Cracks in brickwork can only be prevented by following strict construction materials and practices that do not compromise its quality and performance. Let me mention the guide to follow to prevent cracks in brick masonry construction one my one.
Cracks are mainly created in brick masonry mainly when our construction do not let these brick masonry units to undergo a free movement they are required to. Temperature and other stresses will demand a movement from the brick masonry, which helps to prevent cracks. So most of the steps mentioned below are pro tips to allow desirable movement in brick masonry.
The mortar that
is used for brick masonry construction must be a weaker mix compared to the mix
that is used to make the bricks or block. This is carried out to prevent
cracks.
Now, rich mortar
mix stronger than the brick limits the minor movements in the brick caused due
to temperature and moisture variations that results in cracking of the bricks
or the blocks.
In the case of a
framed structure, it is advised to start making masonry walls after the
complete frame has been constructed. This let the frame to taken as much as
possible loads and deformation occurring during the structural loads. Start the
masonry construction after 2 weeks of formwork removal of concrete slabs.
Framed Structure In the Process of Completion. After Which the masonry wall starts. |
The masonry wall is
constructed to fill the space created and may have chances to join with
entirely dissimilar material like R.C.C columns or beams. Generally, walls
joints adjacent column and with the bottom of the beam. These material undergo different
expansion and contraction during different conditions which would result in
separation crack.
Plastic Mesh Provided Between Masonry Wall and Column Joint |
This hence demand
a joint at these location using a chicken mesh that overlap 50 mm both on the
masonry and the R.C.C member. This must be done before plastering.
Read on: Composition of Bricks in Building Construction
The ceiling
constructed above the masonry walls may be subjected to loads and deflection
after their installation. To avoid any effect of these deflection on the
masonry wall, the wall must be separated from the ceiling gap using an
irrepressible material like non-shrink grouts to avoid cracks in wall. If this
is not possible, a chicken mesh can be used on the joint between the wall and
the ceiling.
When walls are
constructed over floor, the floor may deflect due to the loads from the masonry
walls constructed. Such loads create, non-continuous bearing which can be only
sustained by a robust wall below the floor. To make the walls robust,
horizontal reinforcement can be embedded at every alternate courses of the
brick. A 6mm diameter rebar is possible.
Image Credits: The International Masonry Institute | Home (imiweb.org) |
The use of expansion joints in brick walls divides the wall area into different small segments. Each segment of the wall behave separately from the wall segments. The use of expansion joints allows the brick wall to undergo expansion or contraction depending on the conditions of load , creep, settlement and temperature.
Expansion joints allows movement vertically and horizontally. This is provided by giving a continuous opening through the brick and filling it a pre-molded foam or neoprene.
After filling the joint, it is finished with backer rod and elastomeric sealant material to prevent moisture and water penetration into the joint. The joint material must run throughout the full thickness of the brick wall. This prevents clogging of joints with debris and mortar.
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