RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

ROBIN, Sherome Dawson

VII. WALL SYSTEM - MASONRY - BRICK WALL

7.1 Introduction to Masonry Walls
For hundreds of years, masonry has been employed as a dependable and long-lasting building
material. For both residential and commercial construction projects, masonry is still a popular option. In
addition to walls and floors, masonry can be utilized for patios, fireplaces, and a host of other projects. In
addition to its aesthetic appeal, masonry is incredibly robust and long-lasting. If masonry constructions are
built correctly, they can endure for hundreds of years. Masonry is an excellent material option for both new
construction and remodeling.
The term "masonry" describes the application of stone, brick, concrete blocks, and structural clay
tiles in the construction of buildings. Mortar holds these materials together. Cement mix is not used as
mortar in masonry. The right amounts of gypsum, sand, and lime are combined to create the mortar mixture.
Conversely, cement mix lacks lime and contains stones in the sand.
In this selection, two types of masonry wall systems are discussed and elaborated thoroughly such
as the stone and brick wall systems.
7.2 Introduction to Brick Masonry Wall

Bricks are so prevalent that we rarely give them a second

thought. But since the Roman era, brick has been the most
essential and durable building material in regions of the country
where there is no suitable native building stone. Brick is still
preferred for many new construction projects, especially
housing developments. Country bricks are another name for
traditional bricks. Traditional bricks are used in most
construction projects in this country, and it is often referred to as
“La Drillo”.
One of the most resilient building materials is brick masonry.
Moreover, it is regarded as a solid masonry unit made primarily
of clay that has been molded into a rectangular shape while still
flexible. It is then treated at a high temperature in a kiln to harden the clay and give it strength and moisture
resistance. It is constructed by systematically arranging bricks in mortar to create a solid mass that can
support applied loads. In brick masonry, the mortar that is used appropriately to fill the spaces between the
bricks creates the connection that binds the bricks together. Clay comes in a wide variety of compositions.
Generally, the basic ingredients of clays are silica (sand grains), in varying amounts also include alumina,
lime, iron, manganese, sulfur, and phosphates. Depending on the fire temperature during the production
process, bricks can be produced in a variety of hues, including dull brown, dark red, and dark brown. Bricks
with high alkali resistance are less likely to degrade or become damaged when exposed to these materials.
7.3 Types of Brick Masonry
7.3.1 Solid Brick Wall

Solid brick walls are composed of

two or more layers of brickwork held
together by metal ties or header bricks.
Because these header bricks are aligned
perpendicular to the plane of the wall, the
outcome is a load-bearing structure.

Retrieved from cse.org.uk

 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

Without them, adjacent layers can only rise to a certain point before becoming unstable. This is the
most dependable and long-lasting sort of brick masonry as it creates a thick, solid wall when sturdy
bricks and mortar are utilized. Many older block buildings will have sturdy walls, while newer private
buildings will have one of the accompanying walls because of the huge quantity of blocks needed.
The main application for solid bricks is the construction of robust walls. For a solid foundation,
these bricks are also forced into the ground.
7.3.2 Cavity Brick Wall

Right now, cavity wall bricks are

presumably the most popular kind of
brickwork. A cavity wall is made up of two
independent walls that are placed one
behind the other, creating a gap or void in
the middle. The term "leaves of cavity
wall" refers to these two distinct walls. The
exterior wall is referred to as the external
leaf, and the interior wall as the internal
leaf. Another name for a cavity wall is a
hollow wall. Two leaves of identical
thickness are provided for non-load
bearing cavity walls, although an internal leaf with greater thickness may be provided on occasion.
The recommended cavity size is 4–10 cm. There should be a minimum of 10 mm thickness
between the internal and external leaves. The air gap between the layers acting as a water border
and the tendency of hole walls to oppose water are two of their many well-known characteristics.
Because the inner wall carries all the weight, the exterior wall is primarily decorative.
7.3.3 Veneer Brick Wall

In a brick veneer wall system,

the external structure is a steel or wood
frame, and the building's skin is a layer of
brick cladding. It is assumed that brick
veneer is made up of tiny brick particles.
A wall covered in brick veneer will
resemble a wall made entirely of brick.
But unlike a wall made of solid brick, the
veneer lacks structural integrity. The steel
or hardwood frame provides all the
support. The building's structural stability
would not be compromised if the veneer
were to be removed. A veneer wall's load-
bearing structure is made of a single layer of brick fastened to wooden or steel studs. Similar to the
cavity wall, the outer layer is just decorative and not load-bearing. As a result, this single wall has
little protection value, and much of the protective material is attached to the walls rather than
integrated into the stonework.
7.3.4 Burnt Clay Brick

One of the very earliest building

materials used in many of the world's
ancient structures is burned clay brick.
Wet clay is pressed into molds to
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

manufacture traditional burnt clay bricks, which are subsequently dried and fired in kilns. These
bricks are made of solid, dried clay and are often reddish in color. Burnt clay bricks need to be cast
or plaster with mortar when they are used in walls. Burnt-clay bricks have good resistance to
moisture, insects and erosion and create a good room environment. It is important to obtain certain
desirable qualities while building using burnt clay bricks. Compressive strength, density, thermal
stability, porosity, sound insulation, fire resistance, durability, and other attributes are among these
desired qualities.
7.3.5 Sun-dried Clay or Mud Brick

Mud bricks, or sun-dried clay

bricks, are among the earliest types of
bricks, but they are also the least resilient.
Mud is baked in the sun while enclosed in
a shape to create sun-dried bricks. The
mud loaves are piled and kept together
with additional mud once they have dried.
Mud brick walls can provide structural
support, but they need protection from
extreme weather. When the mud bricks
have been made, walls are laid in the
traditional manner of masonry, with
courses joined by mud mortar. Mud brick provides high levels of thermal mass, but low insulation.

7.3.6 Engineering Brick

The main applications for

engineering bricks are in civil projects
where resistance to the weather and
strength are crucial. They can be
combined with a wide variety of materials
and are based on clay. Because they are
burnt at exceptionally high temperatures
to produce a brick as hard as iron,
engineering bricks are distinguished from
other types by their great endurance. They
are utilized in locations where resistance
to water and ice is essential, such as
sewers, retaining walls, manholes,
foundational work, and subterranean tunnels. They also have a very low porosity.

7.3.7 Fire (Refractory Brick)

Extremely hot places are lined

with fire bricks, also known as refractory
bricks. To being able to survive great heat,
fire bricks are carefully designed with silica
and a high aluminum oxide concentration.
They are burnt at extremely high
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

temperatures and are intended for usage in locations that involve direct flames, such as kilns,
furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys, pizza ovens, and barbecues.

7.4 Bond Types

7.4.1 Stretcher Bond

The lengthy portion of the brick is

referred to as the stretcher. Only the area
of the bricks that will be utilized to expand
the wall outward are exposed to the mortar
when using a stretcher bond. The
Stretcher bond is also frequently referred
to as the running bond because of its
consistent running pattern. Stretcher
bonds are frequently used as a foundation
for the underlying masonry construction
when building garden facades, retaining
walls, separating walls, chimney stacks,
etc. It can also be used for outside walls in
structures with reinforced concrete frames.

 Pros
a) It is simple and uncomplicated to put together.
b) It is not necessary to use laborers with certain skills to create a stretcher
bond.
 Cons
a) Stretcher bond is only appropriate for walls that are one-half the
thickness of a brick, for example, the partition walls, thus it cannot be
applied in the event of full-width brick walls that are thick.
b) It is not possible to build masonry walls by using a stretcher bond when
the building has a long span or a high height since this kind of bond
cannot handle the loads that are applied.
7.4.2 Header Bond

The term “header bond” is also

sometimes used interchangeably with
“heading bond.” This is accomplished by
using three-quarter brickbats for structural
elements, which entails using half a brick
to construct the offsets. As the name
implies, the header face of the brick is
utilized to form a header bond. The header
of a brick is the smaller square face when
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

viewed from above. The header bond shows the header faces of the bricks, in contrast to the
stretcher bond, which conceals the header portions of the bricks. For walls with a complete brick
thickness, header bond is utilized rather than stretcher bond.

 Pros
a) It is quick and straightforward to put together.
b) It is not necessary to use skilled labor to complete the structure as you
would with a stretcher bond.
 Cons
a) It lacks substantial power when pointed towards the wall.
b) It’s not something you want to use while building visually significant
masonry structures.

7.4.3 English Bond

English bond bricks are built in a manner where the header and stretcher courses
alternate. Placing a queen closer next to a quoin heading creates the English bond crossover. This
header and stretcher bond is far stronger and more durable than the conventional one.

 Pros
a) It has a high degree of tensile and
shear strength.
b) It is suitable for use in the building of
masonry walls, including almost any
thickness.
c) The building of this type of bond
does not need labour performed by
someone with a particularly high
level of expertise.
 Cons
a) It does not
have a very attractive visual appearance.
b) A rather high cost is associated with the development of these
types of bonds.
c) There is a greater chance of moisture getting in via the traverse
joints because of this.

7.4.4 Flemish Bond

A type of brick bond known as a

"Flemish bond" involves switching the
headers and stretchers of each course. As
a result, the quoin header initiates each
alternative course of mortar placement,
which alternates between the stretcher
face and the header face. To make a face
lap, the quoin closer is positioned in
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

opposition to the quoin header. The header face of a Flemish bond is kept above the stretcher by
means of central support.

 Pros
a) It is quite cost-effective.
b) In terms of its visual attractiveness, it is of the highest calibre.
 Cons
a) The building process calls for laborers with a high level of expertise.
b) It doesn’t have the same strength as the English bond.

7.4.5 Herring-bone

The herringbone pattern, called

for its alleged resemblance to the bones
of a fish like a herring, is a layout of
rectangles used for road pavement and
floor tilings. The building blocks can be
parallelograms or rectangles. A type of
cross bracing called a herringbone strut is
usually located in between floor joists.
Joists are kept from twisting and assist to
remain in place by bracing in between
parallel rows. Mild steel that has been pre-
galvanized or wood can be used to make
herringbone struts.

 Pros
a)Herringbone creates a visually stunning and unique pattern that adds a
touch of sophistication and elegance to any space. It can add a sense
of movement and dynamism to a floor or wall.
b) Brick is a very durable material, and herringbone brickwork is no
exception. It can withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear for many
years.
 Cons
a) Laying herringbone brickwork is a more complex and time-consuming
process than laying bricks in a straight pattern. This can translate to
higher labor costs.
b) Due to the complexity and potential for material waste, herringbone
brickwork can be more expensive than other bricklaying methods.
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

7.5 Installation of Brick Masonry Walls

7.5.1 Prepare the Materials

Work out how

many bricks you are going
to need before starting.
Either estimate or calculate
based on their size. Do not
neglect to include the
thickness of the mortar,
which tends to be
approximately 10mm.

7.5.2 Mix the Mortar

Using a shovel or
mortar mixer on a tarp, mix
the amount of mortar you
think you will need. Five
parts sand to one part
cement should do. Mix this
with water until the mixture
has a smooth, creamy texture that you can still manipulate.

7.5.3 Create a Foundation

Dig a trench for the foundation you intend to lay. It should be at least a foot deep and
wide. Fill this with mortar and check to ensure you have a solid, level base for the brick wall.

7.5.4 Create a String Line

Using string and other material, create a straight line where you wish to build this brick wall. Bear in
mind you can also lift this line off the ground later if you want to make sure your wall is being built straight.
Unless you want a crinkle crankle wall, this is perfect for securing the line you want along the ground.

7.5.5 Lay the Mortar

Once the foundation has dried, place a layer of mortar where the string runs along the ground. This
should be a little bit thinner than the individual bricks you will lay, as the mortar will spread when you put the
bricks on top of it.

7.5.6 Start Layering the Bricks

Lay the bricks down end to end on the mortar, putting approximately 10mm of mortar between
each brick to act as a binder. Wait for these to dry.
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

7.5.7 Cut the Bricks for the Second Row

For the second row, you will want to offset the bricks by half a brick. If the wall is not a loop, you
will need to cut one of the bricks in half for each row. Do this with a chisel, giving it a swift tap in the middle
of the brick, using a hammer. Continue this upwards until you have as many rows as you need.

7.5.8 Topping the Wall

At the top, you will want to investigate brick wall topping methods. You may wish to tile it, or it could
be that you want to use more mortar to secure the roof to the wall. One option would be to incorporate a
soldier course, using vertical bricks to create a different texture for the top of the wall. You can also use this
at the lintel of windows or doors to highlight them. Or, you could have a section where you rotate the bricks
to point out from the wall in either direction. This creates a small “roof” for the wall and a different pattern.

7.6 Common Defects in Brick Work

7.6.1 Incorrectly Blended Mortar

There is a one-to-one correlation

between mortar and brick strength. The
strength of the masonry will suffer if the
correct cement-to-water ratio is not used
while mixing mortar, making the bricks
more porous and susceptible to water
damage.

7.6.2 Unacceptably Blended Joints

Bed joints are a horizontal

mortar layer used for laying bricks. Due to
the increased transverse tensile stresses
caused by their increased thickness,
excessively thick walls impair the strength
of the brickwork. The compressive
strength of a bed joint which is 16-19 mm
thick is 30% lower than that of a bed joint
with only 10 mm thickness. Too much
thickness in a joint might cause it to fail
altogether while being worked on.
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

7.6.3 Shrinkage

Since bricks are a porous

medium, they will inflate when wet and
contract when dry. Due to this shrinking,
fissures appear in the mortar between
bricks. Even though this has no effect on
the brick’s structural integrity, it does
diminish the brick’s aesthetic value.

7.6.4 Frost damage

Frost damage in modern

buildings is usually limited to highly
exposed spots or the result of poorly
designed masonry frost resistance.
Extremely damp brickwork combined with
sub-freezing temps causes this problem.

7.6.5 Lack of brick suction adjustment

It is possible that the mortar has

been squeezed dry by the bricks and is
now too dry to revert to its original flat
state. Because the bricks will absorb the
water when utilizing dry bricks, the mortar
will dry up and become less strong. The
wall will become less robust and durable
as a result. Bricks should be submerged
in water for enough time to get totally
saturated. Take care not to oversaturate
them however, as this could cause the
bricks to separate from the mortar. Bricks
should be submerged for eight to twelve hours to be laid correctly.
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

7.7 Treatment and Maintenance

7.7.1 Cleaning

Bricks and stones will be free of

efflorescence, filth, and watermarks after a
thorough cleaning. Scrub the stonework
using a brush that is synthetic or natural
and a solution of water and mild detergent.
A wire brush can leave bits of steel behind
that can corrode and discolor. Avoid using
one. Efflorescence, mold, mildew, and
discoloration are signs that it's time to
clean your brickwork. Waiting to use a
power washer can harm your caulk and
mortar. Make sure your external stonework
is cleaned at least once a year.

7.7.2 Unclog Weep Holes

Throughout a masonry
construction, these tiny holes are placed
frequently to aid in the drainage of stored
water, preventing floods, and to enhance
ventilation, preventing the growth of mold
and mildew. The accumulation of water
may cause issues if the weep holes are
clogged, particularly if it freezes. The
expansion of frozen water might harm your
masonry. Use your garden hose to test
your weep holes by pouring water through
them. As it runs out, the water should
remain pure and in a steady stream. Use a piece of wire or compressed air to remove the
obstruction.

7.7.3 Use Sealant

Siloxane/ Silane sealers are

applied on the surface of bricks and other
masonry products to further enhance their
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

durability. These sealers chemically react with the surface and form a barrier. This barrier protects
the brick from extreme weather conditions
and harmful chemicals. It also reduces the
absorption of water.

7.7.4 Quality Checks on Regular Basis

Performing timely quality checks to ensure the best desirable condition of the bricks is
recommended. Preferably checking for hardness, thermal resistance, any structural deformities,
and water absorption will let you know the quality of the bricks and the necessary steps to preserve
them. Checking for any algal growths and removing them before they hamper the quality of bricks
is a must.

7.8 Application of Brick Walls

7.8.1 Exterior Applications
a. Load-bearing Walls

In some cases,
especially in older
structures, exterior brick
walls are designed to be
load-bearing, meaning
they support the weight
of the building's upper
floors and roof. This
requires careful
engineering and should
be designed by a
professional. Load
Bearing brick walls formed with traditional sized bricks follow traditional bonding patterns
which set the bricks together in a way that avoids continuity in vertical joints. In other
words, each course is laid in a way that is different from the course below, to ensure that
joints between bricks are staggered vertically. This ensures that the wall behaves
structurally as a homogenous construction with discontinuous joints.
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

b. Cladding and Facade

Brick is a
common material for
cladding the exterior of a
building, offering
excellent weather
resistance and a variety
of aesthetic options. It
can be used for the
Retrieved from theRetrieved from the entire facade or specific
stylepark.in sections for visual
interest. Brick cladding
often referred to as brick
slips is a material used
to cover the exterior of a building. in its most basic form, it is a full-size brick that has been
cut down to give you a brick slip of 14-20mm for which you would then use to clad either
the internal or external elements of your home. The insulating properties of brick make it
an ideal material for cladding facades in extreme weather conditions.

c. Outdoor Features

Brick is perfect
for building patios,
walkways, garden
features like planters
and retaining walls, and
even outdoor fireplaces
or pizza ovens. It adds a
touch of sophistication
and durability to outdoor
spaces. In addition to
paths and walkways,
decorative bricks can
also be used to create borders and edging for flower beds, trees, and shrubs. This edging
can help to define the space and give your garden a more polished look.

7.8.2 Interior Applications

a. Accent Walls

Exposed brick is
a popular way to add
character and warmth to
a room. It can be used
as a focal point wall in
living areas, bedrooms,
or even kitchens.
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

Historically, interior brick accent walls were used to bring colors and elements of the
outdoors inside. They also were painted opaque and utilized them for their texture. Brick
complements a wide range of design styles, from rustic and industrial to modern and
minimalist. A brick wall behind the headboard adds a touch of texture and character to a
bedroom. Moreover, a brick wall behind the headboard adds a touch of texture and
character to a bedroom. Lastly, Brick can add a touch of texture and visual interest to
bathroom walls, especially when paired with modern fixtures.

b. Kitchen Backsplashes

Brick offers a
stylish and durable
backsplash option in
kitchens, especially for
rustic or industrial-style
designs. It's easy to
clean and adds a touch
of texture. creating a
cozy and rustic charm.
It's also strong, hardy,
and durable. Brick is
highly heat resistant,
which is an important factor when considering materials for your kitchen. This means that
you can have bricks right behind your stove if you desire. The bricks can withstand the
heat from the stove, not gaining much damage from any mess or flames.

7.9. Future Trends

7.9.1. Innovation of Brick Walls in International
a. Self-healing bricks: Bacteria-filled bricks build themselves (USA)

Researchers in
the United States have
created a living
substance that can
transition from a gooey
sand mixture to a solid
brick—and then help
construct more copies
of itself. They employed
a cyanobacterium from
the genus
Synechococcus. These
microbes use photosynthesis to collect sunlight, nutrients, and carbon dioxide before
spitting out calcium carbonate, a hard substance found in seashells and cement. The
Synechococcus spread calcium carbonate throughout the structure, transforming the
squishy goo into a tougher mineralized substance that held the sand in place. Although
this manufacturing approach is more environmentally friendly than many conventional
ones, the researchers do not propose that bacterial bricks will completely replace more
traditional materials. Instead, they propose that their work could assist humans in building
 RESEARCH WORK AND PRESENTATION

structures in regions with limited access to materials, such as military sites in the desert or
human settlements on distant planets.
7.9.2. Innovation of Brick Walls in Local
a. Use of Eco-brick as an Alternative Building Material

Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
bottles containing highly
compressed inorganic,
dry, and non-
biodegradable garbage
are sometimes referred
to as "Eco-Bricks."
Considering the
ongoing worldwide
plastic pollution
catastrophe and the
Philippines' mounting housing affordability issue, Eco-Bricks is an affordable,
environmentally friendly, and readily available alternative building material for low-cost
homes in the Philippines. An ecobrick is composed of 100 plastic laminates, shredded,
and then mixed with wet cement. This mixture is poured into a brick-pressing machine that
the group also invented. The finished product can be used to build various infrastructures,
from houses to schools, and buildings.

1. REFERENCES (TEXTBOOKS)

1.1 Ching, F. D. K. (2014). Building Structures Illustrated: Patterns, systems and design (Second Edition). John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.

1.2 2/F House of Architects (Ed.). (2005). Module - Building Technology. Center of the Designed Environment
Professions.

2. REFERENCES (WORLD WIDE WEB)

2.1 Brick Accent Walls | ST. LOUIS HOMES & LIFESTYLES. (n.d.).
https://stlouishomesmag.com/article/1355#:~:text=Historically%2C%20interior%20brick%20accent%20walls,the
%20color%20by%20staining%20it.

2.2 Brick and tile | Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages. (1998a, October 19). Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/brick-building-material/Nonclay-brick-and-tile
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2.3 Brick and tile | Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages. (1998b, October 19). Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/brick-building-material/Modern-brick-production#ref609104

2.4 Bushwick, S. (2024, February 20). Bacteria-Filled bricks build themselves. Scientific American.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bacteria-filled-bricks-build-themselves/

2.5 Hamakareem, M. I. (2018, October 19). Brick Masonry Definition, Types, and Construction. The Constructor.
https://theconstructor.org/building/brick-masonry-definition-types-construction/25916/#goog_rewarded

2.6 Housing News. (2023, May 29). Brick masonry: Types, techniques and benefits of brick work.
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#Common_problems_in_brick_masonry_and_solutions

2.7 James, B. (2018, June 25). Properties of Bricks | A complete guide. CivilSeek. https://civilseek.com/properties-of-
bricks/

2.8 Loveland, M. (2021a, November 22). 7 Must-Know Brick and Stone Maintenance Tips. Angi.
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2.10 Posts, V. M. (2023, June 5). The different types of brick walls. Brick Company UK.
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2.11 Quiday, R. (2019). THE USE OF ECO-BRICKS AS AN ALTERNATIVE BUILDING BLOCK FOR PHILIPPINE
BUDGET HOUSES. www.academia.edu.
https://www.academia.edu/41185724/THE_USE_OF_ECO_BRICKS_AS_AN_ALTERNATIVE_BUILDING_BLOCK_
FOR_PHILIPPINE_BUDGET_HOUSES

2.12 Rodriguez, J. (2023, June 22). 7 types of brick for home and DIY projects. The Spruce.
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2.13 Shukla, S. (2023, July 3). Brick maintenance and Preservation: Tips for longevity and restoration. Onsite Teams
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2.16 Zoe. (n.d.). Is brick a good material to use for kitchen backsplash? | Paragon Tools Ireland. Paragon Tools
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%20great%20backsplash,and%20both%20have%20their%20advantages.