Specifications of brick masonry work

Brick masonry is the construction of walls from bricks bonded with mortar. A typical specification (as per Nepal Standard and IS 2212) is:

Materials

• Bricks: First-class, well burnt, uniform in colour, shape and size (Nepal standard brick 240 × 115 × 57 mm; IS modular brick 190 × 90 × 90 mm), with compressive strength not less than about 10 N/mm² for first-class bricks (3.5 N/mm² minimum for common bricks); water absorption not more than 20 %; free from cracks, lime nodules and soluble salts.
• Mortar: Cement-sand 1:4 to 1:6 (as in the drawing) for ordinary work; sand clean and graded, passing a 2.36 mm sieve; clean water.

Workmanship

1. Bricks are soaked in clean water for at least 2 hours (until the bubbles stop) before use.
2. Bricks are laid in English bond or Flemish bond on a full mortar bed, with frogs upward; vertical joints are filled completely and are staggered (no vertical joint directly above another); the minimum overlap is a quarter of a brick.
3. Joint thickness: 10 mm (not more than 12 mm and not less than 6 mm); joints are raked to a depth of 10 to 15 mm for plastering or pointing.
4. The work is carried up evenly in all parts; the maximum height of a day's work is 1.0 to 1.5 m; the wall is kept plumb and level using a plumb bob, spirit level and string line.
5. Toothing of 150 mm is left at the end of a day's work; the junctions of walls are made with proper bond.
6. The wall is kept wet by sprinkling water and cured for 7 to 10 days; it is protected from rain and sun.
7. DPC is provided at plinth level, and lintels and sill bands as designed; no chasing after completion.

Measurement and payment

Measured in cubic metres (m³), with deductions for openings; the rate includes materials, labour, scaffolding and curing.