, the thickness shall not
6.7.5.4 Where cramps are used to hold the
exceed 1.5 mm. The face joints shall be
unit in position only, the facings shall be
uniform throughout.
provided with a continuous support on which
the stones rest at the ground level and other Where joint filler or compound is to be used,
storey levels, the support being in the form of the joints shall be raked out to a depth of at
projection from or recess into the concrete least 25 mm after the mortar in the joints has
floor slab, or a beam between the columns or set sufficiently and the filler or compound
a metal angle attached to the floor slab or applied. The joints may be subsequently
beams. These supports shall preferably be finished with a mortar suited to the
at vertical intervals not more than 3.5 m appearance of the work. It is preferable to
apart and also over the heads of all use joint sealing compounds where the
openings. Such supports shall also be facings are exposed to heavy rain fall and
provided where there is transition from thin winds and their selections would depend
facings below to thick facings above. upon local experience and availability of joint
sealing compounds. In their absence only
6.7.5.5 Alternatively cramps may be used to
masonry mortars 1:1:6 (1 Cement : 1 lime
hold the units in position and in addition to
putty: 6 sand) or as specified which have
support the units thus transferring the weight
proved to be successful from local exposure
of the units to the backing. Such cramps
conditions shall be used.
should be properly designed as per IS: 4101
(Part.1.). 6.7.7 Other details
6.7.5.6 The cramps may be of gun metal or Specifications for pointing, curing,
copper alloyed with zink, tin, nickel, lead protections and scaffolding shall be as
and/or stainless steel. specified under Para 6.4.
6.7.5.7 The pins, cramps and dowels shall
be laid in cement mortar 1:2 (1 Cement : 2 6.7.8 Measurements
fine sand) and their samples got approved by The length and breadth of the finished work
the Engineer and kept at site. shall be measured in metres correct to cm.

The area should be calculated in sq. metre 90 cm wide chajja, cove projection 30 cm;
correct to two places. of decimal. depth of cove 6 courses.
The veneering work curved on plan shall be 6.8.3. In case of horizontal chhajja, the stone
measured as plain work, but extra payment shall be fixed horizontally with a slight outer
shall be allowed for radii not exceeding six slope of about 1 cm. It shall have minimum
metres on external face. For radius beyond bearing of 15 cm on the wall. Holding down
six metres the work shall be measured as bolts shall be provided, only where so
plain work only, even if the face may have to specified.
be dressed to curve. In case of plain slabs 6.8.4. Pointing
of geometrical shape other than square or
The joints shall be pointed with 1:2 cement
rectangle or plain slabs of irregular shape,
mortar (1 Cement: 2 stone dust /crushed
the dimensions of the circumscribing
stone sand) with an admixture of pigment to
rectangle of the dressed slab used in the
match the stone shade and properly cured.
work shall be measured.
6.8.5. Other Details
6.7.9 Rate
Specifications for curing, protections and
The rate includes the cost of materials and
scaffolding shall be as specified under Para
labour involved in all the operations
6.4.
described above, except for the cost of
providing and fixing pins, dowels, and metal 6.8.6. Measurements
cramps and ledges and supports, which shall The length and breadth of the finished work
be paid for separately unless otherwise shall be measured correct to a cm. The area
stipulated in the item of work. of chhajja projecting beyond the wall shall be
calculated in sqm. correct to two places of
decimal.
6.8 STONE CHHAJJA (Figure 6.13)
In case of sloping chhajja, the sloping
6.8.1. General:- Stone slabs shall be hard,
breadth shall be measured, the area of
sound and durable. These shall be chisel
chhajja projecting beyond the wall shall be
dressed on all faces which are exposed to
calculated in sqm. correct to two places of
view and rough dressed at other surfaces.
decimal.
Angles shall be true and edge lines straight.
The finished thickness shall be as stipulated 6.8.7. Rate
with permissible tolerance of + 2 mm. The The rate shall include the cost of all materials
length of stone slabs in chhajja shall not be and labour involved in all the operations
less than 60 cm unless otherwise specified. described above. Anchoring the coves shall
6.8.2. Construction details:- In case of be deemed to be included in the rate only
sloping chhajja, the stone shall be sloped as when it is so stipulated in the description of
specified. It shall have minimum bearing of the item.
20 cm measured horizontally on the wall and
the bearing shall also be similarly sloped. 6.9. SHELVES, COPING, PLAIN
Each slab shall have a hole in the center of CORNICES, STRING COURSES ETC.,
the bearing area through which the
6.9.1. Stones
anchoring M.S. holding down bolt shall pass.
The holding down bolts shall be 12 mm in Stone shall be of uniform colour and texture
diameter and shall be bent at right angles at and of the kind as stipulated.
its lowest end and buried horizontally for at 6.9.2. Dressing
least 7 cm in a joint 30 cm below the bearing The exposed faces and sides of shelves
surface. Each holding down bolt shall be shall be chisel dressed such that the dressed
secured at top by suitable washer and nut. surface shall not be more than 3 mm from a
The chajjas shall be provided with cove straight edge placed on it. All visible angles
supports and where cove is in brick masonry, and edges shall be free from chippings, The
it shall project out from the wall as under: surfaces to be buried in the masonry shall be
45 cm wide chajja, cove projection 15 cm; rough dressed.
depth of cove 3 courses. 6.9.3. Laying
60 cm wide chajja, cove projection 20 cm; These shall be laid in mortar of specified mix
depth of cove 4 courses. and fixed as shown in drawing or as directed
75 cm wide chajja, cove projection 25 cm; by the Engineer.
depth of cove 5 courses. 6.9.4. Other Details

Specifications for pointing, curing, 6.11. LATERITE STONE MASONRY

protections and scaffolding shall be as 6.11.1. Dressing
specified under Para 6.4.
Laterite stones shall be hammer dressed into
6.9.5. Measurements rectangular blocks so that all faces are free
6.9.5.1. Shelves: The length and breadth from waviness and unevenness, and the
shall be measured inclusive of bearings edges are true and square. The least
correct to a cm. The thickness shall be as thickness/breadth shall be not less than
specified with permissible tolerance of + 2 height. The length shall generally be equal
mm. The area shall be calculated in sqm. to twice the breadth, unless otherwise
correct to two places of decimal. specified.
6.9.5.2. Copings: The dimensions of the 6.11.2. Laying
circumscribing rectangles of the dressed The dressed stones shall be laid in regular
stones as used in work shall be measured courses of not less than 15cm height. All
correct to a cm. The cubical contents shall courses in the masonry shall be of the same
be calculated correct to two places of height unless otherwise directed. The
decimal in cum. stones shall be laid in alternate header
6.9.5.3 Plain Cornices, String Courses stretcher fashion, with alternate courses of
and Plinth Courses: The length, breadth headers and stretchers or in any other
and depth of the stone including bearing suitable fashion as directed. The vertical
shall be measured correct to a cm. The joints shall break by at least 65 mm . No
cubical contents shall be calculated correct specific corner stones are necessary. Quoin
to two places of decimal in cum. may be provided, where so indicated.
6.9.5.4. No deduction shall be made from the 6.11.3. Joints
masonry of wall for the bearing of stone All bed joints shall be truly vertical, the
shelves, cornices and string courses. thickness of joints shall not exceed 15 mm.
6.9.6. Rate Each stone shall be carefully laid in place
The rate shall include the cost of all materials with joints completely filled with mortar.
and labour required in all the operations Where no plastering or pointing is required to
described above. be done, the joints shall be struck flush as
the work proceeds. In other cases, joints
shall be raked square to minimum depth of
6.10. STONE JALI 15 mm by a raking tool during the progress
6.10.1. General:- Stone shall be as of work while the mortar is still green.
specified in para 6.4.1. 6.11.4. Scaffolding, Curing and
Dressing and Fixing Protection
The stone shall be cut in to slabs of required Provisions in para 6.4 shall apply.
thickness so as to make jali of the specified 6.11.5. Measurement and Rates
thickness. The jali shall be cut as per pattern
Provisions in para 6.4 shall apply.
shown on the drawings. All exposed faces
shall be fine tooled to a uniform and smooth
finish. Fixing shall be done with the 6.12. SLATE STONE MASONRY
adjoining work in grooves, rebates etc., as 6.12.1 General:- Slate stone shall be
shown in the drawing or as directed by the obtained from the approved quarry, as
Engineer. A tolerance of + 2 mm shall be indicated, and shall not be less than 6 cm
allowed in the specified thickness of the jali. thick. Slate stones shall be carefully
6.10.2. Measurements hammered down into place with wooden
The length and breadth of the stone forming mallet and firmly bedded with mortar. Chips
the jali including its borders shall be and spalls shall be wedged in order to avoid
measured correct to a cm and the area shall thick bed joints of the mortar. Spalls and
be calculated in square metres nearest to pinnings may show on face. Thickness of
two places of decimal. mortar in beds and joints shall not exceed 25
mm. No face work shall be provided.
6.10.3. Rate
6.12.2 Construction details:- Slate stone
It includes the cost of labour and materials
masonry shall be built un-coursed. Walls
required for all the operations described
should be leveled up at the top of plinth, sill
above, it also includes the cost of making
and lintel level of openings and at top with
grooves or rebates in the adjoining work for
minimum amount of chips and spalls. For
fixing jali.
walls up to 45 cm thick, 25% of face area

shall be of bond stones. For walls over 45 carefully packed and rammed and carried up
cm thick, 10% of the face area shall be of simultaneously with the building of the face.
bond stones. Quoin and jambs stones shall The filling of earth should be avoided and
be laid headers and stretchers alternately. necessary arrangements for drainage kept.
6.12.3 Scaffolding, Curing and Protection 6.13.7 Thickness and Batter:- The
These shall be as specified in para 6.4. thickness and batter of walls shall be as
specified in the drawings or as ordered by
6.12.4 Measurement and Rate
the Engineer. Generally for retaining
These shall be as specified in para 6.4. ordinary earth fill without surcharge, the top
wall should not be less than 60 cm wide and
6.13. DRY COURSED RUBBLE MASONRY the batter in front not steeper than 1 in 3
(Keeping back vertical). The thickness at the
6.13.1 General:- This sort of wall is
top and the batter on the face may be
particularly suitable for breast and retaining
increased at the discretion of the Engineer.
walls as in hill Railways and roads.
For walls higher than 450 cms the top width
6.13.2 Foundations:- The foundations, if in may be suitably increased or only top built in
moorum, should be carried down to a depth dry masonry, the rest being masonry in
of from 60 to 90 cm below the hill slope at mortar.
the outer side, and filled in with the largest 6.13.8 Long Walls:- Long lengths of dry
blocks of stone available, carefully laid and
rubble walls should be suitably divided into
packed in by hand with stones of smaller
panels separated from one another by short
size. The bed of the foundation shall be lengths of walls (150 to 210cm) long built in
excavated at right angles to the face batter mortar at intervals of, say 600 to 900 cm in
and not horizontally.
order to confine subsequent damage if any,
6.13.3 Stones:- The stones used should be only to the panels affected.
of the largest and best description procurable
in the locality and roughly hammer dressed,
so as to secure as large bedding surfaces as 6.14. PRE CAST CONCRETE STONE
possible. When laid, all hollows round them BLOCKS MASONRY
should be tightly packed with smaller stones. 6.14.1 Terminology
6.13.4 Laying:- The stones must be laid on For the purpose of this section of
their natural or quarry bed at right angles to specifications, the following definitions shall
the face batter in regular courses. Each apply:
course is to be built with proper bond and 6.14.1.1 Block Density – The density
break of joints with course below. The front calculated by dividing the mass of a block by
and rear faces of the wall shall be similar and the over all volume including holes or
equally well bonded with the hearting. The cavities.
stones must be laid as headers as far as
6.14.1.2 Stone Spalls – Broken stone
possible with their largest “bed” downwards.
pieces of varying sizes obtained by breaking
All stones in one course need not be of the
the natural river boulders or quarry stones.
same height but not more than two stones
shall be used to make the full height of the 6.14.1.3 Concrete Stone Masonry Block –
course between two headers, having full A pre cast cement concrete solid block
depth. No course shall be of greater height having stone spalls in it (25-30 percent of
than the one below it. block volume) and cement concrete with
dense stone aggregate and sand. It is 100%
6.13.5 Bond Stones:- Bond stones, atleast
solid.
90.0 cm or for full thickness of wall, if wall is
less than 90.0 cm in thickness shall be 6.14.1.4 Stone Face Exposed Block – A
provided in each course at 150 to 180 cm concrete stone masonry block where the
apart on the face of the work, and continued stone spalls are exposed at one of its face.
through the whole width, overlapping each In the face, which forms the exposed wall
other by 23 cms, so as to tie the front and face, the wall gets the texture of stone
rear faces of the work together. These bond surface exposed.
stones shall be of the full height of the 6.14.2 Dimensions and Tolerances
course in the facing, atleast as broad as they Concrete stone masonry block is a solid
are high, and of the greatest length readily block and shall be referred to by its nominal
procurable. dimensions. The term „nominal‟ means that
6.13.6 Filling:- The filling in behind the wall the dimensions include the thickness of the
shall be done with waste or smaller stones,

mortar joint. Actual dimensions shall be 10 up to a limit of 20%.. However, it shall be

mm short of the nominal dimensions. ensured that blending of fly-ash with cement
The nominal dimensions of concrete stone is as intimate as possible, to achieve
masonry block shall be as follows:- maximum uniformity.
Length 300 mm 6.14.8.3 Stone Spalls: The stone spalls
shall be of size ranging from 50 to 250 mm in
Height 150 mm and
dimension. The stone spalls shall be hard,
Width 100,150 and 200 mm sound, round in shape, durable, free from
In addition, blocks shall be manufactured in decay and weathering. These shall not be
one-third, half, two-third and three quarters flaky. The spalls shall have rough surface
of the full length. for better bond with cement concrete. Good
The nominal dimensions of the units are so quality stones, such as granite, sand stone
designed that taking into account the and basalt shall be used. Slate shale or any
thickness of mortar joints, they will produce other soft and flaky stone shall not be used.
wall lengths and heights which will conform The spalls shall be obtained from approved
to the principles of modular co-ordination. quarry or by breaking river boulder. Larger
size shall be broken into the required sizes
Blocks of other nominal dimensions may also
and shall be stacked into two categories.
be made if so directed by the Engineer.
(a) 100 mm and above; and
6.14.3 Provision of reinforcement:- For
accommodating vertical reinforcement (b) Below 100 mm.
required in earthquake resistant construction, 6.14.8.4 Aggregates: The aggregates used
special blocks of half width and with semi- in the manufacture of block shall be clean
circular recess in it (see Fig.6.14) shall be and free from all deleterious matter, and
used. The dimensions shown in the Figure shall conform to the requirements of IS: 383.
are suitable for 200 mm thick wall. Similar Maximum size of the coarse aggregate shall
blocks shall be made for walls of thickness be 10 mm. Sand used in the manufacture of
greater than 200 mm. blocks shall be well graded, clean and free
6.14.4 Tolerances:- The maximum variation from deleterious matter, and shall conform to
in the length of the units shall not be more the requirements of IS: 383. Besides it shall
than + 5 mm and maximum variation in have fine particles 15 to 20% passing 300
height and width of units not more than + 3 micron I.S. Sieve and 5 to 15% passing 150
mm. micron I.,S. Sieve.
6.14.5 Construction Details:- Subject to the It is recommended that the fineness modules
tolerances specified in para 6.14.4 the faces of the combined aggregate shall be between
of blocks shall be flat and rectangular, 3.6 and 4.
opposite faces shall be parallel, and all 6.14.8.5 Fly-ash conforming to IS: 3812 may
arises shall be square. The bedding be used for part replacement of fine
surfaces shall be at right angles to the faces aggregate up to a limit of 20%.
of the blocks.
6.14.9 Manufacture
6.14.6 Blocks with Special Faces
Blocks may be manufactured either at
Blocks with special faces shall be construction site or in factory on a central
manufactured and supplied as specified in casting platform using steel moulds with or
the Schedule item or agreement. without surface vibration for compaction of
6.14.7 Classification cement concrete.
Concrete stone masonry blocks shall be 6.14.9.1 Mould: Moulds shall be fabricated
classified according to their average using mild steel plates and mild steel angles
compressive strength as given in Table.6.5 for stiffening the plates.
below Para 6.14.13.4. The moulds shall be either fixed type (bolt
6.14.8 Materials with four side walls fixed at corners, and top
6.14.8.1 Cement: cement complying with and bottom open) or split type.
any of the following Indian Standards may be Split type may be either individual or gang
used at the discretion of the Engineer IS: mould type. Where the compaction of the
269, 455, 1489, 6909, 8041 & 8043. (Refer concrete is done manually, the mould may
Chapter 26 on Mortar) be either fixed type or split type. When the
6.14.8.2 When cement conforming to IS: compaction of the blocks is done with
269 is used, replacement of cement by fly- surface vibrator, the mould shall be only split
ash conforming to IS: 3812 may be permitted type (individual or gang mould).

6.14.10 Mix tamped with suitable tampers and

6.14.10.1 The cement concrete mix for compacted from top and finally struck off
concrete stone masonry blocks shall not be level with trowel.
richer than one part by volume of cement to In case of mechanical compaction, the mould
9 parts by volume of combined fine and shall be filled up to overflow, vibrated and
coarse aggregates, and shall not be leaner mechanically tamped using external vibrator
than one part by volume of cement to 13 and struck off level.
parts by volume of combined fine and coarse 6.14.11.4 De-moulding shall be done 5 to 10
aggregates. minutes after compaction. In case of fixed
6.14.10.2 In case of blocks where type mould it shall be pulled up with side
compaction is done manually, concrete mix handles while pressing down the block with
of medium consistency (10 – 12 mm slump) the plate at top with thumb. In case of split
shall be used in order to enable proper type mould, the sides shall be removed first
compaction and de-moulding. The and the partition plates (gang mould) shall be
consistency of the mix should be such that it pulled up subsequently.
may form a lump when compressed in the 6.14.11.5 After de-moulding, the blocks shall
hand without free water being visible. be protected until they are sufficiently
6.14.10.3 In case of blocks where hardened to permit handling without
compaction is done by external vibrator, damage.
concrete mix of very low consistency (zero 6.14.12 Curing
slump) shall be used in order to vibrate and
The blocks hardened shall then be cured in a
compact the concrete under pressure.
curing water tank or in a curing yard and
6.14.10.4 Mixing: Concrete shall normally be shall be kept continuously moist for at least
mixed in a mechanical mixer unless 14 days.
otherwise permitted by the Engineer. In
6.14.12.1 Drying – After curing, the
case of hand mixing 10% extra cement shall
blocks shall be dried for a period of two or
be used without any extra payment.
four weeks depending upon weather before
Mixing shall be continued until there is a being used on the work. The blocks shall be
uniform distribution of the materials, and the allowed to complete their initial shrinkage
mass is uniform in colour and consistency. before they are laid in a wall.
6.14.11 Placing and Compaction 6.14.13 Physical Requirements
Depending upon the size of the stone spalls, 6.14.13.1 General: – All blocks shall be
these shall be used either in one layer or in sound and free from cracks or other defects
two layers. When used in two layers, large which may interfere with the proper placing
size spalls of 100 mm and above shall be of the unit or impair the strength or
placed in the bottom and concrete poured all performance of the construction.
round and at top, and shall be tamped
6.14.13.2 Where blocks are to be used in
manually. Second layer of stone spalls of
exposed wall construction, the face or faces
size 50 mm and above shall be placed over
that are to be exposed shall be free of chips,
the first layer, and again concrete is poured
cracks or other imperfections, except that not
all round and up to 20 to 30 mm above the
more than 5% of a consignment may contain
top level of mould.
slight cracks or small chipping.
6.14.11.1 Depending upon the size of block,
6.14.13.3 Dimensions: The overall
the average volume of stone spalls used
dimensions of the blocks when measured as
should generally be between 25 to 30%.
given in Appendix A of IS: 12440 (IS Code
However, in no block, it shall be less than
on Precast Concrete Masonry Blocks) shall
20% of the volume of block.
be in accordance with para 6.14.2 subject to
6.14.11.2 Each stone spall shall have a the tolerances mentioned therein.
minimum space of about 15 to 20 mm
6.14.13.4 Compressive Strength: The
around it. For blocks with exposed stone
minimum compressive strength at 28 days,
texture, the stone spalls shall touch the
being the average of eight blocks, and the
surface of the mould.
minimum compressive strength at 28 days of
6.14.11.3 Blocks may be compacted individual blocks, when tested in the manner
manually as well as mechanically. In case described in Appendix B of IS: 12440 (IS
of manual compaction, the concrete laid after Code or Precast Concrete Stone Masonry
the first layer of stone spalls shall be tamped Blocks) shall be as prescribed in Table.6.5.
with mason‟s tool and again it shall be

TABLE 6.5
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE STONE MASONRY BLOCKS
Class Minimum average Minimum strength of

2
Designation compressive strength on individual blocks N/mm
2
blocks N/mm
5 5.0 3.5
6 6.0 4.2
7 7.0 5.0
9 9.0 6.3
10 10.0 7.5
* For 100 mm wide blocks (for 100mm thick They shall conform to the requirements of
walls) the minimum strength may be 3.5 IS:2185. “Specification for hollow and solid
2.
N/mm concrete blocks” except with regard to the
6.14.13.5 Water Absorption: The water mix of cement concrete and sizes of
absorption being the average of three blocks, aggregates which shall be as indicated.
when determined in the manner prescribed Hollow blocks shall be sound, free from
in Appendix C of IS: 12440 shall be not more cracks, broken edges, honey combing and
than 6% by mass. other defects that would interfere with the
proper placing of block or impair the strength
6.14.14 Tests
or performance of construction.
6.14.14.1 Tests as described in Appendix A
6.15.2 Dimensions and Tolerances
of IS: 12440 shall be conducted on samples
of blocks selected according to the sampling 6.15.2.1 Concrete masonry building units
procedure given in para 6.14.14.2 to ensure shall be made in sizes and shapes to fit
conformity with the physical requirements different construction needs. They include
laid down in para 6.14.13. stretcher, corner, double corner or pier,
jamb, header, bull nose, and partition block
6.14.14.2 A sample of 15 blocks shall be
and concrete floor units.
taken from a lot of 5000 or part thereof
manufactured under similar conditions of the 6.15.2.2 Concrete Block-hollow (open or
same size and batch. closed cavity) or solid shall be referred to by
its nominal dimensions.
6.14.15 Criteria for Conformity
The nominal dimensions of concrete block
6.14.15.1 The lot shall be considered as
shall be, as follows:-
conforming to the requirements of the
specification if the conditions mentioned in Length: 400, 500 or 600 mm
paras 6.14.15.3 & 6.14.15.4 are satisfied. Height: 200 or 100 mm
6.14.15.2 Number of blocks with dimensions Width: 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250 or
outside the tolerance limit and/or with visual 300 mm
defects, among those inspected shall be not In addition, blocks shall be manufactured in
more than two. half lengths of 200, 250 or 300 mm to
6.14.15.3 For compressive strength, the correspond to the full lengths.
mean value determined shall be greater than The maximum variation in the length of the
or equal to the minimum limit specified in units shall be not more than + 5 mm and
para 6.14.13.4. maximum variation in height and width of
6.14.15.4 For water absorption the mean unit, not more than + 3 mm.
value determined shall be equal to or less 6.15.3 Classification
than maximum limit specified in para
6.15.3.1 Hollow (open and closed cavity)
6.14.13.5.
Concrete Blocks
6.14.16 Laying
The hollow (open and closed cavity)
The laying of pre cast concrete stone block concrete blocks shall conform to the
masonry shall be as per para 6.15.8. following three grades:
(a) Grade „A‟ – These are used as load
6.15 HOLLOW AND SOLID CONCRETE bearing units and shall have a minimum
3.
BLOCK MASONRY block-density of 1500 kg/m These shall be
6.15.1 Hollow and solid concrete blocks manufactured for minimum average

compressive strengths of 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 and minimum average compressive strength of
2 2
7.0 N/mm 1.5 N/mm at 28 days (see Table 6.6).
respectively at 28 days (see Table 6.6). (d) Grade „D‟ – The solid concrete blocks are
(b) Grade „B‟ – These are also used as load used as load bearing units and shall have a
3.
bearing units and shall have a block density block density not less than 1800 kg/ m .
3
less than 1500 kg/ m but not less than 1000 These shall be manufactured for minimum
3
kg/m . These shall be manufactured for average compressive strengths of 4.0, and
2
minimum average compressive strengths of 5.0 N/mm respectively at 28 days (see
2.0, 3.0 and 5.0 N/mm
2 Table 6.6).
respectively at 28 days (see Table 6.6). 6.15.4 Physical Requirements
(c) Grade „C‟ - These are used as non-load 6.15.4.1. Compressive Strength: the
bearing units and shall have a block-density average crushing strength of eight blocks,
3
less than 1500 kg/m but not less than 1000/ when determined in accordance with IS:
m
3.
These shall be manufactured for 2185 shall be not less than that specified in
Table given below:-
TABLE 6.6
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF HOLLOW AND SOLD CONCRETE BLOCKS
Density of Block Minimum Average Minimum Strength of
3
kg/ m Compressive Strength Individual Units
2 2
of Units N/mm N/mm
Type Grade
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Hollow (open & A(3.5) Not less than 3.5 2.8
closed cavity) load A(4.5) 1500 4.5 3.6
bearing unit A(5,5) 5.5 4.4
A(7.0) 7.0 5.6
B(2,0) Less than 1500 2.0 1.6

B(3.0) but not less than 3.0 2.4
B(5.0) 1000 5.0 4.0
Hollow (open & C(1.5) Less than 1500 1.5 1.2

closed cavity) non- but not less than
load bearing unit 1000
Solid load bearing D(4.0) No less than 4.0 3.2

units D(5.0) 1800 5.0 4.0
6.15.4.2 Drying Shrinkage: The drying IS:2185 shall be not more than 10 percent by
shrinkage of the blocks (average of three mass.
blocks) when unrestrained, shall be 6.15.4.5 Face shells and webs shall
determined in accordance with IS:2185 and increase in thickness from the bottom to the
shall not exceed 0.1 per cent. top of the unit. Depending upon the core
6.15.4.3 Moisture Movement: The moisture moulds used, the face shells and webs shall
movement (average of three blocks) when be flared and tapered or straight tapered, the
determined in the manner described in former providing a wider surface for mortar.
IS:2185 shall not exceed 0.09 percent. The thickness of the face shell and web shall
6.15.4.4 Water Absorption: The water be not less than the values given in Table
absorption (average of three blocks) when 6.7.
determined in the manner described in

TABLE 6.7
MINIMUM FACE SHELL AND WEB THICKNESS
Nominal Block Face shell Thickness of Total Web Thickness per
width Thickness Web Course in any 200 mm length of
mm Min. mm Min. mm Walling Min.mm
(1) (2) (3) (4)
100 or less 25 25 25
Over 100 to 150 25 25 30
Over 150 to 200 30 25 30
Over 200 35 30 38
6.15.4.6 Subject to the tolerances specified Blocks need not be wetted before or during
in para 6.15.2.2 and the provisions of para laying in the walls. In case the climate
6.15.4.7 the face of masonry units shall be condition so require, the top and the sides of
flat and rectangular, opposite faces shall be the bocks may only be slightly moistened so
parallel, and all arises shall be square. The as to prevent absorption of water from the
bedding surfaces shall be at right angles to mortar and ensure the development of the
the faces of the blocks. required bond with the mortar.
6.15.4.7 Blocks with special faces shall be 6.15.8 Laying
manufactured and supplied as directed by 6.15.8.1 Blocks shall be laid in mortar, as
the Engineer. indicated and thoroughly bedded in mortar,
6.15.5 Curing and Drying spread over the entire top surface of the
The blocks shall be cured in an immersion previous course of blocks to a uniform layer
tank or in a curing yard and shall be kept of not less than 10 mm and not more than 12
continuously moist for at least 14 days. mm in thickness.
When the blocks are cured in an immersion All courses shall be laid truly horizontal and
tank, the water of tank shall be changed at all vertical joints made truly vertical. Blocks
least every four days. shall break joints with those above and
After curing, the blocks shall be dried in below for not less than quarter of their
shade before being used on the work. They length. Pre-cast half length closers (and not
shall be stacked with voids horizontal to cut from full size blocks) shall be used. For
facilitate through passage of air. The blocks battered faces, bedding shall be at right
shall be allowed to complete their initial angles to the face unless otherwise directed.
shrinkage before they are laid in wall. Care shall be taken during construction to
see that edges of blocks are not damaged.
6.15.6 Construction of Masonry
6.15.8.2 Mortar
For single storeyed buildings, the hollows of
blocks in foundation and basement masonry (a) Hollow concrete blocks shall be
shall be filled up with sand and only the top embedded with a mortar which is relatively
foundation course shall be of solid blocks. weaker than the mix used for making blocks
But for two or more storeyed buildings, solid in order to avoid formation of cracks. A rich
concrete blocks shall be used in foundation or strong mortar tends to make a wall too
courses, plinth and basement walls, unless rigid thus localizing the effects of movements
otherwise indicated. If hollow blocks are due to temperature and moisture variations,
used, their hollows shall be filled up with resulting in cracking of blocks. The
cement concrete 1:3:6 using 12.5 mm recommended proportion of mortar
nominal size aggregates. measured by volume is given in Table 6.8.
6.15.7 Wetting of Blocks
Table 6.8 Mix Proportions of Mortar for Hollow Concrete Blocks

SL Type of Work Normal Masonry Reinforced Masonry
(Cement: Lime: Sand) (Cement: Sand)
1 Normal Work 1:1:9 to 10 1:7 to 8
2 Exposed to severe conditions; high 1:1:6 to 7 1:4 to 5
intensity of loads; pilasters; heavily
loaded lintels and beams
3 Partitions of 10cm 1:1:7 to 8 1:5 to 6

Note : All mortars shall have a slump of 75 The course immediately below the roof slab
mm. shall be built with solid blocks. The top of the
(b) Light weight blocks shall be embedded roof course shall be finished smooth with a
with a mortar mix, the strength of which is layer of cement and coarse sand mortar
lower than mix for making blocks, to avoid 1:3,10 mm thick and covered with a thick
formation of cracks. A 1:2:9 cement, lime, coat of white wash or crude oil, to ensure
sand mortar may generally be used; for high free movement of slab.
intensity of load it shall be 1:1:6. Autoclaved 6.15.11 Intersecting Walls
blocks shall be embedded in mortar as When two walls meet or intersect and the
specified in Table 6.8. courses are to be laid up at the same time, a
6.15.8.3 Concrete used for filling hollow true masonry bond between at least 50% of
concrete block masonry when reinforced the units at the intersection is necessary.
shall be 1 cement, 2 ½ sand and 3 coarse When such intersecting walls are laid up
aggregate of size ranging from 4.75 mm to separately, pockets with 20 mm maximum
10mm. The water cement ratio shall not vertical spacing shall be left in the first wall
exceed 0.6. When cells exceed 100mm on laid. The corresponding course of the
the narrower side, the proportion of mix shall second wall shall be built into these pockets.
be 1 cement, 2 ½ sand, 3 ½ coarse 6.15.12 Piers
aggregate for reinforced concrete and 1:3:6
The top course of block in the pier shall be
for plain concrete.
built in solid blocks. Hollow concrete block
6.15.8.4 Thickness of Walls:- (a)For load shall not be used for isolated piers, unless
bearing masonry built with hollow concrete their hollows are specified to be filled with
blocks, the thickness of walls shall not be cement concrete.
less than the values as obtained from IS
6.15.13 Fixtures etc. Fixtures, fittings, etc.
1905.
shall be built into the masonry in cement and
(b) Light weight block in load bearing coarse sand mortar 1:3 while laying the
masonry for external walls in framed blocks where possible. Hold fasts shall be
construction shall not be less than 200mm built into the joints of the masonry during
thick. However, if they are suitably braced by laying.
lateral or vertical supports, the thickness can
Holes, chases, sleeves, opening etc., of the
be 100mm. Non-load bearing hollow block
required size and shape shall be formed in
walls shall be not less than 100mm thick.
the masonry with special blocks while laying
(c) Autoclaved block walls in framed for fixing pipes, service lines, passage of
construction shall also be as per (b), except water etc., After service lines, pipes etc., are
that for load bearing work, the minimum fixed, voids left, if any, shall be filled up with
thickness shall be 200mm; however it can be cement concrete 1:3:6 (1 cement: 3 coarse
reduced to 150mm if properly braced. sand: 6 stone aggregate 20 mm nominal
6.15.8.5 Lateral Support size) and neatly finished.
Walls made of blocks shall have vertical or 6.15.14 Finishes
horizontal lateral supports at right angles to Rendering shall not be done to the walls
the face of the wall. Cross walls, pilasters or when walls are wet. Joints for plastering or
buttress walls shall provide the lateral pointing as specified shall be raked to a
support. depth of 12 mm.
6.15.9 Provisions for Door and Window Joints on internal faces, unless otherwise
Frames indicated, shall be raked for plastering. If the
A course of solid concrete block masonry internal faces of masonry are not to be
shall be provided under door and window plastered the joints shall be finished flush as
openings or a 10 cm thick pre-cast concrete the work proceeds or pointed flush where so
sill block under windows. The solid course indicated.
shall extend for at least 20 cm beyond the 6.15.15 Avoidance of Crack formation
opening on either side. For jambs of very
6.15.15.1 General:- One of the main
large doors and windows either solid units
problems faced in a structure constructed
are used or the hollows shall be filled in with
with hollow or cellular type blocks is
concrete of mix 1:3:6 using 12.5 mm nominal
development of cracks. The cracks may
size aggregate.
arise from alteration in length, curvature or
6.15.10 Provisions for Roof orientation due to load settlement, thermal

expansion or changes in moisture content. Practices (Excluding Electrical Works)

By taking preventive measures such cracks Special Publication SP 62 (S&T), 1997. The
can be avoided. same may be referred to for dealing with
6.15.15.2 Preventive measures specific issues. Some of the measures dealt
with include provision of Bonded beams and
Preventive measures to avoid cracks have
studs used as structural members or
been explained in detail in Chapter 4
provision of horizontal joint reinforcement
masonry, Section 3 Construction Practices –
which serves the same purpose as Bonded
Block work Para 6 Avoidance of Crack
beams.
formation of Bureau of Indian Standards
“Hand Book on Building Construction
FIGURES EXPLAINING SOME OF THE ITEMS REFERRED TO IN

FIGURE 6.1 A & 6.1 B
COPING
PARAPET
DOWEL CORNICE
STRING COURSE
BED JOINT
Fig. 6.1 A/1 : Dowel Joint BED JOINT
COPING
METAL CRAMP
PARAPET
JOGGLE JOINT WINDOW SILL
JOGGLE
CORNICE
Fig. 6.1A/3 Section of Ashlar with Brick

Fig. 6.1A/2 Joggle joint Backing

FIGURE 6.1 B
Fig. 6.1B/1 Hammer Dressed Stone Surface
Fig.6.1 B/2 Punched Stone Face Surface

(Chisel drafted)
FIg.6.1 B/3 Close Picked Stone Surface
Fig.6.1 B/4 Fine Tooled Stone Surface

RANDOM RUBBLE MASONRY UNCOURSED

FIGURE 6.2
Exposed face bushing

not more than 40
Plastered face
bushing not more
than 10
Bond or
through stone
one per 0.5
sqm. of wall
surface
Chips not to
exceed 20% of the
quantity of
stone masonry
SECTION ELEVATION
ELEVATION FACE JOINTS NOT

MORE THAN 25

RUBBLE MASONRY - COURSED

FIGURE 6.3
SECOND SORT
FIRST SORT
FACE JOINTS TO BE FACE JOINS TO BE

NOT MORE THAN 10 NOT MORE THAN 20
ELEVATION ELEVATION
CHIPS NOT TO EXCEED 15% OF THE

QUANTITY OF STONE MASONRY
PLASTER SURFACE BUSHING
NOT MORE THAN 10
BOND OR
THROUGH
STONE
1500 TO
1800
APART
(CLEAR)
QUION STONE 450 LONG MIN.

QUION STONE
450 LONG MIN. EXPOSED FACE
BUSING TO BE NOT
MORE THAN 40
ODD COURSE
ODD COURSE
CHIPS NOT TO EXCEED BOND OR THRUGH STONES 1500

10% OF THE QUANTITY TO 1800 APART (CLEAR)
OF STONE MASONARY
EVEN COURSE EVEN COURSE
Note : Squared Rubble Masonry is the same as Coursed Rubble Masonry except that the stones need not be
coursed throughout. The stones can be of height between 10 cm and 20 cm with a small proportion of
smaller stones to fill gaps in between main stones. All stones shall be laid with horizontal bed joints.
Headers shall be provided at the rate of atleast one per sqm of wall face.The work shall be brought up level
throughout at every Im of height.

RANDOM RUBBLE MASONRY - DIFFERENT METHODS OF

PROVIDING HEADER (BOND STONES) IN A STONEWALL
FIGURE 6.4
Two bond stones with

150 mm Overlap minimum 150 mm overlap
150
Header or Bond stone (Through stone)
Method of placing Bond stones for walls lesser than

600 mm Thick
Bond stone
length equal
to the
thickness of Wall thickness above 600mm
the wall
Bond stones with overlap
Wall thickness 600mm or below
Bond stone
Thickness more than 600 mm
150
ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MM Header (Bond stones)

DRAWINGS NOT TO SCALE

ASHLAR STONE MASONRY - PLAIN

FIGURE 6.5
PLAIN
ELEVATION FACE JOINS TO BE

NOT MORE THAN 5
MM THICK
BOND OR THROUGH STONE

1500 TO 1800 APART CLEAR
ODD COURSE
EVEN COURSE

ASHLAR STONE MASONRY - BRICK BACKING

FIGURE 6.6
Brick backing
Face stone
300
200
ELEVATION SECTION
100
PLAIN
EVEN COURSE
200
200
ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MM ODD COURSE


PUNCHED ASHLAR MASONRY

FIGURE 6.7 A
PUNCHED (ORDINARY)
ELEVATION
BOND OR THROUGH STONE

1500 TO 1800 APART CLEAR
ODD COURSE
EVEN COURSE

ASHLAR - ROCK FACED

FIGURE 6.7 B
ASHLAR - ROUGH TOOLED

FIGURE 6.7 C

ASHLAR - CHAMFERED
FIGURE 6.7 D
ASHLAR - BLOCK IN COURSE

FIGURE 6.7 E
X SECTION XX

MOULDED SUNK, CURVED ASHLAR MASONRY

FIGURE 6.8
DOME COLUMN
EXPOSED FACES
AND SIDE JOINTS FINIAL STONE 'WORK'IN
6 MM FROM FACE SHALLBE ASHLAR SPECIALLY
FINE TOOLED MOULDED & CARVED
STONE
WORK IN DOME
PLAIN ASHLAR
STONE WORK
IN COLUMN
STONE WORK IN
ASHLAR PLAIN,
MOULDED &
CARVED COLUMN
SUNK OR MOULDED
STONE WORK
CIRCULAR PILLARS
IN (COLUMNS)
ELEVATION OF DOME WITH FINIAL ELEVATION OF A COLUMN
BACKING
PLAIN ASHLAR
B SUNK
L
SECTIONAL PLAN OF A WALL WITH A PROJECTION
PLAIN ASHLAR
MOULDER PLINTH
COURSE SUNK WORK
B SUNK
MOULDED H
L
B
SECTIONAL PLAN OF A WALL SECTIONAL PLAN OF A PORCH PILLAR
Note: Sunk or moulded stone work shown shaded, to be measured as 1xbxh
ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MM


STONE WORK IN ARCHES - ASHLAR MASONRY

FIGURE 6.9
Spandrel Docking
Crown
Extradose
Springing
RISE
Intrakaso skewback
SPAN BED JOINTS
CIRCULAR ARCH
BED JOINTS
SPAN
FLAT ARCH


STONE VENEERING - GENERAL FIXING ARRANGEMENTS

FIGURE 6.10
Gunmetal
Cramp 300
Long not Brick
More than Backing
600 apart A B C
G R
V Stone Veneer 50 mm Thick Copper pin Sectional Plan
Sectional Plan
Gun Metal Stone

Cramp Dowel
Face joints to Gun Metal

Be not more Cramp
than 16 mm Thick
Sectional Elevation At 'P O' Sectional Elevation At 'R S'
Stone Dowel
Brick Backing
Brick Backing
Gun Metal
Cramp 100 Mortar 10 mm
200 Thick
Stone Veneer
50 Thick Stone Veneer
50 Thick
Sectional At 'X Y' Sectional Elevation At 'B'
6 mm-75 Long
Copper Pin
2
2 5
5
2 2
Stone
Part Sectional At 'C' Veneer
Part Sectional Plan At 'A'
3 75 3 25 103 5 2
Stone
Venneer
5 Gun Metal
1.5 Cramp
Part Sec. Elevation At 'A' Part Sec. Elevation At 'C'
25
25 0
10 50
0
25 15
6 25
11
5 25 25
25
25 6
25
165 Long Gun Metal 50 Stone

300 Long Gun Metal Cramp Dowel
Cramp


STONE VENEERING - TYPICAL FIXING ARRANGEMENTS

FIGURE 6.11
250
V - VARIABLE AS PER
SITE REQUIREMENT
50 25 30 BASED ON THICKNESS
L OR VENEER USED
PLAN PLAN
20 70
BRICK WALL 20 6
6 6 MM SQUARE
24 GUN METAL PIN
20
L
20
6
ELEVATION
20
L - 115 MM FOR HALF BRICK BACKING
25 V
L - 150 MM FOR FULL BRICK BACKING
FRONT ELEVATION 6
SIDE ELEVATION
Fig. 6 .11: Cramp for Brick Backing
NON CORROSIVE DASH FASTENER

WITH WASHER INCLUDING
BOLT OF MIN
SIZE 55 x 7 MM
70
R.C.C. WALL
898
STONE VENEERING
MORTAR AS
SPECIFIED
FACE JOINTS
NOT TO BE MORE
THAN 15 MM
MORTAR 10
MM THICK
SECTION 30 MM OR AS FRONT ELEVATION

SPECIFIED
Fig. 6.11 : Cramp for R.C.C. Work Backing


STONE VENEERING - GENERAL ARRANGMENT AND CRAMPS

FIGURE 6.12
Fig 6-12 B Fig 6-12 C

Fig 6-12 A
Fig 6-12 E Fig 6-12 F

Fig 6-12 D
Fig 6-12 G Fig 6-12 H
NOTE : CRAMPS ARRANGMENT IS SHOWN ABOVE FOR VENEERINGS WITH LONGER SIDES
VERTICAL FOR VENEERINGS HAVING THE LONGER SIDES HORIZONTAL CRAMPS
WOULD BE ARRANGED TO SUIT THE ALTERED POSITIONS


STONE CHHAJJAS
FIGURE 6.13
300
H
DT
EA Anchoting Bolt
BR 12 mm
Triangular
m. 5. washer
300
Stone
chhajja
Cove depth
& Courses
200
600 Brick work
Plaster
SPECIAL BLOCK FOR EMBEDDING VERTICAL STEEL

REINFORCEMENT
FIGURE 6.14
90
0 5
29 15
60
80
55
140
90


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Unified Standard Specifications For Works & Materials Chapter 6 : Stone Work

6.0 TERMINOLOGY & PROPERTIES Dowels : Dowels are small sections of

Page 171 : Chapter 6

6.0.2.2 Durability : 6.0.2.3 Sizes : Normally stones used shall

Page 172 : Chapter 6

Page 173 : Chapter 6

Page 174 : Chapter 6

Page 175 : Chapter 6

Page 176 : Chapter 6

Page 177 : Chapter 6

Page 178 : Chapter 6

Page 179 : Chapter 6

6.5.1.2 Size of Stone - Shall be as 6.6 MOULDED, SUNK, CARVED

Page 180 : Chapter 6

Class of Cement 50% of designed 75% of designed Full designed

Page 181 : Chapter 6

Page 182 : Chapter 6

Page 183 : Chapter 6

Page 184 : Chapter 6

Specifications for pointing, curing, 6.11. LATERITE STONE MASONRY

Page 185 : Chapter 6

Page 186 : Chapter 6

mortar joint. Actual dimensions shall be 10 up to a limit of 20%.. However, it shall be

Page 187 : Chapter 6

6.14.10 Mix tamped with suitable tampers and

Page 188 : Chapter 6

Class Minimum average Minimum strength of

Page 189 : Chapter 6

B(2,0) Less than 1500 2.0 1.6

Hollow (open & C(1.5) Less than 1500 1.5 1.2

Solid load bearing D(4.0) No less than 4.0 3.2

Page 190 : Chapter 6

Table 6.8 Mix Proportions of Mortar for Hollow Concrete Blocks

Page 191 : Chapter 6

Page 192 : Chapter 6

expansion or changes in moisture content. Practices (Excluding Electrical Works)

FIGURES EXPLAINING SOME OF THE ITEMS REFERRED TO IN

Fig. 6.1 A/1 : Dowel Joint BED JOINT

Fig. 6.1A/3 Section of Ashlar with Brick

Page 193 : Chapter 6

Fig. 6.1B/1 Hammer Dressed Stone Surface

Fig.6.1 B/2 Punched Stone Face Surface

FIg.6.1 B/3 Close Picked Stone Surface

Fig.6.1 B/4 Fine Tooled Stone Surface

Page 194 : Chapter 6

RANDOM RUBBLE MASONRY UNCOURSED

Exposed face bushing

ELEVATION FACE JOINTS NOT

Page 195 : Chapter 6

RUBBLE MASONRY - COURSED

FACE JOINTS TO BE FACE JOINS TO BE

CHIPS NOT TO EXCEED 15% OF THE

QUION STONE 450 LONG MIN.

CHIPS NOT TO EXCEED BOND OR THRUGH STONES 1500

EVEN COURSE EVEN COURSE

Page 196 : Chapter 6

RANDOM RUBBLE MASONRY - DIFFERENT METHODS OF

Two bond stones with