One of the building techniques that humans have used for ages is masonry. Every nation has masonry-built landmarks that are distinctive or historically significant and still survive today. Stone masonry classes, in particular, are highly resistant to the elements and can’t be damaged by external forces. Additionally, earthquake and storm forces do not have much impact on masonry structures.
Masonry is the skill of sequentially laying down various masonry units, such as brick, stone, concrete blocks, etc., with mortar to create uniform building components. The types of masonry are classified into the following groups according to the availability of materials and units:
Top-notch burnt clay bricks are used in brick masonry buildings. Bricks of the third class are used in masonry for less important buildings. Because they have a lower level of finish than first-class bricks, second-class bricks are appropriate for masonry building that is plastered. Regardless of the class of brick selected, the overall tensile strength provided by brick masonry is less. Moreover, the size and location influence the masonry structure’s overall performance and the number of apertures supplied.
The stone is the most robust, weather-resistant, and lasting of all other building materials. Less daily wear and tear has an impact on them. At the same time, Stonehenge is used to create masonry training that remains longer. A 300–1000 year lifespan is typical for it, and it is frequently employed in masonry buildings because of its many benefits.
Concrete masonry blocks are flexible building materials since they come in various sizes, shapes, and specific forms. In masonry made of concrete, which resembles brick masonry, the concrete blocks are pressed on top of one another. As a result, the configuration becomes staggered. Concrete blocks take less time to install than bricks since they are larger in size. As a result of its affordability and excellent fire resistance, concrete block construction is widely used.
The substance is entirely new. The use of blocks has grown in popularity because clay, typically used to make bricks, is widely used in their manufacture. It takes a lot of weight to construct a solid concrete block wall. They provide the building with a lot of stability. Building sturdy concrete block masonry is quicker than building with bricks since they are made in larger sizes. These solid blocks are preferred for major masonry training programs, such as load-bearing walls.
To lower the structure’s weight, hollow concrete blocks have been used instead of solid concrete because solid concrete weighs more, which increases the requirement for steel in RCC structures and requires more labor to lift and place at a given height. Residential complexes, educational institutions, religious institutions, and other public structures use it. For building affordable homes, it is particularly well suited. Depending on their intended application, these blocks can be produced in various sizes and shapes.
It is not heavy to hold a hollow block. Hollow concrete masonry doesn’t take much expertise. Compared to bricks, it is more durable structurally. Walls could be thinner, increasing the amount of carpeting available. Hollow concrete masonry units are larger than regular bricks; hence there are fewer joints.
A lightweight, load-bearing, and highly insulated masonry classes unit is made of autoclaved aerated concrete masonry. It is a long-lasting building material that is made in a variety of sizes and strengths. It is three times as much lighter than red bricks are AAC blocks. The brickwork process moves more quickly with larger blocks and gets around hollow concrete block drawbacks, especially when it comes to hidden conduits for electrical and plumbing. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly as it is made from fly ash.
The primary purposes of this kind of masonry building are refurbishment and interior finishing. Although it is more cost-effective and insulating, it offers the impression of a stone or brick wall. The existing concrete wall might have veneer masonry pieces added for a nicer look.
“Gabions” refers to basket-like structures composed of zinc-protected steel, sometimes known as “galvanized steel,” stuffed with medium-sized broken stones. These gabions function as one cohesive entity. Moreover, the nature of these masonry modules makes them flexible and well-drained. They have a solid resistance to horizontal pressure, such as water flows, soil flow, frost damage, and floods. Rectangular shapes characterize many types of gabions. The steel used to make the gabion baskets has a corrosion resistance feature that affects how long gabions last.
Low-quality concrete is put after it is filled with braided plastic sacks resembling those used for sandbags. Following irrigation and placement, the sacks transform into a collection of man-made stones that blend in with the surrounding soil and structures. They are displaced-resistant, and it gradually stops working and becomes non-functional. Where a road crosses a stream or dry wash, these kinds of masonry courses are employed to guard the entrances and exits of water pipes. Additionally, it is used in areas where a road is nearby to prevent stream banks from eroding.
A composite masonry structure is built using two or more different construction materials. These masonry constructions improve the building’s appearance and make the most use possible of the material resources.
A building method known as reinforced masonry involves inserting steel reinforcement, such as reinforcing bars or mesh, into the mortar or the holes before filling them with grout or concrete. The capacity for energy dissipation and resistance to horizontal loads, such as seismic loading, can be considerably increased by adding reinforcement to masonry.
It is adequately equipped to withstand lateral loading than plain masonry and is much stronger than the latter. It also exhibits more ductile behavior than plain masonry school, allowing some deformation under stress rather than brittle failure.
Read More