Brick laying is always carried out in compliance with certain rules. The most important thing in the process is strength. There are several types of laying bricks. Each type has its own characteristics and subtleties that need to be taken into account when constructing a building or structure.
Types of bricks used in construction
Today the industry produces large number different types of bricks. Each of them is applicable on various construction sites. You need to know the most basic points in order to choose one or another type of material and get to work.
The brick can be solid, produced by plastic pressing. This type of material is quite dense, durable and resistant to low temperatures V winter time years, and is also resistant to moisture and is not subject to deformation under extreme conditions.
All these features are due to its indispensability in the construction of buildings and structures operating under heavy loads, as well as for use in waterlogged soils. Besides this, this type bricks are used for laying the stove.
Hollow bricks are also very often used in practice. It is used in the construction of chimneys, walls and parts of underground structures.
In addition to hollow bricks, a porous-hollow type is used in construction. These types are very often used in the construction of walls of various buildings or structures.
Due to the fact that this type of brick contains internal voids, it has good characteristics, namely: heat retention (an important condition when constructing a building or structure for further operation), as well as weight, which is significantly less than others according to the classification of bricks.
Main types of brickwork
Professional builders, when constructing walls, use various types brick laying. After analyzing, you can understand that each has found its application in construction. Let's take a closer look at each type.
Solid masonry
This type is monolithic structure. The width of this structure is equal to half a standard brick. The masonry mechanism of this type is carried out along the outer edge of the wall of the structure being built. Builders call each resulting row a mile, and the fillings formed between them are backfills. When choosing a continuous type of masonry, the bricks will be laid without the formation of various kinds of cracks and insulation. In this situation, the wall composition will be made only of bricks and mortar. Most often, this installation option is applicable in the construction of load-bearing walls, when installation work on insulation is carried out from the outside. Thermal insulation can be performed in other, various ways.
The continuous type of brick laying, according to the dressing of the seams, can be single-row or multi-row. But it is worth noting that the pillars and possible piers are laid according to the principle of three rows, no less. If you are laying structures that do not exert heavy loads, then it is better to use broken bricks. If a smoke opening is being installed using continuous laying, it is recommended to take pre-baked brick. Existing seams near the channels must be treated with clay. When laying bricks in a continuous type, only mortars that are plastic in composition are used.
Lightweight masonry
This type is used in construction, low-rise jobs. The main essence of this masonry is that two walls are erected, half the width of a standard brick, which, as a rule, are located parallel to each other. Only solid bricks should be used. Insulation is carried out with special heat-insulating materials.
Attention ! You cannot build an entire wall using lightweight masonry. Every meter, a row of butts must be laid on the wall.
Lightweight masonry was introduced into construction in order to build thinner walls, while maintaining their thermal insulation properties.
Quite often, lightweight masonry is used in the construction of structures with existing internal insulation. Laying is done only using warm mortar. Any type of sand, porous in composition, is added to it. This mixture is another opportunity to make the masonry thinner by increasing heat resistance.
Walls can also be erected on the basis of porous-hollow or hollow, as well as ceramic bricks. The lightweight look involves jointing the existing brickwork joints over the entire surface of the building façade.
Reinforced masonry
Reinforced masonry is often used in construction for the purpose of erecting certain structures that bear very high loads. The reinforcement itself is located in the seams, horizontally or vertical position. The thickness of the seams should be thicker in comparison with the diameter of the rod. Distinguish different types brick laying walls based on reinforcement, for example Gothic or Dutch. If the reinforcement is performed transversely, then it is better to use a metal mesh with various shapes. Such a grid should not be laid very often; every 3-5 rows of brick laying will be sufficient distance.
Reinforced masonry is, first of all, a way to build a stable and durable wall. Especially when it is planned to build any structure with a fairly large load. The essence of all work on the construction of reinforced masonry comes down to the fact that steel reinforcement is laid in the existing seams. This material is not bad in its composition and adheres very well to the mortar, due to this the masonry will turn out monolithic. The reinforcement can be laid either lengthwise or crosswise. Once the existing rods are firmly secured in the seams, they will take part of the load on their base. In addition, with the help of reinforced installation, absolutely any solutions that do not meet general standards can be implemented.
Basic brick laying schemes
To increase the strength of the brickwork, it is necessary to bandage the longitudinal, vertical, and transverse seams. In all basic schemes and methods, not only solid bricks are used, but also some of its parts, halves or quarters. To make bricks of non-standard shape, a hammer-pick is used. These bricks, incomplete in their shape, are always laid with chips inside the masonry, so that the solid side looks only outward of the wall.
Longitudinal seams are seams located horizontally in the masonry. Bandaging such seams is extremely important and necessary in order to evenly distribute the entire load that may occur on the surface of the entire width of the wall. Also, tying prevents the brickwork from separating into thinner, separate layers.
Bandaging is performed in rows that are laid out transversely to the direction of the main masonry. These rows are usually called bonded rows. Their laying is carried out at the rate of one splice per four to five rows of ordinary laying.
Transverse and vertical seams are seams located between bricks within the entire masonry. Bandaging them is necessary to strengthen the wall and give it solidity. The ligation of the transverse seam is performed using spoon rows.
In addition to this, there are other options for constructing a house or building from brick, in which the ligation of transverse seams is performed in butt rows. In construction, transverse seams are very often tied using both methods. But vertical seams are usually not tied separately. Their dressing, when laid correctly, is obtained automatically.
If the angles are brick house, were kicked out ahead of the masonry of the walls, then any mistake made when performing work using the selected dressing methods can lead to cracks in the wall, regardless of what masonry method was used.
Materials and devices for bricklaying
Depending on what function the walls will perform, solid or hollow bricks are used. Clay or silicate bricks can also be used.
For the construction of brickwork, cement, lime, and sometimes combined option cement-lime mortar. You can prepare them either with your own hands or purchase them at hardware stores. By introducing a small amount of lime or clay into the solution, you can improve not only the plasticity of the composition, but also ensure the strength of the solution.
Mix the components of the mixture in a dry state, manually or using a concrete mixer. After thorough mixing, water is gradually added to the dry mixture until a special concentration of the solution is reached, at which it will have sufficient plasticity, but will retain its shape and will not spread.
To build walls with your own hands, you will need a special tool for laying bricks:
- container in which the solution will be prepared. It's good if it's a concrete mixer;
- container in which the solution will be transferred;
- trowel;
- nylon fishing line (to secure the boundaries of the laid brick row);
- building level;
- jointing;
- order controlling the rows of brickwork;
- plumb line A special device for bricklaying that controls any deviations of the masonry from the vertical;
- square A device that controls the geometry of the corners of a building;
- a template for laying bricks that controls the thickness of the seams;
- pick;
- mallet;
- gloves.
Conclusion
Compliance with and compliance with all rules guarantees the long service and safety of any structure. And brick walls built with your own hands will become the real pride of any builder.
We will learn more about how to properly build brick walls with your own hands in the next video.
Brick houses are still popular due to their reliability and durability. And, although the construction and laying of walls is often entrusted to specialists, it is not difficult to do it yourself.
Types of brickwork
Brickwork not only differs in durability and quality. Using this material you can create a large number of drawings.
However, the complexity of the pattern requires greater skill in performing the work. Let's look at the most common masonry options:
Do-it-yourself chain bricklaying involves a constant series of tie and spoon rows. Mandatory condition: the joints must coincide vertically.
The cross pattern is distinguished by the ligation of the spoon masonry with horizontal seams.
Dutch masonry includes the connection of bonded and combined rows. The last of them is formed by horizontally alternating bricks placed using the butt and spoon method.
Gothic masonry is based on mixing the basic principles of masonry.
To obtain masonry in the English style, one brick must be laid with a bandage in two. Another condition is the alternation of a splice and two spoon rows.
Well masonry is considered the simplest and most rational. It is formed by erecting two half-brick walls and connecting them with a bridge vertically or horizontally.
In order for the result to be appropriate, you should choose a template for laying bricks and follow it.
How to determine the correctness of brick laying
Common challenges for new masons include laying bricks in a line at a uniform level and getting right angles. For the process to proceed correctly, the following must be observed:
- The first row requires special attention. Place them at a distance of three mm. The evenness of the row is checked using a special tool.
- The brick must be laid evenly both horizontally and vertically.
Equipment
Each master has and uses the following devices for bricklaying:
- To level the products, a hammer-pick and a grinder are used.
- To check the evenness of the wall, the master uses a plumb line, level and tape measure.
- Trowels are used not only for applying mortar, but also for preliminary adjustment of bricks.
- When making a corner in brickwork, rowing is necessary.
- Safety is ensured by special measures in the form of glasses.
- Since the work requires a solution, a container is needed.
Preparation of the solution
Mixing the solution is an important part of the job. It consists of sand, cement and water. For greater plasticity, washing powder or clay is added to it.
Laying hollow bricks using this mortar is prohibited, because this will violate their hermetic properties.
For working in a small team, it will be useful to purchase a concrete mixer and buy 300 or 400 grades of cement.
Laying corners
When choosing where to start laying bricks, pay attention to the corners. Experienced craftsmen usually bring the corners above half the wall before starting work on the flat sections of the wall. This is not surprising, since half the correctness of the design depends on the evenness of the corners.
Pay attention!
The perimeter of the future house is determined using a tightly stretched cord. To make the angle even, novice masons use the order. It helps to fix and correctly lay the first bricks.
Experienced craftsmen can do without this tool, relying on experience. To regulate the vertical, a plumb line or level is used.
Making seams
Since each row of brickwork is interspersed with mortar, you need to know the basic principles of working with it:
When choosing a waste floor, the solution should not only not end up on the outside of the wall, but also leave cracks, which will then be plastered.
Convex seams are classified as decorative. They are performed using a special tool. From available materials, you can use a pipe cut lengthwise.
Pay attention!
A concave seam is not considered difficult to perform. It requires a stick or tube.
Smooth seams are considered the most optimal, since after them there is no need to further level the surface. They are often used in the manufacture of chimneys and fireplaces.
Main masonry
Immediately after the corners have been drawn, you can begin laying the wall. The corners will rise as the walls are built. But it is important that the cord does not sag. The brick is laid tightly to the corner on the previously applied mortar with a gap of 3 mm.
If there is a need to cut bricks, it makes sense to use a grinder. If this tool is not available, this work can be done with a pick.
To ensure the density of the masonry, take a little more mortar than necessary, and press down each brick thoroughly. What has come out must be assembled with a trowel. Don't be discouraged if you don't get the desired result right away. Sometimes it takes practice to get the job done right.
Pay attention!
To ensure that the result obtained is correct, pay attention to the photo of the brick laying.
Strengthening masonry
This kind of work is necessary for those who want to extend the life of an old house instead of building a new one. Whatever the do-it-yourself brick laying scheme, before starting this work, you need to check the reliability of the foundation. If there are cracks in it
or ruptures, your structure will not last long.
After you are convinced of the reliability of the foundation, it makes sense to strengthen the wall with reinforcement and wire plaster. Other tools necessary for this work include chain-link mesh, a special solution for plastering walls, trowels, nails and wire.
Wall strengthening technology
The first stage of work is to clean the wall. Then you need to clean the seams and hammer in nails at a distance of no more than 100 mm so that the height of the head is 20 mm higher than the wall level.
Now you need to place the chain-link mesh as firmly as possible on the prepared nails. Instead of such a mesh, you can use ordinary wire. Only when forming cells is it worth special attention turn to the corners, avoiding holes in these places.
The next step is to plaster the wall. The composition necessarily includes cement and sand in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4, as well as polymers to increase viscosity and plasticity.
For the base of the wall, a cement-lime mixture, which is water-resistant, can be used. To avoid lumps, the components of the composition must be sifted. The layer of plaster should be such that it covers the frame.
Conclusion
If you have decided to master the profession of a mason for the first time, you should not rush into the process of completing the work. Prepare materials and tools carefully.
Make a plan and calculate the number of bricks. And if you have decided on the masonry method and theoretically imagined the end result, you can begin the process.
DIY brick laying photo
Mastering any business begins with understanding what and how to do. You can't do without minimal knowledge. Do-it-yourself brickwork - no complex process. With a sufficient understanding of the technology, a beginner will be inferior to a professional only in speed and quality. Over time, as your skill increases, you will get better.
The first brick laying will not look photogenic and presentable, but you can try and carry out all the work accurately, proportionately, understanding the principles, techniques and types of dressing. This will take longer than a professional mason. But you will gain invaluable experience and save money.
Lay it out correctly
Schematically, a brick consists of a bed, a spoon and a poke. This is the name given to its surfaces involved in the masonry and bandaging technique. Difficulties in the absence of experience in this type of work are quite natural.
There are 2 relevant cases that raise the following questions:
- How to keep a straight line, one level, lay it flat without distortions?
- How to get verticality and straightness of corners?
To do everything right, we adhere to the following conditions:
- We lay the first row as evenly as possible. We use a long profile, strip, cord or laser level.
- When extruding, the mortar should not knock down the guide (do not lay the bricks close to it, make a small indentation of up to 5 mm).
- Use a level to check horizontality.
- We monitor the evenness of the position of adjacent bricks in all planes.
Tool, type of masonry
For construction work you will need the following equipment:
- Container for mixing mortar or dry mixture;
- Pickaxe - a hammer for giving bricks the required shape;
- Angle grinder (grinder);
- Rowing (deriving the correct angles);
- Trowel (trowel);
- Safety glasses;
- Level;
- Roulette;
- Plumb.
The structures being built perform different roles and have different thermal conductivities. Based on this, masonry is usually classified into the following types:
In 1⁄2 and 1⁄4 bricks. Basically this is cladding. We lay a reinforcing mesh on every fifth row to ensure rigidity and strength due to additional ligaments. The thickness of the structure is 125 mm.
1 brick (construction of partitions, load-bearing walls). For small buildings.
In 1.5, 2, 2.5 bricks. Directly for walls bearing increased load.
Preparing the solution
To prepare the building mixture, we use cement grade M400-M500 (not lower) and ravine sifted clean sand. We respect the proportions.
We remember that the higher the cement content, the less plastic it is. Or we buy a ready-made mixture with consistent proportions, to which you just need to add water. We mix the solution in a concrete mixer or in a suitable container manually.
During the process of laying and leveling, it is more convenient to work with a more plastic mixture. The mobility of the solution depends on the amount of water and plasticizers used. Most often, lime, clay, and household detergents are added to achieve the required characteristics.
It is inconvenient to work with rigid mortar - it does not fit well and delaminates.
On the other hand, it is uneconomical to use a mixture that is too plastic when using hollow bricks. It will fill the voids, the material consumption will be much higher.
You can learn to prepare a good solution over time.
When masonry is done for the first time, it is better not to mix in large volumes. The solution begins to set and the water separates. These processes are influenced by both the thoroughness of mixture preparation and weather conditions.
When we use a solution without frost-resistant additives, we carry out all work at above-zero temperatures.
Technological features
To ensure the strength of the structure, the brick is pre-soaked. It is important to correctly distribute the solution over the surface and achieve its optimal thickness. The applied layer is up to 20 mm, covering the entire bed of the structure.
Brick laying, depending on the plasticity of the mortar, is carried out:
- Back to back. A moving mixture is used with partial filling of the joints
- Press it in. A rigid mortar is used with full filling and jointing.
Joint jointing is not carried out when plastering of the surface or subsequent finishing masonry is planned. facing bricks.
Material consumption
Many sites provide convenient in many ways construction calculator, allowing you to calculate necessary costs bricks, cinder blocks, mixtures, additives, etc.
Thus, bricklaying is a process that requires skills, understanding of technology and operating principles. With a minimum level of knowledge, you can achieve modest success and spend a lot of time.
As skill increases, the walls being built will grow faster, look more aesthetically pleasing and will be in no way inferior in quality to structures built by professional masons.
Photo of the brick laying process
For many centuries, brick has been the most popular material for capital construction. Not all people know that there are different methods of bricklaying. Therefore, we will introduce you to this and other aspects.
What you need to know before starting work
You shouldn’t rush into battle and get to work right away. To get started, you should familiarize yourself with a few simple recommendations:
- In hot weather, water the brick. This will provide better adhesion to the cement.
- They cannot be used for laying plinths, as they do not have the required strength. It is also prohibited to use broken samples for the construction of pillars, because they do not meet the stated requirements. This rule also applies to the construction of foundations.
- To create stoves or fireplaces, it is best to use hollow products with increased heat. They are able to withstand severe heat without harming their structure. This property is achieved by adding special refractory clay.
- Splashes of solution must be removed immediately, because this will be problematic later. To do this, you can use a regular brush.
- It is prohibited to carry out masonry when the temperature is below +10 degrees. This can lead to the destruction of the solution and worsening the contraction.
- For outdoor work, only those samples that have frost resistance can be used. at least 50 cycles.
- During a break in work, cover the structure with polyethylene.
- Store the brick in a place where it does not come into contact with the ground. This could harm him.
Preparation of the solution
All methods of laying bricks involve the use of mortar. Therefore, we will touch on this point as well.
First, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements for this component:
- The solution must have sufficient plasticity. This is necessary so that he can fill all the seams, irregularities and voids in the material.
- Its strength must be as high as possible so that after hardening it does not begin to deform. Otherwise, this will lead to destruction of the masonry.
- The setting time should be such that you can have time to apply it before it hardens completely. If you are doing masonry with your own hands for the first time, then the setting time should be at least 3 hours. After all, inexperienced people work much slower.
Cement has several varieties that differ in different characteristics. Therefore, its consumption for preparing the solution may also vary. In this regard, we present to your attention a table for preparing a composition using various brands of cement.
Cement brand |
Consumption (kg) per 1 cubic meter m. solution |
For 1 cu. m. sand |
Comparison of cement grades
You can use a ready-made frost-resistant solution, but its price will be much higher. However, if you start from the above recipe, you will be able to prepare a high-quality composition yourself.
Preparation of tools
The most important tool for a mason is trowel (correct name – trowel). With its help, a number of operations are performed:
- Applying and leveling the solution.
- Creating grooves.
- Adjustment for bed.
Also important is a tool such as a pick-hammer, which is used for splitting and hewing bricks. If you plan to cut, you will also need a grinder with a diamond blade. With its help, you can accurately and quickly cut material.
You will also need masonry tools such as a level (to check the evenness of the masonry), a plumb line and a strong cord. In addition, it is advisable to get a concrete mixer to mix the solution. Today you can purchase a completely affordable product for private use.
Masonry methods
Today, four masonry techniques are actively used, which we will introduce you to. They have a number of features that, to one degree or another, affect the speed and quality of construction.
In the clamp
If we analyze all the methods of laying bricks, then “pressing” is the most labor-intensive, because it requires an impressive number of manipulations from the mason. However, it is rightly called the most durable and dense. At the same time, it is characterized by absolute filling of the seams.
This technique is most often used to build walls using rigid mortar. It is perfect for the construction of all types of structures.
So, it is done as follows:
- The mortar must be leveled using a trowel and used to create a “bed” designed for several bricks. Next, using the edge of the trowel, the excess mortar is separated and clamped to the upper edge.
- The first brick is lowered onto the applied and leveled mortar, close to the one placed earlier. Next, it is pressed as tightly as possible to the trowel. Then it is removed, and the remaining mortar is pressed between two adjacent bricks.
- Next, you should press on the installed brick so that it grips well and takes the correct position. In this case, you need to squeeze out the remaining mortar from the seams, which is trimmed with a trowel after installation. The remaining mortar is placed on a bed for laying other bricks.
Right in the middle
As the instructions say, this technique is prohibited in areas with increased seismic activity. It consists of the following:
- The brick is placed obliquely and a little mortar is scooped up with the butt edge within 10-12 cm.
- Then it is moved to the neighboring one, gradually leveling it out. After which he cuddles up to the bed. The solution removed from the bed is filled into the vertical seams.
Tip: laying the bonded rows is done in the same way.
- The installed brick is pressed tightly by hand.
Butt-together with trimming
If we compare all methods of laying facing bricks, then this technique will have best speed. It is applicable to any type of material, while allowing for complete filling of the seams.
Its main difference from the one indicated above is that the mortar is trimmed, similar to the “clamp” method. In this case, it is necessary to use a cement-sand composition that has increased mobility.
Half-baby
This method is applicable exclusively for laying in backfill. To implement this, the following is done:
- The mortar is spread and leveled between miles.
Then the brick is installed in the backfill. Experts recommend performing all operations with both hands, that is, laying two bricks at once, holding the second one at a slight distance from the installed one.
- By lowering it onto the bed, a certain amount of solution is scooped up. After which it is pressed against the already installed one. Vertical seams should be left incompletely filled.
Important! The scraps must be pressed tightly against the mortar so that they are at the same level as the versts. At the same time, the seams must be filled well, because otherwise the structure will be blown through, which leads to a deterioration in thermal protection.
Dressing methods
Now let's look at ways to bind brickwork, since this is also an important aspect. Bandaging is a laying method in which each brick rests on several lower ones. This allows for the best possible stability of the structure due to optimal load distribution.
Today, three methods are actively used, which we will introduce you to.
Chain (or single-row) method
The rows can be bonded or spooned. Bonded ones are when the brick is turned to the facade with the short side, and spooned ones, on the contrary. To help you better understand the difference, a visual diagram is presented above.
So, single-row dressing involves alternating both types of rows. This is a very reliable method that provides increased structural strength. As a rule, it is used for materials that do not require final finishing, that is, such as double sand-lime brick M 150.
To make it easier for you to understand, we present to your attention a visual diagram.
Using this technique, stock up on three-quarter bricks. They will be needed for laying ends, corners and pillars. It is not recommended to do this yourself, as it leads to time costs and damage to the material.
Modern production of ceramic bricks using the plastic method makes it possible to obtain scraps of the required size without time and labor costs. Therefore, many manufacturers are happy to sell them, which saves people from the need to cut.
Chain ligation at intersections
In this case, the dressing will have a number of features that need to be studied in order to avoid fatal mistakes. Please note that cutting can only be done with a grinder. Don't listen to people who say that you can simply split a brick.
Multi-row dressing
Involves diluting the spoon rows with tyke rows. The main advantage of this method is that it does not require cut bricks.
The number of spoon rows is determined from the size of the building brick used. For samples 6.5 cm thick, 6 rows are used, the thickness 8.8 cm.
It is implemented as follows:
- The first row is placed in the same way as with a single-row dressing.
- The further course is determined based on the selected wall thickness. For walls that have a thickness equal to the fractional amount of brick (1\2, 3\2, etc.), masonry is carried out as follows:
- The outer mile of 3-5 rows is placed with a spoon, with dressing carried out on the 7th row.
- Internal versts are formed in row 2 with pokes, and in rows 3-6 with spoons. At the same time, we must not forget about bandaging the vertical seams on the brick floor.
Three-row dressing
It is a variation of the dressing described above. It consists of bandaging every three spoon rows. It is mainly used for the construction of pillars or piers.
It is worth noting that this technique gives the structure impressive strength. Its conditional diagram looks like this:
The first four rows of triple laying should look like this
Layout options
There is one more aspect that we will consider - this is the arrangement of the rows of masonry. After all, builders do not always use standard procedures. Of course, these varieties occur only when the brick is not subject to finishing.
So, there are six possible methods:
- "Track"- the simplest method, which is most often used by novice builders. Even small children know it, because this is how the Lego constructor is put together. In particular, it involves shifting each new row by half the length of the brick.
- "Blocky"- a more complex and, as a result, aesthetic arrangement option. To perform it you need to alternate whole and half bricks.
- Cross- consists of the same alternation as in the previous example. However, it also has its own significant difference: every second row must shift by half its length. The result is the appearance of a cross.
- Gothic– involves constant alternation of bricks of different lengths. As a result, the joints must be located one below the other. Moreover, in each odd row they must be offset by a distance equal to half their length.
- Brandenburg- involves alternating one short and two long bricks in all rows. The joints are located in the same way as in the previous example.
- "Savage"— an almost chaotic change of blocks of different lengths. Perhaps the most extraordinary technique.
The construction industry is moving forward by leaps and bounds, using the most modern materials and technology, despite this, brickwork remains popular, both in private construction and in urban planning.
One of the important advantages of brick is low thermal conductivity material, which makes it possible to talk about the heat-saving abilities of brick structures. This figure is slightly different for different types bricks
Between him mechanical strength and thermal insulation characteristics, there are certain contradictions. Strength parameters are directly proportional to the density of the material, and thermal conductivity, on the contrary, is inversely proportional, which is largely due to the presence of air inclusions.
There are 3 main categories of bricks:
- Ordinary– density in the range of 1700-1800 kg/m³ with thermal conductivity (λ) of the order of 0.6-0.7 W/(m²xdeg);
- Conditionally thermal insulation– density 1400-1600 kg/m³ and λ – 0.34-0.52 W/(m²xdeg);
- Hollow, with improved thermal insulation characteristics - density - less than 1150 kg/m³ and thermal conductivity - 0.17-0.26 W/(m²xdeg).
The composition of the material also significantly affects thermal physics. In particular, silicate (white) brick has lower thermal conductivity compared to fired clay-sand composition. In general, the variety of types of bricks allows you to choose the most best option, which combines high strength and good thermal insulation characteristics.
Another important direction in heat conservation is increasing the thickness of brickwork. It can be assessed by thermal resistance (R), which is calculated using a simple formula: R = B / λ (where B is the thickness of the masonry). For the northern and Siberian regions of the country, reliable thermal protection requires the construction of walls with a thickness of at least 40-45 cm.
Basic terms and classification
To conduct a full analysis of brickwork, it is worth understanding the generally accepted concepts and terminology used to describe the material. IN general case, brick is artificial stone or a building block in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. It is available in standard sizes:
- single (standard) brick – 250x120x 65 mm;
- one-and-a-half (thickened) brick – 250x120x88 mm;
- double brick – 250x120x138 mm;
- thickened (expanded) version – 288x138x63 mm;
- single modular brick – 288x138x63 mm;
- thinned modular element – 288x138x88 mm;
- thickened hollow brick with longitudinal channels - 250x120x88 mm.
Like any parallelepiped, a brick has 6 faces, which are usually called as follows:
- Bed– 2 largest oppositely located faces. The brick lies flat on them.
- Spoon– 2 side, elongated edges.
- Tychek– 2 end faces, the smallest in area.
Brick is usually classified according to a number of indicators.
According to the material:
- Ceramic (red). It is made by firing a clay mixture.
- Silicate (white). Made from a mixture of quartz sand and lime.
- Hyper-pressed. The base is a mixture of limestone, cement and dyes.
By purpose:
- Standard, construction or ordinary brick.
- Facing brick. It is intended exclusively for finishing work.
- Fireclay or refractory brick. It has a specific yellowish tint. Able to withstand temperatures up to 1600 degrees.
- Clinker or ceramic brick. It is made from clay by special firing until the clay is completely sintered.
By strength the brick is marked from M50 to M500, where the number indicates the permissible load in kg/sq.cm.
There are solid and hollow bricks. In the first case, the volume of air inclusions does not exceed 13%. Hollow elements may have voids in the form of holes or slots. The total volume of voids can range from 15 to 40%.
The variety of types and at the same time standardization of sizes allows you to choose the best option for brickwork, depending on specific conditions.
Types of brickwork
Brick laying can be done by row laying in different ways depending on the location of each element and their relative position. The following main masonry parts are distinguished.
Longitudinal rows:
- Spoon row (spoon masonry) - bricks are laid on a bed with a spoon on the front side of the wall.
- Bonded row (bonded masonry) - bricks are placed on the bed perpendicular to the wall surface, i.e. with exit to the front side of the pokes.
Transverse rows(for multi-row installation along the wall thickness):
- External (front) layout - a row of bricks with outside walls.
- The interior layout is a brick row with access to the interior.
- Zabutka - a row of bricks between the external and internal layout.
Seams, formed between bricks in masonry:
- Horizontal seam - a seam created by mortar when laying rows in a horizontal direction, i.e. between adjacent rows.
- A vertical seam is a gap filled with mortar between the side brick edges. It can be longitudinal (between bricks of the same longitudinal row) and transverse (between layout and backfill elements).
Laying on spoons to form a bed row is used much less frequently. At finishing works It is fundamentally possible to lay bricks vertically, i.e. on pokes, but the strength of such a system is very low.
Features of dressing
It has been established that the coincidence of vertical seams along all rows leads to to a significant reduction in strength designs. To increase reliability and create a monolithic system, ligation of rows is provided. Its essence lies in the displacement of adjacent horizontal rows relative to each other.
The dressing can concern transverse and longitudinal vertical seams, which determines two types - transverse and longitudinal dressing. Strengthening in the transverse direction is achieved by alternating spoon and bonded masonry.
Longitudinal ligation is ensured by shifting elements in adjacent rows relative to each other (by at least a quarter of a brick).
The following main dressing systems are distinguished.
Single row (chain) type
This is one of the simplest dressings, when a tie row is laid on a spoon row, and then a spoon row again. When carrying out masonry, they try to adhere to such conditions.
The bottom and top rows lie across, i.e. poking. In spoon rows, the outer and inner layout is shifted relative to each other by half a brick. Transverse seams in adjacent rows are offset by a quarter of the brick. The main disadvantage of this system is large waste bricks taking into account the need to use halves and quarters.
Multi-row system
It provides for the following masonry: the bottom row is bonded, on which the spoon row is laid so that the vertical seam in it falls in the middle of the bottom row. Next, 4 rows of spoons are laid, and in each the displacement of the elements is ensured. for half a brick.
The seventh row is again bonded with tying, similar to the bottom row. All masonry is provided in this sequence. Advantages of the method - waste reduction, increased productivity. The disadvantage is less strength compared to the previous method.
Three-row system
It is a type of multi-row dressing. In this option, 3 spoon rows are laid on one side row. The difference is that in spoon rows the vertical seams are allowed to coincide. This somewhat reduces the strength of the masonry, but reduces waste.
The listed dressings are used in the construction of walls and the formation of corners. In the corner, the rows are tied together by alternating spoon and butt laying.
It must be taken into account that in a corner unit, a brick laid on a bed goes out onto one wall with a spoon, and onto the adjacent one with a poke. The butt edge allows you to shift the next element in the row by half a brick.
Selection of masonry mortar
Masonry mortar is a mixture of several ingredients, which, when cured, firmly connects all elements into a monolithic structure. Its composition is formed on the basis of a binder with a filler, which are diluted with water. To improve properties, we introduce supplements.
Solutions are classified according to the following criteria:
- binder type. There are simple (based on one component - cement, clay, lime, gypsum) and complex varieties based on mixtures (lime and cement, cement and clay, etc.) varieties;
- by the amount of binder component– fat, skinny and normal. The first type involves a higher content of this ingredient, which increases strength, but leads to cracks and shrinkage. Lean mortars are prepared with a minimum amount of cement, which reduces cost but worsens properties. It can only be used in low-critical structures. Optimal proportions include normal solutions;
- by weight– light (density up to 1550 kg/m³) and heavy (over 1550 kg/m³) solutions;
- in terms of strength under compressive load, solutions are divided into grades - from M10 to M200, where the number indicates the tensile strength in kg/cm²;
- by mobility, i.e. ability to cover the surface of a brick. This indicator is determined by the depth of immersion of a standard cone-shaped weight into a freshly prepared solution. Depending on the purpose of the mortar, the figure can be 8-14 cm. For solid red brick it is about 11-13 cm, and for hollow brick - 7-9 cm. In hot weather, a mobility of about 13-14 cm is recommended.
The following mortars are most often used for bricklaying:
- Cement-sand composition. The binder is cement (grades M200-M400), the filler is sand. By changing the ratio of the main components, you can prepare solutions of different brands. So M50 is prepared from cement (M300) and sand in a ratio of 1:6, M75 -1:4, M100 - in a ratio of 1:3.
- Cement-lime mortar. The binder is a mixture of cement and lime, the filler is sand. This solution has increased compressive strength combined with high ductility and manufacturability. To prepare different grades, the following proportions of cement (M300), lime and sand are used: M25 - 1: 1.5: 10.6; M50 - 1:0.7:6; M100 - 1:0.3:3.7.
- Compositions with a clay component. When adding clay to a solution, it increases plastic. Usually it is introduced instead of lime, and in the same proportions. Most often clay solutions are used for , hearths, fireplaces.
- Plasticizing additives. Mobility, increased hardening time, plasticity, and resistance to cracking of the solution can be ensured by adding plasticizers. For this purpose, surfactants are recommended. You can use ready-made tools such as TsNIIPS-1, SSB. They are introduced at the rate of 200-220 g per 1 m³ of solution. When preparing the solution yourself, you can use liquid soap, shampoo, washing powder (60-90 g per 10 liters of solution).
Most often in construction, simple, cement-sand mortar. When preparing it, you should use fine-grained sand, after carefully sifting. Water is added until the desired consistency is obtained.
Technological methods of masonry
When laying bricks, it is recommended to adhere to a certain order. Work begins with laying out 4-5 rows in the corners of the structure. They are carefully leveled using a level and plumb line. When laying, it should be maintained standard size seam – 12 mm.
After laying out the corners, a vertical bar is installed on them, with marks marked on it indicating the location of the rows - order. The risks have a pitch of 77 mm (standard brick thickness and seam 12 mm).
A cord is stretched between rows (without sagging), which is necessary to align the rows. Supports for the cord are provided every 4-5 m to prevent sagging. Using a trowel, the mortar is applied to the bed of bricks laid in the bottom row and poked into the bricks prepared for laying.
The thickness of the layer is 2.5-3 cm, and it is applied in the center, 2-2.5 cm away from the edge. The main methods of masonry are technology "snuggle" and "squeeze".
The “end-to-end” laying technique is used with a moving solution (11-14 cm). It is implemented in this order:
- the solution is applied to the laid row of bricks;
- the brick being laid is picked up with a slight inclination;
- a little of the previously applied solution is heated onto this element;
- the brick is advanced until it touches the already laid element;
- the brick is completely settled.
Using the “press” technology, a low-moving solution (7-10 cm) is applied to the bottom row. The seams must be filled and sealed. Procedure of manipulations:
- with a trowel, the mortar is moved and pressed against the vertical edge of the already laid brick;
- another brick is laid with pressure to the trowel;
- the instrument is pulled out with a sharp movement;
- the brick settles completely into place.
Sometimes another variety is used - “butt-to-edge with trimming”. This method combines the described technologies. The bottom line is that the mortar is applied according to the “press-to-press” principle, but the brick laying itself is ensured “butt-to-spot”. The mobility of the solution must be ensured at an average level - 9-11 cm.
Tools used
The need for reinforcement
In the construction of brick structures intended for operation under increased mechanical loads, reinforced masonry is used. Transverse reinforcement provided with a metal mesh.
It is laid every 4-6 rows of bricks. In addition, reinforcement can be provided by steel rods (6-8 mm) laid in vertical or horizontal seams. In this case, the seams are made 3-5 mm wider than the diameter of the reinforcement.
Reinforcement rules are regulated by the following documents:
- SNiP II-22-81 and SNiP II-22-81, extending to stone and reinforced stone structures;
- SNiP 3.03.01-87 for load-bearing and enclosing structures.
Seam cutting device
The seam between the bricks provides appearance the entire masonry. To give a certain attractiveness, jointing is used, providing the seams with a clear shape on the front side of the wall. You can give it a triangular, rectangular, round (concave or convex) shape.
The jointing is carried out until the solution has completely hardened using a special tool (jointing). The work is carried out in the following order:
- Use a cloth or soft brush to remove all excess solution from the surface;
- the seams are unstitched in the vertical direction;
- horizontal seams are unstitched.
If plastering is planned in the future brick wall, then the method “ empty" In this case, the solution in all seams does not reach the edge by 9-14 mm. This allows the plaster solution to fill the formed void, adhering well to the surface.
Ensuring the adjoining walls
If the junction interior walls to the supporting structure is carried out during the construction of the building, then the linkage is ensured in the same way as the formation of corners. The spoon and butt rows are alternated so that they alternately go inside one and the other structure.
When partitions are attached to an already finished wall, it is used reinforced fastening with steel rods. The rods are laid in load-bearing walls at least every 1-1.5 in height. A total of 3 reinforcements with a diameter of 8-10 mm are fixed. They are more than 1 m long and end with an anchor.
Thin partitions can simply be inserted into load-bearing wall. On the outside, a vertical groove is formed on it, the width and thickness of half a brick. The partition is inserted into this groove.
Laying chimneys and ventilation shafts
Brick chimney ovens are often made of brick. This design has the following elements - stove neck, pipe cutting (fluff), drain, roofing otter, pipe neck and head.
For production, fireclay solid brick of red color M150-M200 is most often used.
When laying unimportant parts, you can use unburnt (pinkish) and burnt (dark brown) bricks. Hollow products cannot be used for chimneys.
The main part of the chimney masonry is made using cement-sand mortar. Lime and cement-lime mixtures should be used in the roof area.
Ventilation brick systems are installed inside walls or in the form of a special shaft. The minimum ventilation duct has a size of 140x140 mm (half a brick). Brickwork is made according to a template to ensure the same section along the entire length, and its length is equal to 9-12 brick thicknesses.
For laying, a cement-sand mortar is used in a ratio of 3 to 1 using Portland cement M400. In the case where the chimney and ventilation shaft are located close, a sand-lime brick barrier