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to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of
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SP 20 (1991): Handbook on Masonry Design and Construction

[CED 13: Building Construction Practices including
Painting, Varnishing and Allied Finishing]

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HANDBOOK
ON
MASONRY DESIGN
AND
CONSTRUCTION
(First Revision)

BUREAU
MANAK

OF

INDIAN

BHAVAN,
9 BAHADUR
SHAH
NEW DELHI
110002

STANDARDS
ZAFAR

MARG

SP

20(S&T)

: 1991

FIRST

PUBLISHED

FIRST

REVISION

0 BUREAU

OF

NOVEMBER
MARCH

INDIAN

UDC

693

ISBN

81-7061-029-X

PRICE

Rs 200.00

PRINTED

IN INDlA

1981

1991

STANDARDS

1991

AT KAPOOR ART PRESS, A3813 MAYAPURI, NEW DELHI

AND PUBLISHED BY
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS, NEW DELHI 110002

COMPOSITION
dF THE SPECIAL
COMMITTEE
FOR IMPLEMENTATION
OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
PROJECTS
(SCIP)

Chairman
DR H. C. VISVESVARAYA
Vice-Chancellar
University
of Roorkee
Roorkee

Representing

Members
Dr M. Ramaiah

Structural
(CSIR),

Dr

Building
Central
Roorkee

R. K. Bhandari

Shri

V. Rao

Shri

Harish

Shri

M. L. Mehta

Shri
Shri

Department
of
New Delhi

Aiyagari

Research

Science

&

Works

Metallurgical
and Engineering
(India) Ltd, Ranchi

Centre
Institute,

Research

Public
Central
New Delhi

Chandra

S. K. Datta

Engineering
Madras

Technology,
Department,
Consultants

(Alfernare)

J. D. Chaturvedi

Shri J. Venkataraman
(Member Secretary~

Planning
Bureau

Commission,
of Indian

New Delhi

Standards,

New Delhi

As in the Original Standard, this Page is Intentionally Left Blank

FOREWORD
Users of various civil en ineering codes have been feeling the need for
based on Indian Standards.
The
explanatory
handbooks
and ot i er compilations
need has been further emphasized in view of the first publication
of the National
Building Code of India in 1970 (which has since been revised in 1983) and its
implementation.
The Expert Group set up in 1972 by the Department
of Science
and Technology,
Government
of India carried out in-depth studies in various areas
of civil engineering and construction
practices. During the preparation
of the Fifth
Five-Year Plan in 1975, the Group was assigned the task of producing a Science
and Technology
Plan for research, development and extension work in the sector of
housing and construction
technology.
One of the items of this plan was the
formulation
of design handbooks,explanatory
handbooks and design aids based on
the National Building Code and various lndian Standards and other activities in the
promotion
of the National Building Code. The Expert Group gave high priority to
this item and on the recommendation
of the Department
of Science and
Technology,
the Planning Commission
approved the following two projects which
were assigned to the Bureau of Indian Standards
(erstwhile Indian Standards
Institution):
a) Development
programme
engineering
construction,
b) Typification

on code
and

for industrial

implementation

for building

and

civil

buildings.

A special committee for Implementation

of Science and Technology
Projects
(SClP) consisting of experts connected with different aspects was set up in 1974 to
advise the BIS Directorate General in identifying and for guiding the development
of the work. Under the first project, the Committee has identified several subjects
for preparing
explanatory
hadbooks/compilations
covering appropriate
.Indian
Standards/codes
specifications
which include the following:
Published:

*Handbooks
I. Design

Aids for

Reinforced

to IS 456 : 1978 (SP

Concrete

2. Explanatory

Handbook on Codes of Earthquake

IS 4326 : 1976) (SP 22 : 1982)

and

on Concrete

4. Explanatory

Handbook
on Indian Standard Code of Practice
Concrete (IS 456 : 1978) (SP 24 : 1983)

Reinforced
Handbook

23 : 1982)

(SP

on Causes and Prevention

Summaries

of Indian

Standards

Handbook

on Concrete

of Cracks in Buildings

for Building

Reinforcement

and

Handbook
on Functional
Requirements
and Ventilation)
(SP 32 : 1986)
9. Handbook
10. Handbook

Plumbing

on Timber

S&iects

Under

--Foundation

and

(SP

Detailing

of lndustrial

(SP
(SP

(SP

25 : 1984)

21 : 1983)
34 : 1987)

Buildings

(Lighting

33 : 1986)

Drainage

on Functional
Requirements
Buildings) (SP 41 : 1987)

with
of

Special

Buildings

Emphasis
(other

on
than

Programme:

Safety
Construction

Practices
Practices

*Handbooks published are available for sale from

Regianal

Materials

for Plain and

of Buildings

--Construction
Building

Engineering

on Water Supply
(SP 35 : 1987)

I I. Handbook
Industrial

and

(1s 1893 : 1975

Engineering

3. Handbook

Mixes

16 : 1980)

Offices

of BE.

BIS

Headquarters,

and

from

all Branches

-Formwork
-Fire
-Tall

Safety
Buildings

-Loading

Code

The Explanatory
Handbook
on Masonry
Code SP 20 (S&T) was first
published in 1981 to provide commentary
on various clauses of Part Vl, Section 4
of National
Building Code of India 1970 (which was based on IS 1905 : 1969
version) with the object of promoting and facilitating the use of the masonry code.
The handbook
has been found to be very helpful to professional engineers. This
handbook
while providing
commentary
on various clauses highlighted
certain
improvements
modifications
that were needed in the basic code (IS 1905 : 1969).
Subsequent
to publication
of the handbook, the code (IS 1905) was revised in 1980
(IS 1905 : 1980) taking into consideration
the recommendations
contained
in the
handbook
(see also Introduction).
The code was further revised in 1987 as a result of the experience gained with
the use of 1980 version of the code and also other developments
in other parts of
the world in the design and construction
refinements
of masonry structures. The
revision of the handbook was also taken up simultaneously
along with the revision
of the code to make it up-to-date.
At the same time it was felt that it would be
helpful and handy to professionals
if information
relating to construction
practices
based on various Indian Standards on masonry was also included along with the
commentary.
Therefore masonry construction
practices have now been included in
the revised handbook and the title of the handbook has been changed accordingly.
The revised handbook
is in two parts. Part I gives commentary
on IS
1905 : 1987 Code of practice for structural
use of unreinforced
masonry (second
revision) along with design examples (IS 1905 : 1987 has also been included in the
National Building Code Part VI, Section 4 Masonry through amendment
No. 2)
and Part 2 gives all construction
aspects relating to masonry construction
based on
relevant Indian Standards
and other literature
available on the subject.
The following

points

4 Wherever the expression

are to be kept

in view while

using

the handbook:

The Code has been used in the handbook,

it refers to

IS 1905 : 1987.

b) Part 1 of the handbook is to be read along with IS 1905 : 1987.

c) The clause numbers in Part I of handbook refer to the corresponding

clause
numbers in IS 1905 : 1987. The clauses are explained in the same sequence as
they occur in IS 1905 : 1987. When there are no comments to a particular
clause, the same has been omitted.

figures and tables appearing in Part 1 of the handbook are

with Prefix E to distinguish them from those used in the code. For
Figure E-3 refers to the figure in the handbook
whereas Figure 3
that given in the Code. Where a clause is pre-fixed by letter E, it
comments
on that clause in the handbook.

4 For convenience
identified
example,
refers to
refers to

e) Notations
wherever

f)

as per IS
necessary.

1905 : 1987 are

maintained

with

additional

notations

The handbook
does not form part of any Indian Standard on the subject and
does not have the status of an Indian Standard. Wherever there is any dispute
about the interpretation
or opinion expressed in this handbook, the provisions
of the Code(s) only shall apply; the provisions of this handbook
should be
considered
as only supplementary
and informative.

g) References

cited have been

listed at the end of each part of the handbook.

The handbook,
it is hoped would be useful to practising engineers and field
engineers in the design and construction
of masonry work. It would also be helpful
to students of civil engineering
to acquaint themselves with the various provistons
of the basic Code on masonry and construction
practices.
The handbook is based on first draft revision prepared by Shri M. S. Bhatia,
retired Engineer-in-Chief,
Central
Public Works Department
(Government
of
(vi)

India). The draft handbook

was circulated for review to Central Public Works
Department,
New Delhi; Engineer-in-Chiefs
Branch, Army Headquarters,
New
Delhi; Sr. Civil Engineer
(Design),
Northern
Railway, New Delhi; National
Buildings Organization,
New Delhi; Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee;
Central Road Research Institute,
New Delhi; Shri M.G. Virmani, New Delhi;
Public Works Deptt., Govt of Tamilnadu,
Madras: Maulana
Azad College of
Technology,
Bhopal: Public Works Deptt. Maharashtra,
Bombay; Tirath Ram
Ahuja Pvt Ltd, New Delhi; National Buildings Construction
Corporation
Ltd, New
Delhi; National Council for Cement and Building Materials, New Delhi; Structural
Engineering
Research Centre, Madras; M/s C. R. Narayana
Rao, Madras; Tata
Consulting
Engineers,
Bombay;
Indian Institute
of Technology,
Kanpur; Civil
Engineering
Department,
University of Roorkee, Roorkee; Punjab Public Works
Department,
Patiala; Structural
Designers and Consultants
Pvt Ltd, Bombay;
Indian Institute
of Technology,
Kharagpur;
Indian Institute of Architects, New
Delhi; School of Planning & Architecture,
New Delhi; Shri D. N. Chopra, New
Delhi; Shri T. S. Khareghate,
Bombay; Department
of Earthquake
Engineering,
University of Roorkee, Roorkee; Housing and Urban Development
Corporation
Ltd, New Delhi; Tamilnadu
Housing
Board,
Madras;
Delhi Development
Authority,
New Delhi; Andhra Pradesh Housing Board, Hyderabad;
Rajasthan
Housing
Board,
Jaipur;
Shri Thomas
Mathew,
Cochin;
Central
Vigilance
Commission,
New Delhi; Chief Municipal
Architect,
Calcutta
and the views
expressed were taken into consideration
while finalizing the handbook.

As in the Original Standard, this Page is Intentionally Left Blank

INTRODUCTION
Until 1950s there were no engineering
methods of designing masonry for
buildings and thickness of walls was being based on Rule-of-Thumb
Tables given
in Building Codes and Regulations.
As a result walls used to be very thick and
masonry structures were found to be very uneconomical
beyond 3 or 4 storeys.
Buildings exceeding 3 or 4 storeys had thus to be constructed
with steel or RCC
frames. Since 1950s intensive theocritical
and experimental
research has been
conducted
on various aspects of masonry
in advanced
countries.
As a result
different
factors which effect strength,
stability
and performance
of masonry
structures
have been identified
and methods
of design based on engineering
principles evolved. Most of the countries have therefore switched over to use of socalled calculated or engineering
masonry of structures. Simultaneously
methods
.of manufacture
of bricks and construction
techniques
have been considerably
improved
upon.
The basic advantage
of masonry construction
lies in the fact that in load
bearing structures,
it performs a variety of functions,
namely, supporting
loads,
subdividing
space, providing thermal and acoustic insulation,
affording fire and
weather protection,
etc, which in a framed building,
have to be provided for
separately.
No doubt, use of masonry
in load bearing structures
has certain
limitations,
but it is suited for a building in which floor area is subdivided into a
large number of rooms of small or medium size and in which the floor plan is
repeated in each storey throughout
the height of the building. These conditions are
met with in residential
buildings,
hostels, nursing homes, hospitals, schools and
certain types of administrative
buildings. Extensive research, including large scale
testing, has been carried out in regard to the behaviour
of masonry which has
enabled engineers
and architects
to design tall masonry
structures
on sound
engineering
principles with greater exactitude, economy and confidence. There are
many recent examples in other countries of well designed 12 to 20 storeyed load
bearing masonry buildings which have only 25 to 40 cm thick walls. This is in
contrast to the 16 storey Monadnock
Building in Chicago designed by John Rort
in 1891 with 180 cm thick brick walls at the base.
In India there has not been much progress in the construction
of tall load
bearing
masonry
structures,
mainly
because
quality
of bricks
generally
manufactured
in the country is poor, their normal strength being of the order of
only 7 to IO N/mmZ. In many Western countries, bricks of even medium quality
have crushing strength of 30 to 50 N/mm?. However, recently mechanized brick
plants have been set up at a few piaces in the country which are producing bricks of
strength 17.5 to 25 N/mm. Thus, it should now be possible in some parts of the
country to go in for 5 to 6 storeyed load bearing structures at costs less than those
of RCC framed structures. With this development,
structural design of load bearing
masonry buildings
has assumed additional
importance
in India as well. In fact
under the Experimental
Projects Scheme of the National Buildings Organization,
50 residential units in 5 storeyed blocks, having one brick, that is 25.4 cm thick load
bearing brick masonry walls in all the storeys were constructed
at Manicktola,
Calcutta
in 1975 and construction
of 20 residential
units in 5 storeyed blocks,
having one brick, that is, 22.9 cm thick walls, have been constructed in New Delhi.
Buildings are presently designed in western countries mostly by allowable stress
method of design. Walls are designed as vertical cantilevers
with no moment
transfer at wall to floor connection.
Lateral loads are distributed
to cross walls
according to their stiffness and locations by the diaphragm action of floor and roof
slabs acting as horizontal beams. It has been found that eccentricity of load from a
slab at the top of a masonry element gets reduced at the bottom support of the wall.
In some countries limit state design method is now coming into vogue because of
better reliability and economy obtained through the adoption of this method. For
large and important
projects strength of masonry is based on for-the-job prism
tests instead of lacing reliance on standard
tables. In seismic zones masonry
consisting
of ho Plow blocks is reinforced
vertically to take tension.
In some
countries structural advantage is taken of the fact that use of through-wall
units
results in stronger masonry.
In tall single storey long-span
buildings
such as

churches, sports stadia, large halls, etc, use of Diaphragm

proving to be an economical
innovation.
Before concluding,
trends of load bearing
These are as follows:
a) Manufacture
perforations

type masonry

wails is

a brief mention may be made of some special features and

masonry in other countries for information
of designers.

and use of high strength burnt day units (70 to 100 N/mm?)
for passing vertical reinforcement
where necessary.

b) Use of high-bond organic modified mortars (polymers)

very high compressive
as well as bond strength.

to obtain

masonry

c) Basing design calculations

for structural masonry on prism/cube
masonry with units and mortar actually proposed to be used

with
with

strength of
in the job.

d) Use of Through-Wall-Units
in order to achieve higher efficiency of masonry
(ratio of masonry strength to unit strength). With the use of these units, vertical
wall-joints
in masonry are eliminated.
e) Use of floors/roofs
on walls.
f) Use of prefabricated

of high stiffness
brick

panels

g) Use of facing bricks in conjunction

architectural
effects.
h) Prestressing

of masonry

in order to reduce eccentricity

of loading

in masonry.
with normal

bricks fbr external

walls, for

elements.

There is need and considerable

scope in this country
of intensifying
experimental,
research and study in the field of load bearing masonry in order to
make better and more economical
use of this wonderful and versatiie building
material-the
brick.
In India we have been trying to keep pace to some extent with the
developments
taking place in other countries in ragard to masonry and in 1961, ISI
(now BIS) published its first Code on Masonry which made provisions for design of
masonry based on working stress method. This code. was revised in 1969. Certain
provisions were upgraded based on improvements
brought about in Codes of some
other countries.
Unfortunately
there has not been much of research on the subject
in our country. In 1976, BIS undertook
the task of publishing
a handbook
on
masonry and during the preparatory
work certain deficiencies in the Code came to
light. The Code was therefore further revised in 1980 and a comprehensive
handbook
on masonry
with clause-wise
commentary
and analysis, Illustrative
examples and design tables was published in 1981. In view of the growing interests
of the users of Code and handbook
and practical importance
of this subject to
designers and builders,, the Code as well as the handbook and practical importance
Of this subject
to designers and builders, the Code as well as the handbgok have
been further revised and updated.
Now Building Regulations
incorporate
the
concept of engineered
masonry contained
in the Code, where as earlier in our
country one brickwall could only be a single storey building. Presently one brick
walls are built-up to 4-5 storeys in many parts of the country.
The revised Code along with the handbook
it is hoped would be of
considerable
help to engineers in the design and construction
of masonry buildings
especially tall buildings.

CONTENTS
Page
V

FOREWORD

ix

INTRODUCTION
PART

SCOPE

TERMlNOLOGY

MATERIALS

3.1 Masonry
3.2 Mortar
DESIGN

4
6

Units

CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 General
and Stability
4.2 Lateral Supports
4.2.2 Stability
4.3 Effective Height
4.3.1 Wall
4.3.2 Column
4.3.3 Openings in Walls
Effective Length
4.: Effective Thickness
Ratio
4:6 Slenderness
4.7 Eccentricity
STRUCTURAL

8
10
IO
IO
10
It
I:

DESIGN

5.1 General
5.3 Load Dispersion
5.3. I General
5.3.2 Arching Action
5.3.3 Lintels
Stresses
5.4 Permissible
5.4. I Permissible
Compressive
Stress
factor
5.4. I. 1 Stress reduction
factor
5.4. I .2 Area reduction
5.4.1.3 Shape reduction
factor
compressive
stresses
5.4.1.4 Increase
in permissible
._
.
.
.
allowed fbr eccentric vertical and/or
lateral
loads under certain conditions
5.4:2 Permissible
Tensile Stress
5.4.3 Permissible
Shear Stress
5.5 Design Thickness/Cross
Section
Subjected to Vertical Loads
5.5. I Walls and Columns
5.5.1.1 Solid walls
Mainly Subjected
to Lateral
5.5.2 Walls and Columns
Loads
5.5.2.1 Free standing
walls
5.5.2.2 Retaining
wahs
Subjected to Vertical as well
5.5.3 Walls and ._ Columns
as Lateral Loads
to In-Plan
Bending and Vertical
5.5.4 Walls Subjected
Loads (Shear Walls)
Bearing Walls
5.5.5 Non-Load
6. GENERAL
6.1 Methods
6.2 Minimum
..

::
::

2
25
26
26
28

REQUIREMENTS
of Construction
.
. Thickness
.

24
25

of

Walls.

from

28
28

6.3 Workmanship
6.4 Joints to Control
6.6 Corbelling

Deformation

and

Cracking

ANNEXES
ANNEX

H-l

ANNEX

H-2 DESIGN OF BRICK MASONRY

FOR
RESIDENTIAL
BUILDINGS
UP TO 3 STOREYS

53

ANNEX

H-3 DESIGN
OFFICE

73

ANNEX

H-4 NOTATIONS,

PART

AND

ABBREVlATldNS

104

1 GENERAL

107

2 BRICK

107
107
108
III
122
124
MASONRY

124

3 STONE

124
124
126
127
127
127
127
I 28
128
129

General
Random
Rubble Masonry
Coursed Rubble Masonry
Ashlar Masonry
Laterite Stone Masonry
Stone Veneering
Miscellaneous
items

129
129
131
132
133
133
134

4 CONCRETE

General
Handling
Laying of
Rendering
Treatment
Provision
Intersecting
Provision

SECTION
5. I
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5

SYMBOLS

MASONRY

SECTION
4. I
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8

MASONRY
FOR
UP TO 3 STOREYS

General
Bonds
Laying of Brick Masonry
Fixing Door and Window Frames
Honey-Combed
Brick Masonry
Brick Masonry Curved on Plan
Extension
of Old Brick Masonry
Corbelling
Efflorescence

SECTlON
3. I
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7

31

Introduction
Materials
Masonry
Units
Mortar
Scaffolding
Curing

SECTlON
2. I
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9

OF BRICK
BUILDINGS

OF

SECTION
I. I
I .2
1.3
I .4
1.5
1.6

WORKED EXAMPLES
ON DESIGN
STRUCTURAL
MASONRY

BLOCK

MASONRY

and Storage of Blocks

Blocks
and Other Finishes
at Openings and Fixing
of Lintels
Walls
of Floor/ Roof

5 MASONRY

General
Cavity Wall
Retaining
Wall
Masonry
Arches
Masonry
Domes

ELEMENTS

of Door

138

and

Window

Frames

138
139
139
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
141
142
143

SECTION
6 SOME
TO MASONRY
6. I
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
6.1 I
LIST

MISCELLANEOUS

MATTERS

General
Chases, Recesses and Holes
Brick Nogging and Dhajji Walling
Window Sills
Copings on Compound
Walls and Parapets
Use of Fire Bricks
Flues and Chimneys in Residential
Buildings
Protection
of Masonry
During Construction
Use of Reinforcement
in Masonry
Prevention
of Cracks in Masonry
Walling with Materials Other than Masonry
OF

REFERENCES

AND

BIBLIOGRAPHY

(xiii)

RELA.TlNG

143

143
l-43
144
145
145
145
145
146
146
147
147
149

PART

COMMENTARY
ON
IS 1905: 1987 CODE OF PRACTICE
USE OF UNREINFORCED

(Third

FOR STRUCTURAL
MASONRY

Revision)

As in the Original Standard, this Page is Intentionally Left Blank

SP 20(S&T)

1 SCOPE

under compressive
loading takes the form of
vertical tensile cracks at mid-height and in line
with the vertical mortar joints. The cracks can
develop
at such frequency
as to become
progressively slender columns side by side. The
lower elasticity
of mortar
causes vertical
load to impart. lateral
strain
compressive
movements
to the mortar,
which produces
tensile stresses in the brick by inter-face bond
whilst maintaining
the bed-joint
mortar
in
compression.
The mortar is then in condition
of triaxial compressive
stress and the brick
carries vertical compression
in combination
with.biaxial
lateral tension. Greater the height
to length ratio of the wall, higher the value of
horizontal
tensile stresses at the vertical joints
and, therefore, weaker the wall against vertical
splitting under load.

1.1 BIS

has not yet formulated

any Code of
practice for design and construction
of reinforced
masonry since quality of bricks generally available
in the country at present is not suitable for use in
reinlorced
mansonry.
Bricks for this purpose
sl~o~~lcl necessarily
be of high strength and should
also be dense. so that moisture absorption
is less.
If bricks
have
high
moisture
absorption,
reinforcement
gets corroded
in course of time,
thereby lowering its life expectancy.
1.2 Mud mortar for masonry as bonding material
is normally
not
used
in the present
day
construction
because of its poor bonding quality.
Mud mortar does attain some strength on drying,
but it readily absorbs
moisture
on coming in
contact
with moisture
or rain and loses its
strength when wet. For temporary
and low cost
singli:
storeyed
houses,
however,
its use is
sometimes made particularly
in rural areas, when
economy in cost is the main consideration.
(Some
information
on use of mud mortar construction
is
given in i.4.3.4 and 1.4.4.1 of Part 2.)

2 TERMINOLOGY
Some of the terms defined in this
illustrated
in Fig. E-i to E-9.

clause

are

2.3.1 Need for making_ a distinction

between
column and wall arises because a column can take
lesser unit load than a wall. This behaviour
of
masonry is based on experimental
research and,
in this context, it will be relevant to quote from
the Proceedings
of the Conference
on Planning
and Design of Tall Buildings as follows:
Walls and Columns-Plain
of failure. The characteristic

Masonry--Mode
failure of wall

BED

Since a column
has greater height to length
ratio in comparison
to a wall, it has a lower
permmisible
stress under a vertiFal load.
A masonry
column
has been defined
as a
vertical member the width of which does not
exceed 4 times the thickness. This provision
is
based on British Standard CP Ill : Part 2 : 19702.
However,
in the National
Building
Code of
Canada
and also Recommended
Practice
for
Engineered Bricks Masonry4, 1969, a column has
been defined as a member whose width does not
exceed 3 times the thickness.
2.9 Hollow

Units

Shellback found that in perforated bricks, type

and distribution
of voids influence the strength of
bricks but for perforation
areas up to 35 percent
of the cross-section, the bricks have been found to
behave as if solid. That explains the background

BLOCK

w
I

SECTION

ELEVATION
FIG.

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

E-l

: 1991

BED

BLOCK

CONSTRUCTION-PART

XX

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
for the definition

of

hollow

units.

3 MATERIALS
3.1 Masonry

f
t
m
1

l----b--+
bf?Lt

FIG. E-3 COLUMN

t------b_
Cross
Net

NOTE

Area

ii) Strength

= a b

Area = ab -3x
when
area of one core

-LOSS of area due

to yoova

FIG. E-4 CROS~ECTIONAL

x is the

is ignored

AREA OF MASONRY

UNIT

CROSS

JOINT

WALL

FIG. E-5 JOINTS

4

IN

Choice
of masonry
units is generally
made
from
the
consideration
of:
(a)
local
availability,
(b) compressive
strength,
(c)
durability,
(d)
cost,
and
(e)
ease
of
construction.
Brick
has the advantage
over
stone that it lends itself to easy construction
and requires
less labour
for laying.
Stone
masonry,
because
of practical
limitations
of
dressing
to shape and size, usually
has to be
thicker
and
results
in unnecessary
extra

cost. Thus, the first choice for a building at

any place, would be brick, if it is available
at reasonable
cost with requisite strength
and good quality.
In hills as well as in
certain
plains
where
soil suitable
for
making bricks is not available or cost of
fuel for burning
bricks is very high and
stone is locally available, the choice would
be stone. If type and quality
of stone
available
is such that it cannot be easily
dressed to shape and size, or if the cost of
dressing is too high, use of concrete blocks
may
prove
to be more
economical,
particularly
when construction
is to be
more than two storeys, since thickness of
walls can be kept within economical limits
by using concrete blocks. In areas where
bricks and stone of suitable quality are not
available
and concrete
blocks cannot be
manufactured
at reasonable cost, and lime
and sand of good quality are available,
masonry units could be of sand-lime bricks.
However,
for manufacture
of sand-lime
bricks, special equipment
is required, and
thus use of sand-lime bricks is not common
in India as yet.

FIG. E-2 BUTTRESS

Units

JOINT

of bricks in lndia varies from

region to region depending on the nature of
available
soil and technique
adopted for
moulding and burning. Some research has
been done for manufacture
of bricks of
improved quality from soils such as black
cotton and moorum, which ordinarily give
bricks of very low strength. The following
statement
based on information
collected
by BIS some time back, will give a general
idea of the average strength of bricks in
N/mm? available in various parts of India,
employing
commonly
known methods for
moulding
and burning
of bricks:
Delhi and Pm$ab
Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Rajasthan
West Bengal
And hra Pradesh
Assam

MASONRY
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

7 to IO
IO to 20
3.5 to 5
5
3 to IO
3
IO to 20
3
3.5

AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP. 20 (S&T) : 1991

E-8A
RCC
LATERAL
A WALL

E-6B

SLAB
GIVING
SUPPORT
TO
AT

R CC

SUPPORT
DIRECTION

BEAM
TO

WALLS

GIVING

SUPPORT

TO

WALL

TOP

E-SC

E-SD

CROSS

LATERAL

A
OF

GIVING

LATERAL

COLUMN
ITS

PIERS
SUPPORT

IN

THICKNESS

GIVING
TO A

E-6E

THE
t

LATERAL
WALL

Rcc

BEAMS

SUPPORT

TO

DIRECTION
AS

OF

WELL

AS

GIVING

LATERAL

COLUMN

IN

THE

THlCKNESSt
WIDTH

FIG. E-6 LATERAL SUPPORTS

In certain cities like Calcutta and Madras,

machine-made
bricks
are
now
being
produced, which give compressive strengths
varying between 17.5 and 25 N/mm*.
iii) The following relation generally holds good
between strength of bricks and maximum
number
of storeys
in case of simple
residential buildings having one brick thick
walls and rooms of medium size:
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

Ni mm2

Storeys

3 to 3.5
7
10
I.5

I
2
3
4

to
to
to
to

2
3
4
5

It is, however, possible to go higher than

these levels by optimization
of architectural
and
structural
designs,
for example,
I

SP 20(5&T)

: 1991
,-SHEAR

WALL

STONE
VENEER

FIG.
SHEAR

PLAN
Horizontal
force P acting on wall A is resisted
by cross walls B which act as shear wall.

FIG. E-7 SHEAR WALL

PLASTER
LOAD
lEARING
MASONRY

E-9 VENEERED WALL

WALL

-FACING UNITS
l~OCD TO ffESULT
IN CONMON
ACTION
U*Ot!RLOAD

strength
of masonry
depends on surface
characteristics
and uniformity
of size and
shape of units as well as certain properties
of mortar.
Units which are true in shape
and size, can be laid with comparatively
thinner joints, thereby resulting in higher
strength. For this reason, use of A grade
bricks gives masonry of higher strength as
compared to that with B grade bricks, even
though crushing strength of bricks of the
two grades
may be same. For similar
reasons ashlar stone masonry which uses
accurately
dressed and shaped stones is
much stronger than ordinary coursed stone
masonry.
vi) For
detailed
information
on various
masonry units reference may be made to 1.3
of Part 2.

FIG. E-8 FACED WALL

adopting
cellular type of plan, reducing
storey heights, keeping openings away from
intersections
of walls, limiting
spans of
rooms and size of openings, designing floor
and roof slabs so as to distribute
loads
evenly on various walls, and using selected
bricks in the lower one or more storeys, etc.
iv) When building with stone as masonry unit
in coursesl
minimum
thickness
of walls
from practical considerations
has to be 30
to 40 cm depending upon type and quality
of stone
used.
However,
CBRI
have
innovated
a technique
of making precast
stone blocks for use as masonry units, so
that it has become feasible to build stone
masonry walls of 20 to 25 cm thickness,
resulting in economy in cost (see 13.7 of
Part 2).
v) As a general rule, apart from strength of
units
and grade
of mortar,
masonry
6

HANDBOOK

3.1.1 Bond between mortar and masonry units

depends
on suction
rate of masonry
units.
Masonry units, which have been previously used
in masonry would not possess adequate suction
rate and may not develop
normal
bond and
compressive strengths when reused. It is therefore
not advisable
to reuse such units in locations
where stress in masonry is critical.
3.2. Mortar
i) Particulars
of mortars
for masonry
are
contained
in IS 2250 : 19815. lmportant
requirements,
characteristics
and properties
of commonly used mortars are summarised
below for ready information.
For more
detailed information
on mortars reference
may be made to 1.4 of Part 2 of this
Handbook.
ii) Requirements
of a good
mortar
for
masonry
are strength,
workability,
water
retentivity
and low drying shrinkage.
A
strong mortar will have adequate crushing
strength as well as adequate
tensile and
shear strength. It is necessary that mortar
should attain initial set early enough to
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

of mortar using semi-hydraulic

lime are
intermediate
between those of hydraulic
and fat lime mortars. When using fat
lime, it is necessary
to use some
pozzolanic
material
such as burnt
clay/surkhi
or cinder
to improve
strength
of the mortar.
The main
advantage of lime mortar lies in its good
workability,
good water retentivity and
low shrinkage.
Masonry in lime mortar
has, thus,
better
resistance
against
rainpenetration
and is less liable to
cracking, though strength is much less
than that of masonry in cement mortar.

enable work to proceed at a reasonable

pace. At the same time it should gain
strength within reasonable
period so that
masonry is in a position to take load early.
A workable
mortar
will hang from the
trowel and will spread easily. A mortar with
good water retentivity will not readily lose
water and stiffen on coming in contact with
masonry units, and will remain plastic long
enough to be easily adjusted in line and
level.
This
property
of good
water
retentivity will enable the mortar to develop
good bond with masonry units and fill the
so that
masonry
has adequate
voids,
resistance against rain-penetration.
are intimate
mixtures
of some
iii) Mortars
cementing
materials,
such as cement, lime
and fine aggregate (such as sand, burnt
clay/surkhi,
cinder, etc). When only fat
lime is used, which sets very slowly through
the process of carbonation,
it becomes
necessary, for the sake of better strength, to
use some pouolanic
material, such as burnt
clay/surkhi
or cinder. Plasticizers are used
in plain cement-sand
mortars to improve
workability.
Mortars
could
be broadly
classified as cement mortars, lime mortars
Main
cement-lime
mortars.
and
characteristics
and properties of these three
categories of mortars are as under.
a) Cement
mortarsThese consist
of
cement and sand, varying in proportion
from
1 : 8 to
1 : 3, -strength
and
with the increase
workability
improvin
in the proportion
o f cement. Mortars
richer than 1 : 3 are not used in masonry
because these cause high shrinkage and
do not increase in strength of masonry.
Mortars
leaner
than
1 : 5 tend
to
become harsh and unworkable
and are
prone to segregation.
Cement mortars
set early and gain strength
quickly.
Setting action of mortar is on account of
chemical
changes
in cement
in
combination
with water, and thus these
mortars
can set and harden
in wet
locations. In case of lean mortars, voids
in sand
are not fully
filled,
and
therefore, these are not impervious. Rich
mortars
though having good strength
have high shrinkage and are thus more
liable to cracking.

cl Cement-lime

mortars - These mortars

have the good qualities of cement as well
as lime
mortars,
that
is, medium
strength along with good workability,
good water retentivity,
freedom from
cracks and good resistance against rainpenetration.
Commonly
adopted
proportions
of the mortar (cement : lime
: sand)
are
1 : 1 : 6, 1 : 2 : 9 and
1 : 3 : 12. When
mix proportion
of
binder (cement and lime) to sand is kept
as I : 3, it gives a very dense mortar
since voids of sand are fully filled.

iv) Mortar for masonry should be selected with

care keeping
the following
in view. It
should be noted that cement-lime
mortars
are much better than cement mortars for
masonry work in most of the structures.

b) Lime

mortars - These
consist
of
intimate mixtures of lime as binder and
sand, burnt clay/surkhi,
cinder as fine
aggregate
in the proportion
1 : 2 to
1 : 3. As a general rule, lime mortars
gain strength
slowly and have low
Mortars
using
ultimate
strength.
hydraulic
lime attain somewhat better
strength than those using fat lime. In
fact, lime mortars using fat lime do not
harden at allin wet locations. Properties

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

CONSTRUCTION-PART

4 If binder contains

more of cement and

less of lime, it develops strength early,
and is strong when matured.
A rich
cement mortar is needed, firstly, when
masonry units of high strength are used
so as to get strong masonry; secondly,
when early strength
is necessary
for
working .under frosty conditions;
and
thirdly, when masonry is in wet location
as in foundation
below plinth, where a
dense mortar being less pervious can
better resist the effect of soluble salts.

b) An

unnecessarily
strong
mortar
concentrates the effect of any differential
movement
of masonry
in fewer and
wider
cracks
while a weak mortar
(mortar having more of lime and less of
cement) will accommodate
movements,
and cracking will be distributed
as thin
hair cracks which are less noticeable.
Also stresses
due to expansion
of
masonry
units are reduced, if a weak
mortar is used. Lean mortars of cement
alone _,are harsh,
pervious
and less
workable. Thus when strong mortars are
not required
from considerations
of
strength
or for working
under frosty
conditions
or for work in wet locations,
it is preferable to use composite mortars
of cement, lime and sand, in appropriate
proportions.
Figure E-10 baaed on BRS
1

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
r/r/d

Strength

II

Stcngth

of
of

Table E-l

brickwork

Effect of Mortar Mix on Strength

of Brickwork
Clay Brick of Strength 32.7 N/mm*
(4 750 ibf/in*)]

[Using

mortar

Mortar

Mix

(Cement:

Mortar

Brickwork

Compressive

Compressive

Lime:

Strength

Strength

Sand)

(28 Days)
x

(28 Days)
Y

Ratio

Y
x

(1)

(2)
n/ mm2 (Ibf/ in*) N/mm2

LIME

4s

SAND

12

MORTAR

RATIO

Effects of mortar
idg strengths
medium

17.8

(2 590)

8.9

(I 290)

0.50

1:%:41/2

10.8

(I 570)

9.3

(1 345)

0.86

I:1:6

4.7

(680)

8.5

(I 235)

1.82

I:2:Y

1.7

(245)

4.6

(660)

Strengths
a

I :3

with

FIG.

built with

bricks.

are shown

cement-sand

v)

on the crush-

and brickwork
relative

to the strength

mortar and the brickwork

of

built

it.

E-IO RELATION
BETWEEN STRENGTH
BPICK WORK
AND
STRENGTH OF

OF

MORTAR

Optimum mortar mixes from consideration

of maximum
strength
of brickwork
for
various brick strengths based on Digest No.
616 (Second Series) and Table I of the
Code, are given in Table E-2 for general
guidance.

Table 82 Optimum Mortar Mixes for Maximum

Masonry Strength with Bricks of
Various Strengths
Mortar

Brick

Strength

Digest
6th illustrates
the relation
between
strength
of mortar
and
brickwork for a number of mortar mixes
when bricks of medium strength (20 to
35 N/mm*
according
10 British
Standards)
are used. As the proportion
of lime in mortar is increased, though
mortar
loses strength,
reduction
in
strength of brickwork
is not much.
c) It has been observed from experimental
results
that lime-based
mortars
give
higher ratio of strength of brickwork to
mortar
as compared
to non-lime
mortars.
This can be explained
as
follows: Normally brickwork fails under
a compressive
load
on account
of
vertical tensile splitting, for which bond
strength
of mortar
is more important
than its compressive
strength.
Since
lime-based
mortars
have much higher
bond strength, as compared to cement
mortars, the former produce brickwork
of higher strength. Table E-l giving test
results
abstracted
from
SIBMAC
proceedings7
illustrates
this point very
clearly.
8

2.69

NOTE~ Lime used was in the form of well matured putty.

VOLUME

mix proportions

of mortar

strength

BY

(Ibf/ inz)

I : A : 3
0

CEMENT

(4)

(3)

HANDBOOK

Mtx

Mortar

(By Volume)
(Cement : Lime : Sand)

Type

(2)

(3)

(1)
(N mm?)

1 :0:6

Below 5

I : 2c : 9
0:
5-14.9

M2

IA:2-3
I :0:5

MI

I:ic:6
I : 0.: 4
: 1/c: 4%

H2

I
I

: o-I/,c :

HI

15-24.9

25.0

or above

No IF. -

Lime

of grade B can be used as an alternative

to

lime C.

4 DESIGN

CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 General
In order to ensure uniformity of loading, openings
in walls should not be too large and these should
be of hole in wall type as far as possible; bearings
for lintels and bed blocks under beams should be
liberal in sizes; heavy concentration
of loads
should be avoided
by judicious
planning
and
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
sections
of load bearing
members
should be
varied where feasible with the loadings so as to
obtain more or less uniform stress in adjoining
parts of members. One of the commonly occuring
causes of cracks in masonry is wide variation in
stress in masonry
in adjoining
parts.
NOTE-- A hole in wall type opening
is defined as an
opening
where total width or height of solid masonry
around the opening is equal to or greater than the corresponding window dimension.

4.2 Lateral

Supports

may be used in place of Table 2 of the Code

for buildings
up to 3 storeys.
Table E-3 Thickness* and Spacing of Stiffening
Walls (Brick Size 23 X 11.5 X 7.7 cm)
SI
No.

Thickness
of Load
Bearing
Wall to
be Stiffened

Height of
Storey

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(m)

(cm)

(m)

(1)

and Stability

(cm)

4.2.2 Stability
i) In a masonry structure, there are generally
inbuilt, out of balance vertical forces due
to imperfection
in workmanship
and
verticality of walls which tend to make the
structure
unstable.
Thus for stability
calculations
of a lateral support, horizontal
force equal to 2.5 percent of all vertical
loads acting above that lateral support is
assumed for checking the adequacy of that
support.
This ,horizontal
force
is in
addition to any other lateral force, namely
wind or seismic that the structure may be
subjected to.
ii) It should be borne in mind that assumed
horizontal
force of 2.5 percent is the total
out of balance force due to vertical loads at
the particular
support
and it does not
include out of balance forces acting at
other supports. Further it should be kept
in view that horizontal force of 2.5 percent
of vertical loads need not be considered for
elements
of construction
that provide
lateral stability to the structure as a whole.
4.2.2.2
a) Provision ,in sub-clause
version of IS : 875.

(a) is as per 1964

b) A cross wall acting as a stiffening

wall
provides stability to the wall at its junction
with
the cross
wall thereby
resisting
movement
of wall at horizontal
intervals
and sharing
a part of the lateral load.
Further
in conjunction
with the floor
supported
on the wall, it resists horizontal
movement
of the top of the wall. For the
first mode of stiffenmg, it is necessary that
cross wall is built jointly
with the load
bearing wall or is adequately anchored to it
and there should be no opening in the cross
wall close to its junction with the main wall
(refer clause 4.2.2.2(b) of the Code); for the
second mode, the floor should be capable of
acting as a horizontal
girder and also the
floor should be so connected
to the cross
walls that lateral forces are transmitted
to
the cross walls through
shear resistance
between floor and cross walls.
c) When bricks of old size that is, 23 X 11.5 X
7.7 cm (FPS System) are used, Table E-3
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

Stiffening
A
/

Minimum
Thickness

Wall
Maxim2
Spacing

I.

II.5

3.25

11.5

4.50

2.

23

3.25

Il.5

6.00

3.

34.5 and
above

5.00

I I.5

8.00

4.2.2.3
i) Cross walls in conjunction
with floors in a
building provide stability to the structure
against the effect of lateral loads that is,
wind, etc. In case of halls, we have only
end walls and there are no intermediate
cross walls. If hall is longer than 8.0 m, the
end walls may not be able to provide
adequate
stability
(depending
upon the
extent of lateral loads) and therefore, it is
necessary to check stability and stresses by
structural
analysis.
ii) If roofing over a hall consists of RCC
beams and slab, it will be able to function
as a horizontal girder for transmitting
the
lateral loads to the end walls. The long
walls will therefore function
as propped
and
should
be designed
cantilevers,
accordingly,
providing diaphragm
walls, if
found necessary. Use of diaphragm
walls
has been ex lained in E-5.5.3. Also end
to shear and
walls will I!e subjected
bending
and
should
be designed
for
permissible
shear and no-tension.
It is
necessary that RCC slab of the roofing
system must bear on the end walls so that
lateral load is transmitted
to these walls
through
shear
resistance.
Method
of
structural analysis of a hall is illustrated in
Solved Example E-l 1.
4.2.2.4
i) When a hall or a factory type building is
provided
with
trussed
roofing
the
longitudinal
walls cannot be deemed to be
laterally supported at the top unless trusses
are braced at the tie beam level as shown in
Fig. E-l 1. With braced trusses as lateral
supports,
longitudinal
walls will function
as propped, cantilevers
and should
be
designed accordingly.
Even when designed
as propped cantilever, ordinary solid walls
may have. to be fairly thicker and therefore

CONSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(5&T)

TIE

BEAMS

TRUSSES

PURLINS

OF

impose pressure through tensile cracks if any

and endanger
the structure.

ROOF

FIXED

TO

ANCHORED
GABLE
WAL

4.3 Effective
4.3.1

DIAGONAL

BRACING

OF TIE BEAMS
OF TR
SO THAT
ROOF ACTS
HORIZONTAL
TRANSMITS
TO GABLE

FIG.

GIRDER
WIND
FOR
WALLS

E-l

I DIAGONAL

BRACING

OF TRUSSES

become
uneconomical.
In that situation
use of diaphragm walls may be resorted to
since
that
can result
in considerable
economy.
of size 23 X 11.5 X 7.7 cm
(FPS) are used, Table E-4 may be used in
place of Table 3 of the Code.
When

bricks

Table E-4 Minimum Thickness of Basement

Walls (Brick Size 23 X 11.5 X 7.7 cm)
SI
NO.

Minimum
Thickness of
Basement Wall

Height of the Ground Above

Basement Floor with Wall
Loading (Permanent Load) of
More than
M kN/m

Less tha;;\
50 kN/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(cm)

(m)

(m)

I.

34.5

2.50

2.00

2.

23

I .35

I .oo

(1)

NOTE ~- Permanent
nor include

load means only dead load and it does

live load.

Height

Wall (Table

a ) A free standing

wall has no cross walls to

against overturning
due to
lateral loads that is, wind or seismic loads. It
thus acts like a cantilever fixed at the base
and free at the top. For design of free
standing
walls please see comments
on
E-5.5.2.1 and E-5.5.2.2.

give it stability

to retain some dry

material and there is no likelihood
of any
hydrostatic
pressure,
the design of wall
could be based on permissible
tension in
A retaining
wall intended
to
masonry.
support
earth should
be designed
as a
gravity structure,
placing no reliance on
flexural movement of resistance, since water
can get access to the back of the wall and

I)

Referring to Note I of Table 4, strictly speaking

actual height of a wall for the purpose of working
out its effective height should be taken to be the
clear distance between the supports. However, in
the Code it has been given as the height between
centres of supports, which is in accordance
with
the provisions of British Standard CP-I I I : Part
2 : 19702 as well as Australian
Standard
164019748. Since thickness of floors is generally very
small as compared to height of floors, this method
of reckoning
actual height will not make any
appreciable
difference
in the end results. One
could, therefore, take actual height as given in the
Code or clear distance between supports as may
be found convenient
to use in calculations.
Wall (Table

4-Note

5)

Implication
of this note is that when wail
thickness is not less than 2/3 of the thickness of
the pier, a concentrated
load on the pier, will be
borne by the pier as well as the wall. In this case
we may design the element
just as a wall
supporting a concentrated
load, taking advantage
of the increase in the supporting
area due to the
pier projection.
In case thickness of wall is less
than 2/3 of the thickness of pier, we have to
design the pier just like a column,
for which
permissible
stress is less because
of greater
effective height and further supporting
area will
bc only that of the pier that is, without getting
any benefit in design of the adjoining
walls on
either side. However in case, the wall and piers
arc supporting
a distributed
load, we would get
the advantage
of stiffening
effect of peirs as
in 4.5.2 of the Code.
4.3.2 ColumnIn case of columns actual height
ahould be taken as the clear height of a column
between supftorts as illustrated
in Fig. E-12.
4.3.3 Opening

4.2.2.7

4-Note

in Walls

i) An RCC slab bearing on a wall is assumed

to provide full restraint to the wall while a

(7) If a wall is intended

10

HANDBOOK

Actual

Height

H = Clear

distance
supports.

between

FIG. E-12 ACTUAL HEIGHT OF A COLUMN

ON MASONRY

DESlGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
timber floor comprising
timber joints and
planking is assumed to provide only partial
restraint. The clause makes stipulations for
reckoning
effective
height
of columns
formed by openings in a wall for the two
cases:
a) when wall has full restraint
bottom; and

at top and

b) when wall has partial restraint at top

and
bottom.
These
two cases are
illustrated
in Fig. E-13.
ii) In the case of (b) (see Fig. E-13), if height
of neither
opening
exceeds 0.5H, wall
masonry would provide some support to
the column
formed by openings
in the
direction parallel to the wall and for this
reason
effective
height
for the axis
perpendicular
toethe wall is taken as Hand
otherwise it is to be taken as 2H. For the
direction perpendicular
to the wall, there is
a likelihood
of a situation
when no joist
rests on the column formed between the
openings and thus effective height is taken
as 2H that is, for a column having no
tatera support at the top.
4.4 Effective

4.5 Effective

calculation
is taken as 19 cm, though nominal
thickness is 20 cm. Similarly
in case of brick
masonry with bricks of old size (FPS System)
actual thickness of one-b&k
wall would be taken
as 22 cm though nominal size of brick is 23 cm.
4.5.2 (See also comments on Note 5 of Table 4.)
When ratio tP/ t, is 1.5 or less and the wall is
having distributed
load, Note 5 of Table 4 would
It follows
from
this
that
be applicable.
interpolation
of values in Table 6 are valid only
when t,/ t, exceeds 1.5.
4.5.4
i) It has been observed from tests that a
cavity wail is 30 percent weaker than a
solid wall of the same thickness as the
combined
thickness of two leaves of the
cavity wall, because bonding action of ties
cannot be as good as that of normal bond
in a solid wall. That explains why effective
thickness of a cavity wall is taken as twothirds of the sum of the act,ual thickness of
two leaves.
ii) In this type of wall either one leaf (inner)
or both leaves could be load bearing. In
the former case, effective thickness will be
two-thirds the sum of the two leaves or the
actual
thickness
of the loaded
leaf
whichever
is more. In the latter case
effective thickness will be two-thirds of the
sum of thickness of both the leaves, or the
actual
thickness
of the stronger
leaf,
whichever is more.

Length

When a wall has more than-one opening such that

there is no opening within a distance of H/8 from
a cross wall and wall length between openings are
not columns by definition,
the design of the wall
should be based on the value of SR obtained from
the consideration
of height or length, whichever is
less.

4.6 Slenderness

Ratio

i) Under a vertical load a wall would buckle

either around a horizontal axis parallel to

Thickness

4.5.1 In case of masonry using

actual thickness of a one-brick

: 1991

modular bricks,
wall for design

,.- COLUMN FORMED

\ BY OPENINGS
rRCC

SLAB

For H, d
h,. =
4,,=2
For H, >
h., =
h,:2

Effective Height, h,, = 0.75H + 0.25H1

h,, = H

E-13A Walls

Having
FIG.

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

Full

E-13 EFFECTIVE
DESIGN

E-13B Walls

Restraint

AND

HEIGHT

OF

WALLS

CONSTRUCTION-PART

WITH
1

0.5 H
H
H
0.5 H
2 H
H

Having

Partial

Restraint

OPENINGS
II

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

the length of the wall or around a vertical

axis as illustrated in Fig. E-14. Buckling is
resisted by horizontal
supports
such as
floors and roofs, as well as by vertical
supports
such as cross walls, piers and
buttresses.
Thus capacity of the walls to
take
vertical
loads
depends
both
on
horizontal supports that is, floor or roof as
well as on vertical supports that is, cross
walls, piers and buttresses.
However, for
the sake of simplicity and erring on safe
side, lesser of the two slenderness
ratios,
namely, one derived from height and the
other derived from length is taken into
consideration
for determining
permissible
stresses in .masonry
walls, thus ignoring
strengthening
effect of other supports.

SECTION
E-14A Section of a Wall
with Tendency to Buckle
Around Horizontal Axis
Under Vertical Load

PLAN

E-14B Plan View of a Wall

with Tendency to Buckle
Around Vertical Axis Under
Vertical Load

FIG. E-14 BUCKLING OF WALLS

ii) In case of columns, there will be two values

of SR as illustrated in Fig. 8 of the Code.
For the purpose of design, higher of the
two values is taken into account
since
column will buckle around that axis with
reference
to which the value of SR is
critical, that is, greater.
iii) Load carrying
capacity
of a masonry
member
depends
upon
its slenderness
ratio.
As this ratio increases,
crippling
stress of the member gets reduced because
of limitations
of workmanship
and elastic
instability.
A masonry member may fail,
either due to excessive stress or due to
buckling
(see Fig. E-22). According
to
Sahlin (p. 1003)1, for materials of normal
strength
with SR less than 30, the load
carrying capacity of a member at ultimate
load is limited by stress, while for higher
value of SR failure is initiated by buckling.
Further,
mode of failure of a very short
member having h/r ratio of less than 4 is
I2

predominantly
through shear action, while
with h/r = 4 or more, failure is by vertical
tensile splitting.
From consideration
of
structural
soundness
and economy
of
design, most codes control the maximum
slenderness ratio of walls and columns so
as to ensure failure by excessive stress
rather than buckling.
iv) Limiting values of SR are less for masonry
built in lime mortar, as compared to that
built in cement mortar, because the former,
being relatively weaker, is more liable to
buckling.
Similarly,, values of maximum
SR are less for taller
buildings
since
imperfections
in workmanship
in regard to
verticality
are
likely
to
be
more
pronounced
in case of taller buildings.
Limiting values of SR for column is less
than that of walls because a column can
buckle around either of the two horizontal
axes,
while walls can buckle
around
horizontal
axis only.
of a masonry
element
v) Since slenderness
increases
its
tendency
to
buckle,
permissible
compressive
stress
of an
element is related to its slenderness
ratio
and is determined
by applying
Stress
reduction factor (ks) as given in Table 9 of
the Coda Values of Stress reduction factor
have been worked out (see Appendix B of
BS 56289) by taking
into consideration
accentricity
in loading
because
of
slenderness.
Strictly speaking full value of
stress reduction
factor is applicable
only
for central one-fifth height of the member.
In practice
however
for the sake of
simplicity
in design calculations,
stress
reduction factor is applied to the masonry
throughout
its storey height (Note 3 under
Table 9 of the Code is an exception) and
for designing
masonry
for a particular
storey height, generally
stress is worked
out at the section just above the bottom
support assuming it to be maximum at that
section. Theoretically
critical section in .a
storey occurs at a height 0.6 H above the
bottom support as explained later in E-4.7.
Thus provisions of the Code and the design
procedure
in question,
as commonly
followed, is an approximation,
that errs on
the safe side.
vi) Advantage of Note 3 under Table 9 of the
Code is taken when considering
bearing
stress under a concentrated
load from a
beam.
Bearing
stress
is worked
out
immediately
below the beam and this
should not exceed the Basic compressive
stress of masonry
(see Table 8 of the
Code). Also stress in masonry is worked
out at a depth of

$ from

This
should
beam.
permissible compressive

the bottom

of the

not
exceed
the
stress in masonry.

HANDBOOK ON MASONRY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION--PART

SP 20(S&T)
If actual stress exceeds allowable stress in
either
case, a concrete
bed block
is
provided
below the beam (see Solved
example E-9 for design of a Bed block).
vii) In accordance
with 5.4.1.5 of the Code,
some increase in permissible
compressive
stress is allowed for concentrated
loads
which are concentric. For Checking bearing
stress under such a load, however, some
authorities
on masonry
recommend
a
conservative
approach-that
is, either to
take advantage of Note 3 of Table 9 of the
Code or to take advantage of provisions of
5.4.1.5 of the Code but do not apply both
the provisions of the code at the same time.
In this connection
reference may be made
to commentary
portion
4.13.6 of the
Australian
Standard
1640-1974s which is
appended
to that standard.
4.7 Eccentricity

: 1991

critical section in a storey height is at the

top of bottom
support
and masonry
is
designed accordingly.
In other words the
design method commonly adopted includes
extra self weight of 0.6H of the member
and thus errs on the safe side to some
extent. In view of the fact that design
calculations
for masonry
are not very
precise,
the above
approximation
is
justified.
5 STRUCTURAL

DESIGN

5.1 General
i) Some general
guidance
on the design
concept of load bearing masonry structures
is given in the following paragraphs.
ii) A building
is basically
types of loads, namely:

subjected

to two

a) vertical loads on account of dead loads

of materials used in construction,
plus
live loads due to occupancy;
and

Eccentricity
of vertical
loading
on a
masonry element increases its tendency to
buckling
and reduces its load carrying
capacity; its effect is thus similar to that of
slenderness of the member. Thus combined
effect of slenderness
and eccentricity
is
taken
into
consideration
in design
calculations
by the factor known as Stress
reduction factor (ks) as given in Table 9 of
the Code.

b) lateral loads due to wind and seismic

forces. While all walls in general can
take vertical loads, ability of a wall to
take
lateral
loads
depends
on its
disposition in relation to the direction of
lateral
load.
This
could
be best
explained
with
the
help
of an
illustration.

ii) Eccentricity caused by an ectientric vertical

load is maximum at the top of a member,
that is, at the point of loading and it is
assumed to reduce linearly to zero at the
bottom of the member that is, just above
the
bottom
lateral
support,
while
eccentricity on account of slenderness of a
member is zero at the two supports and is
maximum
at the middle.
Taking
the
combined
effect of eccenrricity of loading
and slenderness critical stress in masonry
occurs at a section 0.6H above the bottom
support as shown in Fig. E-15.

In Fig. E-16, the wall A has good

resistance against a lateral load, while
wall B offers very little resistance to
such load. The lateral loads acting on
the face of a building are transmitted
through floors (which act as horizontal
beams) to cross walls which act as
horizontal
beams) to cross walls which
act as shear walls. From cross walls,
loads are transmitted
to the foundation.
This action is illustrated
in Fig. E-17.
Stress pattern
in cross walls due to
lateral loads is illustrated
in Fig. E-18.

For the sake of simplicity,

however, in
design
calculations,
it is assumed
that
WALL

UNDER

MUM
TRICITY

eX

ea

et

e, = eccentricity

due to loading.
e. = eccentricity
due to slenderness.
e, = combined
eccentricity
which
is
at 0.6 H from bottom support.

maximum

FIG. E-15 ECCENTRICITY OF LOADING ON A WALL

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

Resistance
of brick wall to take lateral loads
is greater in case of wall A than that in case of
wall E.

FIG. E-16 ABILITY OF A WALL TO TAKE LATERAL

LOADS

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

13

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
decrease of compressive stress on the windward side. These walls should be designed
no
tension
and
permissible
for
compressive stress. It will be of interest to
note that a wall which is carrying-greater
vertical loads, will be in a better position to
resist lateral loads than the one which is
lightly loaded in the vertical direction. This
point
should
be kept in view while
planning
the structure
so as to achieve
economy in structural
design.

BASE

OF WALL

Wind load on the facade wall I is transferred via

floor slabs 2 to the cross walls 3 and thence to
ground.
The strength and stiffness of 2 that is floors as
horizontal
girder is vital; floors of lightweight
construction
should be used with care.
FIG.

E-17 FUNCTION

iv) A structure should have adequate stability

in the direction of both the principal axes.
The so called cross wall construction
may
not have much lateral resistance
in the
longitudinal
direction.
In multi-storeyed
buildings, it is desirable to adopt cellular
or
box
construction
from
type
consideration
of stability and economy as
illustrated
in Fig. E-19.

OF LATERAL SUPPORT To
WALL

iii) As a result of lateral load, in the cross

walls
there
will be an increase
of
compressive stress on the leeward side, and
WIND

LOAD

ON SHADED

AREA IS RESISTED
THE CROSS WALL

BY

STRESS
DIAGRAM

DEAD

LOAD

WIND

LOAD

COMBINED

FIG. E-18 STRESS PATTERN IN CROSS WALL

14

HANDBOOK

ACTING AS SHEAR WALL

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(5&T)

: 1991

STABLE

UNSl

PLAN
E-19A

CROSS
WALL CONSTRUCTION-UNSTABLE
IN LONGITUDINAL
DIRECTION
STABLE

This

wall

successfully
separate

will

not

as wall

short

resist

lateral

2; it tends

lengths

rather

to

loading
act

as

as three

than

STABLE
-

PLAN
E-19B

CELLULAR
STABLE

OR BOX TYPE CONSTRUCTION

IN BOTH DIRECTIONS

FIG. E-19 STABILITY

OF CROSS WALL
AND
CELLULAR (Box TYPE) CONSTRUCTION

of openings in the
external walls have considerable
influence
on stability and magnitude of stresses due
to lateral loads. This has been illustrated in
Fig. E-20.

This wall will tend to act as one long portion

v) Size, shape and location

in longitudinal
walls are so
vi) If openings
located that portions of these walls act as
flanges to cross walls, the strength of the
cross walls get considerably
increased and
structure
becomes much more stable, as
will be seen from Fig. E-21.
load-bearing
masonry
a
vii) Ordinarily
is designed
for
permissible
structure
compressive
and shear stresses (with no
tension) as a vertical cantilever by accepted
principles
of engineering
mechanics.
No
moment transfer is allowed for, at floor to
wall connections
and lateral forces are
assumed
to be resisted
by diaphragm
action of floor, roof slabs, which acting as
horizontal beams, transmit lateral forces to
cross walls in proportion
to their relative
stiffness
(moment
of inertia).
Various
modes of failure of masonry are illustrated
in Fig. E-22.
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

brickwork

and

will

be more

resistant

to

of

lateral

loading.

FIG.

E-20

EFFECT OF OPENINGS
STRENGTH OF WALLS

ON

SHEAR

viii) For working out stresses in various walls,

it is faster to tabulate stresses floor-wise for
walls
.carrying
greater
loads.
such
Computations
for vertical loads and lateral
loads are made separately
in the first
instance,
and the results from the two
computations
are superimposed
to arrive
at the net value of stresses.
ix) In any particular
floor, from practical
considerations,
generally, quality of bricks
and mix of mortar
IS kept the same
throughout.
Also in the vertical direction
change in thickness of walls is made only
at floor levels.
5.3 Load

Dispersion

53.1 GenerulL Pre-1980 version

of the Code
PI ovided for dispersion of axial loads applied to a

CONSTRtICTION-PART

1s

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

E-21 A BRICKWORK
IFOR

ALL

STRAJGHT

WALL

STRENOTH

INDEX -1

SHEAR

RESISTING
FOUR

WALLS)

FLANGED

WALL

STRENGTH

E-216

BRICKWORK
(FOR

RESISTING

TWO CENTRAL

FIG. E-21 EFFECT OF FLANGES ON

SHEAR

INDEX =3

SHEAR

WALLS)
OF

STRENGTH

A CROSS

WALL

-PORTION
UNDER
COMPRESSION

PORTION
UNDER
TENSION

E-22A TENSILE
VERTICAL

SPLITTING

COMPRESSIVE

rOF A WALL UNDER

E-22B

BUCKLING

VERTICAL

LOAD

0F

A WALL

COMPRESSIVE

FIG. E-22 VARIOUS MODES OF FAILURE OF MASONRY-(

16

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

UNDER

LOAD

Contd)

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

-.

SP 2O(S&T)

E-22C
SHEAR
FAILURE
CROSS WALL UNDER

experimental
studies carried out at the University
of Edinburgh,
as: umption
regarding
even
distribution
of stress does not seem to have been
fully
substantiate.
The Institute
therefore
recommended
that
angle
of distribution
of
concentrated
loads in a masonry wall should not
exceed 30 degrees. This recommendation
is in
conformity
with provisions of the corresponding
German
Standard
(DIN
1053-1952)
Swiss
Standard (Technical Standard
113-1965) and the
publication:
Brick and Tile Engineering
1962 by
Harry C. Plummer. In view of the above, angle of
dispersion had been changed from 45 to 30 in
1980 version of the Code (see Fig. E-23).

OF A MASONRY
LATERAL LOADING

53.2

COMPRESSWE
SrRESS AT TOE AND
CONSEPUENT TEt4Sll.E
SPUTTINO AND CRUSMNO
OF MASONRY

EXCESSIVE
MASONR
EXCESSI

TENSlON

E-22D
EXCESSIVE
COMPRESSIVE
WALLS RESULTING
IN CRUSHNG
AT THE TOE UNDER
LATERAL

STRESS
IN CROSS
OF MASONRY
LOADING

FIG. E-22 VARIOUS MODES OF FAILURE OF

MAXINRY

masonry wall at an angle of 4Y to the vertical,

distributed
uniformaly
through
a triangular
section of the wall. This was based on provisions
of B. 5. CP-Ill : Part 2 : 19702. According
to
Brick Institute of America4, though distribution
of stress through an angle of 45 is borne out by

ANGLE

OF

Arching

ii) To explain the effect of arching on design

of lintels and stress in masonry,
let us

ANGLE

W - Concentrated

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

OF

DISPERSAL

W
w=po
2h tan30

W
w =Tixz5*

FIG. E-23

Action

i) Arching
in masonry
is a well known
phenomenon
by which part of the load
over an opening in the wall gets transferred
to the sides of the opening.
For good
arching action masonry units should have
good shear strength and these should be
laid in proper masonry bond using a good
quality mortar. Further,
portions
of the
wall on both sides of the opening should be
long enough [see E-533(i)]
to serve as
effective abutments for the arched masonry
above the opening since horizontal
thrust
for the arch is to be provided by the shear
resistance of the masonry at the springing
level on both sides of the opening. If an
opening is too close to the end of a wall,
shear stress in masonry at springing level
of imaginary
arch may be excessive and
thus no advantage can be taken of arching
in masonry for design of lintels.

DISPERSALL50

w-

toad

Distributed
load after
dispersal
at depth
h from
plane
of application
of concentrated
load

DISPERSAL OF CONCENTRATED LOAD IN MASONRY

DESIGN AND

: 1991

CONSTRUCTION-PART

30

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

consider
a wall of length AB with an
opening of effective span PQ = L as shown
in Fig. E-24 PRQ is an equilateral triangle
with PQ as its base.

arching action gets interrupted

because of
inadequate
depth of masonry
above the
triangle to function as an effective arching
ring. Also if there is some other load
between the lintel and horizontal
plane 25
cm above the apex R of the triangle,
loading on the lintel gets affected.

Because of arching action, loads of floor

and masonry above the equilateral triangle
get transferred
to the sides of the wall.
Therefore lintel at PQ is designed for load
of masonry contained in the triangle PRQ.

iii)

To work out approximate

stress in
masonry in various stretches, it is assumed
that:
a) load from the lintel gets uniformly
distributed
over the supports,
b) masonry
and floor loads above the
triangle PRQ get uniformly distributed
over the stretches of masonry CD and
EF at the soffit level of the lintel, CD
and EF being limited in length to L/2
and over the stretches GH and JK at the
floor level, limited in length to L or
L-H
whichever is less, H being the
2
height of top of the opening from the
floor level.
In case some other opening
occurs
between the lintel and horizontal
plane 25
cm above the apex R of the triangle,

in case of buildings of conventional

design
with openings of moderate size which are
reasonably concentric, some authorities on
masonry recommend a simplified approach
for design. In simplified approach, stress in
masonry at plinth level is assumed to be
uniformly distributed
in different stretches
of masonry, taking loadings in each stretch
as indicated in Fig. E-25 without making
any deduction in weight of masonry for the
openings.
It is assumed
that the extra
stresses obtained in masonry by making no
deduction for openings, compensates
more
or less for concentrations
of stresses due to
openings.
This approach
is _ of special
significance in the design of multistoreyed
load-bearing
structure
where intervening
floor slabs tend to disperse
the upper
storey loads more or less uniformly on the
inter-opening
spaces below the slabs and
thus at plinth level stress in masonry,
as
worked
out by the above approach
is
expected to be reasonably
accurate.

EXTRA
FLOOR
LOAD
CD AND
\ ON STRETCH

GH

MASONRY

x = L OR F,

whichever

LOAD

is less.

FIG. E-24 ARCHING ACTION IN MASONRY

HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION--PART

SF 20(S&T)

: 1991

ii) When location and size of opening is such

that arching action can take place, lintel is
designed for the load of masonry included
in the equilateral triangle over the lintel as
shown in ,Fig. E-26B. In case floor or roof
slab falls within a part of the triangle in
question
or the triangle
is within
the
influence of a concentrated
load or some
other opening occurs within a part of the
triangle,
loading
on the lintel will get
modified as given in (iii), (iv) and (v).
MASONRY
LOAD
ON LINTEL

NOTE - Loads
are

considered

on Sections
to be acting

A to E of the building
on wall lengths a to e

respectively.

FIG. E-25

5.3.3

Lintels
i) Lintels over openings are designed taking
into
consideration
arching
action
in
masonry
where feasible
as explained
earlier. It is a common practice to assume
that length of walls on both sides of an
opening should be at least half the effective
span of the opening for transfer of load to
sides by arch action. In case it is less, lintel
should be designed for full load over the
opening
regardless
of the height of the
floor slab as shown in Fig. E-26A.

FLOOR LOAD ON LINTEL

MASONRY LOAD ON LINTEL

FLOOR

E-26B Effective
Load
when LI and
L2 >, L/2 and Floor/ Roof Slab does not
intercept
the Equilateral
friangle
Over
the Lintel

iii) When stretches of wall on sides are equal

to or greater than L/2 and equilateral
triangle above the lintel is intercepted
by
the floor/roof
slab, the lintel is designed
for load of masonry
contained
in the
equilateral triangle plus load from the floor
falling within the triangle as shown in Fig.
E-26C.
iv) When stretches of wall on the sides of the
opening are equal to or greater than L/I 2
with the equilateral
triangle over the lintel
intercepted
by floor slab and another
opening comes within the horizontal
plane
2.5 cm above the apex of the triangle, lintel
is to be designed for loads shown in Fig.
E-26 D.

r]

E-26A

Effective

Load

FLOOR

when

Ll<$

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

v) When any other load is coming between

the lintel and horizontal plane 25 cm above
the apex of the equilateral triangle over the
lintel, the latter is designed for the loads as
shown in Fig. E-26E.
vi) It may be clarified that in fact load coming
on a lintel is indeterminate
and the above
suggestions
for the design of lintels are
based on empirical
rules derived from

CONSTRUCTION-PART

19

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

(2)

(1)

25.4-38.1
(10-15)

Multiple
brick-width

E-26C Effective Load when LI and LZ 2

L/2, and Equilateral
Triangle Over the
Lintel is Intercepted by Floor Slab Above
with no Other Opening to Intercept Arch
Action
and

general

principles

From experimental
research, it has been
observed that single brickwidth
walls for
vertical loads are stronger than multiple
brick width wails as can be readily seen
from the test results reproduced
below
(Swiss results quoted by Mark):
Wall
Thiikness

20

5.4 Permissible

(2)
12.7 (5)

1.oo

-do-

15.2 (6)

0.89

-do-

17.8-25.4
(7-10)

0.80
HANDBOOK

Compressive

5.4.1 .l Stress reduction

Stress

.factor

When a wall or column is subjected to an axial

plus an eccentric load (see Fig. E-27) resultant
eccentricity
of loading (??) may be worked out as
follows:
w=
Taking

moments

about

Wz=

w, + w2
AB,

W, X 0+

W2e

.. = _-_!%2_
WI + w2

5.4.1.2
(3)

Stresses

Permissible

5.4.1

Relative
Strength

cm (in)
(I)
Single
brick-width

For similar reasons, concrete blockwork

masonry which has proportionately
lesser
vertical joints is stronger than brickwork
masonryJ, though the Code at present does
not make any stipulation about it. In other
for high
rise load-bearing
countries,
structure advantage of this phenomenon
is
taken by making use of through-wall units
of burnt clay, thereby
attaining
higher
permissible
strength
for brick masonry,
and making it feasible to go high with
single unit thick walls.

of

vii) Economy in the design of lintels may be

effected by taking advantage of composite
action
between
lintel and the masonry
above it. For this purpose centering of the
lintel should not be removed till both
masonry (up to 25 cm above the apex of
equilateral
triangle above the lintel) and
RCC of the lintel have gained sufficient
strength so as to be able to bear stresses in
the composite
beam having masonry
in
compressive
zone and RCC lintel in the
tensile zone. Behaviour of composite beam
in this case is anologous
to that of grade
beam in pile foundation.

Wall
Construction

0.68

Theoretical
explanation
for the above
behaviour
of masonry is that presence of
vertical joints, which have a much lower
the
lateral
tensile
strength,
reduces
compressive stress of masonry under axial
loading. Thus greater is the frequency of
vertical joints,
lesser is the complessive
strength
of masonry.
Thus a 20123 cm
thick
brick wall (one brick-length)
is
weaker than a IO/ Il.5 cm brick wall of
single brick-width
because of presence of
vertical joints in both the directions in the
former. Table 8 of the Code for Basic
Compressive
Strength of Masonry, which
is based on British Standard*,
may be
presumed
to hold good for one bricklength or thicker walls and thus in case of
half-brick load bearing walls some increase
in Basic stress may be permitted at the
discretion
of the designer.

Ll ORL2 +

experrence
engineering.

(3)

Area

reduction

jhctor

i) Provision of Area reduction factor in-this

Code was originally similar to that in 1970
version of British Standard Code CP 1112.
When the Code was revised in 1980;upper
limit of small area was reduced from 0.3
to 0.2 m* based on the provision in BS
5628 Part 1 : 1978.
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

_ __-_ ..-..
-

$.

SP 20(S&T)
FLOOR

.. _

MASUNKY

OF

STOREY

.LOAD
OF
FLOOR
B AND
MASONRY
LOA
OF STOREY
B
ON LINTEL
:R

LUA

FLOOR

.;,!

,.,....,

(. . . . .-...

!, :

.:.

.:

.*

. :.

. .+*:

MASONRY
LOAD
OF

STOREY A
STOREY
A

E-26D
Above

H
/

Effective Load when L1 and Lz 3 L/2 and Equilateral

the Lintel is Within 25 cm l(Vertically)
of Another
in the Upper Storey
ANOTHER
LOAD WtTHlN
25cm
HORIZONTAL
PLANt
PASSING
THROUGH
THE APEX
OF THE
EQUILATERAL
TRIANGLE
OR

FROM

Triangle
Opening

THE

LowER\

ON
THE

LOAD OF
MASONRY
EQUILATERAL
TRIANGLE OVER THE
LOAD FROM
THE OTHER
LOAD WITHIN
THE
INFLUENCE
OF EQUILATERAL
TRIANGLE
OVER
THE LINTEL
ASSUMED
UNIFORMLY
DISTRIBUTED
AND DISPERSE
AT AN
ANGLE
OF 30 FROM
THE
VERTICAL

E-26E

Effective Load when L, and L2 2 L/2 and the Equilateral

Triangle is Within the Influence
of Another
Load
FIG. E-26 EFFECTIVE LOADS ON LINTELS FOR VARIOUS SITUATIONS

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
in permissible
compressive
5.4.1.4 Increase
stresses allowed for eccentric vertical and/or
lateral loads under certain conditions

A--

F-i

L---t----i
axial load.
eccentric load at distance
resultant load at distance
resultant eccentricity.

FIG. E-27

vertical load (vertical load plus

lateral load in case of free standing walls)
on masonry
causes bending
stress in
addition to axial stress. It has been found
that masonry can take 25 percent greater
compressive
stress, when it is due to
bending than when it is due to pure axial
load, because maximum
stress in case of
bending occurs at the extreme fibres and
then it gets reduced linearly while in axial
compression,
stress is more or less uniform
throughout
the section. For similar reasons
permissible compressive
stress in concrete
for beams is greater than that in columns
subjected to vertical loads. This rule of
higher Permissible compressive stress when
due to bending can also be explained from
the consideration
that beyond elastic limit
redistribution
of stresses
takes
place
because of plasticity and thus stress block
is in practice more or less rectangular
in
shape instead of triangular
as is normally
assumed
in accordance
with the elastic
theory. This enables the member to take
greater load.

------

---_

WI =
W2 =
W =
T =

9 Eccentric

8 from centre line.

d from centre line.

RESULTANT ECCENTRICITY

ii) When loading on a masonry element has

some eccentricity, the Code lays down the
design approach
for various
ranges of
eccentricity
ratios namely (a) eccentricity
1
ratio of - or less; (b) eccentricity
ratio
24
I
1
exceeding - but not exceeding 6 , and (c)
24

ii) Area reduction factor due to small area of

a member is based on the concept that
there is statistically
greater probability
of
failure of a small section due to substandard
units as compared
to a .large
element.
However
American
and the
Canadian
Codes
do not include
any
provision for smallness of area. The reason
for this seems to be that factor
of
safety/load
factors
inherent
in a Code
should be enough to cover the contingency
mentioned above for this provision. In the
Australian
Code (1974)8 and draft 1SO
standard
(l987)ii
limits for smallness of
area in this context are taken 0.13 and 0.10
m2, respectively. Strictly s eaking necessity
for this provision in the 8 ode arises when
there is appreciable variation in strength of
individual
units. In view of the fact that
being
masonry
units
strength
of
manufactured
at present in our country
can appreciably
vary, the necessity for this
provision
is justified in our code.
5.4.1.3

Shape

eccentricity

design approach
a/so Fig. E-28).

Basis of the
below

(see

1
or less24
Refering
to Fig. E-28B, I# is total
vertical
load per unit of wall with
resultant eccentricity r, t is thickness of
wall,fi and fiare the stresses at the two
faces of the wall. and f;n is Permissible
compressive
stress for axial loading.
ratio

.f;=f+

reduction factor

HANDBOOK

is explained

a) Eccentricity

Shape modification
factor is based on the general
principle
that lesser the number
of horizontal
joints in masonry,
greater its strength or load
carrying capacity.
It has, however, been found
from experimental
studies that for units stronger
than 15 N/ mm2, extent of joints in masonry does
not have any significant
effect on strength of
masonry because of use of the comparatively
high
strength mortar that normally
goes with highstrength units.
22

ratio exceeding

of

f+
Z
Substituting

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

values

AND

of A, M and

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

W
e =-

c=o

e=

= 1.25 fc
w
I,

fC

W=S,t

-L

: 1991

=-

1.25Xt
2

-L
fc

-r

STRESS

FIG. E-28A

FIG. E-28D

e= t/24
fc = 1.25

j-1 = 1.25 fc

f*= 0.75
w=ji

j-c

z--c-

fc

2w

r
3 2(

FIG. E-28B
t/24

W=

< e< t/6

f, = 1.25 fc
FIG. E-28E

FIG. E-28C
W=
fc =
P=
I=

permissible load per unit length of wall.

permissible compressive stress of masonry.
resultant eccentricity of loading,
thickness of wall.

FIG. E-28 VARIATION IN STRESS DISTRIBUTIO.N WITH

ECCENTRICITY OF LOADING
HANDBOOK ON MASONRY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

CHANGE

IN

23

SP 20(S&T)

for

: 1991

eccentricity

ratio

since JZ is equal
t
stres J;,

to axiil

cl Eccentricity

= 1

up to &

does

not exceed

f =UO_fl
a --2

axial

Since fi

compressive
stress by more than 25
percent which is permitted by the code.
Therefore

for eccentricity

ratio of $

load,

b) Eccentricity
exceeding
Bending

W =A

or

f;JY+W-2W
_t
t

= 1.25 xfc
2

load,

W = average

stress

x 3 (t - q

From the above equation

we can see
that theoretically
design load W is zero
when Z= t/2. However from practical
considerations
E should be limited to
t/3.

t
Thus on one face compressive stress gets
doubled and on the other face it is fully
nullified by tensile stress and there is no
tension in the cross section. For loading
with eccentricity

ratio between.--!- and !24

6
we have to limit the maximum stressfi
to 1.25 fc

iii) In Appendix
C of the Code, use of
concrete bed block has been suggested in
3.2 and 3.3. It seems necessary to add that
in case some tension is likely to develop in
masonry
beta use
of eccentricity
of
.concentrated
loads, the bed blocks should
be suitably reinforced and these should be
long enough so as to prevent tensile cracks
in masonry due to eccentricity of loading.
5.1.2

j;=F(l+y)=l.25f.

24

design

in

p$_!Lo

... Design

2T

E-28D)
Thus
X ab

l.(substituting
6

ab
---=-3

We X 6
stress = t?;

for eccentricity
ratio
the above equations),

The design load Win this case will be

equal to average
compressive
stress
multiplied
by length ab of the stress
triangle abc. Since for equlibrium,
the
load must pass through the centroid of
the stress triangle abc and the load is at
t
a distance of - - 7from the compressive
2
face, we get

& but not

i (see Fig. E-28C and

to 1.25 fc

1.25 h

ratio exceeding

has to be limited

fi; =

less, it is not necessary to compute and

add bending stress to the axial stress.
The designer is expected to work out
only axial compressive
stress for the
purpose of design and see that it does
not exceed
Permissible
compressive
stress for axial load.
.. Design

$ (see Fig.

E-28E)-We
had seen from (b) above
that when eccentricity ratio reaches the
I
value.-, stress is zero on one face; when
6
-1
this ratio exceeds - there will be tension
6
on one face rendering ineffective a part
of the section of the masonry and stress
distribution
in this case would thus be
as shown
in Fig. E-28E.
Average
compressive
stress:

cc?ipresIiII

As we allow 25 percent
additional
compressive
stress in case of eccentric
it follows
that
maximum
loading,
compressive
stress 6) for eccentricity
ratio

ratio exceeding

Permissible

Tensile

Stress

In accordance
with Note 2 of the clause tensile
stress up to 0.1 N/mm2 and 0.07 N/m@
in the
masonry
of boundry/compound
walls
is
permitted when mortar used in masonry is of M 1
and
M2 grade
respectively
or better.
This
relaxation has been made to effect economy in the

Load,

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

common practice since long to build such

walls to heights much greater than 0.86 m.
It was further seen from Table 9 of 1980
version
of the Code (based on BSCP
121 : Part
1 : 197312) that
height
to
thickness ratio of free-standing
walls given
in relation to certain wind speeds could not
be sustained
unless flexural
moment
of
resistance
of the wall is taken
into
consideration.
From a study of practices
being followed in some other countries in
this regard, it is evident that, for design of
free-standing
walls, it is appropriate
to
take into consideration
flexural moment of
resistance
of masonry
according
to the
grade of mortar used for the masonry.

design of the boundry/compound

walls since
there is not much risk to life and property in the
event of failure of such walls.
5.4.3 Permissible

Shear

Stress

In 1969 version
of the Code, provision
for
Permissible
value of shear stress (based on B.S.
CP 111 : Part 2 : 19702) was 0.15 N/mm* (1.5
kg/cm?) for walls built in mortar not leaner than
I : I : 6 cement : lime : saad mortar. In the 1981
version of the Handbook it had been brought out
that experimental
research on the subject had
proved that when masonry is preloaded, that is,
when it ids having vertical load, it is capable of
r&sting greater amount of shear force. Australian
Code AS : 1640-19748 had also reflected
this
already.
Based on that in 1980 version
of
IS 1905, value of Permissible
shear stress was
suitably modified and was related to amount of
preloading,
subject t6 a maximum of 0.5 N/mm*
and minimum
of 0.1 N/mm?.
5.4.4 If there is tension in any part of a section of
masonry, that part is likely to be cracked and thus
canndt be depended upon for resisting any shear
force. The clause is based on this consideration.
This situation
is likely to occur in masonry
elements subjected to bending.
5.5 Design
5.5.1
Load

Thickness/Cross

Walls and

5.5.1.1

Solid

Columns

Section
Subjected

to Vertical

walls

Brick work is generally finished by either pointing

or plastering and with that in view, it is necessary
to rake the joints while the mortar is green, in
case of plaster work raking is intended to provide
key for bending the plaster with the background.
Strictly
speaking
thickness
of masonry
for
of design
in these cases is actual
purposes
thickness less depth of raking. However in case of
design of masonry based on permissible
tensile
stress (as for example design of a free standing
wall), if walls are plastered over (plaster of normal
thickness i.e. 12 to 15 mm) with mortar of same
grade as used in masonry
or M2 grade-whichever is stronger or are flush pointed with
mortar of Ml grade or stronger, raking may be
ignored.
5.5.2 Walls and
Lateral Loads
5.5.2.1

Columns

Mainly

Subjected

ON

iii) As a general rule, a straight compound

wall
of uniform
thickness
is not
economical
except for low heights or in
areas of low wind pressure.
Therefore,
when either height is appreciable
or wind
pressure is high, economy in the cost of the
wall could be achieved by staggering, zigzagging or by providing diaphragm
walls.
Instances
of design
of staggered
and
diaphragm
compound
walls are given in
Solved Examples E-14 and E-15. It can be
seen that for wind pressure of 750 N/m*,
maximum
height of a 23 cm thick brick
wall using grade Ml mortar can be 1.5 m
for a straight wall, 3.2 m, for a staggered
wall and 4.0 m for a diaphragm
wall.

to

walls

i) 1980 version of the Code provided

for
design of a free-standing
wall as a gravity
structure that is, without placing reliance
on the flexural moment of resistance of the
wall due to tensile strength of masonry. It
was seen that this approach
to design
resulted in fairly thick walls and maximum
height of an unplastered 23 cm thick wall
(one-brick thick of conventional
size) could
be only about 0.86 m while it has been a
HANDBOOK

ii) Method of working out thickness of freestanding

walls by taking
advantage
of
flexural moment of resistance of the wall
has been given in Solved Example E-13. It
would be seen that self-weight of a free
standing
wall reduces
tensile
stress in
masonry
caused by lateral load that is,
wind pressure. Thus heavier the masonry
units, lesser is the design thickness of wall
for a particular
height. It is, therefore,
advantageous
to build compound
walls in
stone masonry in place of brick masonry
when
stone
is readily
available
and
thickness has to be greater than one brick.
Also it should be kept in view that use of
light-weight
hollow
units
such
as
bricks/ blocks in free-standing
walls has
obvious structural
disadvantage.

5 .S .2.2 Retaining

Free standing

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

walls

This clause is similar to 5.5.2.1 of the Code and

method of design of a retaining wall, based on the
permissible
amount
of tension in masonry,
is
similar to that for a free standing
wall.
5.5.3 Walls and Columns
I+t~ll as Latera; Loads

Subjected

to Vertical as

i) Longitudinal
walls of tall single storey
wide span buildings with trussed roofs such
as industrial
buildings,
godowns,
sports
halls, gymnasia, etc, which do not have any

CONSTHIICTION-PART

25

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

intermediate
cross walls other than gable
walls,
tend
to be very
thick
and
uneconomical
if designed as solid walls,
since vertical load is not much and the
lateral load due to wind predominates.
This would be particularly
so when the
trusses are not adequately braced at the tie
beam level so as to be able to act as
horizontal
girders
for transmitting
the
lateral loads to the gable walls. In this case,
the walls act as simple cantilevers
and
flexural stres;
at hti;et;+e
will be quite
high.
trusses
are
adequately braced to provide girder action
and are suitably
anchored
to the gable
walls, longitudinal
walls would function as
propped
cantilevers,
thus resulting
in
reduction
in
bending
considerable
moments
on the long walls as shown in
Fig. E-29.

information
regarding
use of diaphragm
walls ma refer to Brick Diaphragm Walls
in Tall smgle Storey Buildings by W. G.
Curtin and G. Shawl3
5.5.4 Walls Subjected to In-Plane
Vertical Loads (Shear Walls)

ratio of a diaphragm

5.5.5 Non-Load

Bearing

Walls

9 Non-load

wall is

much higher than that of a solid wall,

thereby resulting in economy.
iii) A typical arrangement
for laying bricks in
a diaphragm wall is shown in Fig. E-30. By
varying the depth and spacing of ribs in
terms of brick units, designer can obtain an
arrangement
that meets the requirement
in
any particular
case. Placing of ribs is
consideration
that
the
decided
on
projecting flange length on either side of
rib does not exceed 6 times the thickness of
the flange. Thus rib-spacing is limited to 12
tr + t, where tr and t, stand for flange and
rib thickness respectively.
Brick layout in
diaphragm
wall is planned
such that
proper masonry bond is obtained with the
least number
of cut bricks.
Designers
interested
in getting
more
detailed

bearing panel and curtain walls,

if not designed on the basis .of guidelines
given in Appendix D of the Code, may be
apportioned
with the help of Table E-5
which is extracted
from Recommended
Practices for Engineered
Brick Masonry4.
The table is based on the assumption
that
wall is simply
supported
only in one
direction
either verticahy or horizontally
without
any
opening
or
other
interruptions.
Where the wall is supported
in both directions,
the allowable distance
between lateral supports may be increased
such that the sum of the horizontal
and
vertical spans between supports does not
exceed three times the permissible distance
permitted
for supporting
in the vertical
direction.
given in Appendix
D of the
ii) Guidelines
Code are based on some research in which
without
panels
rectangular
mainly
openings were tested. If openings are small
that is, hole-in-wall
type (see E4.1 Note),
there would be no appreciable
effect on
strength of panels, since timber or metal
frames that are built into the openings
compensate to a great extent for the loss of

TRUSS NOT
BRACED

,-TRUSS
BRACED

=xX
I
31

and

A cross wall which functions as a stiffening wall

to an external load-bearing
wall, is subjected to
in-plane
bending.
If it is also supporting
a
floor/roof
load, it is subjected to vertical load in
addition
to In-plane
bending.
The
design
procedure in this case is given in Example E-l 1. It
should be kept in view ,that such a wall when
subjected to vertical load gets strengthened,
since
vertical load reduces or nullifies tension due to
bending
and
also
increases
the value
of
permissible
shear stress (sre a/so comments
on 5.4.3).

ii) In UK, masonry

diaphragm
walls have
been adopted
in wide-span
tall, single
storey buildings
and these have proved
very economical
and successful. Principle
of a diaphragm
wall is similar to that of a
rolled steel lrjoist that is, placing more
material at places where stresses are more.
As a result f

Bending

PROP

l%Ki:
E-29A

26

Trusses Not Braced

FIG. E-29 EFFECT OF BRACING
HANDBOOK

E-29B Trusses
OF TRUSSED
ON MASONRY

ROOFS

ON

DESIGN

Braced

BUILDINGS
AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

FIG.

E-30 TYPICAL

Table E-5 Span

to Thickness

Ratio

of Non-Load

Bearing

Panel/Curtain

Walls

Horizontal Span
A

kg/m*

Gement-Lime
Mortar I : I : 6

Cement-Lime
Mortar I : /2: 4%

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

25

38

43

54

61

50

27

30

38

43

15

22

25

31

35

100

19

21

27

30

125

17

19

24

27

150

15

I7

22

25
.

Pressure

NOTE-

LAYING ARRANGEMENT FOR DIAPHRAGM

WALLS

Vertical Span
A

Design Wind

with

BRICK

Partition

the help

walls which
of the above

are not subjected

Table

by assuming

to any wind pressure

a minimum

design

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

Gkment-lime
Mortar
I :

that is, internal

wind

strength of the panel due to the openings.

However, when the openings are large or
when the openings cannot be categorised
as of hole-in-wall type, it may often be
possible to design the panel by dividing it
into sub-panels
as shown in Fig. E-31.

HANDBOOK

: 1991

CONSTRUCTION-PART

pressure

Cement-Limd
Mortar
I : % : 4%

I :6

partition

walls may be apportioned

of 250 N/ml.

In situations
where design by forming
sub-panels
is not feasible, panel may be
analysed using theory of flat plates (for
example, yield line theory or finite element
method)
taking
into consideration
end
conditions
as appropriate.

27

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)

insulation,
sound insulation
to rain penetration.

and resistance

1 !EP.N*III*
____

ii) Resistance
to Fire-The
subject of fire
resistance of buildings has been dealt with
Indian
comprehensively
in appropriate
Standards4
and also in Part IV of the
National
Building
Code of India
1983
which may be referred to in this regard.

_________

I
I

I
I

=
C

I3

iii) Tlwrmal Insulation ~ Thickness of. walls in

case of non-industrial
buildings
from
consideration
of thermal insulation should
be worked out for the climatic conditions
of the place where a building
is to be
basis
of
IS
the
constructed
on
3792 : 197815. Even
though
no Indian
Standard
has yet been published
on the
subject for industrial
buildings,
data and
information
given. in the above
Indian
Standard
would be of some assistance in
deciding
the thickness
of walls from
consideration
of thermal insulation.
iv) Sound

KK

qf .Value

qf Wall

Standard
IS 1950 : 196216 lays
down sound
insulation
standards
of
walls for non-industrial
buildings
such
as dwellings,
schools,
hospitals
and
office buildings. Salient features of that
standard
are summarised
below for
ready information.

a) Indian

Insulation

OR
n

b) While deciding

l2cYYl

thickness/specifications
of walls, it is necessary to consider,
firstly the level of ambient noise in the
locality
where
building
is to be
constructed depending upon intensity of
traffic and type of occupancy
of the
building.
Noise level of traffic varies
from 70 decibels (abbreviated
as dB) for
light traffic to 90 dB for heavy traffic.
Requirements
of sound insulation
for
different buildings
from consideration
of ambient noise level and occupancy
are given in Table E-6. These values are
applicable to external walls for reducing
out-door
air-borne
noise.

freeedge.

Denotes
Denotes

Arrow,

simply

indicate

span

supported
ring

modes

edge.
of subpmek.

FIG. E-31 DESIGN OF PANEL HAVING A

LARGE OPENING
6 GENERAL
6.1 Methods

Table E-6 Requirements

of Sound Insulation
Values (dB) of External Walls of Buildings
Against Air-borne Noise

REQUIREMENTS
of Construction

Information
regarding constructional
aspects of
masonry based on IS Codes (relating to materials
of construction,
Codes of practice, etc) is givenin
a classified form in Part 2 of this Handbook
for
the convenience
of the designers, architects and
builders.
6.2 Minimum
Considerations

Thickness
of Walls
Other than Structural

i) Requirements
considerations
stability
have
regard
to
28

From

for thickness of walls from

other than strength
and
been discussed below with
fire
resistance,
thermal
HANDBOOK

[Clause
SI
No.

Type of
Building

(1)

6.2(iv)

(b)]

For Noisy
Locations
(90 dB Level)

(2)

For Quiet
Locations
(70 dB Level)

(31

(4)

I.

Dwellings

45

25

2.

Schools

45

25

3.

Hospitals

50

30

4.

Offices

40

20

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(54&T) : 1991
c) Sound insulation
values of party and
internal
wallls
decided
on
are
considerations
of levels of indoor noise
emanating
from adjacent
buildings
or
adjacent rooms and these should be as
given in Tab16 E-7.

e) Based on the data given in Table E-8,

insulation values of brick walls plastered
on both sides work out as in Table E-9.
Table E-9 Sound Insulation Values of Masonry
Walls Plastered on Both Sides
Thickness

Table E-7 Sound Insulation Values

and Internal Wails
si

Situation

(1)
I.

(2)
Between
house
rooms

living/ bed room in one

or flat and living/bed
in another

Elsewhere
flats

3.

Between one room and another

the same house or flat

4.

5.

between

Between teaching
school

houses

rooms

50

or

30

in a

40

Between one room and another

30

in office
6.

Between one ward

in a hospital:
Normal
Extra quiet

and

f)

40

in

45.1
41.3
48.0
51.3
52.2

NOTE---Thickness
of
nominal and exclusive

(3)

2.

As a general guide, it may be taken that

for noise insulation a one-brick wall (20
or 23 cm thick/plastered
on both sides
as external walland a /2 brick wall (10
or 1 I .5 cm thick) plastered on both sides
as internal walls are adequate.

v) Resistance
to
Rain
Penetration Recommendations
for thickness of walls
of different
types
of masonry
from
to rain
consideration
of resistance
penetration
based
generally
01, 1s
2212 : 196217 are given in Table E-10.

Common

defects of workmanship

a) Improper

mixing

b) Excessive

water

cl Incorrect

adjustment

Sound

kg

Insulation
Value
dB

S
25
50
100

22.8
33.2
37.6
42.0

I50
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
600

44.1
46.4
47.9
49.1
50.0
50.9
51.6
52.3
53.6

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

of Solid

AND

in masonry

are:

of mortar;
cement

ratio
of

of mortar;

suction

rate

of

bricks;

d) Unduly

thick

e) Uneven

or furrowed

bed joints;

. f-1Voids in perpend

HANDBOOK

above are
of phaster.

6.3 Workmanship
40
45

Insulation Values
Constructions

Weight Per rnz of

Wall Area

walls given
of thickness

another

d) Sound insulation
values of non-porous
homogeneous
rigid constructions,
such
as a well plastered brick/stone
masonry
or concrete wall, vary as the logarithm
of weight per unit area and thus increase
with the thickness of wall. These values
are given in Table E-8.
Table E-8 Sound

dB

7.7
IO
11.5
20
23

Sound
Insulation
Values
dB

No.

of Wall (cm)

for Party

g) Disturbance

bed joints;

joints;

of bricks

and

after

laying.

Improper mixing of mortar and excessive water

cement ratio may reduce the strength of mortar to
half, thereby affecting the strength of masonry.
Suction rate of bricks has a very pronounced
effect on the strength of brick-work and therefore
it should be controlled carefully. Water absorbed
from mortar
by bricks leaves cavities in the
mortar,
which get filled with air and thereby
reduce the strength of mortar:. Brick work built
with. saturated
bricks develop poor adherence
between brick and mortar. Thus flexural strength
as well as shear strength of such brickwork would
be low. At the same time such a brickwork will be
prone to excessive cracking due to high shrinkage
and thus rain-resisting
qualities of the brickwork
will be poor. British Ceramic Association
have
suggested a suction rate of 2 kg/ mini m2, while in
accordance
with Canadian
Code7 and American

CONSTRUCTION-PART

29

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Table E-10 Suitability
(R-Recommended

of Walls for Different Exposures

and NR-Not
Recommended)

PmtJcuJars of Wall

SI
No.

Type
Gheltered

(2)

(I)
I.

2.

3.

4.

Concrete block masonry 20 cm minimum

a) Not plastered
b) Plastered on both sides
Stone

blocks-20

a) Not plastered
b) Plastered both
5.

35 cm-not
plastered
35 cm-plastered
both

Cavity

cm,

Moderate

Severe

(3)

(4)

(5)

R
R
R
R

NR
R
R
R

NR
NR
NR
R

R
R

R
R

NR
R

R
R

NR
R

NR
NR

R
R

NR
R

NR
NR

Brick masonry-burnt
clay or sand-lime
a) 1 brick wall-not
plastered
b) I brick wall-plastered
both sides
c) 1% brick wall-not
plastered
d) 1% brick wall-plastered
both sides
Stone masonry
a) Minimum
thickness
b) Minimum
thickness

of Exposure
h

sides

thickness

Min thickness

sides

wall of 25 cm, Min thickness

NOTES

1 Use of cement-lime
or lime mortar in place of cement mortar appreciably
improves the resistance of a wall to rain.
It is alsoimportant
that joints in masonry are fully filled with mortar.
2 Sheltered conditions are those where wall is protected by overhangs or adjoining buildings or rainfall is low (less than
750 mm per year and is generally not accqmpanied
by strong winds. Severe conditions occur when wall is subjected to
strong winds and persistant rain and there is no sheltering action of overhangs or adjoining buildings, or rain fall is heavy
(exceeding 1 000 mm). Moderate conditionobtains
when exposure conditions are between Shelteredand
Severeconditions.

Practice6 adjustment
in suction rate is required,
initial absorption
rate exceeds 1 kg/min/m*.

if

position of bricks after laying becomes necessary

bricks as well as mortar should be completely
removed and brickwork redone with fresh mortar.

The Commentary
on Australian Codes specifies
that suction of bricks should be between 1.0 to
3.0 kg/ min/ m2. Optimum suction rate depends on
atmospheric
conditions,
namely, temperature
and
humidity as well as certain properties of mortar
used in masonry.
It is desirable
that suitable
provision for suction rate should be made in our
Code
after
obtaining
sufficient
data
from
experimental
studies.

6.4 Joints to Control

Strength
of masonry
gets reduced
as the
thickness of bed joints increases. Taking normal
thickness of bed joints as 10 mm, an increase of 3
mm in thickness of bed joints may reduce the
strength of brick masonry by 15 percent and vice

BIS has published a Handbook

on Causes and
Prevention
of Cracks in Buildings.
This book
would be of considerable
help to designers,
architects, engineers and builders for controlling
and prevention
of cracks in masonry.

Norr:~~~Sdme
in the mortar

masons have the habit of making a furrow

of the bed joint in the middle parallel to the

face, before laying a course of bricks, so as to lessen

squeezing out of mortar from the bed joints on pressing into
position.

This

practice

should

be avoided.
Deformation

and Cracking

versa.

Experiments
conducted
in other
countries
indicate that uneven or furrowed joints can reduce
strength
of brickwork
up to about 33 percent.
Thus, this is rather a serious defect in masonry
construction.
Inadequately
filled vertical joints, substantially
lower the rain resisting
property
of walls.
Disturbance
of bricks after laying affect the bond
strength as well as shear strength of brickwork
and therefore should be avoided. If adjustment
in
30

HANDBOOK

6.6 Corbelling
i) Limitations
of a corbel have been illustrated
in Fig.
E-32.
With
these
limitations,
minimum
slope
of corbelling
(angle
measured from the horizontal to the face of.
the corbelled surface) would work out to
63O, when using modular bricks with header
courses in the corbelled portion.
ii) Load on a corbel has very high eccentricity.
It is, therefore, necessary to exercise great
ON MASONRY

DESlGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

X<-

X<-

: 1991

I
XQ-

d
3

x = allowable
projection of one unit.
X = total
allowable
horizontal
projection

of

corbel.
I = nominal wall thickness (actual-plus thickness
thickness of one joint)
h = nominal
unit
height
(actual
height
plus
thickness of one joint).
d = nominal bed depth of unit (actual bed depth of
unit plus thickness of joint).
0 = slope of corbel (angle measured
from the
horizontal to the face of the corbelled surface).

FIG. E-32 LIMITATION

OF A CORBEL

caution
in the use of corbelling
in buildings
since eccentricity
in loads
appreciably
reduces the permissible compressive stress in
masonry.
As it is not feasible to make

ANNEX
WORKED

EXAMPLES

ON DESIGN

(In the solved examples which follow, numerical

values have been liberally rounded off with a view
to simplifying
calculation
work.
Also,
since
calculations
relating to masonry cannot be very
in computation
have
recise, approximations
are not
Izeen made when such approximations
likely to affect the end results. Emphasis in the
solutions
is more on practical
results than on
arithmetical
accuracy.)
Example 1 : Effective Height, Effective Length,
Effective Thickness
and Slenderness
Ratio of
Walls and Columns

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

MASONRY

precise calculations
of actual stress in the
corbelled
portion
of masonry,
the Code
provides for some empirical
rules to limit
the stress to within safe limits.

H-l
OF STRUCTURAL

I . &/rective

MASONRY

Height

a) First ,floor
Actual

height H = 0.7 + 3.0 + 0.06

= 3.76 m

A, B, C, D, E, J and M are all walls,

havmg length more than 4 times thickness
and thus:

In a double storeyed building walls are 20 cm

thick; clear height of floors is 3.0 m; plinth is 0.7
m above the foundation
footing, floor and roof
are of RCC 12 cm thick, door height is 2.1 m,
window height is 1.5 m and plan of the building is
as shown in Fig. E-33. Work out effqctive height,
and
thickness
effective
length,
effective
slenderness
ratio of walls and columns of First
and Second floors.
HANDBOOK

IN

CONSTRUCTION-PART

Effective

height,
h = 0.75 H
= 0.75 X 3.76
= 2.82 m

In case of F, K and N wall, even though

length is less than 4 t, these are not to be
treated
as columns,
because
they are
supported on one side by cross walls. Their
height,
therefore,
effective
will
be
1

31

--_-:

SP 20(S&T)

All dimensions

in metres

FIG. E-33

determined
2.82 m.

as in the case of wall and will be

Brickblord
G-Since
41, it is a column
per 4.3.3:

length is less than

by definition;
thus as

h = 0.75

H + 0.25 H,

= 0.75 X 3.76 + 0.25 X 2.1

2. Effective

Wall

being less than 4 t

and is supported
in both the
directions
by RCC beam/slab.

Effective

height

Ma//

Bm

supported

.floor

= 3.12 m
D, E,

F, J,

K,

M and

= 0.75 X 3.12

... I

G = 0.75 X 3.12 + 0.25 X 2.1

h for

P in both

directions

=H
= 3.12 m
32

on both.ends

and

is

on one side and has

on the other side which is taller than
= 1.5 X 3.0
= 4.5 m

= 2.34 m
h for

It is continuous
by cross walls.

Ilall Dpm It is discontinuous

an opening
0.5 H.

= 0.75 H

= 2.87 m

= 0.9 L
= 0.9 X 4.4

=0.9 L
= 0.9 X 3.0
= 2.7 m

... 1

H = 0.06 + 3.0 + 0.06

B, C,

on one end and

end is supported by

IIs// C
It is discontinuous
on one side and
continuous
on the other and is supported by cross
walls on both sides.

= 3.76 m in both directions.

/I forA,

is continuous
on the other

=0.8 L
= 0.8 X 4.4
= 3.52 m

... 1

is thus:

h=H

b) Second

of Walls

of walls will be same in first

floor.

= 3.96 m

P is a column

in length,
horizontal

It

discontinuous
cross walls.
... I

= 3.34 m
BrickLtlork

Length

Effective length
floor and second

MLI//E -- This wall is discontinuous

but is braced by cross walls.
=
=iO

.*. 1
Bricknwrk

taller

than

HANDBOOK ON MASONRY

F-This
0.5 H
DESIGN

in both sides,

m
wall,
is free
AND

because
on one

of opening
end and is

CONSTRUCTION--PART

SP 20(S&T)
supported
by
discontinuous.

cross

wall

on

the

other

end

is

follows:
Walls A and

... 1

=2

= 1.4 m

pS

_-- 4.4
0.19
W,

G--

It has no support on either side

and thus slenderness for this element will be
governed by its height.
Brickbtvrk

J--- Same

Brickuvrk

as brickwork

This

being

G.

K-This

is free at one end and

by a cross wall but continuous
at the

supported
other.

k,=
Walls

C and

SP

Wall M:
t,

in length,

being

3.0

0.19

_ 0.40 + 0.095
0.19

tw -

= 2.6 say 2.5

SP

2.0

0.19

WP

= 10.5 = 10 (say)
m

k, = 1.2

wall is continuous
on one side and
discontinuous
on the other. On one side it is
supported
by a cross wall which is more than

= 15 approximately

M--The

H=3=060

CO-efficient

WP

H
3
_=_
8
8
= 0.37 m

than 20, Stiffening

tw

= 1.5 L
= 1.5 x 0.7
= 1.05 m

NOTE ~~~I~heelement
K has been taken as continuous on
one etid, because length of wall between cross wall and
opening is more than

Wall

= 23
more

t
P=

... I

B :

+3
w

= 2 x 0.7

Hrickwwrk

: 1991

1.2 + 1.4

k, =

0.70 - 0.095 = 0.605

m.

= 1.3 (By interpolation)

On the other side, length of cross wall is less
than H/5 and thus this side is not adequately
supported.
The brickwork is thus supported and
continuous
on one side and free on the other,
thus
1=1.5
L
=1.5X2

=3.0

This element is discontinuous

and
on one end and free at the other, thus
L
= 2 x 0.40
= 0.80 m

1=2

Column

P : Same

3. lQective

as G.

MASONRY

out Resultant

Eccentricity

A masonry
wall, 20 cm thick (see Fig. E-34)
carries an axial load 27 kN/m from wall above
and an eccentric load 16 kNjm from RCC floor
acting at a distance 4.75 cm from the centre line
of the wall. Determine the resultant eccentricity of
loading and eccentricity
ratio.

Let IV be the total

Resultant
eccentricity

Thickness

ON

We may tabulate
values of effective height,
effective length, effective thickness, and stiffening
co-efficient
for each element
of brickwork
worked out earlier and then calculate values of
slenderness
ratio as in Table E-l 1.

Solutior7

Assume joints are not raked. Actual thickness

will therefore be 19 cm. From examination
of the
plan we find that walls A, B, C, E and M are
stiffened by cross walls. Thus effective thickness
will be actual thickness multiplied
by Stiffening
coefficient.
In all other cases. effective thickness
will be same as actual thickness. Stiffening coefficient
of the walls A, B, C, E and M in
accordance
with Table 3 of the Code will be as
HANDBOOK

Ratio

Example 2 : Working

Brickbtlork i?i-

supported

4. Slenderness

DESIGN

AND

Taking

moments

vertical
load
of all loads.

about

w.?=

the centre

and

the

line of wall

w, X 0 + wz X 4.75

(27 + 16)x 103~= 27 x f03 X 0 + 16 X lo3 X 4.75

CONSTRUCTION-PART

v=

16 X IO3 X 4.75
43 x IO3

= 1.77 cm
I

33

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Table E-11 Values
Fist

Brickwork
Element

of Slenderness

Floor, I = 0.19
A

/h

k.

Ratio

Second Floor, 1 = 0.19

h

SR>

kn

Remarks
SR

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

2.82
2.82
2.82
2.82

3.96
3.52
2.7
4.5

1.0

14.8
14.8
12.4
14.8

2.34
2.34
2.34
2.34

3.96
3.52
2.7
2.7

I
I
1.2
I

12.3
12.3
10.3
12.3

Value of SR shown in the

table is the one that is to be
taken into consideration
for
design

2.82
2.82
3.34
2.82
2.82
2.82
2.82
3.76

3.0
1.4

1.2

12.4
7.4
17.6
14.8
5.5
11.4
4.2
19.8

2.34
2.34
2.87
2.34
2.34
2.34
2.34
3.12

3.0
1.4

1.2
I

C
D

E
F
G
J

K
M
N
P
NOTES
1 In case

of walls

2 In case of columns

I .05
3.0
0.80

SR=

I
1.2
I

I
I
I
1.3
I
I
I

rXor;

if SR is different

and

for design

10.3
7.4
15.1
12.3
5.5
0.5
4.2
16.4

I
I
I
I.3
I
1

I .05
3.0
0.80
-

lesser of the two values

for the two horizontal

axes, greater

is considered.

of the two values of SR is considered

in design.

and clear height between slabs is 3.0 m. If the wall

has an axial load of 71.5 kN/ m at the base,
inclusive
of self-weight,
what should
be the
crushing strength of bricks and grade of mortar
for the wall. Wall is 4 m long between cross walls
and bricks used are of modular size. Assume that
there are no openings
junction
openings

with
in

in the wall within H of its

8
walls and there are no

cross
cross

walls

within

of their
5
junctions
with the load bearing
wall under
consideration.
Assume that two ends of wall are
discontinuous
and joints are not raked.

Solurion
W, = 27 kN/m
Wz = 16

Effective

kN!m

height,
h = 0.75

w= w,+ w2=43 kN/m

= 0.75 (3 + 0.12)
= 2.34 m

FIG. E-34

t=
Resultant

eccentricity

19 cm

SR=!!

ratio,

1
i?
1.77
- = = 0.09
t
19
=Example
Koad

3 : Design

of a Wall

Carrying

Axial

0.19
= 12.3

A load bearing brick masonry wall of a building is

20 cm thick, is laterally supported by RCC slabs
at top and bottom, which are 12 cm thick each
34

2.34

HANDBOOK

NOTE --Since
cross
walls are more than
0.19 X 20
= 3.80 m apart, value of stiffening co-efficient as per Table 6
of the code will be equal to one.
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Effective

this will be:

length,

k, = 0.70 + 1.5A

l=L

= 0.70 + 1.5 X 0.114

= 4.0 m
(Case

: 1991

at Sl. No. 3 of Table

= 0.87

5 of the Code)

Since effective height is less than effective

Icngth, SR based on height will control the design.

Stress reduction factor for zero eccentricity and

SR : 19.8 from Table 9 of Code by interpolation
is

Stress reduction factor ks with zero eccentricity

(from Table 9 of the Code for SR 12.3, by
interpolation)

= o 67 _ (0.67 - 0.62) X 0.2

2
= 0.665

= o 84 _ (0.84 - 0.78) X 0.3

Compressive

stress

= 0.84 - 0.01
= 0.83
Compressive

19 X 100

in masonry

lo3
lo4

.= 37.6 kg/cm2 = 0.376 N/mm*

= 0.386 N/mm2
For Shape modification
factor equal to 1, Basic
compressive stress of masonry in question is to be
0.386

With Shape
modification
factor = 1, Basic
Compressive
stress of masonry

= 0.665 X 0.87

_ 0.376

= 0.67 N/mm2

0.83
= 0.45 N/mm*

From Table 8 of the Code it is seen that strength

of bricks in this case should be 7.5 N/mm.

Referring
to Table 8 of Code we find that
.bricks of strength 5.0 N/mm2 are required if the
bricks have height to width ratio equal to 0.75.
Since modular bricks are used which have height
to width ratio of 1.0, value of Shape modification
factor (from Table 10 of the Code) equals to 1.2.
Thus

44x
0.114x

= 38.6 N/cm2

stress

= 71.5 X lo3

in masonry

W
Z---Z
A

Basic Compressive

stress

= 0.38 N/mm2
Referring to Table 8 of the Code again, masonry
required
is-bricks
of 5 N/mm* strength and
mortar of M3 grade.

If masonry element
carries a load of 44
load, what should
grade of mortar for
that joints are not

to breadth

Loaded Short
Building

P in first floor of Example 1

kN at the base inclusive of self
be the strength of bricks and
masonry in question? Assume
raked.

ratio

of modular

bricks

0.9
=-=l
0.9
Thus from Table lO+k, = 1.1 and value
Compressive
stress should thus be

required

=- 0.45
1.2

Example 4 : Design of an Axially

Length Wall of a Double Storeyed

Height

of Basis

0.67
= 0.6 Nf tntn>
1.1
and
grade
of mortar
for this Basis Compressive stress (vide Table 8) should be Ml
and masonry
in question for element P would
thus be : 7.5 - M 1.
Example 5 : Design of a Wall Carrying Eccentric
Load,

Eccentricity

Ratio

Being

Less than L
24
If load at the top of wall in case of Example 4 is
acting at a distance of 0.7 cm from the centre line
of the wall, design the brick masonry for the wall.

SoluIion :
Eccentricity

ratio = s

Solulion
Length

of masonry

element

0.7

as per plan

= 0.6 m
As length is less than 4 times its thickness, the
element by definition
is a column. SR for this
column, as worked out in Example 1 is 19.8. Area
of P in plan = 0.19 X 0.6 = 0.114 m2. The area
being less than 0.2 m* (see 5.4.1.2 of the Code).
Area Reduction factor (k,) will be applicable and
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

= 0.037
Since

this is less than

& it is not

necessary

to

work out bending stress on account of eccentricity

as per Note below of 5.4.1 of the Code. Thus
axial stress in masonry at the base will govern the

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION--PART

3s

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

design and masonry required will be as worked

out earlier in Example 4, namely 7.5-Ml.

= 22 N/cm*

Example 6 : Design of a Wall with Eccentric Load,

Thus maximum compressive stress fl in masonry

on one face = axial stress + bending stress

Eccentricity

Ratio

Being

Between

and i

A wall 20 cm thick, using modular bricks carries

at the top a load of 80 kN/m having resultant
1
eccentricity ratio ofWall is 5 m long between
12
cross walls and is of 3.4 m clear height between
RCC slabs at top and bottom. What should be
the strength of brick and grade of mortar. Assume
that joints are not raked.
Solution

0.42 + 0.068 + 0.22 N/ mm2

0.708 = 0.71 say
reduction
factor k, for SR = 13.4 and
,
eccentrtclty
ratio 12I (from Table 9 of the Code,
Stress

by interpolation)
= 0.81 - (0.81 - 0.74) x y

As effective height of the wall is less than its

length, SR in the direction of height will govern
the design. Also since length to thickness ratio of
the wall exceeds 20, stiffening coefficient of wall
will be unity. Moreover, element being fairly long,
Area reduction
factor will not apply.
Actual

= 0.22 N/mm*

thickness

= 0.76
In accordance
percent additional
ratio

between

with 5.4.1.4(a) of the Code 25

stress is allowed for eccentricity

L and.-!24
6

Therefore Basic compressive stress of re uired

masonry having Unity Shape modification ? actor
should be

= 20 - 1
= 19 cm

SR = 0.75 X 3.4

0.76 X 1.25

= 13:4

= 0.74 N/mm*

Although
theoretically
as explained
in E-4.7
critical stress in masonry in any storey occurs at
a height of 0.6 H from the bottom support, we
would for the sake of simplicity in calculations,
assume it to occur at bottom support.
Axial

stress in masonry
=-

0.71

0.19

due to loading

From Table 8 of t&e Code we find that bricks

should
have strength
of 7.5 N/mm*.
Since
modular bricks are being used, which have width
to height ratio of 1, Shape modification
factor ks
from Table 10 of the Code is 1.l and thus
masonry should have Basic Compressive
stress

at top

=_ 0.74
1.1

W
A

= 0.67

= 80 X lo3
100 x 19
= 42 N/cm = 0.42 N/mm*
Axial

support

stress due to self load of wall at bottom

(W being the unit weight of masonry)
_

WAH
A

= 20 x IO3 x 3.4
1Oh
= 0.068
Bending
top.

M
II

is a normal practice to work out stress on

above the bottom support for every storey of a
to design the masonry for slenderness of wall
resultant
eccentricity
of loading at the top

7 : Design

Eccentricity

Ratio

of a Wall
Being

Eccentric

Load,

Greater Than t

of load at the

WeX 6
hi?

80 X IO X 20 X 6
= ~--.--100 X 19- X 12
36

NO.lTE ~ It
masonry just
huilding and
ilong with
rupport.

Example

N/mm

stress due to eccentricity

Refering to Table 8 of the Code again we find

that, using bricks of 7.5 N/mm* strength, grade of
mortar should be M 1. This masonry is designated
as : 7.5-Ml.

II \~DKOOK

A 23 cm thick brick masonry wall (see Fig. E-35)

carries an axial load .of 12 kN per meter length
and eccentric load of 27 kN per meter length
acting at a distance of 7.33 cm from the axis of
the wall. Design the masonry for the wall if its
Slenderness ratio is 16, assume that joints are not
r;Lked.
Ov MASONRY

DICSICN

AND

CONSTHIICTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
= 0.63 - (0.63 - 0.58)

l2KN 27KN
7.33

cm

(0.23 - .O.16)
(0.25 - 0.16)
= 0.59
Since 25 ercent higher stress is permissible as
per 5.4.1.4( &) of the Code, and Shape modification factor k, of bricks is unity bemuse bricks
have height to width ratio less than 0.75, Basic
compressive
stress of required masonry
0.44

cm

= 0.59 X 1.25

FIG. E-35

= 0.6 N/ mm2
Thus from Table 8 of the Code strength of
brick should be 7.5 N/mm2 and grade.of mortar
M 1. Marginally
even mortar M2 can do.

Resultant

eccentricity,

= WI X el + W2 X
WI+
=

12 X 10 X 0 + 27 X IO3 X 7.33
(12 + 27) X IO3

= 5.07 cm,
ratio = ;
5.07

=p

of a Wall

with Openings

External wall of a single storeyed house is 20 cm

thick. and has door and window openings
as
shown in Fig. E-36. Plinth level is 1.20 m above
the top of foundation
footing and floor to ceiling
height is 2.80 m. One way RCC slab of 3 m clear
span bears on the wall and is IO cm thick.
Ljctermine the maximum
stress in the wall and
calculate strength of bricks and grade of mortar
required for the wall. There is a 20 cm thick
parapet wall of 0.8 m height above the roof slab.
V~all and parapet are plastered on both sides.

w2

Eccentricity

8 : Design

Example

e2

(23 - 1)
= 0.23
This being

I
more than ; , there will be tension

on one face and effective thickness

of wall
supporting
the load will get reduced. Referring to
E-5.4.1.4(ii)(c),
thickness of wall in compression
=3

I I
0.,64

2.0

LINTEL

;_a

SILL

Ar.0

-cl@5

LEVEL
LEVEL

I
i-l.0

/I

I
-d

0.6

+ I-O.16

= Z-On?
OF

WINDOW=O.bm

)
All

= 3(;

--

- 5.0)

dimensions in meAreS
FIG. E-36

= 17.8 cm
Maximum
Compression
stress in masonry
would be twice the average compressiire stress on
compression
since
stress
area
under
the
distribution
is triangular.
Thus
maximum
compressive
stress
= 2 X (12 + 27)103
100 X 17.8
= 44 N/cm2

From a visual examination

of Fig. E-36 it is
observed that portion h of wall will have the
maximum stress. We will. however, for the sake
of comparison and illustration,
work out stress at
plinth level in portion 0 of the wall as well. Since
there are no openings below PL. load disperses
below plinth
and corresponding
stresses
get
reduced notwithstanding
the increase in self-load
of masonry.
l.oads

= 0.44 N/mm
Stress reduction
factor /;, for SK 16 and
eccentricity ratio 0.23 (from Table 9 of the Code,
by interpolation)
HANDBOOK

05

.MASONRY

DE:SI(;N

AND

Parapet

CONSIHIC1ION-PAHT

= v

X 0.80 X 20 X 10

= 3.52 kN/m
1

37

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
Roof

Since wall is plastered

assumed to have raked

Load

RCC

slab

10 cm thick

= 10x250

Thus

effective

= 2 500 N/m* = 2.5 kN/m*

Lime concrete

terrace

= 17 cm
Compressive

Live load

N/m*=2.4

kN/m*

span

Roof

= 26 N/cm2 = 0.26 N/ mm*

Slenderness

span

load

ratio from consideration

=-

on wall

= o 75 x (1.20 + 2.80 + 0.05)

0.17

= 18

= 9.92 kN/m
of wall including

I hough length of wall a is less than 4 t that is,

76 cm, it will not be considered
as a column,
because it is supported
by a cross wall on one
side.

plaster

=19+3
= 22 cm
Self-load

of wall up to plinth
= 2

Effective
level

= 0.60 + y

(Length of wall a has been taken up to centre of

cross wall)
= 0.69 cm

on wall

of length

1.38
0.17

=8.0
len thwise SR is less than
o f height,
former
will

Stress reduction
factor
Table 9 of the Code)
= 0.95
Area

This portion bears additional

load on account
of opening on one side, which is 1.0 m in width.

SR in the direction
=-

Since
direction
design.

a of wall

load

= 1.38 m (see Table 5 of the Code)

Therefore

It is a common
practice not to make any
deduction
in wall loads on account of openings,
since calculations
for design of masonry are not
very precise.

... Total

= 2 X 0.69

= 12.32 kN/m

Length

length
=2

X 2.8 X 20 X IO3

= 12.32 X lo3 .N/m

Portion

of height

= 6.4 X 3.1

Thickness

level

17 X 69

= 3.00 + 0.10
= 3.10 In
.*.

at plinth

= 3065 X lo3

of slab
= 3.00 m

Effective

stress
=---W
A

= 1.5 kN/ m*

Total load = 6.4 kN/ m*

Clear

thickness

=19-2

12 cm thick

= 12x200
=2400

on both sides, it may be

joints on both sides.

reduction

where

SR

8.0 (trom

factor

=O.fO+

k, for

that in the
govern
the

k,

(see

5.4.1.2)

1.5 A

A = 0.17 X 0.69
.*. ks

= (3.52 + 9.92 + 12.32)

= 0.117 m2
= 0.70 + 1.5 x 0.117
= 0.70 -t: 0.18
= 0.88

= 25.76 X 1.39

Therefore, basic compressive stress of required

masonry, with unity Shape modification
factor

= 30.65 kN
3%

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Area

0.26
= 0.93 X 0.8B

reduction
factor k,
=0.7+
1.5 A
= 0.7 + 1.5 X 0.085

= 0.31 N/mm*

= 0.83

Portion b of wall
Length

Thus
masonry

= 0.5 m.

This being less

becomes a column.

: 1991

than

t,

by

definition

Basic compressive
with unity Shape

stress of
modification

requisite
factor

it
=-&__k, X k,

.This portion of wall has openings on both sides,

therefore, total weight on wall at plinth level

0.45
= 0.59 X 0.83

-1 0.50 + y

= 0.92 N/mm2

= 38.64 kN
Compressive

stress

in wall at plinth

= 38.64 X IO3
17x

50

level

= 45 N/cm2
l

= 0.45 N/mm2
Slenderness

Ratio

Effective height for the masonry for the direction perpendicular

to the plane of the wall (see
4.3.3)
h
Where

= 0.75H + 0.25 H,

HI is the height

of taller

opening

= 0.75 (1.2 + 2.8 + 0.05)

+ 0.25 X 2.0
= 3.04 + 0.50
= 3.54 m
Effective height of masonry
parallel to the Wall
h

for the direction

=H

= 4.05 m
of wall will be

3.54
=-----2.1
0.17

and-

4.05
0.5

= 8.1

Thus SR 21 will govern the design as element

is being deemed to be a column
k, fromTable

9 of the Code

for SR 21

= 0.59
Area

of the portion

of wall in plan

= 0.5 X 0.17

Since plan area is less than 0.2 m2, Area

reduction
factor (see 5.4.1.2) will apply.
ON MASONRY

Wall of a single storey building as shown in Fig.

E-37 carries a concentrated
load of 70 kN from a
beam. Design the wall as well as bed block under
the beam. Roof of the building consists of an
RCC slab which bears on cross walls and beams.
Height to width ratio of the building is less than 2
and span of the beam is 6 meters. RCC slab is
designed as a one-way slab.
Solution
Let us consider the stress at PL in masonry AB
between the window. Top lateral support on this
masonry may be assumed to be at mid level of the
beam

that

is, at a height

of 5 + 0.15 - i X 0.5

= 4.9 m above the plinth level. Bottom support

will be reckoned at the top of footing.

= 0.085 m2

HANDBOOK

Thus from Table 8 we get grade of mortar for

the masonry to be Ml. It may be mentioned that
if there is only a small portion of wall which is
carrying high stress, it may be possible to effect
economy in cost by using a lower grade masonry
for walls which do not have large openings and to
use the masonry we have calculated only for the
portions of wall b, which has openings in both
sides. For that purpose stresses on other walls
should also be calculated and masonry designed
accordingly.
It should however be kept in view
that if in one storey of a building,
bricks and
mortar of different strength/grades
are to be used
a very close supervision
is required in order to
avoid mistakes.
Example 9 : Design of a Wall with Concentrated
Loads from Beams

= 1.2 + 2.8 + 0.05

SR for the two axes

Obvious1
stress in Wall 6 will govern the
design. Re tyerring to Table 8 of the Code, we see
that bricks of 10.0 N/mm2 strength are required.
For these bricks from Table 10 of the Code,
k, = 1.1 and thus Basic compressive
stress of
required masonry should be
0.92
= = 0.84 N/mm2
1.1

= 4.9 + 1.25

Thus H

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

= 6.15 m
I

39

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

In addition there will be some stress in masonry

due to self load of wall. Because of the window
openings weight of 3.5 m length of wall, will be
borne by 2.5 m length only. Height of masonry
above the plinth
= 5.0 + 0.15 + 1.0
= 6.15 m
Thus stress in masonry
to self load of masonry
=

A B at plinth

level due

20 X lo3 X 0.25 X 3.5 X 6.15

20 X 2.5 X 100

= 21.5 N/cm*
= 0.22 N/mm

All dimensions

in metres.

It should be noted that for calculating

self
weight of masonry we take overall thickness inclusive of thickness of plaster which is 22 + 3 = 25
cm and for the purpose of working out stress we
take effective thickness which equals 20 cm.

FIG. E-37
And effective

height, h

= 0.75 X 6.15 = 4.6 m

Let us assume that wall is one brick that is, 23
cm thick, joints are raked for plastering on both
faces of the wall, and overall thickness including
plaster is 25 cm.
Thus

effective

thickness,

= 23 - 1 - 2

(actual thickness of
23 cm wall is 22 cm)

Thus
PL

overall

stress in masonry

in question

at

= 0.33 + 0.22
= 0.55 N/mm2
From Table 9 of the Code we get stress reduction
factor
k,
for
SR
23 = 0.54.
Thus
Basic
Compressive
stress for masonry for unity Shape
modification
factor should be

= 20 cm
Thus SR

= 5
t
=-

4.6
=---..0.2

0.54
= 1.01 N/mm2

= 23
In accordance
with 4.6.1 and Table 7 of
the Code maximum SR for a brick wall in cement
mortar should not exceed 27. Thus thickness of
wall is adequate
from consideration
of SR.
Stress

in Masonry

AB at PL

Concentrated
load from beam is assumed to
disperse to a maximum
extent of b + 4t where
b is the width of bearing of beam and t is the
effective thickness of wall (see Appendix D of the
Code).
Thus
b + 4t = 25 + 4 X 20
= 105 cm
Therefore
load

stress

in masonry

for concentrated

70 x lo1
= 20 x 105
= 33.3 N/cm2 = 0.33 N/mm2
40

0.55

HANDBOOK

Referring to Table 8 of the Code stren$h

of
bricks to be used should be 12.5 N/mm
and
grade of mortar should be M 1. Since height to
width ratio of units is less than 0.75 and strength
of units is 15 N/mm*, shape modifactor
will be
unity and no further modification
is needed.
In case bricks of strength 12.5 N/mm2 are not
locally available we may either introduce piers of
1% brick thickness under the beams or change the
thickness of entire wall to 1% brick that is, 34.5
cm. While considering the alternative
with a pier
under the beam, advantage
may be taken of the
provision in Note 5 under Table 4 of the Code.
According to that Note if pier is kept 1/z brick
thick and wall is one brick thick, pier and wall
will act as one structural element and thus it may
be feasible to achieve a fairly economical
design
without having to make the entire wall I l/z brick
thick. Design should be worked out for both these
alternatives and the one which is more economical
should be adopted.
Let us now work out the bearing stress under
the beam and examine the need for a bed block.
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
Bearing

width

of beam

= .25 cm

Thus length of wall supporting

rated load at a depth of 0.74 m

Length of wall supporting

the concentrated
load equals the space between window openings
which is 3.5 - 1 = 2.5 meter. Since length of wall
is more than 3 times the width of bearing, load
from the beam would be treated as a concentrated
load and 25 percent increase in bearing stress
would be permissible
(see Appendix
D of the
Code).
Assuming
that
beam
bears
on full
thickness of wall bearing stress
=p

= 0.25 + 2 X 0.74 X tan

= 0.25 + 0.85
= 1.1 m
Therefore
depth

stress

=20x

at bearing

20 X lo7 X 0.25(1.0 + 0.5)

=

100

Therefore

total

= 0.38 N/mm2

stress of masonry

from Table

Permissible
SK 23

Permissible
compressive
stress
below the beam with k, = 1

for

= 0.57 N/mm*
Thus

As explained in E-4.6(vii)*when
we invoke the
provision
of Note 3 below Table 9, we do not
make any increase in permissible
compressive
stress, because of concentration
of load, under
5.4.1.4(c) of the Code.
than permissible stress
provide concrete bed
design has been given
stress in masonry at a

from the bottom

of the beam. Angle

of dispersal
of the load in masonry
may be
assumed to be 30 degress with the vertical (53.1
of the Code).
up to bottom

of beam,

= 5 - (0.50 - 0.15) + 1.25

=5.9 m
It should be noted that for the portion of wall
directly below the beam we have taken actual
height to be the clear distance
between
the
supports that is the bottom of beam and top of
wall footing
22 zz 0.74
8
MASONRY

stress in masonry

= 1.06 X 0.535

immediately

= 1.06 N/mm2

ON

compressive
= 1.06 X ks

= 1.06 N/mm2

HANDBOOK

stress

= 0.32 + 0.06

stress = 1.44 N/mm2

of masonry

100

= 5.6 N/cm2 = 0.06 N/mm*

.. Overall = 1.40 + 0.04

As bearing stress is more

it would bc necessary to
block under the beam. This
later. Let us also check the

20 X 10 X 0.25 X (1 + 0.5 + 0.79)

20x

= 0.04 N/mm2

Basic compressive
8 of the Code

110

Stress in masonry due to self load of wall at $

that is 0.79 m below the beam

= 3.8 N/cm

H
-_=
8

at a

= 32 N/cm* = 0.32 N/mm*

20x

Height

beam

70 x lo3

due to self load of masonry

of r

from

off

= 1.40 N/mm*

depth

in masonrv

70 x IO3

= 140 N/cm2

30

= 0.25 + 2 X 0.74 X 0.577

20 X 25

Stress
level

the concent-

masonry

is safe below +

We have seen earlier that masonry is not safe in

bearing under the beam. It is therefore necessary
to provide a concrete bed block under the beam.
Design

qf

concrete

bed

block

Through a concrete bed block, stress is assumed

to spread at an angle of 45 to the vertical.
Length of block should be such that compressive
stress on masonry
after spreading
through the
block reaches the permissible compressive
stress
value of masonry,
which in this case is 0.57
N/mm* as worked out earlier. A simple method
of working out length of block is the trial and
error method.
Approximate
length
from the relation

of block

AND

could

be had

1 x 20 X 0.57 = 70 X lo3

1=

70 x lo3
20 X 0.57

=61

cm

In order to make some allowance

stress due to self load of masonry
DESIGN

height.

(ONS1HUClION-PART

for additional
let us assume
41

SF 20(S&T)

: 1991

length of block to be 70 cm. In that case depth of

block should be (assuming angle of dispersion to
be 45)
=--

70 - 25

spaced 5 meter apart, in accordance with E-4.2.2.2

it is not necessary to work out wind stresses.
However for the sake of illustration
we will work
out the stresses due to wind in the transverse
direction.

2
2) Loads

= 22.5 cm
It is desirable to adopt a depth in terms of
number
of brick Courses that is a multiple of
nominal depth of bricks which is 7.7 cm. Thus let
us make the depth to be 23 cm. We would now
work out the actual stress at the bottom of this
block and compare it with the permissible stress
in masonry.
Stress

due

to beam

load

below

the block

= 70 X lo3

Assume that roof and floor slabs are I5 cm thick.

Since the building is only 3 storeyed, we would
ignore the live-load reduction factor for the sake
of simplicity.
As structural
system is based on
cross wail construction,
slabs are designed for
one-way action so that slab load is supposed to
come only on the cross walls. Since walls are
plastered, joints of masonry are assumed to be
raked.
Roof/floor

load

20 X 70

= 7 X IO3 X 5 X 18.5

= 50 N/cm*

= 648 kN

= 0.5 N/mm*

Self-load

Stress due to self load at the bottom

block

of cross

of the bed

=240X

20 x 100

stress

lo3 N

= 240 kN

= 4.33 N/cm* = 0.04 N/mm2

overall

wall per floor

= ; ; :o x IO3 x (0.22 + 0.03) x

20 X 10 X 0.25(1 + 0.5 + 0.23)

Thus

per bay per floor

in masonry

Self load of 2 corridor walls (/z brick thick) per

floor per bay ignoring openings
= ; ; $0 x lo3 x (0.105 + 0.03) x

= 0.5 + 0.04
= 0.54 N/mm2

=81

This is safe being less than permissible stress of

0.57 N/mm*. Thus a concrete bed block 70 cm
long and 23 cm deep of width same as thickness
of wall should be provided below the beam.

Wind

load

kN

per bay per floor

= 1 320 X 5 X 3 = 20 X lo3 N
=2000

Example 10 : Design of Walls of a Building with

Cross Waij System of Load-bearing Construction
A 3 storeyed building as shown in Fig. E-38 has
load bearing cross walls of 23 cm thickness. The
building is subject to a wind pressure of 132/m*.
External longitudinal
walls are also 23 cm thick
while internal corridor walls are /z brick thick. All
walls are plastered both sides. Design the masonry
for cross walls of first floor. Assume roof and
floor loads (RCC slab) to be 7 kN/m*. The
building
is without any parapet over the roof.
Centre to centre height of floors is 3 m.

kg

3) Direct Compressive
to Vertical Loads
Total vertical
at PL

Stress in Cross

load on cross walls AA of first floor

=3(24000)+2X64800+2X
8 100
= 2.18 X lo3 kN

Area of the cross walls in plan per bay,

assuming
total depth of raking to be 2.0 cm.

Solution

= 2 X 8 X (0.22 - 0.020)

1) We will consider the design of a typical cross

wall of first floor marked AA on the plant. Roof
and floor loads borne by the typical cross walls is
shown shaded on the plan in Fig. E-38. Height to
width of the building equals

= 3.20 m2
Thus direct Compressive

42

less than

due

= 2.18 X IO6
3.20

3x3

is much

stress in masonry

to vertical loads

(20.5 + 0.44) = o*43

which

Wall Due

= 7 X 10 N/m*

2. As cross

= 0.7 N/mm

walls are

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(5&T) : 1991
SLAB

SUPPORTED BY WALL A
7

GENERAL

TYPICAL

PLAN

PLAN

OF CROSS WALL A

All dimensions in mctres.

FKL E-38
4) Bending Stress Due to Wind Load
Wind load normal to the main elevation per
bay will be acting as shown in Fig. E-39.
Wind moments at plinth wall of the building
per bay
= 10 x 10 x 3 x 1 + 20 x lo3 x
3X2+20X10
X3
= 270 X lo3 N.m
Total wind moment in the entire building
= 270 X lo3 X 6
= 1 620 kN.m

The above moment will be shared by various

cross walls including end walls in the ratios of
their respective stiffnesses, that is, moments of
inertia.
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONStRUCTION-PART

FIG.

E-39eWIND
I

FORCES ON ONE

BAY
43

SP 20(S&T)
Moments

: 1991
of Inertia

of inner cross wall (5 Nos.):

Moment

between

openings

and

cross

+ 2 X 0.22 X 0.76

18.5 + 0.22 2
2

= 116 - (negligible)

+ 29

= 145 m4

B.M. borne

by one inner

cross wall AA.

1 620 X lo3 x 182

= (Lg2 X 5 + 145 X 2) k 250 X lo3 N.m

of wall

By comparison
with the figure of 270 kN.m
which is the wind moment per bay, it is obvious
that as an approximation
we could take wind on
one cross wall to be equal to wind moment per
bay.
Bending
stress on cross wall due to wind
moment

= 12x0.22
= 2.64 m
HI6

12

12

Thus

= 2.28 m
thickness

wall

There are in all 5 cross walls and 2 end walls

which are resisting the wind moment.

wall

= 2.5 - 0.22

12 time

(1) of one end

= 0.22 X (18.5)3 _ 0.22 X 2.53

In this case parts of the longitudinal

wall will
act as flanges to the cross walls, the maximum
projecting
flange length being actual distance
between window openings and cross walls or 12
times the thickness
of longitudinal
wall or
H
whichever
is less (see 4.2.2.5
of the
7iCode).
Distance

of Inertia

=3X3

= 1.5 m

= +a
-

Thus overall effective flan e width which will

act along with the cross wa B1 (see Fig. E-40) in
resisting bending moment is

= 1.5 + 0.22
= 1.72 m
Moment
flanges

of inertia

= + 0.013 N/mm*

of cross wall AA inclusive

of

Overall

12

12

+ 2 X 0.22 X 1.72

18.5 + 0.22 2
2

= 116 - (negligible)

+ 66

of inertia

for the end

In this case projecting

to 6t or g,

flange

whichever

wall
length

is to be

is less

-3X3

= 0.713 N/mm*

wall

or 0.687

N/mm*

It is thus evident that when height/ width ratio

of a building is small, we need not in fact compute
wind stresses in the masonry and could base our
design only on direct compressive
stress.

Slenderness
ratio of wall, assuming that plinth
level is 1.0 m above the top of footing
h
=t
0.75 (3.0 + 1.o>
(0.22 - 0.025)

16

= 15

= 0.56 m

FIG.
44

in cross

Let us now design the cross wall for overall

compressive
stress of 0.7 N/mm2 as worked out
above.

= 182 m4

limited

stress

= 0.7 + 0.013
= 0.22 X (18.5)3 _ 0.22 X 2.53

Moment

compressive

E-40 TYPICAL CROSS WALL WITH FLANGES

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Stress
Code

reduction

factor

from

Table

9 of the

D-DOOR 1.5

W-WINDOW

x 2.5

: 1991

1.5~ 2.0

= 0.76
Basic compress
Shape modification

stress of masonry
factor

for

unity

0.7
= = 0.92 N/mm*
0.76
Referring to Table 8 of the Code bricks should
be of strength 10.0 N/mm* and mortar should be
of grade Ml.
In case of longitudinal
grade masonry
could be
comparatively
lighter loads,
quality of bricks and grade
cross as well as longitudinal
since longitudinal
walls are
to the structural
strength

walls, though lower

provided
because of
as a general rule same
of mortar are used for
walls on one floor,
expected to contribute
of cross walls.

11 : Design of a Hall Subjected to Wind

Example
Load

A hall as shown in Fig. E-41 and of inside

dimensions
10.0 m X 20.0 m with a clear height of
5.5 m up to the bottom
of beam is to be
constructed
with load bearing
masonry
walls
using modular
bricks. Calculate
thickness
of
walls, strength of bricks and grade of mortar for
longitudinal
and cross walls, assuming
a wind
pressure of 1 200 N/m2.
PLAN

Solution:
1) Design

All dimensions

Data/ Assumptions

Height of parapet

= 20 cm above

Plinth

= 0.5 m

height

Height

of plinth

above

slab

foundation

level

footing

h
* t = %

thickness

Cross

H = 0.7 + 5.5 + (0.80 - 0.06)

of Walls

(from

top

of footing

to centre

of slab)

= 6.94 m
h = 0.75 H = 0.75 X 6.94 m

wall

= 5.21 m

H = 0.7 + 5.5 + 7

(NOTE
-Actual
height has been reckoned
foundation
footing up to middle of beam.)

from

Adopt

MASONRY

30 cm nominal

DESIGN

AND

thickness

for cross walls.

3) Loads :
Roof load
RCC slab

SR=h
ON

= 19 cm

top of

h = 0.?5 H = 0.75 X 6.6 = 4.95 m

5.21

t=SR=27

= 6.6 m

HANDBOOK

18 cm

wall

According
to 4.6.1 of the Code, maximum
SR = 27, assuming cement or cement-lime mortar
Long

4.95
-=
= 27

In view of long spans and assuming that joints

are raked to a depth of 1.0 cm on both sides
adopt
1% brick wall with actual thickness
=
29 cm, that is, nominal thickness 30 cm.

= 0.7 m
2) Minimum

E41

FIG.

Roof consists of RCC T-beams 40 cm X 80 cm

with RCC slab 12 cm thick, beams being at 4.0 m
centres. Roof is covered with lime concrete terrace
of 15 cm average thickness.

in metres.

CONSTRUCTION-PART

= 12 X 250 = 300 N/m2

45

SP 20(S&T):1991
Terrace

= 15 X 200 = 300 N/m*

Live load

1500 N/m2
= 7 500 N/m2

Self weight

Therefore

total

axial

at plinth

level

= 0.28 + 0.46
= 0.74 N/mm*
Cross

of beam
= 40(80 - 12) X 25 000

wall without

opening

(Wall

a)

61.1 X lo3
stress = 26 x loo = 23.5 N/cm*

Compressive

100 x 100
=6800

= 0.24N/mm*

N/m
Cross

Effective

span

of beam

wall with opening

Compressive

= 10 + 0.3

on long

N=190

100
= 4.61 X 10 N/m
on cross

walls

= 75yx4

= 15000

N/m

= 15 kN/m
on wall at plinth

in Walls Due to

Vertical

5) Stresses
Stresses
i) Long

to

the

make

door

allowance

opening

which

Loads and Combined

walls

load

P on long

wall per bay

=pA

Loads

at footing-top

4.61 X lo4 X 4.0

2.5 X 26 X 100

due ,to concentrated

will spread

(Wind
plinth

load on exposed
has been ignored)

Total

load

from

beam

on

= 1.20 m length

of wall

level due to concentrated

190000

= 1.56 X 26 X 100

wind

= 28.4 N/cm

b + 4t = 0.04 + 4 X 0.29

.*. Stress at plinth

= 31 200 N = 31.2 kN
portion

of wall below

level due to self weight

= 0.28N/mm2

load

= 46 N/cm*

HANDBOOK

load

for the building

(5 bays)

= 31.20 X 5 = 156 kN
Moments

due

to wind

load

on long

wall

The walls are laterally supported at the top by

RCC beams and slabs. It can be assumed that this
lateral support will be adequate as a horizontal
girder to transmit
the wind force to the cross
walls. The long wall will thus function
as a
propped
cantilever
and the maximum
bending
moment will be -PH at bottom support as shown
in Fig. E-42.
8
Maximum
B.M. on long

wall per bay

=- PH
8

= 0.46N/mm*
46

due

to

= 1 200 X 4 X (5.5 + 0.8 + 0.2)

Load

is

Since long walls are not adequately stiffened in

accordance
with the requirements
of clause
4.2,2.2(b) of the Code and hall is longer than 8.0
m, it is necessary to work out bending stresses due
to wind load in longitudinal
as well as cross wall.
Obviously wind load normal to the long walls will
be critical and therefore we will work out bending
stresses in long as well as cross walls on account
of wind load normal to the long walls.

Wind

2.5 m length of wall will bear weight of 4.0 m

length of wall, because of openings.

Stress

Due to Lateral

Longwall

.*. Stiess

.= 27.6 N/cm2

(10 - 1.5)

Wind load on long wall

level

= 46.1 + 15 = 61.1 kN/m

4) Stress

factor

for increase in stress

is 1.5 m long.)

kN

(29 + 3) (0.7 + 5.5 + 0.8 + 0.2) X 20 X lo3

load

10

(26 X 100)

(NOTE-The

Self load of wall including parapet assuming 3

cm plaster thickness. Since we will be considering
combined stresses due to vertical loads and wind
load, we will work out all loads at the top of
foundation
fqoting which is

Total

level

= 0.28 N/mm*

=190000

Shbload

b)

walls

10.3
Load from beam = (750 X 4 i- 680) 2

Load

stress at plinth

61.1 X lo3

5 10.3 m
Load

(Wall

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
fRCC
I AND

Moment

SLAB

BEAM

A part of the long wall will act as a flange with

the cross wall and effective overhanging
length of
flange (see 4.2.2.5 of the Code) will be actual
length of wall up to window, that is,

PROP

1
P

1.25 m or 6t that

is 6 X 0.20 or E

0.7 + 5.5 + 0.8 + 0.2

16

FIXED

SECTIONAL
VIEW

of inertia of cross wall

B M DIAGRAM

FIG. E-42

whichever is less, that is, 0.45 m. Thus

neutral axis of the wall
=

0.29 x.103

0.7 + 5.5 + y

is,

= 0.45 m
I about

+ 2(0.45 + 0.29) 0.29 X 5.152

12

12
_ 31 200

that

= 24 + 0.9

= 24.9 m4

=31200X6.6

Thus

= 25 740 N.m

bending

stresses

at extreme

fibres

= 25.74 kN.m
We have erred on the safe side by including a
small portion
of height which is actually not
exposed and thus not subject to any wind force.
Bending

+ 2 80 000 X 5.29
24.9 X ld4

stress in long wall

= 5 6.0 N/cm2

f=f

= 0.06 N/mm2
Combined

&CSMx+

stresses in long wall

ln case of cross wall 6 combined

stress + bending

stresses are

stresses are

= 2.8 ? 0.6 = 0.28 f 0.06

stress

= 0.74 + 0.46 = 1.20 N/mm

0.28 N/ mm2 (both

stress

= 0.24 + 0.06 = 0.30 N/mm2 or

0.18 N/ mm2 (both compressive)

= + 0.46 N/mm2

=-axial

walls

stress + bending

In case of cross wall a combined

= + 46 N/cm2
Combined

in cross

= axial

- 4 X 0.292 X lo4

bd2

stress

25.74 X lo3 X 6

= 0.34 N/ mm2 or 0.22 N/mm2

(both compressive)

or

compression)

ii) Cross walls

Wind forces are shared by cross walls in the
ratios of their stiffness. Since the cross walls are
identical except for a small door opening in the
middle in one wall, for practical purposes it may
be assumed that wind loads are shared equally by
the 2 walls.
Total wind load on a cross wall may be
assumed to be acting at a plane at mid-height of
the cross wall. Thus total B.M. on one cross wall

Check for shear stress in cross walls

We will consider wall 6 which will have greater
shear stress
Shear

load
=

on the cross
156 X lo3

wall

= 78.0:
lo3 N
Section
of wall being rectangular,
we will
assume
parabolic
shear
distribution
and
maximum
shear stress will be 1.5 times the
average shear. Since flanges do not make any
contribution
for resisting shear load, maximum
shear stress on wall
78.00 X lo3 X 1.5

1 56 000 X (0.7 + 5.5 + 0.8 + 0.2)

= 0.26 X (10 - 1.3) X 10

2x2

= 5.3 N/cm2

= 280.8 X lo3 N.m

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND

= 0.05 N/mm2
CONSTRUCTION-PART

47

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Permissible shear stress (see 5.4.3 of the Code),

assuming
mortar to be of Ml grade.
& = 0.1 + fd/6 where fd is axial compressive
stress on the wall due to dead load.

fd= stress due to self load of wall + stress due

to dead
=

load

from

Stress

reduction

Basic compressive
fication factor
=-

= 0.28 N/mm2

Thus

0.28

basic

0.34

stress

of masonry

0.55
=-=
1.1

N/mm2

stress for unity Shape modi-

Referring
to Tables 8 and 10 of the Code,
bricks should be of strength 7.5 N/mm2 and with
Shape modification
factor equal to 1.I.

Thus

=0.14

= 0.55 N/mm2

100

= 28 N/cm2

+-

Table

0.62

61.1 X lo3 + 6 X IO3 X 2

fs=O.l

from

= 0.62

slab

26X

factor

required

0.5 N/mm2

Actual stress being only 0.50 N/mm, wall is

safe in shear. In fact since actual shear stress is
about one third of permissible
shear for Ml
mortar, we could use M2 mortar. Thus both cross
walls are safe in tension as well as shear.

... Grade .of mortar should be M3. However from

the consideration
of shear stress, we should use
grade M2 mortar.

6) Masonry for

In a framed structure a panel wall (see Fig.

E-43) of brickwork 23 cm thick is 4.5 m long and
3 m high (between centres of supports).
If the
panel is subjected to a horizontal wind pressure of
750 N,m, determine
the mix of motar for the
brickwork
assuming:

i) Long

Walls

walls

Masonry of long walls should be designed fo5

maximum compressive stress that is, 1.19 N/mm

SR=h

= 0.75(0.7

Example

12 : Design

of Panel

Walls

a) panel is supported at top and bottom

free on other 2 edges,

+ 5.5 + 0.4)

and is

0126
= 19
Stress
code

reduction

factor

k, from Table

9 of the
PANEL

= 0.65
Therefore
for unity
Shape

Basic compressive

stress for masonry

modification
factor
1.19
=0.65
= 1.83 N/mm2

Fro. E-43 PANEL

Referring
to Table 8 and Table 10, bricks
should. be of strength
25 N/mm2 and mortar
should be of grade Hl. If bricks of this strength
are not locally available it would be necessary to
introduce piers under the beams so as to increase
the supporting
area thereby reducing stress in
masonry.
ii) Masonry for

WALL

WALLS

b) panel
other

is free at the top and

3 edges, and

c) panel

is supported

supported

on

on all 4 edges.

Solution
Case (a)

cross walls

Masonry of cross wall should be designed for

maximum compressive stress that is, 0.34 N/mm2

In this case, panel is spanning

direction and maximum
bending

in the vertical
moment is

SR=h
= ot.75 X (0.7 + 5.5 + 0.8 - 0.06)
0.26
= 20
48

HANDBOOK

750 x 3 x 4.5 x 3
8

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

._ .-

SP 20(S&T)
(see Appendix

D of the Code)

Therefore

stress

3 010 X 6
3 X o*222 x IO4

M
z---z
Z

= 3 800 N.m

tensile

12.4

N/cm2

= 0.124

= 4.5 x b.222 x 10
= 0.11 N/mm*
in masonry

due to

Case (c)
In this case panel
and g

20 x IO3 X 3

lo4 x 2

ratio

From Table 13 of the Code (by interpolation),

we get maximum
bending
moment
M in the
horizontal
direction

stress

(0.11 - 0.03) = 0.08 N/mm

= 0.038 X 75 X 4.5 X 3 X 4.5

If mortar used for masonry is 1 : 1 : 6 or better,

tensile, stress up to 0.07 N/ mm2 is permissible vide
5.6.2 of Code. It will thus be marginally
safe in
tension with Ml mortar. It may be clarified that
even if oints are raked to serve as key for plaster
it is va j.id to base the design on full thickness of
wall provided the wall has ,been plastered with
mortar of grade not lower than Ml.
Maximum

compressive

= 1 730 N.m.
Thus the maximum
tensile
zontal direction
will be
=1730X6

stress

= 0.11 + 0.03 = 0.14 N/mm2

shear

force

= 7.2 N/ cm2 = 0.072

N/ mm2

= .048 N/mm2
This will be safe with mortar of M2 grade for
which permissible tensile stress is 0.10 N/mm2 for
bending
in the horizontal
direction
across bed
joints.

= 10 130 N
stress

on panel

= 750 x 4.5 X 3

... Shear

stress in the hori-

= 3.0 X 0.22* x 10
Total

on all 4 edges

3
= 0.67
4.5

= 0.03 N/ mm2
tensile

is supported

is

= 3 N/cm2

.*. Maximum

N/mm2

This is safe, being less than permissible limit of

0.14 N/mm
provided mortar of grade M 1 or
better and bricks of strength not less than 10
N/mm2 are used,

3 800 X 6

Compressive
stress (axial)
self-weight at mid-height

: 1991

at supports
10 130

Example
Wall

= 2 x 4.5 x 0.22 X lo4

= 0.51 N/cm2
= 0.005 N/ mm2
This

is safe being

less than

0.1 N/mm2

13 : Design

of a Straight

Free Standing

A free standing brick wall 23 cm thick (see Fig.

E-44) is subjected to a wind pressure of 750 N/m .
What should
be the maximum
height from
consideration
of stability, for mortars M 1 and M2
grades.

Case (b)
Solution

Ratio = 314.5
= 0.67

Since HI L ratio exceeds 0.3 and panel is free at

top and supported
on other 3 edges, maximum
bending will be in the horizontal direction, and by
interpolation
from Table 12 of the Code it will be:

Code permits tension in masonly free standing

walls to the extent of 0.07 N/mm
if mortar used
is of Ml or better grade and 0.05 N/ mm2 if
mortar used is of M2 grade.
Tensile

stress ft at the base

= 0.66 PL

C-M -- *
Z
A

z 0.66 X 750 x 4.5 x 3 x 4.5

=-- PH

22

= 3 010 N.m
HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

of wall

wHXA
A
49

--_--

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)

200+

1 158

930
= 1.46 m say 1.5 m
1 : 6 cement

If we use

mortar

(M2 grade)

ft = 0.05 N/mm2
and

from

the above

50 000 =
465 H2=200

equation

2 250 H2
0.22 X 0.22

-20000

H-500=0

:. H =

200 + ,/(200)2

+ 4 X 465 X 500
2 X 465

200 + 985
930

= 1.25 m

SECTIONAL
FIG.

Considering

ELEVATION
E-44

1 meter

pHX6

4;=.

In urban areas it is a common practice to build a

23 cm thick courtyard
wall for houses in 1 : 6
cement mortar, plastered on both sides up to a
height of about 2 meters. It has proved to be
generally safe, because the wall is braced by cross
walls.

length

The Code permits higher tensile stress in the

case of boundry/courtyard
walls at the discretion
of the designer (see Note 2 of 5.4.2 of the Code).
Thus if we design a 23 cm wall for a tensile stress
of 0.1 N/mm*, as is permissible for Ml mortar,
we get a safe design height of 1.7 m as follows:

of wall,

I- wH

2 X t=

3pH2
=--2_-WH
t

465 H* - 200 H - 1 000 = 0

._--_
H= 200 + J_
665 X 1 000

inserting value
lo3 N/m3
:. f; =
If mortar

used

of p ~750
2 250 H
t2

N/m*

Example
Standing

grade,

= 70 X lo3 N/m*
thickness,

2 250 H

actual thick-

- 20 000 H

0.22 X 0.22

= 46 500 H* - 20 000 H
465 H - 200 H - 700 = 0
This

is a quadratic

equation

ax + bx i- c = 0 and
X=

Thus

SO

14 : Design
Wall

of

Staggered

Free

A brick masonry wall of staggered shape (see

Fig. E-45) is 23 cm thick and is subject to a wind
the maximum
pressure
750 N/ m2. Determine
height of the wall if mortar used is: (a) 1 cement :
1 line : 6 sand (Ml grade), (b) 1 cement : 6 sand
(M2 grade).
(a) Consider
module length AB of the wall
which is 2.31 + 0.22 = 2.53 m long. If ft is
the
permissible
tensile stress in masonry

of the form

its solutiqn

is

-b+db-4ac
2a

we get,
H=

2 X 465

- 20 X lo3 H

For t = 23 cm nominal
ness = 22 cm
70 x lo3 =

w=2OX
= 1.7 m.

is of Ml

f; = .07 N/mm2

and

.-MM
X 700

200 + J-465
2 X 465

2
= 950 H2 N.m

HANDBOOK

750 X 2.53 H2

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Solving

2.31 2

for H we get

this equation

200 + 42002 + 4 x 13 1 x 500

H=
L

: 1991

2 X 131
200 + 550
262

All dimensions

in metres.

= 2.86 m say 2.8 m

FIG. E-45 PLAN VIEW OF A STAGGERED WALL

I, around
=2

N.A

of the wall

[,.155X%

_ o.22j2

-I- 1.155 X 0.22 X (0.565

=

0.22 ;;.565

1
= 2 (0.001 025 + 0.007 561) + 0.003 307

= 0.017 2 + 0.003 31
= 0.205 m4
0.565
2

inserting

values

of projecting
flanges on either side of a rib should not
exceed 6 times the flange thickness. In other words module
of a staggered wall should be limited to 12 times the thickness of wall plus width of the rib or pier formed by staggering. Thus in the above example upper limit of module works
out to 12 X 0.22 + 0.22 = 2.86 m as against 2.50 actualiy
provided in the wall in question.

15 : Design
Wall

Example
Standing

of a Diaphragm

Type Free

In accordance
with IS 875(Part
3) : 1987,
wind pressure, pZ = 0.6 Vi, where V, stands for
design wind speed

= 0.282 m
Thus

While planning
and designing
a free standing
wall, it should be borne in mind that total length

A brick masonry wall (see Fig. E-46) is built in

mortar of grade M 1. Find the maximum
safe
height for this wall, when it is subjected to a wind
velocity of 47 m/s and is located in a built up
urban
area.
Bricks used are of format
size
23 X 11.5 X 7.7 cm.

= 2 X 0.085 86 + 0.003 807

Y=-

NOTEstaggered

in the equation:

(= V&&2).
Vb is regional basic wind speed and kl, k2, k3 are
modification
factors

f,=+vH
=

950 H X 0.282

- 20 000 H (N/m)

0.205
= 1310
Permissible
Cement

value

mortar

Hz-2000

of tension
across

for

1 : 1 : 6.

H=

this quadratic
200 + J2002

= 0.91

k3

= 1.0

.*. pz = 0.6 X (47 X 0.73 X 0.91)

= 750 N/m2

.. 700,= 131 Hz - 200 H

131 Hz - 200 Hequation

wall) = 0.73

kz

bed joint

= 0.07 N/ mm2 = 70 X lo3 N/m2

Solving

k, (for a boundry

Consider the diaphragm unit of length B and if H

be the height of the wall in metres, then Bending
Moment

700 = 0

pH2=p(BH)X%zp~

M=_..-

we get

+ 4 X 131 x 700

B = 1.27 m and p = 750 N/m2

2 X 131

:. M =

= 200 + 638

750 X 1.27 X H
2

= 476 H

262
= 3.2 metres
b) If mortar used is of 1 cement : 6 sand mix
(M2 grade), value of permissible tensile stress
is 0.05 N/mm2 = 50 X lo3 N/m.
SubStituting in the above equation,
5 000 = 1 310 Hz - 2 000 H
131 Hz-200
HANDBOOK ON MASONRY

H-500=0
DESlCN

AND

= _My- wH . . . . . . @qn
I
MJ being

the unit

I_---_Bd
12

CONSTRUCTION-PART

weight

xl

of masonry

bd3
I2

@e&wing

to .Fjg. ;E-4q
51

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)

B = 126.75 cm, b = 116.25 cm

D = 56.5 cm, d = 35.5 cm
NOTE : For proper bond some bricks are 3/4
size as shown in plan view of a diaphragm
wall.

FIG. E-46 PLAN VIEW OF A DIAPHRAGM

D = 56.5 cm and
Taking

all units

d=

I=

If mortar
used is of M2 grade,
N, m2 then we get H = 3.6 m.

35.5 cm

in metres,

12

12

= 0.019 x 0.004 3
= 0.0147

Straight

m4

=_ 0.565
2

Staggered

In accordance
with .the Code, permissible
tension in masonry with mortar Ml is
= 70 000 N/m2

Thus inserting

values in the aboive

Eqn X we get

476 Hz X 0.282
70 000 =
- - 20 000 H
0.014 7
=9
Transposing

130 H2-20000
and

913 Hz-2000

.
. . Hz

simplifying,

equation

we get

ooo2 + 4 x 913 x 7 000

2 x 913

length

0.632

2.53
= 0.25 m2
For the same wind pressure., this wall can be
taken to height of 3.2 metres with M 1 mortar and
2.8 m with M2 mortar.
Wall

Area for one diaphragm

length
= 1.268 X 0.565 - 1.163 X 0.355
= 0.303 m2
Area

2 000 + 5 437
=-

1 826

per metre

length

0.303

1.268
= 0.24 m

= 4.07 m = 4.0 m (say)

52

=-

per metre

Diaphragm

H-7000=0

this quadratic

2 000 + J2

of 2.53 m

= 0.508 + 0.124
= 0.632 m2
Area

W = 20 000 N/m3

Solving

Wall

Area of wall for module length

= 2.31 x 0.22 + 0.22 X 0.565

= 0.282

and

Walls

Area of wall per metre length = 0.22 X 1 = 0.22

m. This wall for a wind pressure of 750 N/m2 can
be taken to a height of 1.5 m using M 1 mortar
and to a height of 1.25 m using M2 mortar.

D
y = 2

0.07 N/mm

ft = 50 000

It will be of interest to compare the economy of

staggered
and diaphragm
type free
straight,
standing
walls as considered
for design
in
Examples
13, 14 and 15.

1.16 X 0.3553

1.27 X 0.5653

WALL

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
This wall can be built to a height of 4.0 m, with
MI mortar and to a height of 3.6 m with M2
mortar. Diaphragm
walls can be used with great

ANNEX
DESIGN
RESIDENTIAL

H-2.1

Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case

Design

H-2

OF. BRICK MASONRY

FOR
BUILDINGS
UP TO 3 STOREYS

Parameters
Live
Load

Maximum
Span
(Short
Span
in Case
of 2- WaIa
Slab)

Clear
Height
?J
Store_v

kg/ cm?

3.00
3.60
3.00
3.00
3.60
3.60
4.20
4.20

2.70
2.70
2.70
3 .oo
2.70
3.00
2.70
3.00

150
150

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

advantage
and economy
in single storeyed tail
structures
for warehouses,
factories
and large
halls, etc.

FlZrs

200
200
200
200
200
200

H-2.2.X Wall plastered

total plaster thickness
H-2.2.9 Length
ratio of rooms
H-2.2.10
of walls

ratio,

I .30

span

in walls as percentage
wall

45 percent

b)* In internal

wall

30 percent

H-2.2.1 1 The bricks used in masonry are modular

bricks of nominal
size 20 X 10 X 10 cm.
H-2.2.12 Openings
located that:
a) In load bearing
$

function

Assumptions
For All
Cases

cross

in a wall are so shaped

walls, openings

distance

from a cross wall, that

as a stiffening

wall, and length

wall is not less than

of

(see 4.6 and

Fig. 9 of the Code and also comments

of the Code).

Height
level

of plinth

from

0.5 m

H-2.2.2
footing

Height
top

of plinth

above

1.0m

b) The horizontal
area of brickwork
wall is not less than 2 000 cm.

wall

I .Om

c) The brickwork
openings
does
definition.
NOTE

and

do not occur

H-2.2.1
ground

H-2.2.3 Height of parapet

above RCC roof slab

of area

a) In external

within
H-2.2

to width

Openings
in plan

3 cm

on both sides.

on 4.4
in any

between
two consecutive
not become a column
by

~~ In case area of brickwork

In any wall

is less than

For
Cases
I, 3
and 4

For
Cases
2, 5
and 6

For
Cases
7 and
8

Thickness
of
roof/floor
slab

IOcm

12cm

14cm

H-2.2.13 RCC roof/floor

bears fully on eternal
masonry
walls; thus eccentricity
over wall has
been assumed to be negligible.

H-2.2.5 Thickness
of
lime concrete over
roof slab (average)

IOcm

12cm

14cm

H-2.2.14 The RCC slabs are designed as two-wa)

slabs. thus loads on wall are shared accordingly.

H-2.2.4

RCC

H-2.2.6

Thickness

of ceiling

finish

I cm

H-2.2.7
flooring

Thickness

of cement

concrete

4 cm

ON MASONRY

actual

H-2.3
All
Cases

For

HANDBOOK

2 000 cm or becomes a column

DESIGN

AND

H-2.3.1

portions

Design

shall

be checked

by delinition,

stress in the

by calculations.

Steps

Skendert~es.v Ratio (SK) und Stress Fuclot

(KS)

Slenderness
ratio and stress factor have heen
calculated and are given in Table EZ-I2 for each
case (see E-12).

CONSTRl~CTION-PART

53

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Table

E-12 Slenderness

Ratio

Particulars

Case 1
&
Case 3

I. Third and second sroreg

a) Actual height H in m (centre to centre of structural slab)
b) Effective height h = 0.75 H from Table 1 of the Code.
c) SR=t

for t= 19 cm

2. First storey
a) Actual height H in m (from top of footing to
the centre of slab)
b) Effective height h = 0.75 H according to
Table 1 of the Code

d) Stress factor K, for SR given above in (c) from

Table 5 of the Code
h

7 for r =29 cm

fj Stress factor K, for SR given above in (e) from

Case 4

Case 6

Case 7

Case 8

2.87

3.15

3.17

2.89

3.19

2.14

2.15

2.36

2.18

2.17

2.39

12.4

11.3

12.5

11.4

12.6

0.86

0.86

0.83

0.83

0.86

0.83

3.76

3.77

4.06

4.07

3.78

4.08

2.82

2.83

3.05

3.05

2.84

3.06

14.8

c) SR = p for f = 19 cm

Case 2
8L
Case 5

Factor

2.85

11.3

d) Stress factor K, for SR given above in (c) from

Table 9 of the Code

e) SR=

and Stress

14.9

16.0

0.76

0.76

9.7

9.8

0.90

0.90

0.73
10.5
0.88

16.1
0.73
10.5
0.88

14.9

16.1

0.76
9.8

0.73
10.6

0.90

0.88

Table 9 of the Code

H-2.3.2

Loads
Unit

H-2.3.2.1

weights

For
calculating
the
loads
of different
components
of the building,
the following unit
weights of materials have been taken:
a) RCC

up to 2 percent

steel = 2 500 kg/m3

b) Lime concrete
c) Cement

concrete

d) Brickwork
H-2.9.2.2

= 2 000 kg/m3
flooring

including

Load

= 2 400 kg/m3

plaster

distribution

= 2 000 kg/m3

.fhctors

The RCC slab is assumed as two way slab for

loading ptirposes. The roof/floor
slab loads on
the supporting
walls have been worked out in
accordance with 23.5 and Fig. 6 of IS 456 : 1978.
For the assumed span ratio of 1.3, the load
distribution
factor
has been worked
out in
accordance
with Fig. 6 of 1S 456 : 1978 which
is as follows:
a) For shorter
b) For

longer

span

Assuming
54

Shape

span

= 0.38

Mod$cation

that modular

Compressive
Stress
in Masonry
Prrrtku1rr.s of Rryuisite
Masonr)?

H-2.3.4

bricks

Factor

of size 20 X 10 X

and

Following steps have been adopted for calculation

of loads and stresses for each case which have
then been tabulated:
StPp ( I )-

Calculation
of loads on external
and
internal
walls
taking
into
account
parapet
load,
roof: floor
load and self load of walls.

Sre[) (2)-

Working
out compressive
in masonry
assuming
that
are no openings.

= 0.62

H-2.3.2.3 Unit loads of roof/floor,

roof,floor
load over different walls, self weight of wall of
different thickness including
parapet wails have
been calculated
and tabulated
in Table E-13.
H-2.3.3

10 cm are used in brick

masonry,
shape
modification
factor for bricks of 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and
15.0 N/mm2 strength will be 1.2, 1.1, 1.1 and 1.0
respectively,
in accordance
with Table 10 of the
Code. Thus for determining
the particulars
of
masonry
required for any situation,
values of
basic stress as arrived at without application
of
shape modification
factor will be divided by the
above factors and values of basic stress thus
obtained,
taken into consideration.

stress
there

Step (3) ~- Working

out compressive
stress
after making allowance
for openings.
.Stc/) (4)

Working
out requisite basic stress
after
applying
stress
reduction
factor but without applying
shape
modification
factor as per 5.4.1.3
of the Code.

HANDBOOK ON MASONRY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTtON-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Table E-13 Unit

Loads

of Roof/Floor

: 1991

and Walls

Particulars

Loads

(caseI
1. Dead load and live load in kgJm2:
i) Roof
ii) Floor

Case

625
525

715
575

Case

Case 4

625
575

625
575

Case

715
625

Case

Case

Case

715
625

805
675

805
675

I 080
2 170

2. Roof load on walls in kg/m:

i) External wall
ii) Internal wall

600

830

600

600

830

830

I 200

I 650

I 200

I 200

1 650

1 650

I 080
2 170

3. Floor load on walls in kg/m:

i) External wall
ii) Internal wall

550

720
1440

720
1440

910

910

I 010

I 810

I 810

510

4. Self weight of wall in kg/m per storey

(including 3 cm thick plastering):
i) For 19 cm thick wall
ii) For 29 cm thick

wall

5. Serf weight of parapet wall (19 cm thick)

in kg/m (including 3 cm thick plasreringj

660

550

I 330

I 110

I 250

I 260

1 250

I 390

I 260

I 400

I 270

I 400

I 820

I 840

I 820

2 020

I 840

2 030

I 850

2 040

440

440

440

440

440

440

440

440

Step (5):

Working
out values
of requisite
basic stress after applying
shape
modification
factor.

Step (6) -

Determining
the masonry
requirements
for triple, double and
single
storey
buildings
with
reference to Table 8 of the Code.

precise,
for.

simplify

have been rounded

calculations.

off suitably

b) The symbols

Cl

For the sake of convenience of reference, the

brick
masonry
requirement
has been
designated
symbolically
in the tables. For
example, 20-7-M2 means masonry with 20
cm thick wall using bricks with minimum
crushing strength of 7 N/mm2 and mortar
Type M2. Standard
types of mortar have
been given for different
mix ratios
of
cement, lime and sand in Table I of the
Code.

DESIGN

AND

is not

called

g) No allowance

has been made for seismic

forces and, therefore, when applying these
results for structures in seismic zones other
than I and II, strengthening
measures as
given in IS 4326 : 1976 shall be adopted.
(see 6.1.2 of the Code).

h) In marginal

in self weight of walls due to

openings and no reduction in live loads have
been made in the calculations
since design
calculations
for masonry
cannot
be very
ON MASONRY

refinement

No provision has been made for any wind

force in the design calculations
and it has
been assumed that the building as a whole is
stable against all loads.

d) No deductions

HANDBOOK

that

to that
storey wall is based on height from top of
foundation
footing to centre of floor slab.
Since, we are increasing the stresses due to
openings
and .openings start from floor 1
level, we get the maximum stress at floor 1
level. Below that level, as, there are no
openings, loads on walls will start dispersing
and thus, in spite of increase in dead load of
masonry, no increase in stress will take place
below floor I level unless the percentage of
openin s taken into consideration
is very
small. gThus stresses in case of first storey
have been calculated
at floor 1 level.

to

FLI, FL2 and FL3 have been

used to indicate Floor I (first floor), Floor 2
(second floor) and Floor 3 (third floor)
respectively
in accordance
with
IS
2332 : 1972. Here, the floor?l
has been
defined as the lowest floor in the building
with direct entrance
from the road.

thus

e) In case of first storey SR applicable

H-2.3.5 important
notes in regard to tables for all
cases are given below:

a) Figures

I 110

CONSTRUCTION-PART

cases, actual stress (basic) may

exceed the permissible stress by a maximum
of
10 percent,
provided
sufficient
precautions
are taken about the quality of
materials
and workmanship
and work is
done
under .good technical
supervision.
Alternatively,
perc.entage
of openings
in
walls may be reduced suitably to bring down
the actual stress to permissible
limits.
1

55

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case

Particulars

1 Loads
External

Individual
Load

(1)
Parapet Wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storev wall

and

Stresses

Wall

Internal

Progressive
Load

kg/m

kg: m

(2)

(3)

440
600
I 250
510
I 250
510
I 250

Individual
Load

Progressive
Load

kg/m

kg/ m

(4)

(5)

Compressive
wall with

stress

in masonry

openings

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

(6)

440

I 040
2
2
4
4
5

290
800
050
560
810

1 200
I 250
I 010

I 200
2
3
4
5
6

I 250
I 010
I 250

450
460
710
720
970

kg/cm2

kg/ cm*
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Remarks

Wall

FL3

2 290
p=
I9 x 100

I.21

2
-= 450
I9 x 100

1.29

FL2

4 050
p=
I9 x 100

2.13

4
-= 710
I9 x 100

2.48

FL1

5 810
p=
I9 x 100

3.06

6
-= 970
I9 x 100

3.67

FL 3

1.21
-zz
0.55

2.20

1.29
-=
0.70

1.84

FL 2

2.13
-cc=
0.55

3.87

2.48
-=
0.70

3.54

FL I

3.06
-=
0.55

5.56

3.67
-=
0.70

5.24

FL3

z=

2.56

1.84
-=
0.86

2.14

K, = 0.86

FL2

g=

4.50

3.54
-=
0.86

4.12

K, = 0.86

FL I

5.56
-=
0.76

7.32

5.24
-=
0.76

6.89

K, = 0.76

FL3

%=2.l

FL2

F=

FL I

7.32
-=

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

I.1

2.14
1.2

I.8

4.1

4.12
I.1

3.7

6.7

6.89
=

6.3

I.1

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M3

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M3

20-7.5-M

20~7.5-Ml

(Continued)

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case
Particulars

1- Conr~ludd

External Wall

Internal

Wall

kg/ cm2
Basic stress of requisite masonry
without application
of shape
modifcation
factor

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

FL2

g=

2.56

1.84
-=
0.86

2.14

K, = 0.86

FL I

3.87
-=
0.76

5.09

3.54
-=
0.76

4.66

K, = 0.76

FL 2

2.56
-=
1.2

I.1

2.14
-=
1.2

I.8

FL

5.09
-=
I.1

4.6

4.66
I.1

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M

FL

2.20
-cc
0.76

2.8?

I .84
-=
0.76

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor

FL

2.89
-=
1.2

2.4

2.42
-1.2

Masonrv

FL

20-3.5-L2

reauirements

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

Remarks

kg/ cm2

FL 2
FL I

Basic stress of requisite masbnry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

: 1991

DESIGN

AND

4.2

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2

CONSTRUCTION-PART

2.42

K, = 0.76

2.0

20-3.5-L2

57

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 2 Loads and Stresses

Particulars

External Wall
f Individual
Load

(1)

Progressive7
Load

Individual
Load

Progressive1
Load

hg m

kg; m

kg/ m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

440
830
260
660
260

2 530
3 190
4 450

Floor 2
First storey

660
I 260

5 110
6 370

I 270

I 330
1 260

I 650
2 910
4 240
5 500

I 330
I 260

6 830
8 090

I 650
I 260

kg/ cm*

kg/ cm
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Compressive
wall with

Fvr

2 530
p=
19 x 100

I .33

2 910
---z
19 x 100

1.53

FL2

4 450
p=
I9 x 100

2.34

5 500
--_?z
19 x 100

2.89

F1.I

6 370
p=
I9 x 100

3.35

8 090
---Yz
19 x 100

4.26

2.42

1.53
_E
0.70

2.19

FL

stress in masonry
openings

FL

1.33
-=

0.55

FL 2

2.34
-=
0.55

4.25

FL

3.35
-=
0.55

6.09

(6)

440

Parapet Wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
wall

Remarks

Internal Wall

2.89
0.70
4.26
0.70

4.13

6.09

Three-S/ore>,cdBuilding
_____

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor
.

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

S8

requirements

2.19

2.42
PC
0.X6

2.8 I

-=
0.86

2.55

& = 0.86

I-[. 2

4.25
FE
0.86

4.94

4.13
_zz
0.86

4.80

KS = 0.86

FL

6.09
-xz
0.76

8.01

6.09
-=
0.76

8.01

K, = 0.76

FL

2.81
_=

2.3

2.55
_=
1.2

2.1

FL

4.94
PC

4.5

4.80
-=
I.1

4.4

FL

7.3

8.01
-=
I.1

7.3

FL

I-.!. 1
t-1. ;
FI. I

1.2

I.1
8.01
-=
1.1
20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M
20-7.5-M

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2
20-7.5-M

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRlICTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Case 2-Concluded
Particulars
For

External

Two-Srorcyed

lnternal

Wall

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modifcation
factor

Basic

stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor

For

requirements

One-Storeyed

kg/ cm

FL 2

2.42
-=
0.86

2.81

2.19
_=
0.86

2.55

K. % 0.86

FL

4.25
-=
0.76

5.59

4.13
-=
0.76

5.43

K. = 0.76

FL 2

2.81
-=
1.2

2.3

2.55
_=
1.2

2.1

FL

5.59
-=
I.1

5.1

5.43
-=
1.1

4.9

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M]

FL

2.42
PC
0.76

3.18

2.19
_=
0.76

2.88

FL

3.18
-=
1.2

2.65

2.88
_=
I.2

2.4

FL

20-3.5-L2

Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor
__--...-.
Masonry
requirements

HANDBOOK

Remarks

Building
kg/ cm*

Masonry

Wall

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

20-3.5-L2

K, = 0.76

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 3 Loads and Stresses

Particulars

External
Individual
Load

(1)
Parapet
Roof
Third

Wall
storey

Wall
Progressive
Load

wall

Individual
Load

Compressive
wall with

stress in masonry
openings

Remarks

Progressive>
Load

kg/m

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

1 200

440

I 040
2 290

I 250

I 200
2 450

550
I 250
550
1 250

2 840
4090
4 640
5 890

I
I
I
I

3
4
5
7

I10
250
I10
250

560
810
920
170

kg/ cm*

FL3

2290
-=
19x 100

1.21

2 450
-=
19x 100

1.29

FL2

4090
-=
19x 100

2.15

4 810
-=
19x 100

2.53

FL1

5 890
-=
19x loo

3.10

7 170
-=
19x100

3.71

FL 3

1.21
o.u=

2.20

1.29
-0.70

FL 2

2.15
z=

3.91

2.53
iEi=

FL 1

3.10
0.u

5.64

(6)

600
I 250

kg/cm
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Wall

kg/m

440

Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall

Internal

1.84

3.61

3.77

5.39

0.70=

For Three-Storeyed Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry
without application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification

Masonry

FL 3

2.20

2.56

0.86=

1.84

0.86=

2.14

K. = 0.86

FL 2

3.91
0.86=

4.55

3.61
0.86

4.20

K. = 0.86

FL 1

5.64
0.76=

1.42

5.39
0.76

7.09

K. = 0.76

FL 3

1.2=

1.1

2.14
1.2

1.8

FL 2

4.55
-iT=

4.1

4.20
-

3.8

FL 1

7.42
1.=

6.7

7.09
Ti=

2.56

factor

requirements

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

1.1

6.5

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M3

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M3

20-7.5-Ml

20-7.5-Ml

(Continued)

60

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESlGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Case 3-Cmcludetl
External

Particulars
For

Two-Storeyed

Wall

Internal

Wall

Building
kg/ cm2

kg/ cm
Basic stress of requisite masonry
without application
of shape
modifcation
factor

g=

2.56

1.84
-=
0.86

2.14

K$ = 0.86

3.91
-=
0.76

5.15

3.61
0.76=

4.75

K, = 0.76

FL 2

2.56
-=
1.2

2.1

2.14
1.2=

1.8

FL

4.7

4.75
I.1

FL2

FL
basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

For One-Sroreyed

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor
requirements

HANDBOOK

4.3

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-MI

FL1

g=

2.89

1.84
-=
0.76

FL1

2.89
E=

2.4

2.42
1.2

Building

Baste stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

Remarks

ON MASONRY

FL

DESIGN

AND

K, = 0.76

2.0

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2

CONSTRUCTION-PART

2.42

61

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 4 Loads

Particulars

and Stressem

External Wall
A
fIndividua1
Load

(1)
Parapet
Wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall

Internd
Individual
Load

Progressive
Load

kg/m

kg/m

kgl m

kg/m

(21

(31

(41

(51

440
600
1 390
550
1 390
550
I 390

440
1040
2 430
2 980
4 370
4 920
6 310

1
1
1
1
1
1

Compressive
wall with

stress in masonry
openings

For three-Sroreyed

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape

Masonry

kg/ cm2

FL3

2 430
-=
19x100

1.28

2 590
-=
19x100

1.36

FL2

4 370
-=
19x100

2.30

-=5090
19x100

2.68

FLI

6310
-=
19x100

3.32

7 590
-=
19x loo

3.99

FL3

g=

2.33

1.36
-=
0.70

1.94

FL 2

2.30
0.55=

4.18

2.68
-=
0.70

3.83

FL 1

6.04

3.99
0.70=

5.70

FL 3

0.83=
2.33

2.81

0.83=
1.94

2.34

K, = 0.83

FL 2

4.18
0.83

5.04

PC
3.83
0.83

4.61

K. = 0.83

FL 1

6.04
CT=

8.27

5.70
ifix=

7.81

K. = 0.73

FL 3

l.z

2.3

1.2

2.0

FL 2

5.04
1.1

4.6

l.l
4.61

4.2

FL 1

8.27
1.1

7.5

7.81
1.1=

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-La
Xl-5.0-M
20-7.5-HI

Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

modification

(61

I 200
2 590
3 700
5090
6200
7 590

2x30
390
110
390
110
390

kg/ cm2
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Remarks

Wall

/\

Progressive\
Load

2.81

2.34

factor

requirements

7.1

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2
20-7.5-Ml
( Conrinued)

62

HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Case 4-Concluded
Particulars
For

External

Two-Storeyed

Wall

Internal

Wall

Building
kg/ cm

kg/ cm
Basic stress of requisite masonry
without application
of shape
modifcation
factor

FL2

FL
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification

g=

FL 2

factor
FL

4.18
0.73=

5.73

3.83
-=
0.73

5.25

K. = 0.73

1.2

2.34
-=
1.2

5.73
1.1

5.2

5.25
I.1

2.33
-=
0.73

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor

FL

3.19
- 1.2

Masonry

FL

20-3.5-M2

factor

requirements

HANDBOOK

K. = 0.83

4.8

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-Ml

Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

of shape
without application
modification

2.34

2.3

FL

For One-Storeyed

1.94
-=
0.83

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ll

requirements

2.81

2.81
1.2

FL 2
FL 1

Masonry

Remarks

ON MAS.ONRY

*DESIGN

AND

1.94

3.19

-=
0.73

2.66

2.7

2.66
-=1.2

2.2

CCWSTRUCTION-P.ART

& = 0.73

20-3.5-L2

63

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 5 Loads

and Stresses

Progressive3
Load

Individual
Load

(1)

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

1
2
3
4
5
6

440
270
530
250
510
230
490

Progressive
Load

Individual
Load

kg/ m

440
830
I 260
720
1 260
720
I 260

Parapet Wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall

kg/ m
(5)

I
2
4
5
7
8

I 650
I 260
1 440
1 260
1440
I 260

kg/ cm
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Compressive
stress in masonry
wall wit11 openings

For

Remarks

Internal Wall

External Wall

Particulars

(6)

650
910
350
610
050
310

kg/ cm2

FL3

2 530
-=
19x100

1.33

-= 2 910
I9 x 100

1.53

FL2

4 510
-=
19x100

2.37

-= 5 610
19x 100

2.95

FL]

6490
-=
19x100

3.42

8 310
-=
19x100

4.37

FL3

g=

2.42

1.53
-=
0.70

2.19

FL2

g=

4.31

-=
2.95
0.70

4.21

FL1

g==

6.22

4.37
-=
0.70

6.24

FL3

s=

2.81

2.19
-=
0.86

2.55

& = 0.86

FL2

g=

5.01

4.21
0.86

4.90

K, = 0.86

FL1

g=

8.18

6.24
-=
0.76

8.21

K, = 0.76

FL 3

2.81
1.2

2.3

2.55
1.2

2.1

5.01
1.1

4.6

4.90
I.1

4.5

?hhree-Sforeyed Building

Basic stress of requisite masonr)

without application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification

Masonry

factor

requirements

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-Ml
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-MI
20-7.5-H2
( Conlinued)

64

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Case S-Concluded
Particulars
For

External

Two-Sroreyed

Wall

Internal

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

FL2

FL
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor

requirements

One-Storeyed

$$=

FL2

FL

For

4.31
0.76=
+

+6+

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ll

FL1

$f$=

kg/ cm*

2.81

2.19
PC
0.86

2.55

K, = 0.86

5.67

4.21
PC
0.76

5.54

K, = 0.76

2.3

2.55
1.2

5.2

5.54
-=
1.1

2.1

5.0

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-Ml

Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor

FL

Masonry

FL

20-3.5-M2

requirements

HANDBOOK

Remarks

Building

kg/ cm

Masonry

Wall

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

3.18

2.19
-CC
0.76

2.7

2.88
1.2

CONSTRUCTION-PART

2.88

20-3.5-L2

2.4

K, = 0.76

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 6 Loads

Particulars

External Wall
fi
Individual
Progressive\
Load
Load

(1)
Parapet

and Stresses

kg/m

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

440

Wall

1 270

I 400

2
3
4
5
6

720
I 400
720
I 400

670
390
790
510
910

Compressive
wall with

stress in masonry
openings

3
4
5
7
8

I 400
1440

1400

kg/ cm*

2 670
-=
I9 x 100

1.41

3 050
---=
19 x 100

1.61

FL2

4 790
-=
19x 100

2.52

-= 5 890
I9 x 100

3.10

FL1

6 910
-=
19x 100

J.64

8 730
p=
19x100

4.59

FL3

g=

2.56

I.61
-=
0.70

2.30

FL2

g=

4.58

-=
3.10
0.70

4.43

3.64
-=
0.55

6.62

4.59
-=
0.70

6.56

FL3

g=

3.08

2.30
-=
0.83

2.77

K. = 0.83

FL2

g=

5.52

4.43
-=
0.83

5.34

K = 0.83

FLI

g=

9.07

-=
6.56
0.73

8.97

K, = 0.73

FL 3

3.08
1.2

26
-.

2.77
1.2

FL2

F=

5.0

-=
5.34
1.1

FLI

F=

8.25

8.97
1.1

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-5.0-MI
20-IO-MI

Thre&Sroreyed Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification

Masonry

66

050
490
890
330
730

FL3

FL

For

(6)

1650

I 650
1400
1440

kg/ cm
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Remarks

440

830

Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall

Internal Wall
Progressive
flndividual
Load
Load

2.3

factor

requirements

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

4.9

8.2

20-3.5-M2
2O-5.0-Ml
20-10-Ml

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Case 6-Concluded
Particulars
For

External

Two-Storeyed

Wall

Internal

Wall

Remarks

Building

kg/ cm2
Basic stress of reauisite masonry
without application of shape
modification factor

FL 2

FL I

Basic stress of requisite. masonry

after application of shape

2.56
0.83=
4.58
0.73=
3.08

FL 2

1.2=

FL 1

6.27
1.1

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M3

FL1

g=

kg/ cm

3.08

-=
2.30
0.83

2.77

K, = 0.83

6.27

4.43
PC
0.13

6.07

K. = 0.73

2.6

5.1

6.07
1.1

2.11

1.2

2.3

5.5

modification factor

Masonry requirements

For One-Storeyed

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M3

Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application of shape
modification factor
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application of shape
modification factor

FL 1

Masonrv reauirements

FL I

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

3.51

-Ii=

3.51

2.30
-=

2.9

3.15
-

1.2

20-3.5-M2

20-3.FM2

CONSTRUCTION-PART

3.15

0.73

2.6

K, = 0.73

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
Case 7 Lands and Stresses

Progressive
Load

Individual
Load

(1)
Parapet

Wall

Progressive
Load

Individual
Load

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/ m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

440

Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall

440

1 080
1 270
910
1 270
910
I 270

I
2
3
4
5
7

520
790
700
970
880
150

Compressive
wall with

stress in masonry
openings

For Three-Storeyed

2 170
1 270
1 810
1 270
I 810
I 270

2 170
3 440
5 250
6 520
8 330
9600
kg/ cm*

FL3

2790
-=
19x loo

1.47

3440
-=
19x100

1.81

FL2

4 970
-=
19 x 100

2.62

6 520
-=
19x 100

3.43

FL1

7 150
-=
19x 100

3.76

9600
-=
19x 100

5.05

FL3

g=

2.67

1.81
-=
0.70

2.59

FL2

g=

4.76

3.43
-=
0.70

4.90

FL1

$$=

6.84

FL3

E=

3.10

FL2

g=

5.53

-=
4.90
0.86

5.70

x; = 0.86

FL 1

9.0

7.21
-=
0.76

9.49

K, = 0.76

2.6

3.01
1.2

2.5

5.0

5.70
1.1

5.2

9.49
1.1

8.6

stress of requisite
masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor

FL 3

FL 2

Masonry

requirements

5.05

7.21

0.70=

Building

Basic stress of reauisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic

(6)

kg/ cm
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Remarks

Pnternal Wall

External Wall

Particulars

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1

5.53
1.1

20-3.5-M2
20-5.0-Ml
20-lO-Ml

K, = 0.86

2O-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ll
20-lO-Ml
(Continued)

68

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Case 7-Concluded
Particulars
For

External

Two-Sloreyed

Wall

Internal

Wall

Building

kg/ cm
Basic stress of requisite masonry
without application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor

FL 2

requirements

For One-Sroreyed

Basic stress of requisite masonry

after application
of shape
modification
factor
requirements

HANDBOOK

ON

2.59

3.10

4.76
-=
0.76

6.26

FL 2

3.10
1.2=

2.6

3.01
-_=
1.2

5.7

6.45
1.1

6.26
-iYi=

FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5M2

FL 1

2.67
0.76=

FL I

3.51
1.2=

FL 1

20-3.5-M2

3.01

0.86=

K. = 0.86

K, = 0.76

2.5

5.9

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2

Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

of
without application
modification
factor
shape

Masonry

2.67
0.86=

kg/ cm*

FL 1

FL 1
Masonry

Remarks

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

2.59
0.76

3.51

2.9

CONSTRUCTION-PART

3.40
1.2=

3.40

K, = 0.76

2.8

20-3.5-M2

69

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 8 Loads
Externk

Particulars

/Individual
Load

(1)
Parapet
wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First stprey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses

Wall

Inter*

Progressive\
Load

Wall

Individual
Load

Progressive
Load

kg/m

kg/m

kg/m

kg/ m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

440
1 080
1 400
910
1 400
910
1 400
2 040

440
1 520
2 920
3 830
5 230
6 140
7 540
8 180

2 170
1400
1 810
1400
1 810
I 400
2040

2
3
5
6
8
9
10

Compressive
wall with

stress in masonry
openings

2 920
-=
19x 100

1.54

-= 3 570
19x 100

1.88

FL2

5 230
-=
19x100

2.75

-= 6 780
19x 100

3.57

FL1

7 540
-=
19x100

3.97

-= 9990
19x 100

5.27

FL I*

8 180
-=
29X100

2.82

10 630
-=
29X 100

3.67

$$=

2.80

1.88
-=
0.70

2.69

5.00

3.57
-=
0.70

5.10

FL 2

For Thee-Storeyed

170
570
380
780
590
990
630

FL3

FL3

2.75
0.55=

(6)

kg/ cm

kg/ cm
Compressive
stress in masonry
wall without openings

Remarks

FLI

g=

7.22

5.26
-=
0.70

7.51

FLl

g=

5.13

3.67
-=
0.70

6.67

FL3

g=

3.37

2.69
-=
0.83

3.24

K. = 0.83

6.02

5.10
-=
0.83

6.15

K = 0.83

Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry

without application
of shape
modification
factor

FL 2

5.00
0.83=

FLI

g=

9.89

7.51
0.73=

10.29

K, = 0.73

FLI+

EC

5.83

6.67
-=
0.88

7.58

IL = 0.88
( Continued)

70

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T):1991
Case 8 -Concluded
Particulars

External

Wall

Internal

kg/ cm
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor

FL 3

6.02
I.1

3.24

2.7

5.5

-6.15
1.1

10.29
-=
1.1
FL
Masonry

For
Basic

requirements

Remarks

kg/ cm2

2.8

1.2=
FL 2

Wall

5.6

9.4

5.8

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1
FL I*

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M3
20-IO-MI
30-75-M2

FL2

E=

3.37

2.69
_-CT
0.83

3.24

K. = 0.83

5.00
-=
0.73

6.85

5.10
PC
0.73

6.99

K, = 0.73

2&3.5-M2
20-7.5-M3
20-IO-Ml
30-7.5-Ml

Two-Sroreyed Building
stress

of requisite

without application
modification
factor

masonry
of shape

FL
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

FL 2

$j-

2.8

3.24
_=
1.2

2.7

FL 1

6.2

6.99
-=
1.1

6.4

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

FL 1

2.80
0.73

20-3.5-Ml
20-7.5-M]

For One-Storeyed Building

Basic stress of requisite masonry
without application
of shape
modification
factor
Basic stress of requisite masonry
after application
of shape
modification
factor

FL

Masonry

FL

*Loads,

requirements
stresses

HANDBOOK

and

masonry

ON MASONRY

requirements

DESIGN

3.84
Ti=

3.84

2.69
PC
0.73

3.68

3.5

3.68
-=
1.1

3.4

20-3.5-M2
for

AND

jr/4 brick,

30 cm thick

CONSTRUCTION-PART

20-3.5-M2
wall.

K, = 0.73

SP 20(S&T)
Table

: 1991

E-14 Design

Results

of Brick Masonry

Walls

for Residential

Three

SI
No.

Span

Storey
Height

Live
Load

(m)

(m)

(kg/m)

3.0

2.7

150

1.

2.

3.6

3.

3.0

4.

3.0

5.

3.6

6.

3.6

I.

4.2

8.

4.2

Table

2.1

2.1

3.0

2.1

3.0

2.1

3.0

E-15 Design

Storey
Level

150

200

200

200

200

200

200

Results

Storeyed Building
h
Internal
External
Wall
Wall

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M3
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M3
20-7.5-M

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2
20-7.5-M I

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M3

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2

20-7.5-M

Double

Span

Storey
Height

(m)

(ml

(him)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

I.

3.0

2.7

150

2.

3.6

2.7

Live
Load

3.

4.

5.

3.0

3.0

3.6

2,7

3.0

2.7

200

200

200

External
Wall

Single

Storpy Building
h
External
Wall

Internal
Wall

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M I

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M I

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2

20-5.0-M2

20-5.0-M 1

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M
20-7.5-HI

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M 1

20-3%L2
20-7.5-Ll

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M I
20-IO-M3

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M I
20-7.5-M I

20-3.SL2
20-5.0-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ll

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-5.0-M I
20-IO-MI

20-3.5-M2
20-5.0-M 1
20-10-M I

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M!

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M3

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-L I
20-IO-MI

20-3.5-M2
20-5.0-M I
20-10-M 1

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M2

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-7.SM3
20-IO-MI
30-7.5-M2

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M I

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2
20-3.5-M 1
20-7.5-M3
or 20-IO-MI or 20-7.5-Ml
30-7.5-M2

of Brick Masonry Walls

(Using Conventional

(5)

Building

Storey
Level

150

Up to 3 Storeys

20-7.5-M

for Residential
Bricks*)

Ibree
SI
No.

Storeyed
/\

rlnternal
Wall

Building

Storeyed Building
A
Internal
External
Wall
Wall
(6)

Double

Storeyed
A

internal
Wall

(7)

Buildings

(8)

Building
External
Wall

Up to 3 Storeys

Single

Storey
A

internal
Wall

(9)

Building
External>
Wall

(IO)

(11)

23-3.5-L2 23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-Ll 23-5.0-M3 23-3.5-L2 23-3.5-L2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-7.5-M2

23-7.5-Ml

23-3.5-L2

23-3.5-L2

FI 3
FL 2
FL1

23-3.5-L2

23-3.5-L2

23-5.0-M3 23-5.0-M2 23-3.5-L2 23-3.5-L2

23-3.5-L2
23-7:5-Ml 23-7.5-Ml 23-5.0-M
23-5.0-M I
I

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-5.0-M3

23-5.0-M2

23-3.5-L2 23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-Ll 23-5.0-M3 23-3.5-L2 23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-M3

23-5.0-M I

23-3.5-L2

23-3.5-L2

23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-M2

23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-M I

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-L2

23-3.5-L2 23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-M2 23-5.0-M2 23-3.5-L2 23-3.5-L2
23-3.5-L2
23-7.5-M
I
23-5.0-M 1
23-5.0-M I
23-7.5-M I

23-3.5-M2

23-7.5-M2

23-7.5-M I

FL 3

23-i5-L2

23-3.5-L2

FL 2
FL I

23-5.0-M3 23-5.0-M
I
23-7.5-M
I
23-7.5-Ml

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

(Conrimed)
12

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Table

E-15 -

: 1991

Concluded
0
(8)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

6.

3.6

3.0

200

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-I.2
23-5.0-Ml
23-7.5-Ml

23-3.5-M]
23-5.0-Ml
23-lO.O-M2

23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-Ml

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ll

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1

23-3,5-M2
23-5.0-M]
23-IO-M2

23-3.5-M2
23-5.0-M 1
23-IO-M2

23-3.5-M2
23-.5-M I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ll

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-L]
23-10-M]

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-L]
23-IO-MI

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M2

2%3.5-M2
23-7.5-M2

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-M2

7.

4.2

8.

2.7

4.2

3.0

200

200

FL

(7)

(9)

(11)

(10)

*Without giving detailed calculations.

ANNEX

H-3

DESIGN
OF BRICK MASONRY
FOR
OFFICE
BUILDINGS
UP TO 3 STOREYS

H-3.1

Design

H-3.2.3

Parameters

Maximum
Span
(Short
Span
in Case

Width

of

Corridor

Clear
Height
01
Store v

Live
Load

5
6
7

8
9

IO
II

Case
Case

I2

kg/ m2

3.60
3.60
3.60
3.60
4.50
4.50
4.50
4.50
5.40
5.40
5.40
5.40

1so
I so
I so
I so
I .80
I .no
I .80
I .80
2.10

3 .oo
3.00
3.30
3.30
3.00
3 .oo
3.30
3.30
3.00
3.00
3.30
3.30

250
400
250
400
250
400
250
400
250
400
250
400

H-3.1.1

floors

Typical plan of the office building

has been shown in Fig. E-47.

H-3.2

Assumptions

at all

For All
Cases

h-3.2.1
Height

of plinth

from

of plinth

above

ground

0.5 m

level
H-3.2.2
top

Height

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

footing
AND

I.0 m

wall above

I .O m

I I cm

14 cm

l7cm

IOcm

12cm

l4cm

of

I cm

I cm

I cm

H-3.2.7 Thickness
of
lime concrete cushion
under flooring

8cm

8cm

8cm

H-3.2.8 Thickness
cement concrete
flooring

4cm

4cm

4cm

H-3.2.9 Wall plastered

on both sides, total
plaster thickness

3cm

3cm

3cm

H-3.2.10 Length to
width ratio, that is,
span ratio of rooms

I .25

1.33

I .39

50

50

50

25
30

;:

::

RCC

2.10
2.10
2.10

of parapet

For
For
For
Cases
Cases
Cases
I to 4 5 to 8 9 to 12
H-3.2.4

sf

2
3
4

Height

slab

FlErs

2-Way
Slab)

Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case
Case

roof

Thickness
of
roof/floor
slab

H-3.2.5 Thickness
of
lime concrete over roof
slab (average)
H-3.2.6 Thickness
ceiling finish

of

H-3.2.1 1 Openings
in
walls as percentage
of wall area in plan:
a) In wall A
(external),
percent
b) In wall B, percent
c) In wall C, percent

CONSTRUCTION-PART

73

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

I-

L WALL
Wall A-External
Wall B-Internal
Wall C-Internal

E-47 TYPICAL

FIG.

PLAN

ROOM

ROOM

ROOM

ROOM

ROOM

ROOM

ROOM

wall

longitudinal
cross walls
longitudinal

OF OFFICE

walls

AT ALL

BUILDING

FLOORS

H-3.2.12 The bricks used in masonry are modular

bricks of nominal
size 20 X 10 X IO cm.

calculated and are given in Table

case (see E-16).

H-3.2.13 Openings
located that:

H-3.3.2

in a wall are so shaped

and

occur
wall
and
H/6
also

bearing
walls, openings
do not
within
H/8 distance from a cross
that provides stiffening
to the wall,
length of cross wall is not less than
(see 4.6 and Fig. 9 of the Code and
comments
on 4.4 of the Code).

b) the horizontal
is less than

area of brickwork
2 000 cm?; and

c) the

brickwork
openings
does
definition.

in any wall

between
two consecutive
not become a column by

NOTE--In case area of brickwork in any wall openings is

less than 2 000 cm or becomes a column by definition,
stress in the actual portion shall be checked by calculation.

H-3.2.14
masonry
assumed

RCC roof/floor
bears fully on external
walls. So, eccentricity over wall has been
to be negligible.

H-3.2.15
designed

The RCC slab is assumed to have been

as two-way for loading purpose.

H-3.3
H-3.3.1
(K)

Design

14

ratio

Unit weights

For calculating the loads of different components

of the building,
the following
unit weights of
materials have been taken:
a)
b)
c)
d)

RCC up to 2 percent steel = 2 500

Lime concrete
=2000
Cement concrete flooring
= 2 400
Brickwork including plaster = 2 000

H-3.3.2.2

Ratio (SR) and Stress Factor

and

stress

factor

have

been

HANDBOOK

kg/m3
kg/m3
kg/ m3
kg/m3

Load distribution factors

The RCC slab is assumed as two-way slab for

loading purposes. The roof/floor
slab loads on
the supportmg
walls have been worked out in
accordance with 235 and Fig. 6 of IS 456 : 1978.
For assumed span ratios (see H-3.2.10, the load
distribution
factors have been worked out in
accordance
with the above referred figure which
are as follows:
For
For
For
Cases
Cases
Cases
I to 4 5 to 8 9 to 12
a) For shorter

Steps

Slenderness

Slenderness

Loads

H-3.3.2.1

a) in load

E-16 for each

b) For longer

span
span

0.60

0.63

0.64

0.40

0.37

0.36

H-3.3.2.3 Unit loads of roof/floor,

load over different walls, self weight
ON MASONRY

roof/floor
of walls of

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
Table E-16 Slenderness

Ratio

1. Third and second storey

a) Actual height H in m (centre
b) Effective

height

c) SR = $

for t = 19 cm

factor

Factors

CnSt?S
CaWS
CaSeS
Casts
Cases
1 and 2 3 and 4 5 and 6 7 and 8 9 and 10

Particulars

d) Stress

and Stress

to centre

h = 0.75 H from

K, for

of structural

Table

slab)

1 of the Code

3.24

3.54

3.21

3.57

3.30

3.60

2.43

2.66

2.45

2.68

2.48

2.70

12.8

given above in (c) from

SR

cases
11 and
12

14.0

12.9

14.1

13.0

14.2

0.82

0.78

0.81

0.78

0.81

0.78

4.07

4.37

4.08

4.38

4. IO

4.40

3.05

3.28

3.06

3.29

3.08

3.30

Table 9 of the Code

2. For j?rst storey
a) Actual height H in m (from top of footing to the
centre of slab)

b) Effective height h = 0.75 H from Table 1 of the Code

c) SR=+

for 1= 19 cm

16.1

17.3

16.1

17.3

16.2

17.4

0.73

0.69

0.73

0.69

0.72

0.69

4 Stress factor K. for SR given above in (c) from

Table 9 of the Code
SR= t

for t = 29 cm

10.5

11.3

10.6

11.3

10.6

11.4

0.88

0.86

0.88

0.86

0.88

0.86

Stress factor K, for SR given above in (e) from

Table

different

5 of the Code

thicknesses

been calculated
H-3.3.3

Shape

including

parapet

and tabulated
Modification

N/mm*, strength will be 1.2, 1.1, 1.1 and 1.0

respectively in accordance with Table 8 of the
Code. Thus for determining the particulars of
masonry required for any situation, values of
basic stress as arrived at without amAication of
shape modification factor will be d&ided by the
above factors and values of basic stress thus
obtained are taken into consideration.

walls have

in Table E-17.

Factor

that modular brick of size 20 X 10 X

10 cm are used in brick masonry, shape modification factor for bricks of 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0
Assuming

Table

E-17 Unit

Loads

of Roof/Floor

and Walls

Particulars

Loads
c
Case

Case
2

Case

Case

Case

Case

Case

Case

Case

Case

Case

Case)

10

I1

12

1. Dead load and live load in kg/m?

i) Roof
ii) Room floor
iii) Corridor
floor

1060 1060 1060 1060

2. Roof load on walls in kg/m:

i) Wall A
ii) Wall B
iii) Wall C

610
610
610
1480 1480 1480
1 160 I 160 I 160

3. Floor load on walls in kg/m:

i) Wall A
ii) Wall B
iii) Wall C

760
900
760
900 1010 I 190 I 010 I 190 1 330 I 540 I 330 1 540
1 840 2 180 I 840 2 180 2 610 3 060 2 610 3 060 3 430 3 970 3 430 3 970
I660
1 800 1660 1800 2 140 2 310 2 140 2 310 2 710 2 920 2 710 2 920

4. Sey

weight

of wall in kg/m

650
810

650
960

650
810

650
960

765
765
765
765
880
885 1 035
885 1 035
960
I 135 I 135 1 135 1 135 1 210

610
1480

880
2260
160 1640

880
880
2260 2260
I 640 I 640

880
2260

I 640

880

880
960
I 210

880
1 II0
I 210

1220 I 220 1220

3150 3150 3150
2 230 2 230 2 230

1 220
3150
2 230

I 110
1 210

per srorey

(including 3 cm thick plastering):

i) For 19 cm thick wall
i) For 29 cm thick wall
5. Se!f weight of parapet wall (19 cm thick)
in kg/m (including 3 cm thick plastering)

1 430
1960

1 430
I960

440

440

1 560 1 560 I 440

2 150 2 150 1970
440

440

HANDBOOK ON MASONRY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

1 440 I 570
I 970 2 I60

440

440

440

I 570 I 450
2 160 1980
440

440

1 450 1 580 1 580

1 980 2 170 2 170
440

440

440

75

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
H-3.3.4 Compressive
Stress in Masonry
Particulars of Requisite Masonry
Following
calculations
which have

steps
have
been
of loads *and stresses
then been tabulated:

and

adopted
for
for each case

Step (1) -Calculation

of loads on external
and
internal
walls
taking
into
account
parapet
wall load, roof/
floor load and self-load of walls.
Step (2) -Working
out compressive
in masonry
assuming
that
are no openings.

stress
there

Step (3) -Working

out comiressive
after making allowance
for
ings.

stress
open-

Step (5)-Working
out values
of requisite
basic stress after applying
shape
modification
factor.
(6) -Determining
the
masonry
requirements
for triple, double and
single
storeyed
buildings
with
reference to Table 8 of the Code.

Important
notes in regard to tables for all cases
are given below:

a) Figures
simplify

have been rounded

calculations.

off suitably

to

b) The symbols

FL 1, FL 2 and FL 3 have
been used to indicate Floor 1 (first floor),
Floor 2 (second floor) and Floor 3 (third
in accordance
with
floor
respectively
IS 2332 : 1972 Nomenclature
of floors and
storeys. Here, the floor 1 has been defined
as the lowest floor in the building with direct
entrance from the road.

cl For the sake of convenience

of reference, the
brick
masonry
requirement
has been
designated
symbolically
in the tables. For
example,
20-7-M2
means
masonry
with

16

d) No deductions

in self weight of walls dueto

openings and no reduction in live loads have
been made in the calculations
since design
calculations
for masonry
cannot
be very
precise
on account
of a number
of
assumptions
and thus that refinement is not
needed.

e) In case of first storey, SR applicable

Step (4)-Working
out requisite basic stress
after
applying
stress
reduction
factor but without applying
shape
modification
factor.

Step

20 cm thick wall using bricks with minimum

crushing strength of 7 N/mm* and mortar of
type M2. Standard
Types of mortar have
been given for different
mix ratios
of
cement, lime and sand in Table 1 of the
Code.

HANDBOOK

to that
storey wall is based on height from top of
foundations
footing to centre of floor slab.
Since, we are increasing the stresses due to
openings which start from floor I level or
htgher
than floor
1 level, we get the
maximum stress at floor 1 level. Below. that
level, as there are no openings,
loads on
walls will start dispersing and thus in spite
of increase in dead load of masonry,
no
increase in stress will take place below the
floor
1 level, unless the percentage
of
openings
taken into consideration
is very
small. Thus, stresses in case of first storey
have been calculated
at floor 1 level.

0 No provision

has been made for any wind

force in the design calculation,
and it has
been assumed that the building as a whole is
stable against all loads.

g) No allowance
forces
results
than
given
6.1.2

has been made for seismic

and, therefore, when applying these
for structures in seismic regions other
I and II, strengthening
measures as
in IS 4326 : 1976 shall be adopted (see
of the Code).

h) In marginal

cases, actual stress (basic) may

exceed the permissible stress by a maximum
of 10 percent provided sufficient precautions
are taken about the quality of materials and
workmanship,
and work is done under good
technical
supervision.
Alternatively,
percentage
of openings
in walls may be
reduced suitably to bring down the actual
stress to permissible
limits.

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 1 Loads
Particulars

Wall
A
Individual
Load

(1)
Parapet

wall

Wall B
~Individual
Load

Wall
A

Progressive7) (Individual
Load
Load

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

440

I 050

610

I 430

2
3
4
5
6
7

760

I 430
760

I 430
I 960

480
240
670
430
860
390

1 480
I 430
I 840
I 430

I 480
2
4
6
8
9
9

I 840
I 430
I 960

kg/ cm
Compressive
stress in
masonry wall without openings

Compressive
stress in
masonry wall with
openings

For

1.31

pr 2 910

FL 2

4 670
___
=
19 x 100

2.46

FL

6 860
=
19x 100

3.61

FL

l*

-- 7 390 =
29X 100

2.55

I
I
I
I
I

160

(8)

I 160

430
660
430
660
I 430
I 960

2 590
4 250
5 6807 340
8 770
9300
kg/cm2

1.53

p=2 590
I9 x 100

I .36

6 180
___
=
19x 100

3.25

5 680
___
=
I9 x 100

2.99

9 450
___
=
19 x 100

4.97

8 770
___
19x100

4.62

3.2

I9 x 100

9 980 _
29X 100

FL3

2.62

1.43
0.75

FL2

4.92

3.25
-=
0.75

FLI

$$=

7.22

4.97
0.75

FLl*

5.10

3.44
-=
0.75

910
750
180
020
450
980
kg/ cm2

2 480
p=
19 X 100

FL3

Remarks

C
Progressive)
Load

kg/m

440

Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses

A
Progressive
Load

3.44

9300
29X100

2.04

1.36
-=
0.70

1.94

4.33

2.99
-=
0.70

4.27

6.63

4.62
0.70

4.59

3.21
-z
0.70

6.60

4.59

Three-Sloreyed Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
modification

FL3

$$

3.20

2.04
0.82

2.49

I .94
0.82

2.37

-k; = 0.82

FL2

6.00

4.33
0.82

5.28

4.27
0.82

5.21

K, = 0.82

FL1

9.89

6.63
0.73

9.08

-6.60
_=
0.73

9.04

K, = 0.73

FLl*

5.80

4.59
0.88

5.20

4.59
0.88

5.22

K, = 0.88

FL3

2.2

2.49
1.2

2.1

2.37
12
_.-

2.0

FL 2

5.5

-I 1

4.8

5.21
-I *

4.7

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

: 1991

6.bO
11

3.28

(Continued)
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

11

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 1 - Concluded

Particulars

Wall

Wall B

kg/ cm2
Masonry

For

requirements

Two-Storeyed

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1
FL I*

factor

requirements

For One-Store.wd

Remarks

kg/ cm*

kg/ cm

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-MI
20- lo-M2
30-5.0-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-M2
20-lo-M2
30-5.0-Ml

3.20

2.04
-=
0.82

FL1

g=

6.74

4.33
0.73

FL2

+$=

2.7

2.49
-=
1.2

FL1

6.1

5.93
I.1

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

FL

is

2.49

1.94
0.82

2.37

K, = 0.82

5.93

4.27
0.73

5.85

K, = 0.73

2.1

2.37
1.2

2.0

5.4

5.85
1.1

5.3

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ll

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M3

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
of shape
modification

g=

FL2

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape

Masonry

Building

Basic stress of reqUiSite

masonry without
application
of shape
modification
factor

modification

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M3
20-lo-H1
30-7.5-Ll

Wall

3.57

-0.73
2.04

2.79

-0.73
1.94

2.66

3.3

2.79
- 1.1

2.5

2.66
- 12

2.2

Ks = 0.73

factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after appli-

FL1

cation of shape
modification
factor
Masonry

requirements

*Loads,

stresses

and

FL
masonry

20-3.5-M2
requirements

for

20-3.5-L2
1% brick,

30 cm thick

20-3.5-L2
wall.

78

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 2 Loads
Wall

Particulars

(1)
Parapet
wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wan*

and Stresses

Wall

kg/m

kg/m

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/ m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

I 480
I 430

I 480
2 910
5 090
6 520
8 700
IO 130
IO 660

I I60
I 430

440
610
I 430
900
I 430
900
I 430
I 960

I
2
3
4
5
7
7

440
050
480
380
810
710
140
670

2 480
-=
19x I00

1.31

FL2

4
-= 810
19x100

FLI

FL3

FL
Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall with
openings

I*

Progressive\
Load

kg/m

2 180
I 430
2 180
I 430
I 960

kg/ cm2
Compressive
stress in
masonry wall without openings

Remarks

Wall C

B
Progressive\flndividual
Load
Load

Progressivel/lndividual
Load
Load

{Individual
Load

(8)

I 160
2
4
5
7
9
9

800
430
800
430
I 960

590
390
820
620
050
580

kg/ cm

kg/ cm

2 910
-=
19 X 100

1.53

-= 2 590

2.53

- 6 520
=
I9 x 100

3.43

5 820
___
=
I9 x 100

3.06

7 140
-=
19X 100

3.76

IO 130
~I9 x 100 =

5.33

9 050
___
19x100

4.76

7 670
___
=
29 X 100

2.64

-=IO 660
29 X 100

3.68

9 580
-=
29 X 100

3.30

2.62

I.52
-zz
0.75

2.04

I .36
-=
0.70

I .94

4.57

0.70
3.06

4.76
-=
0.70

6.80

3.30
-zz
0.70

4.7

FL3

&

FL2

$$=

5.06

__
0.75
3.43

FL1

7.52

5.33
---.--.=
0.75

FLl*

5.28

3.68
-=4.91
0.75

3.20

2.04
__
0.82

6.17

4.57
-=
0.82

: 1991

7.1

1.36

I9 x 100

4.37

For Three-Storeved Building

Basic stress of requisite
masonry
without
application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
after application of shape
modification
factor

FL3

g=
$

FL2

2.49

I .94
0.82

5.57

2.37

& = 0.82

4.37
-=
0.82

5.33

K, = 0.82

9.32

K, = 0.73

K, = 0.88

FL1

10.30

7.11
0.73

9.74

6.80
-zz
0.73

FLI*

6.00

4.91
0.88

5.58

4.71
0.88

5.35

2.7

2.49
__
1.2

2.1

2.37
1.2

2.0

5.6

5.57
I.1

5.1

5.33
-=
1.1

10.3

9.74
I.1

8.9

9.32
I.1

5.1

5.35
-=
1.1

FL 3

,=
E

FL2

FL1
FLI*

10.30

1.0
?=5.5

5.58
-=
I.1

4.9

8.5

4.9
( Continued)

HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

79

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 2-Concluded
Wall A

Particulars

kg/ cm*
Masonry

For

requirements

Two-Storeyed

factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

For One-+toreyed
Basic stress

modification

80

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1
FL I*

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M3
20-12.5-Ml
30-7.5-M3

FL2

g=

3.20

2.04
-=
0.82

2.49

-0.82
1.94

2.37

K. = 0.82

FL1

$$=

6.93

-=
4.37
0.73

6.26

-0.73
4.37

5.99

K, = 0.73

FL2

%=

2.7

2.49
-=I.2

2.1

-2.37
1.2

2.0

FL1

%=6.3

6.26
1.1

5.7

5.99
1.1

5.5

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M3

FL1

$+=

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-Ml
20-IO-MI
30-5.0-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-5.0-Ml
20-IO-MI
30-5.0-Ml

20-3.5L2
20-7.5-M3

of requisite
3.59

-2.04
0.73

2.79

-1.94
0.73

2.66

3.3

2.79
I.1

2.5

2.66
1.2

2.2

K, = 0.73

factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

*Loads,

kg/ cm

Building

masonry
without
application
of shape

Masonry

*g/cm

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application
of shape
modification

Remarks

Wall C

Wall B

requirements
stresses

and

FL

FL 1
masonry

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-L2

requirements for 11% brick, 30 cm thick wall.

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 3 Loads

findivihual
Load

*< Wall B

Progressive
Load

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(1)
Parapet

and Stresses

Wall A

Particulars

wall

(3)

440
610
I 560
760
I 560
760
I 560
2 150

Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

Individual
Load

kg/m

Load

Load

Load

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/ m

(4)

(5)

(6)

1 480
I 560
I 840
1 560
1 840
I 560
2 150

I 480
3040
4 880
6440
8 280
9 840
10 430

I 160
I 560
1 660
1 560
1660
I 560
2 150

2
3
4
5
7
7

610
370
930
690
250
840

FL3

1.37

-=
I9 x 100

FL2

4 930
p=
19X 100

2.59

6440
~
19x100

FL1

$$&=

FL
Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall with
openings

l*

1 160
2 720
4 380
5 940
I 600
9 160
9 750
kg/ cm

kg/ cm*

2 610
p=
19 x 100

3 040

(8,

(7)

440

I 050

kg/ cm*
Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall without openings

: 1991

1.60

2 720
p=
19x100

1.43

3.39

5 940
=
19 x 100

3.13

3.82

9 840
~
=
19x 100

5.18

9 160
___
=
19 X 100

4.82

7840
~
=
29 X 100

2.70

10 430
=
29 X 100

3.60

9 750
___
=
29X 100

3.36

2.74

1.60
0.75

2.16

1.43
0.70

2.04

5.18

3.39
0.75

4.52

3.13
0.70

4.47

FL3

FL2

E=

FL1

$$

7.64

-5.18
0.75

6.91

4.82
0.70

6.89

FLl*

5.40

3.60
0.75

4.80

3.36
0.70

4.80

3.51

2.16
0.78

2.77

2.04
0.78

2.62

K, = 0.78

For Three-Storeyed Building

Basic stress of requisite
masonry
without
application
of shape
modification

Basic stress

factor

of requisite

masonry after application of shape

modification

factor

FL3

FL2

6.64

4.52
0.78

5.79

4.47
0.78

5.73

K, = 0.78

FL1

11.07

6.91
0.69

10.01

6.89
0.69

9.99

& = 0.69

FLl*

6.28

4.80
-=
0.86

5.58

4.80
0.86

5.58

K = 0.86

2.9

2.77
-=
1.2

2.3

2.62
1.2

2.2

6.0

5.79
I.1

5.3

5.73
-=
1.1

FL 3

+$

FL2

!?+

FL1

+$

11.1

10.01
1.0

10.0

9.99
1.0

10.0

FLlZ

5.7

5.58
1.1

5.1

5.58
1.1

5.1

5.2

( Continued)
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

81

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 3 -Concluded

Particulars

Wall

Wall

A
kg/ cm

Masonry

For

requirements

Two-Storeyed

FL
FL
FL
FL

20-3.SM2
20-7.SM2
20-l2.SHI
30-7.5-M2

$$=

3.51

2.16
-0.78

2.76

FL1

5.18
o=

7.51

4.52
0.69

6.55

2.9

2.76
1.2

2.3

6.8

6.55
-=
1.1

6.0

of shape
factor

factor

requirements

For One-Srorqved

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

*Loads,

82

requirements
stresses

FLI

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M

FL1

g=

2.04
0.78

2.02

& = 0.78

6.48

& = 0.69

-2.62
1.2

2.2

6.48
I.1

5.9

4.47
0.69

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

20-3.SL2
20-7.SLl
20-IO-HI
30-7.5-Ll

FL2

masonry after application of shape

Masonry

kg/ cm*

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ll
20-IO-HI
30-7.5-Ll

Basic stress of requisite

modification

kg/ cm

Building

masonry
Basic
stress without
of requisite
application
modification

3
2
I
1

Remarks

Wall C

and

FL

FL

masonry

4.0

4.0

1.1

3.6

3.1
-1.2

2.04

3.0

0.69

for

11% brick,

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

3.0

2.6

1.2

3.0

K, = 0.69

2.5

20-3.5-L2

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-Ll
requirements

2.16
-=
0.69

wall

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SY SO(S&T) : 1991
Case 4 Loads
Particulars

and Stresses

Wall A

Individual
Load

(1)
Parapet wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

Wall B

Progressive?
Load

Individual
Load

kg/ m
(2)

kgl m
(3)

kg/m
(4)

440
610
560
900
560
900
560
150

440

I
I

I
2

I 050
2 610
3 510
5 070
5 970
7 530
8 120

Progressiv> 6)
Load
Load
kg/m
(5)

I 480
I 560
2 I80
I 560
2 180
I 560
2 150

1 480
3040
5 220
6 780
8 960
10 520
II II0

kg/ cm
Compressive stress in
masonry wall without openings

kg/m
(6)

kg/ m
(7)

I 160

(8)

I 160
2 720
4 520
6 080
7 880
9440
IO 030

I 560
I 800
I 560
I 800
1 560
2 150

kg/ cm

kg/ cm*

lxiO

2 720
-=
19x100

1.43

6 780 _
19 x 100

3.57

6 080 _
19x 100

3.20

FL3

2 610
---=
19 x 100

FL 2

5 070
Ez-Tiz

FL I

7 530
=
19x 100

3.96

- 10 520 =
I9 x 100

5.54

- 9440
19x100

4.97

8 120
~
=
29X 100

2.80

- II 110 =
29X100

3.83

- 10 030
29X100

3.46

I*

FL

Compressive stress in
masonry wall with

Remarks
Load

FL3

1.37

3040
19=

2.67

g=

2.74

1.60
-0.75

2.16

1.43
~
0.70

2.04

5.34

-0.75
3.57

4.76

-0.70
3.20

4.57

7.92

5.54
0.75

7.39

4.97
0.70

7.10

5.60

3.83
0.75

5.11

3.46
-=
0.70

openings

For

Three-Storeyed

FL2

FLI

g=

4.94

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application of shape
modification factor

Basic. stress of requisite

masonry after appli-

3.54

2.16
0.78

2.77

2.04
-=
0.78

6.59

0.78
4.76

6.10

0.78
4.57

7.92
0.69

11.48

7.39
0.69

10.71

7.10
0.69

FL I*

5.60
0.86

6.51

5.11
0.86

5.94

4.94
-=
0.86

FL 3

1.2

2.9

2.3

6.59

6.0

-6. IO
I.1

5.5

10.4

10.71

5.9

5.94
1.1

FL3

g=

FL 2

5.34
0.78

FL 1

3.54

2.77

I.2

2.62

2.62

R = 0.78

5.86

K; = 0.78

10.29

K, = 0.69

5.74

k; = 0.86

2.2

5.86
1.1

5.3

9.7

10.29

9.4

5.4

5.74
1.

5.2

1.2

cation of shape
modification factor
FL 2

Ti-

FL

11.48 =

FL

I*

6.51
1.

xi

1.0

1.0

( Continued)
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP ZO(S&T) : 1991
Case 4 -Conch/cd
Particulars

Wall A

Well B

Wall C

kg/ cm2
Masonry requirements

For

Two-Storeyed

FL
FL.
FL
FL

3
2
1
I*

20-3.5-M2

masonry
without
.application
of shape
modification
factor

FL2

3.51

FL1

7.74

FL2

+-

2.9

7.0

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape

Masonry

factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

*Loads,

84

requirements
stresses

2.16
0.78
4.76
0.69
2.77
1.2
6.90
1.1

2.77

2.04
0.78

2.62

K = 0.78

6.90

4.57
0.69

6.62

R = 0.69

2.3

2.62
1.2

2.2

6.3

6.0

6.62
1.1

20-3.5-Ll
20-7.5-M2

20-3.5-Ll
20-7.5-Ml

FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

FL1

3.97

2.16
0.69

3.13

FLI

3.6

3.13
1.2

2.6

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

FL

requirements

For One-.Sroreyed

20-3.5-U
20-7.5-Ll
20-IO-Ml
30-7.5-Ll

Building

Basic stress of requisite

modification

kg/ cm

kg/ cm
20-3.SL2
20-i.5-M3
20-lo-Ml
30-7.5-Ml

20-7%M2
20-12.5-Ml
30-7.5-M2

Remarks

and

FL
masonry

20-5-L]
requirements

2.04
0.69

2.96
1.2

20-3.5-M2
for

1lh brick,

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

2.96

2.5

K, = 0.69

2O-3.5-L2

wall.

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 5 Loads
Particulars

Wall
(Individual
Load

(1)
Parapet

Wx

,f

k/m

kg/m

k/m

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

1640

I 640
3 080
5 220
6660
8 800
10 240
IO 770

440
I
2
3
5
6
7
8

320
760
770
210
220
660
190

2 260
3 700
6 310
7 750
IO 360
I 800
12 330

Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall with

kg/ cm!

4.08

p=6660
19x 100

3:51

4.03

800
- 11
=
19 X 100

$21

___
10 240 =
19 x 100

5.39

2.82

___
12 330 =
29X 100

4.25

___=
10 770
29X 100

3.71

7 660
=
19 x 100

FL

8 190
p=
29X 100
g=

2 140
I 440
2 140
I 440
I 970

7 750
___
=
19 X 100

FL 1

FL3

1 440

1.62,

2.74

I*

(8)

I .95

5 210
___
=
19 x 100

FL 2

kg/m

3 080
iSi%=

1.45

FL3

Progressive
Load

kg/ cm2
3 700
---=
19X 100

2 760
p=
19 x 100

Remarks

2 260
I 440
2 610
1 440
2 610
I 440
I 970

kg/ cm2
Compressive
stress in
masonry wall without openings

Individual
Load

individual
Load

880
I 440
1010
1 440
I 010
I 440
I 970

Progressive
Load

Wpr! C

Progressive1
Load

440

wall

Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses

: 1991

2.90

1.95
-0.80

2.44

1.62
-0.75

2.16

4.68

openings
FL2

$$=

5.48

-4.08
0.80

5.10

-3.51
0.75

FL1

g=

8.06

6.21
0.80

7.76

5.39
-=
0.75

7.19

5.31

3.71
-=
0.75

4.95

3.01

2.16
-=
0.81

2.67

K, = 0.81

6.30

4.68
-=
0.81

5.78

K, = 0.81

10.63

7.19
0.73

9.85

K. = 0.73

5.62

K, = 0.88

$$

5.64

4.25
-=
0.80

FL3

3.58

2.44
0.81

FL2

6.77

5.10
-=
0.81

FL1

11.04

7.76
0.73

FLl*

6.41

3.0

3.01
1.2

2.5

2.67
1.2

6.2

-6.30
1.1

5.7

-=
5.78
1.1

11.0

10.63
1.0

10.6

9.85
~
1.1

9.0

6.03
1.1

5.5

5.62
1.1

5.1

FL

l*

For 7hree-Siroreyed Building

Basic stress of requisite
masonry without
application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application

FL3

4.94
-=
0.88
=

2.2

of shape

modification

factor
FL2

z=

FL1

FLl*

$=5.8

5.3

( Continued)
HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRl!CTlON-PART

85

SP 20(S&T) : 1991.
Case 5-Concluded
Particulars

Wall A

Wall

Wall C

kg/ cm
Masonry

requirements

For Two-Sroreyed

FL 3

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml
20-12.5-H2
30-7.5-M2

FL2

s=

FL1

$$

FL2

kg/ cm
20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M3
20-l2.5-Ml
30-7.5-M3

2.44
0.81

7.51

5.10
-=
0.73

3.0

3.01
1.2

FLI

6.8

FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

FLI

z=

3.97

2.44
0.73

3.34

2.16
0.73

2.96

FL1

3.6

3.34
1.2

2.8

2.96
I.2

2.5

FL I

20-5-Ll

cation of shape
modification
factor

requirements

For One-Storeyed

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modificatiod
factpr

*Loads,

requirements
stresses

7.0
I.1

3.01

2.16
-=
0.81

7.0

4.68
0.73

2.5

6.4

20-3.5-L2

2.67

K. = 0.81

6.41

& = 0.73

2.67
1.2

2.2

6.41
I.1

5.8

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2

20-7.5-Ml

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
applicaiion
of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ll
20-10-M I
30-7.5-Ll

3.58

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after appli-

Masonry

kg/ cm2

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
modification

FL 2
FL I
FL l*

Remarks

and

masonry

requirements

20-3.5-M2
for

K. = 0.73

20-3.5-L2

I1/ brick, 30 cm thick wall.

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 6 Loads
Particulars

and Stresses

Wa)(A
/;ndividunl

(1)

WaJ,B

Progressive

: 1991

Individual

wg

Progressi~/;ndividual

Remarks

ProgressiJ

Load

Load

Load

Load

Load

Load

kg/m

kg! m

ku m

kg/m

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

2 260

I 640
I 440

Parapetwall
IlOOf

I 320

2 260

Third storey wall

Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

2
3
5
6
8
8

I
3
I
3
I
I

v-9

440
760
950
390
580
020
550

440
060
440
060
440
970

3
6
8
II
I2
I3

kg/ cm*
Compressibe
stress in
masonry wall without openings

Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall with

700
760
200
260
700
230

1640
3 080
5 390
6 830
9 140
IO 580
II II0

2 310
I 440
2 310
I 440
I 970

kg/ cm

kg/ cm2

FL3

2 760
p=
I9 x 100

I .45

3 700
---=
I9 x 100

I .95

3 080
-=
19x
100

I .62

FL 2

5 390
___
=
I9 x 100

2.84

8 200
p=
I9 X 100

4.32

6 830
p=
I9X 100

3.59

FL I

~ 8 020
=
I9 x 100

4.22

P=I2 700
I9 x 100

6.68

-- IO 580 =
19x 100

5.57

FL

___

4.56

~ II 110 =
29X 100

3.83

8 350
I*

29 X 100

2.95

p I3 230 =
: 29 X 100

2.90

1.95
0.80

2.44

1.62
0.75

2.16

5.68

-4.32
0.80

5.40

~3.59
0.75

4.79

8.44

6.68
0.80

8.35

5.57
-=
0.75

FLI*

5.90

4.56
0.80

5.70

3.83
0.75

5.11

FL3

g=

3.58

2.44
-=
0.81

3.01

2.16
-0.81

2.67

K, = 0.81

FL2

$=

7.01

-0.81
5.40

6.67

-=
4.79
0.81

5.91

k: = 0.81

FL1

II.56

8.35
0.73

II.44

10.18

K. = 0.73

FLl*

6.70

5.70
0.88

6.48

5.11
-=
0.88

5.81

Ks = 0.88

FL3

3.0

3.01
~
1.2

2.5

2.67
1.2

2.2

FL2

6.4

6.1

5.91
1.1

5.4

11.6

11.44
1.0

11.4

10.18
1.0

10.2

6.1

6.48
1.1

5.9

5.81
I.1

5.3

FL3

$$=

FL2

FLI

openings

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

11.56
1.

FL1

FL

l*

,z

E
I.1

7.43
0.73

7.43

( Conrinued)
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

87

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

Particulars

Wall A

Wall B

Wall C

kg/ cm
Masonry

requirements

FL
FL
FL
FL

3
2
1
1*

kg/ cm

kg/ cm2
20-3.5L2
20-7.5Ml
20-12.5-H]
30-7.5-M2

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5Ml
20-12.5-HI
30-7.5-Ml

Remarks

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-L]
20-12.5-HI
30-7.5-Ll

For Two-Storeyed Building

Basic stress of requisite
masonry without
application
modification

FL2

3.58

2.44
-0.81

3.01

2.16
-0.81

2.67

K, = 0.81

7.78

5.40
0.73

7.40

-4.79
0.73

6.56

K, = 0.73

3.0

3.01
1.2

2.5

2.67
1.2

2.2

6.7

6.56
1.1

6.0

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

FL1

g=

FL2

FL1

+=7.1

7.40
1.1

FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M]

FL1

3.97

2.44
0.73

FL1

3.6

3.34
-=
1.2

FL 1

20-5.0-L]

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2

For One-Storeyed Building

Basic stress of requisite
masonry
without
application
of shape
modification
factor
Haste stress of requisite
masonry after applica+tion of shape
modification
factor
Masonry
*Loads,

requirements
stresses

and

masonry

requirements

3.34

2.16
0.73

2.96

2.8

2.96
1.2

2.5

20-3.5-M2
for

1% brick,

30 cm thick

R = 0.73

20-3.5-L2

wall.

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRllCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 7 Loads
Particulars

Wall
clndividual
Load

(1)
Parapet

Wall

wall

/Individual
Load

Wall

Progressives
Load
kg/m

kg/m

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

I 640
I 570
2 140
I 570
2 140
I 570
2 160

3 210
5 350
6 920
9 060
IO 630
II 220

440
I
2
3
5
6
8
8

2 160

320
890
900
470
480
050
640

I 640

2 260
I 570
2 610
I 570
2 610
I 570
2 160

3 830
6440
8 010
IO 620
I2 190
I2 780

FL3

1.52

3 830
____
19x100

FL2

5 470
p=
I9 x 100

2.88

FLI

8 050
---=
19x100
8 640
~29X 100 =

kg/ cm*

2.02

3 210
p=
19x 100

1.69

~19x
8 010
100 =

4.22

~ 6 920
=
19X 100

3.64

4.24

12 190
~I9 x 100 =

6.42

___
IO 630
19x100

5.59

2.98

p=
29X100
I2 780

4.41

~ I1 220 =
29X 100

3.87

FL3

g=

3.04

2.02
0.80

2.53

1.69
-=
0.75

FL2

g=

5.76

-0.80
4.22

5.28

-0.75
3.64

FLI

E=

8.48

6.42
-=
0.80

8.03

5.59
-=
0.75

7.45

2.98
-=
0.50

5.96

4.41
-=
0.80

5.51

3.87
-=
0.75

5. I6

3.89

2.53
-=
0.78

3.24

2.25
-=
0.78

2.88

K, = 0.78

7.38

-5.28
0.78

6.77

-=
4.85
0.78

6.22

K, = 0.78

10.80

K, = 0.69

6.0

K, = 0.86

FL

I*

2.25

4.85

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
of shape
modification

I 640

kg/ cm2

2 890
p=
19x 100

openings

7hreeStoreyed

(8)

kg/ cm2

For

kg! m

kg/m

IO10

Compressive
stress in
masonry wall with

Load

(3)

I 570

l*

Progressive\

Load

kg/m

880

FL

Remarks

(2)

I 570
IO10
I 570

Compressive
stress in
masonry wall without openings

/Individual

kg/m

440

Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses

A
Progressive)
Load

: 1991

factor

FL3

+!$

FL2

E=

FLI

12.29

8.03
0.69

II.64

7.45
0.69

FL]*

-$$

6.93

5.51
0.86

6.41

5.16
-=
0.86

3.24

3.24
I.2

2.7

2.88
1.2

6.7

-=
6.77
121

6.2

-=
6.22
1.1

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor
FL2

FLI

1.0

12.3

II.64
I.0

II.6

FLI*

6.3

6.4 I
I.1

5.8

12.29

10.80
I.0
6.0
-=
1.1

2.4

5.7

10.8

5.5
(Continued)

HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

89

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
Case IParticulars

Wall A

Condutietl
Wall

kg/ cm*
Masonry

requirements

FL
FL
FL
FL

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application
of shape
modification
factor

FL2

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

For One-Srory,vtl

without

application
modification

*Loads.

$$=

FL2

FL1

F=

FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-H I

FL1

$=

FL1

4.41
-yy

kg/ cm2

kg/ cm

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M3
20-12.5-HI
30-7.5-M2

3.90

2.53
-_=
0.78

8.35

5.28
0.69

3.25

3.24
-=
1.2

7.6

-7.65
1.1

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2
20-12.5-Ml
30-7.5-M3

3.24

2.25
0.78

2.88

K, = 0.78

7.65

4.85
0.69

7.03

K, = 0.69

2.7

2.88
1.2

2.4

7.0

-7.03
1.1

6.4

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M]

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-MI

4.4 I

2.53
-=
0.69

2.25
-=
0.69

3.67

3.26

K, = 0.69

of shape
factor

Basic strchs of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor
Masonry

20-3.5-L]
20-7.5-M I
20-15-H]
30-7.5-M]

Remarks

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry

3
2
1
I*

Wall C

requirements
stresses

and

FL
masonry

20-5.0-M3
requirements

for

-3.26
I.1

3.63

20-3.5-M2
llh brick.

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

2.72

20-3.5-M2

wall

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION--PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 8 Loads
Particulars

and Stresses

Wall A
Wall B
Wall c
n.
A
/\
(Individual
Progressive\flndividual
Progressive~~lndividual
Progressi&
Load
Load
Load
Load
Load
Load
kgl m

kgl m
(3)

(2)

(1)

kg/ m
(4)

kgl m
(5)

kg/ m
(6)

kg/m
(7)

(8)

440

440

880
I 570
I 190
I 570
I 190
I 570

1 320
2 890
4 080
5 650
6 840
8 410

2 260
1 570
4060
I 570
3060
I 570

2
3
6
8
II
13

260
830
890
460
520
090

1640
I 570
2 310
I 570
2 310
1 570

1640
3 210
5 520
7 090
9400
IO 970

First

2 160

9 000

2 I60

13 680

2 160

II 560

wall*

Compressive
stress in
masonry wail with

kg/ cm2

kg/ cm*

kg/ cm2
Compressive
stress in
masonry wall without openings

Remarks

Parapet wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
storey

: 1991

FL3

2890
p=
19x 100

1.52

-= 3 830
19x 100

2.02

p=3 210
19x 100

1.69

FL2

5
p= 650
19 x 100

2.97

p=8 460
19 x 100

4.45

---=
7 090
19 x 100

3.73

FL1

8 410
-=
19 x 100

4.43

~ 13 090 =
19x 100

6.89

___
IO 970 =
19x 100

5.77

FL I*

9000
=
29 X 100

3.10

13 680
=
29 X 100

4.12

11 560
____
=
29 X 100

3.99

FL3

s=

30.4

2.02
-0.80

2.53

1.69
-z
0.75

FL2

g=

5.94

4.45
0.80

=.

5.56

-3.13
0.75

FL1

E=

8.86

6.89
-=
0.80

8.61

5.77
-=
0.75

7.69

FLl*

+!!$

6.20

4.72
0.80

5.90

3.99
-=
0.75

5.32

FL3

3.90

2.53
0.78

3.24

2.25
-=
0.78

2.88

K, = 0.78

FL2

g=

7.62

-=
0.78
5.56

7.13

-0.78
4.97

6.37

K. = 0.78

FL 1

8.86
=
0.69

12.84

8.61
=
0.69

12.45

7.69
=
0.69

FL I*

6.20
=
0.86

7.21

5.90
0.86 =

6.86

5.32
=
0.86

FL 3

1.2

3.35

1.2

2.7

-F
1.2

2.4

FL 2

7.62
=
1.

6.9

7.13 =
1.1

6.5

6.37
Ti-=

5.8

2.25

openings

For Three-Storeyed

4.97

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
modification

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

FL I

FLI*

3.40

12.84
1.0
7.21

yyi-

12.8

6.6

3.24

12.45
1.0

12.5

0.86
1.1

6.2

2.83

11.14
1.0
6.19
-------=
1.1

11.14 & =0.69

6.19 K. = 0.86

11.1

5.6

( Conrinued)
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

91

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

kg/ cm2

kg/ cm2
Masonry

For

requirements

Tbt,o-Storqyed

FL
FL
FL
FL

3
2
I
I*

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5Ml
20-l5.0-HI
30-7.5-Ml

Remarks

Wall C

Wall B

Wall .A

Particulars

kg/ cm*
20-3.5L2
20-7.5M2
20-l2.5-H2
30-7.5-M3

20-3.SM2
20-7.5-M I
20-l5.0-HI
30-7.5-M I

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
of shape
modification
factor

3.24

2.25
-0.78

2.88

K, = 0.78

5.56
-z
0.69

8.06

4.97
0.69

7.20

K, = 0.69

2.24
-=
I .2

2.7

2.28
1.2

2.4

7.20
I.1

6.5

FL2

$$

3.89

2.53
~0.78

FLI

8.61

FL2

3.25

FLI

8.61
l.l=

7.8

FL 2
FL I

20-3.5-M2
20-IO-M2

FLI

$$

4.41

2.53
0.69

3.67

2.25
-=
0.69

3.26

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

FLI

3.68

3.67
__
1.2

3.06

3.26
EC=

2.72

Masonry

FL

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

requirements

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
modification

*Loads,

92

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M

K, = 0.69

of shape
factor

requirements
stresses

and

masonry

requirements

for

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-M3
I%1 brick.

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

ON MASONRY

wall.

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(5&T)
Case 9 Loads
Particulars

Wall

(1)
Parapet wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses

Wall

ProgressivJF
Load

/Individual
Load

Individual
Load

Wall
/\

Progressive)
Load

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/m

kg/m

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

440

440

I 220
I 450
I 330
I 450
1 330
I 450
1 980

I 660

2 ?30
I 450

2 230
3 680

4440
5 890
7 220
8 670
9 200

5 890
___
I9 x 100 =

FL 2
FL

FL
Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall with

___
8 670
=
I9 x 100
9 200
___
29 X 100 =

I*

FL3

Progressive\
Load

kg/ m

3 I10
-=
19x 100

FL3

Remarks

(2)

3 150
I 450
3
I
3
I

3 150
4 600

430
450
430
450
980

8
9
12
14
14

kg/ cm*
Compressive
stress in
masonry wall without openings

(Individual
Load

kg/ m

3 II0

: 1991

030
480
910
360
980

2 710
1 450
2 710
I 450
I 980

6
7
10
I2
I2

kg/ cm*

(8)

390
840
550
000
530
*
kg/ cm2

1.64

4600
~
=
19x 100

2.42

3 680
---=
19 x 100

1.94

3.10

~19x
9 480
100 =

4.99

~ 7840
=
I9 x 100

4.13

4.56

I4 360
p=
19x 100

7.56

12 000
p=
19x100

6.32

3.17

~29
14X890 =
100

5.13

____
12 530 =
29X 100

4.32

3.28

2.42
-0.85

2.85

1.94
-0.80

2.43

5.87

-4.13
0.80

5.16

openings

For Three-Storejjetl

6.20

-=
0.85
4.99

FL1

9.12

7.56
0.85

8.89

6.32
0.80

7.90

FLl*

6.34

-0.85
5.13

6.04

0.80
4.32

5.40

FL3

$$

4.05

~2.85
0.81

3.52

-=
2.43
0.81

FL2

$$

1.65

5.87
0.81

7.25

5.16
0.81

12.67

8.89
0.72

12.35

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
of shape
modification

FL2

factor

FL

9.12

0.72

FLI*
Basic stress of requisite
masonry after application of shane
modification
factor

s
4.05

FL 3

1.2

FL 2

E
i2.67

FL

FL

l*

-iTi
7.20
1.1

7.90
0.72

3.0

K, = 0.81

6.37

& = 0.81

10.97

K. = 0.72

6.14

K, = 0.88

2.5

7.20

6.04
0.88

6.86

3.4

3.52
1.2

2.9

7.0

7.25
I.1

6.6

6.37
1.1

5.8

12.7

12.35
1.0

12.4

10.97
1.0

II.0

6.5

6.86
I.1

6.2

6.14
I.1

5.40
0.88
3.0
1.2

5.6
( Conrinued)

HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

93

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case 9- ConcluJeed

Particulars

Wall

Wall B

Wall C

kg/ cm2
Masonry

For

FL 3
FL 2
FL 1
FL l*

requirements

Two-Storeyed

FL2

+$=

of shape
factor
FL

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after appli-

FL2

FL

8.61
1.1

FL 2
FL 1

20-3.5-M2
20-lo-M2

FLI

requirements

For One-Storeyed

6.20
0.72

+!+

cation of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

kg/ cm2

kg/ cm2

20-3.5-M2
20-7%Ml
20-15.0-HI
30-7.5-M2

20-35L2
20-7.SM2
20-12.5-H2
30-7.5-M3

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
modification

20-35M2
20-7.5-M 1
20-15.0-Hl
30-7.5-Ml

Remarks

4.05

2.85
0.81

3.52

2.43
0.81

3.0

K, = 0.81

8.61

5.87
0.72

8.16

-0.72
5.16

7.17

K, = 0.72

3.33

3.52
1.2

2.9

2.6

7.8

8.16
1.1

7.4

7.17
1.

6.5

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

3.0
1.2

20-3.5-L2
2O-7.5-Ml

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application
of shape
modification
factor
Basic stiess of requisite
masonry after appli-

FL

FL

+$

4.56

3.8

2.85
0.72

3.96
1.2

3.96

3.3

2.43
0.72

2.37
- 1.2

3.37

2.8

k: = 0.72

cation of shape
modification
factor
Masonry
*Loads,

94

requirements
stresses

and

masonry

requirements

for

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-M3
IIh brick,

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

wall.

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 10 Loads
Wall A
ProgressiveIf
Ylndividual
Load
Load

Particulars

(1)
Parapet

wall

Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses
/\

Individual
Load

Progressive
Load

stress

masonry wall without openings

kg/m

kg/m

b/m

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

440

440

1 220
I 450

1660
3 110
4 650
6 100
7 640
9 090
9 620

2 230
1 450
2920
I 450
2 920
1 450
1 980

2 230
3680
6600
8 050
IO 970
12 420
12 950

FL 3

3 110
iEGi=

FL 2
FL I

FL
Compressive

stress

masonry
openings

wall with

in

I*

FL3

FL2

3 150
I 450
3 970
l 450
3 970
1 450
I 980

3 I50
4&l
8 570
IO 020
13 990
15 440
15 970

Three-Sioreyed

modification

6 100
=
19x 100

3.21

10 020
~
19x100

- 9090
=
19x 100

4.78

~ I5 440
19x100

9 620
=
29X 100

3.32

3.32
0.50

2.42

19x100

I .94

5.27

- 8 050
=
19x 100

4.24

8.13

12 420
19x100

654

5.51

- 12 950
29X100

4.47

I5 970
=
29X 100

3.28

2.42
0.85

2.85

1.94
0.80

2.43

6.42

5.27
0.85

6.20

-4.24
0.80

5.30

9.56

9.56

6.54
-=
0.80

6.64

6.48

-4.47
0.80

5.59

3.52

jj-ji
2.43

3.0

K, = 0.81

g=

4.78

3 680

8.13
0.85
5.51
0.85

8.18

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application

~
19x100

?ix

FL I*
For

lH

(8)

kg/ cm

kg/ cm2
4600

+$

FL I

Progressive7
Load

kg/m

1540

in

Individual
Load

kg/m

kg/ cm*
Compressive

Remarks

Wall C

Wall B

kg/m
(2)

1 450
I 540
1 450
I 980

: 1991

4.05

-=
0.81
2.85

7.93

0.81
6.20

7.65

5.30
Ei

6.54

K = 0.81

Iix
9.56

13.28

0.72
9.56

13.19

8.18
0.72

11.36

K. = 0.72

7.55

7.36

-5.59
0.88

6.35

K, = 0.88

3.175

2.9

2.5

7.2

7.0

-6.54
1.1

5.9

13.3

13.19
1.0

13.2

-Ii.36
1.0

11.4

6.9

7.36
x-

6.7

-6.35
I.1

5.8

FL3

g=

FL 2

6.42
0.81

FL l
FLl

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

4.05

FL 3

-E
7.93

FL 2

I.
13.28

FL 1

1.0

FL I*

7.55
-K

6.48
0.88
3.52
1.2
7.65
Ti-

3.0
1.2

( Conrimed)
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESlGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

9s

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case

Particulars

Wall

lo-

Concluded

Wall

kg/ cm
Masonry

requirements

For Two-Storeyed

Remarks

kg/ cm

kg/ cm2

FL 1
FL 2
FL 3*

20-3.5-M2
20-7.SMl

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-M2

30-7.5-M]

3O-7.5-M]

30-7.5-M2

FL2

4.05

2.85
0.81

3.52

2.43
0.81

FL1

8.92

6.20
0.72

8.61

5.30
_=
0.72

FL2

3.38

3.52
1.2

2.9

FL1

8.1

8.61
1.1

7.8

-7.30
1.1

FL 2
FL 1

20-5.0-M3
20-IO-M2

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application
of shape
modification
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

Wall

requirements

20-3.5-M2
20-IO-M2

3.0
1.2

3.0

K. = 0.81

7.36

& = 0.72

2.5

6.7

20-3.5-L2
20-7.5-Ml

For One-StoreyedBuilding
Basic stress of requisite
masonry
without
application
of shape
modification
factor
Basic stress of requisite
masomy after application of shape
modification
factor
Masonry
*Loads,

96

requirements
stresses

and

FL

3.28
-=
0.72

FL1

z=

FL 1

20-5.0-M3

masonry

requirements

for

4.56

2.85
0.72

3.96

2.43
0.72

3.8

3.96
1.2

3.3

3.37
_=
1.2

20-3.5-M2
II/, brick,

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

ON

MASONRY

3.37

K. = 0.72

2.80

20-3.5-M2

wall.

DESIGN

AND

CONSlHl~CTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
Case 11 Loads
W81i A
*
Progressive
Individual
Load
Load

P8rticul8rs

(1)
Parapet wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses

W811 B
&
Progressive
Individual
Load
Load

kg/ m

kg/ m

kg/m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

440

440
I 220
1 580
1 330
1 580
I 330
1 580
2 170

1660
3 240
4 570
6 150
7 480
9060
9 650

3
4
8
9
13
I4
15

3 150
I 580
3 430
I 580
3 430
I 580
2 I70

W811 c
L
Individual
Progressive
Load
Load

150
730
160
740
170
750
340

1.71

4 730
-=
19x100

Remarks

kg/m

kg/ m

(8)

(6)

(7)

2 230
I 580
2 710
I 580
2 710
I 580
2 I70

2 230
3 810
6 520
8 100
IO 810
12 390
I2 980
kg/ cm

kg/ cm2

kg/ cm*
Compressive
stress in
masonry wall with-

: 1991

2.49

3 810
~ x
=
I9
100

2.01

FL3

3 240
-=
I9 x 100

FL 2

6 150
19x loo

3.24

9740
=
19X 100

5.13

-= 8 I00
19x 100

4.26

FL 1

9060
~
=
I9 x 100

4.77

14
~
750 =
I9 x 100

7.76

___
12 390 =
I9 x 100

6.52

FL

9 650
___
=
29 X 100

3.33

I5 340
29X100

5.29

12
980
19x100

4.48

2.51

out openings

Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall with

I*

FL 3

1.71
0.50

3.42

2.49
-0.85

2.93

0.80
2.01

FL2

$$

6.48

__
5.13
0.85

6.04

-=
4.26
0.80

FLI

g=

9.54

-=
0.85
7.76

9.13

-0.80
6.52

8.15

FLl*

6.66

-=
5.29
0.85

6.22

0.80
4.48

5.60

4.38

2.93
0.78

3.76

2.51
-=
0.78

8.31

7.74

13.82

13.23

7.74

6.22
0.86

7.23

3.65

3.76
I.2

3.13

7.6

7.74
1.1

7.0

13.23
1.0

13.2

6.6

openings

For

Three-Storqved

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application
of shape
modification

factor

FL 3

FL 2

1;L I

FL l*
Basic stress of requisite
masonry after application of shape
modification

5.33

factor

FL 3

FL 2

3.42
0.78
g

9.54
0.69
6.66
0.86
4.38
1.2
8.31
1.1

FL

+2

13.8

FL

I*

7.0

6.04
0.78
9.13
0.69

7.23
Ti-

3.22

K, = 0.78

6.83

K, = 0.78

II.81

I& = 0.69

6.51

K, = 0.86

2.1

6.83
1.1

6.2

II.81
1.0

11.8

5.33
0.78
8.15
0.69
5.60
0.86
3.22
1.2

6.51
1.1

5.9
(Continued)

HANDBOOK

ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

97

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
Case 11-Concluded
Particulars

Wall

Wall

Wall

kg/ cm
Masonry

requirements

Remarks

kg/ cm2

kg/ cm2

FL 3
FL 2

20-5.0-M3
20-lo-h43

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-h42
20-7.5~Ml

FL

30-7.5-Ml

30-7.5-Ml

30-7.5-M2

I*

For Two-Sroreyed Building

Basic stress of requisite
masonry without
application
modification

2.51

$$

4.38

-0.78

3.76

-=
0.78

3.22

R = 0.?8

FLI

9.39

6.04
0.69

8.75

5.33
-=
0.69

7.72

& = 0.69

3.65

3.76
1.2

3.13

3.22
1.2

2.7

8.5

8.0

7.72
1.1

7.0

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
after application of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

2.93

FL 2

FL 2

FL

FL 2
FL I

requirements

4.38
1.2
9.39
1.1

8.75
Ti-

20-5.0-M3
20-IO-Ml

2O-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-M2
20- IO-M2

For One-Storeyed Building

Basic stress of requisite
masonry
without
application
modification

*Loads,

98

3.42
0.69

4.96

4.15

2.93
0.69

2.51
0.69

4.25

3.63

K, = 0.69

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor
Masonry

FL

requirements
stresses

and

FLI

FL
masonry

20-5.0-M2
requirements

for

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2
11% brick,

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

ON

MASONRY

wall.

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(.5&T)
Case 12 Loads
Wall A
I
Individual
Progressive
Load
Load

Particulars

(1)
Parapet wall
Roof
Third storey wall
Floor 3
Second storey wall
Floor 2
First storey wall
First storey wall*

and Stresses

Wall B
*r
Individual
Progressive
Load
Load

kg/m

kg/m

kg/m

kg/ m

kg/m

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

I 540
I 580

3 240
4 780
6 360

3 I50
I 580
3 970
I 580

3 150
4 730
8 700
IO 280

2 230
I 580
2 920
I 580

I 540
I 580
2 170

7 900
9 480
IO 070

3 970
I 580
2 170

I4 250
I5 830
16 420

2 920
I 580
2 170

440

440

I 660

Compressive
stress in
masonry
wall with

3 240

lkee-Sloreyed

kg/ cm
3 810

2.49

19X100

2.01

6 360
=
19x 100

3.35

10 280
=
19x 100

5.41

8 310
~
19x100

4.37

FL 2

100

FL

9 480
19X 100

4.99

I5 830
~
=
I9 x 100

8.33

12 810
=
19X 100

6.74

FL

I*

10 070
~
29X100

3.47

16 420
___
29X100

5.66

I3 400
=
29X 100

4.62

2.93

2.01
0.80

2.51

6.36

4.37
0.80

5.46

FL3

3.42

2.49
__
0.85

FL2

6.70

5.41
--.--.-=
0.85

FL1

9.98

8.33
0.85

9.80

6.74
PC
0.80

FLI*

6.94

5.66
0.85

6.66

4.62
0.80

FL3

$=

8.43

5.78

4.38

2.93
-0.78

3.76

2.51
-0.78

8.59

6.36
0.78

8.15

5.46
-=
0.78

14.20

8.43
0.69

7.74

5.78
0.86

3.13

3.22
-=
1.2

2.7

7.0
-zY.
I.1

6.4

of shape
factor

masonry after application of shape

factor

I I 230
I2 8!0
13 400

~
=
19X 100

-=
19x

FL2

g=

FL1

14.46

9.80
0.69

FLl*

6.94
0.86

8.07

6.66
-=
0.86

FL3

Basic stress of requisite

modification

230
RIO
730
310

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application
modification

4 730

Remarks

(8)

1.71

FL3

openings

For

2
3
6
8

kg/ cm2

kg/ cm2
Compressive
stress in
masonry wall without openings

Wall C
A
Progressive
Individual
Load
Load

kg/m

1 220
I 580

: 1991

FL2

s=

3.65

3.76
I.2

7.8

8.15
-=
1.1

FL1

14.5

14.20
I .o

FLl*

#-

7.3

7.74
-=
I.1

7.4

3.22

K, = 0.78

7.0

K, = 0.78

12.22

K = 0.69

6.72

K, = 0.86

14.2

12.22
I.0

12.2

7.0

6.72
I.1

6.1

( Continued)

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

99

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Case

Particulars

12 -

Concluded
-

kg/ cm
Masonry

For

requirements

Two-Storeyed

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after appli-

requirements

For One-Storqved

20-5.0~M3
20-lo-M3

FL I*

30-7.5-Ml

FL2

+$=

4.38

2.93
0.78

3.76

2.51
-=
0.78

3.22

K, = 0.78

FL1

!&?&

9.71

6.36
0.69

9.22

5.46
-=
0.69

7.9

K, = 0.69

FL2

++

3.65

1.2
3.76

3.13

__
3.22
1.2

2.7

FL1

E=

9.7

9.22
1.1

8.44

-7.91
1.1

7.2

FL 2
FL 1

20-5.0-M3
20-IO-MI

FL

3.42
0.69

K, = 0.69

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Mt
30-7.5-Ml

*Loads,

20-3.5-M2
20-lo-M1

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M]

4.96

2.93
0.69

4.25

2.51
0.69

3.64

4.13

4.25
1.2

3.54

3.64
1.2

3.03

of shape
factor

Basic stress of requisite

masonry after application of shape
modification
factor
Masonry

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml
30-7.5-M2

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry
without
application
modification

kg/ cm

FL 3
FL 2

cation of shape
modification
factor

Masonry

kg/ cm

Building

Basic stress of requisite

masonry without
application
modification

Remarks

Wall C

Wall B

Wall A

requirements
stresses

and

FL1

FL
masonry

3=

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-M2
requirements

for

1% brick,

HANDBOOK

30 cm thick

ON MASONRY

20-3.5-M2

wall

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

Table
(1)
9.

10.

11.

12.

(2)

(3)

(4)

5.40

3.00

250

5.40

5.40

5.40

3.00

3.30

3.30

400

250

400

(5)

E-18 -

(6)

Concluded

(7)

FL
FL
FL
FL

3
2
1
I*

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M 1
2O-15.0-HI or
30-7.5-M 1

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M 1
2O-15.0-H] or
30-7.5-M 1

FL
FL
FL
FL

3
2
1
I*

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml
-

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M]

30-7.5-M 1

30-7.5-M I

FL
FL
FL
FL

3
2
I
l*

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-M I
-

20-5.0-M3
20-IO-M2

30-7.5-M I

30-7.5-M I

FL 3
FL 2
FL I
FL I*

20-5.5-M2
20-7.5-M I
-

20-5.0-M3
20-IO-M2

30-7.5-M 1

30-7.5-M 1

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

20-3.5-M2
20-7.5-Ml

20-3.5-M2
20-IO-M2

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-M3

20-3.5-M2
20-IO-M2

20-3.5-M3
20-lO.O-M2

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-M3

20-3.5-M2
20-IO-M2

2O-5.0-M3
20-IO-MI

20-3.5-M2

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-M3
20-10.0-MI

20-3.5-M2
20-IO-MI

20-3.5-M2

20-5.0-M2

SP 20(S&T)
Table

SI
No.

I.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Spll

E-19 Design

Results

Storey
Height

Live
Load

Cm)

Cm)

(kg/m*)

3.6

3.00

250

3.6

3.6

3.6

4.5

4.5

3.00

3.30

3.3

3.0

3.0

400

250

400

250

400

of Brick Masonary Walls for Office

(Using ConventIonal*
Bricks)

Storey
Level

lbree Storeyed Building

n
Internal
External\
Wall
Wall

Building

: 1991

Up to 3 Storeys

Double

Storeyed Building
Single Storey Building
A
r\
f Internal
External 1 f Internal
External \
Wall
Wall
Wall
Wall

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ll
23-IO-MI

23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-M2
23-7.5-H I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M2

23-3.5-L2
23-5-M I

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-1.2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M3
23-IO-MI

23-3.5-L2
23-5-M 1
23-lo-M2

23-3.5-h12
23-7.5-M2

23-3.5-L2
23-7.5-Ll

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5.L2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M2
23-IO-MI

23-3.5-L2
23-5.0-M I
23-IO-M2

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M

23-3.5-L2
23-7.5-Ll

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-L2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M2
23-IO-H2

23-3.5-L2
23-7.5~LI
23-10-M I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-3.5-L2
23-7.5-M3

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-L2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ml
23-IO-MI

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M2
23-10-M I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-MI
23-7.5-M I
23-IO-HI or 34.5-7.5-Ml

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ml

23-3.5-M2
23-3.5-M I

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-M2

34.5-7.5-M I
I.

8.

9.

IO.

I I.

12.

*Bricks

4.5

4.5

5.1

5.4

5.4

5.4

3.3

3.3

3.0

3.0

3.3

3.3

of nominal

HANDBOOK

250

400

250

400

250

400

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ml
34.5-7.5-MI

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ml
23-10.0-M I

23-3.SM2
23-7.5-Ml

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-5.0-M3

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ml
34.5-7.5-MI

23-3.5-M2
23-7.SMl
34.S7.5-Ml

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-3.5-M2

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-5.0~I.1
23-7.5-Ml
34.5-7.5-M I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-Ml
23-7.5~l.2
34.5-7.5-M 1 23-3.5-M I

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-3.5-L2

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-5.0-LI
23-7.5-MI
34.5-7.5-Ml

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I
34.5-7.5-Ml

23-5.0-Ll
23-IO-M2

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I

23-5.0-M3

23-3.5-M2

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-5.0-M3
23-7.5-MI
34.5-7.5-Ml

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I
34.5-7.5-Ml

23-5.0-M3
23-lo-M2

23-3.5-M2
23-IO-M2

23-5.0-M2

23-5.0-M3

FL 3
FL 2
FL I

23-5.0-M3
23-IO-M2
34.5-IO-M2

23-3.5-M2
23-7.5-M I
23-7.5-Ml

23-5.0-M3
23-IO-MI

23-3.5-M2
23-IO-M2

23-5.0-M2

23-5.0-M3

size 23 cm X II.5

ON MASONRY

cm X 7.7 cm.

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

103

SP ZO(S&T) : 1991

ANNEX
NOTATIONS,

SYMBOLS

H-4.1 Notations,
Symbols
and Abbreviations
from the Code are reproduced
below along with
additions
used in the handbook
for ready
reference.
NOTE-When
its intended

any Notation
meaning

A
hA
B
BM
Z
:\c
e
v

A
Q,
H
I-f
Hl,
h

H2

ia
zip
ks,
IL
LL
Ll L2 L3 =
M
Ml M2M31
NA
=
=
P
=
PPL
=
RS
=
RCC
=
=
SR
=
s,
t
I,

=
=

IP

104

AND ABBREVIATIONS
= Vertical

w2
w,

will be with reference to the context.

Hydraulic
lime
Area of a Section
Width of a rectangular
Section or
Width of bearing of a vertical load
Semi-hydraulic
lime
Bending moment
Fat lime
Depth of a rectangular
Section
Dead load
Damp proof course
Eccentricity as distance from centroid
Resultant
eccentricity
as distance
from centroid
Stress (either compressive or tensile)
Basic compressive
stress
Compressive
stress/ Permissible
compressive
stress
Compressive stress due to dead loads
Compressive strength of a masonry
as per prism test
Shear permissible
stress
Tensile stress
Ground level
Actual height between lateral
Supports or Total wall height above
the level being analysed
Hei ht of an opening
4! strength mortars
Hlg
Effective height of a masonry
element between lateral supports
Moment of inertia
Area reduction
factor
Shape modification
factor
Stress reduction
factor
Stiffening
co-efficient
of a wall
Actual length of a masonry wall
Effective length of a masonry wall
Live load
Low strength mortars
Moment
Medium strength mortars
Neutral axis
Unit wind pressure/ Lateral load
Total wind force/ Horizontal
load
Plinth level
Rolled steel
Reinforced
cement concrete
Slenderness
ratio
Spacing of piers/ Buttresses/
Cross walls
Actual thickness
Effective thickness
Thickness
of pier
Thickness
of wall

load/ Weight or Resultant

load
Axial load
Eccentric. load
Width of piers/ Buttresses/Cross
walls
Distance of extreme fibre of a
section from neutral axis
Modulus
of a section
Ratio of flexural strength of wall
in the vertical direction to that in
the horizontal
direction

WI

has more than one meaning

HANDBOOK

H-4

Z
cc

=
=

REFERENCES
I. Proceedings
and Design

of the International
of Tall Buildings,

Volume

III

Masonry

Buildings.

New

Structural

Design

American

of

fall

Concrete

and

Society of Civil Engineers.

York.
I II

2. CP
Load

Part

Bearing

1970 Structural

Walls.

Institution.
3. Masonry
Designs
Canada
1969.

Metric

for

Recommendation

Units.

Building

British

-~ National

for

Standards

Standard

of

CAN3-S304-M84.

4. Recommended
5. IS

Conference on Planning
Lehigh University,
1973.

Brick

2250

Practice
Institute

1981

for

Engineered

of America,

Code

of

Brick

Masonry,

Virginia.

Practice

for

Preparation

and

Use of Mortars.
6. Building

Research

Strength

7. Proceedings

1974

Standards
9. BS 5628

SAA

I:

Part

Standards

1978 Code

England
Code

Walls.

Masonry
1970.

(Metric

Units).

of Practice

2 Unreinforced

for Structural

Masonry.

British

C. B. Jr.. Old and New Research on Clay Masonry

First National

(May

ISO-

Working

Third

for Structural
I21
I

1965).

Brick and Tile Bearing Walls

Pittsburge.

Draft

Part I-1987

use of Unreinforced

Organisation
Part

Brick

of Australia.

Part

Conference

12. CP

Series).

Institution.

Bearing Wall.
II.

(Second

International

Brickwork

Association

Use of Masonry:
IO. Monk,

61

and Concrete

held in Stoke-on-.frent.

1640

Digest

Blockwork

of the Second

Conference
8. AS

Station

of Brickwork,

for

Part

Brick

Code of Practice

Masonry

International

Practice

for

Standardization.

1973 Code

and

Block

of

Masonry.

British

Walling:
Standards

Institution.
13. Brick

Diaphragm

Walls

in Tall

Single

by W. G. Curtin and G. Shaw.

14. IS 1641 to IS : 164X Code of Practice

Storey

Buildings

for Fire Safety of

Buildings.
15. IS 3792-1978

Guide for Heat Insulation

Buildings.
16. IS 1950 : 1962 Code of Practice
Non-Industrial
17. IS 2212

(A W).

Strength,

BDA

19. THOMAS

(K)

Standing
No.
20. DIN

of Practice

Workmanship

Technical
and

Brickwalls.

5; July

for Sound

Insulation

of

Buildings.

1962 Code

18. HANDRY,

of Non-Industrial

Volume

KERFF
BOA

for

Brick

Factors
I.

(JOA).
Technical

No.

Work.
in Brickwork
6; 1973.

Dcslgn
Note

of

Volume

Free
I,

1972.

10531 I Brick Calculation

and Construction

Deutche-

1974.

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

As in the Original Standard, this Page is Intentionally Left Blank

SP 20(S&T)

SECTION

: 1991

the quantities available at site from time to time

for the purpose of inventory
control.
I .2.2.3 Cement

1 GENERAL
1 .l Introduction
Masonry
is one
of the
main
items
of
construction
in a building
and needs careful
consideration.
It comprises masonry units such as
brick, stone, concrete block laid in mortar. There
is a large variety of units and a number
of
different types and grades of mortars that are
used in masonry. Architects and Engineers should
have good knowledge of properties of units and
mortars so as to be able to choose an appropriate
combination
of the two, to meet the requirements
for a particular
situation.
Similarly,
field
engineers
should have good knowledge
of the
construction
practices
and techniques
so that
masonry effectively serves the purpose for which
it is intended.
1.2 Materials
1.2.1 Spectfications
Materials
used in masonry
are covered, with
regard to their specifications,
in a number of
Indian
Standards
a? given
in the List of
Bibliography
at the end.
References
and
Information
in a summarised
form could be
found in SP : 21 Summaries of Indian Standards
for Building Materials.
1.2.2 Stacking

and Storage

1.2.2.1 It is necessary
that
materials
for
construction
are stacked and stored at site in a
planned
manner so as to minimise chances of
to
facilitate
subsequent
deterioration
and
construction.
Detailed
handling
for
recommendations
in this regard are contained in
IS 4082 : 1977 Recommendations
on Stacking
and Storage of Construction
Materials at Site.
Summary
of recommendations
(with
minor
modifications)
relating
to materials
commonly
used in masonry
namely, cement, lime, bricks,
concrete blocks and aggregates are given in the
following clauses.
1.2.2.2 As a general principle, materials should be
stacked/stored
at site such that: (a) these are not
damaged by rain, humidity, wind and dust storm;
(b) lead for subsequent
handling
of those
materials is minimum; (c) it should be possible to
make use of and exhaust stocks of materials
received earlier, before starting
use of freshly
arrived material; and (d) it is easy to take stock of
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

Cement if received in gunny

bags should be
stored in a building or temporary godown which
is dry, leak-proof
and moisture-proof.
Cement
bags should be stacked off t-he floor on wooden
platform about 15 cm clear above the floor and a
space of about 45 cm should be left alround
between the walls and stacks. Height of stacks
should not be more than 15 bags and width not
more than 4 bags length. When height of stacks
exceeds 8 bags, these should be placed alternately
in header and stretcher layers so as to avoid
toppling over. As an additional precaution during
monsoon
season, bags should be covered with
tarpaulins
or some
waterproof
sheets
and
windows (if any) and doors should be kept closed.
1.2.2.4

Lime

Quicklime
should
be slaked
soon
after its
arrival and should be stored on a dry brick
platform in the form of compact heaps suitably
protected
from rain and storm. During
rains
slaked lime should be stored under
a shed.
Hydrated fat or semi-hydraulic
lime received in
bags should be stored in godown or shed on dry
brick platform, while hydrated hydraulic lime in
bags should be stored in a godown on wooden
platform just like bagged cement.
1.2.2.5 Bricks
Bricks should be stacked on dry firm ground,
stacks being generally 50 bricks in length, 2 to 4
bricks in width (placed lengthwise) and 10 bricks
in height, placing the bricks on edge. Clear
spacing between stacks should be 0.8 m or more.
1.2.2.6

Concrete

blocks

Concrete
blocks should be stacked at site so
that stacks are about 1 m high and each stack
contain
a truck load (or its multiple)
of the
material. It is very necessary to prevent the blocks
from getting
wet before
use; if there is a
possibility of occurrence of rain, either the blocks
should be covered with tarpaulins
or stacking of
blocks should be done under a leak-proof shed.
1.2.2.1 Aggregates
Aggregates
should be stored in regular stacks
on a dry, hard and level patch of ground such that
aggregates
do not get admixed with soil, and
other foreign matter. Sufficient space should be
left between stacks of different types of aggregates
to prevent intermixing.
Special precautions
are
necessary in case of fine aggregates to prevent the
same from being blown away by wind.

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T):

1991

1.3 Masonry

Units

Brick is one of the most commonly

used unit
for masonry and whenever brick of acceptable
quality and desired strength is available locally, it
is generally
the unit of first choice. It has
practically most of the desirable characteristics
of
unit
namely
strength,
durability,
a masonry
dimensional
stability, good thermal performance,
rating
and
economy
in cost.
good
fire
Compressive strength of brick depends on type of
soil used for moulding
brick,
method
of
moulding,
technique
of burning,
etc. In India,
strength
of common
brick
generally
varies
between 2.5 to 25 N/mm?.

1.3.0 As mentioned earlier there is a large variety

of masonry
units from which an architect
or
engineer can choose the one most suited to a
particular
situation.
Main considerations
in
choosing
particular
a unit
are: availability,
strength
requirement,
durability,
dimensional
stability and resistance to rain penetration,
fire
rating, thermal properties,
style of architecture
and economy in cost. Physical characteristics
and
properties of various units are detailed in relevant
Indian
Standards
(see List of References
and
Bibliography
at the end of this Part). Physical
characteristics
of different units in common use
are summarized
in Table I. The more important
features are briefly given below.

Table 1 Physical

1.3.2 Heavy Duty Burnt Clay Building

This brick,

Characteristics

of Masonry

(Clause
Sl
No.

Nomenclature

Burnt Clay Brick

1.3.1 Common

Density

Standard

Compressive
Strength

kg, mJ

Dimensions
(Actual)
LXBXH
cm

also known

Different

Brick

as Engineering

Brick,

Units

I .3.0)
Water

Drying

Absorption
Shrinkage
Percentage
Percent(By Weight)
age

Moisture

Remarks

Movement
Percent-

N/mm

Reference
to Indian
Standard

age
(8!

(10)

(9)

(5)

19X9X9

3.5-35

P20upto
NS
class 125
PI5 for
higher classes

NS

Used for all

general building
construction

1S 1077

do

<40

P 10

NS

NS

Used for
heavy engineering works

1s 2180

: 1970

NS

do

Q 17.5

PI2

NS

NS

Used for
sewer construction

IS 4885

: 1968

4. Burnt clay perforated building

brick

NS

19 x 19 x 9
29X9X9

47.0

PI5

NS

NS

1s 2222
This unit is
lighter in weight
and has better
thermal insulation than
common burnt
clay brick

: 1979

5. Burnt clay hollow

block for walls
and partitions

NS

19 X 19 X 9 43.5
on B20
gross area
29 X 9 X 9
29X14X9

NS

NS

IS 3952
This unit is
lighter in weight
and has better
thermal insulation than

: 1978

(2)

(3)

I. Common
burnt
clay building
brick

NS

2. Heavy duty
clay brick

42

3. Sewer

burnt

brick

19X9X4

500

(6)

(7)

(4)

(1)

: 1976

common
burnt
clay brick
(Conrimed)
IO8

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
Table 1 -Continued
(2)

(1)

(3)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

a) Granite

Refer
Section

QIOO

(10)
IS 1597 (Part I):
I967
1s 1597 (Part*:
1967

NS

6. Stone

>5

3
440
430
420

b) Basalt
c) Sandstone
d) Limestone
7. Precast stone

8. Laterite
block

(4)

._

block--

stone

9. a) Concrete
masonry
blockhollow

42500

There is no IS
Standard
yet
for this Refer
CBRI Building Research
Note No. 7

: 1979

NS

NS

Used in masonry like

coursed stone
masonry

IS 3620

tiO.1

PO.9

Hollow blocks
of grade A & B
are used for
load bearing
walls and of
grade C for
partitions

IS 2185 (Part
1979

I):

PO.1

BO.09

Solid blocks
of grade D
are used for
load bearing
walls

IS 2185 (Part
1979

I):

PO.06

BO.05

Used for
walls and
partitions

IS 3590

: 1966

ZP0.05
for
grade I
and 0.1
for
grade 2

NS

IS 5482

: 1969

PO.1

IP 0.05

Block could
IS 3115
be solid or
hollow anti
is used for
load bearing,
non-load bearing
and panel walls

: 1976

7.5, 10.0, NS
15.0 and

I@0.025
for

NS

Used for
masonry just

IS 4139

: 1976

20.0

class 75
and 100
ZP0.035
for class
150

39x 19x 1943.5

49 X 19 X 19 N/mm*
59 X 29 X 19

>I2

Grade A: L-39, 49
Q: 1 500
and 50
Grade B: B-49, 74
and C:
99, 149
less than
199, 249
I 500
299
but
H-19 and 9

Grade A: p 10
Minimum
35, 45,
55 & 70
Grade B:
20, 30 &
50 mini-

41000

mum
Grade

C:

415
b) Concrete
masonry
solid

I 800 L-39, 49

blocks-

Grade D: > 10
Minimum
4.0 & 5.0

and 50
B-49, 74
99, 149
199, 249
299
H-19 and

10. Light weight

concrete block

> I 600

39 X 30 X 19 428 on
39 X 20 X 19 gross
39 X 10 X 19 area

I I. Auto-claved

Varying
between
451 and

L-49 or 50
B-9, 14,
19, 24
H-19, 24
and 29

cellular
concrete

blocks

1 000

12. Lime-based

13. Sand-lime

block

brick

Grade
10-70
Grade
15-60

<I 000

L-39
35
B-10, 20
and 30
H-9 and 19

NS

19 X 9 X 9
19X9X4

p25

1: NS
2:

NS

like common
burnt clay
bricks

(Continued)
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

109

T;i

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991
Table 1 -Concluded

3,

(2)

14. Soil-cement

(2)
block

NS

(4)

(5)

19X9X9
19 X 9 X 4
29X 19X9

(6)

(7)

(8)

NS

dI2.0 for 15
class 20
43.0 for

(9)
Used in
masonry for
lightly

NS

class 30
15. Non-load

bcal-ing

NS

gypsum partition
block (solid and
tlollow)

/~~~twt/

: L = Length;

B = Breadth;

Length-70
Q5 on
maximum,
gross
in multiples
area
of IO
Breadth-75
to 150 in
multiples
of 25
Height-30
maximum,
in
multiples
of IO
H = Height;

NS

Brick

Used for
non-load
bearing
partitions
in drq
situations

IS 2849

: 1964

than;

Q = Not

less than

Stone

Block

As mentioned
earlier, one of the drawbacks
in
the use of stone in masonry is that walls have to
be thicker than what is necessary from structural
and other considerations.
This drawback can be
overcome
by combining
stone pieces and lean
cement concrete to form precast blocks of regular
size and
shape-an
innovation
of Central
Building Research Institute,
Roorkee. By using
precast stone blocks in place of stone, it is
possible
to construct
walls of much
lesser
thickness,
which results in economy in cost of
construction
and improvement
in space efficiency.
For detailed information
regarding manufacture,
properties and use of this unit, a reference may b,e
made to Research Note No. 7 of CBRl:

Cla!? Hollo\~~ Block

I .3.6 Storle
In stone masonry,
dressing of stone entails lot
of labour and time. Therefore, in regions where
stone as well as brick is available
latter is
preferred. Stone as a masonry unit is made use of
when brick is either not available
or is more
costly. As it is more expensive to dress stone to
of stone walls is
small size units, thickness
generally kept more than what is needed from
HANDBOOK

> = Not more

1.3.1 Precast

This unit is similar in properties

and use to
perforated brick, except that. percentage of voids
is higher and thus masonry constructed
with this
unit is much lighter in weight. Its compressive
strength
is however low and thus this unit is
mainly used for non-load
bearing walls.

110

NS

Since water absorption

of stone (about
1.5
percent) is very low as compared to that of brick
(about 20 percent), stone masonry is much more
durable.
particularly
in damp locations.
Where
both brick and stone are available at reasonable
cost and ground water table is very high, it is
advantageous
to provide stone masonry in walls
up to plinth
level and
brick
masonry
in
superstructure.

This unit has the advantage

over common brick
of lightness
in weight
and better
thermal
insulation.
It is, therefore, used in load bearing
walls as well as non-load
bearing partitions and
panels, when better thermal
insulation
andior
lightness in weight are required.
1.3.5 Burnt

: 1982

structural
and other considerations.
Therefore,
self-load
of stone
masonry
is high
and
consequently
space efficiency is low. For this
reason,
use of stone
masonry
is normally
restricted to 2 or 3 storeyed buildings and where
possible use of stone in partitions and panel walls
is avoided.

This brick has strength and other characteristics

in-between
those of common
brick and heavy
duty brick and is intended
for use in sewer
construction
where higher standard of durability
than common
brick is needed, because of the
aggressive action of sewage.
Building

NS

NS = Not specified;

1.3.3 SeMer Brick

Cla), Pecfhated

1S 1725

loaded low
cost buildings

is characterised
by high durability,
low water
absorption
and high compressive strength, and is
used in heavy civil engineering
works such as
bridge structures
and industrial
foundations.

1.3.4 Burnt

(10)

1.3.8 Luterite

Stone

Block

Laterite, a weathered product of some type of

rock, is capable of being cut easily into blocks of
regular shape and size, suitable for masonry walls.
ON

MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

7s.:

-~

SP 20(S&T)
Therefore, in those parts of India, where laterite
formation
is met with, at or close to surface,
simple low cost buildings
can be constructed
economically
with the use of laterite blocks.
However,
because of low compressive
strength
and wide variation in quality of this material, use
of this masonry unit is generally confined to single
storeyed buildings of small spans and light loads.
1.3.9 Cement

Concrete

Block

In areas

where brick or stone of suitable quality

for masonry is not available at reasonable cost,
for
suitable
quality
aggregates
of
but
manufacturing
concrete
blocks
are available,
cement concrete biock can be used as a masonry
unit for load bearing walls, partitions
and panel
walls. Concrete block cou]d be solid or hollow
depending
on strength
requirement.
Concrete
block has much lesser dimensional
stability than
clay brick and stone, special care in the use of this
unit is, therefore, needed in order to avoid or
minimise cracks in masonry built with this unit.
1.3.10

Light-weight

Concrete

Block

This unit is manufactured.

from light-weight
aggregates with the object of reducing dead load.
It has better thermal insulation
than brick, stone
and normal concrete but has lesser strength. It is,
mainly
used for non-load
bearing
therefore,
when for structural
reasons
it is
partitions,
considered
necessary to reduce dead load. This
unit. like concrete block, has low dimensional
stability and special care in its use is needed.
1.3.11 Auto-claved

Cellular

Concrete

Block

in its characteristics,
performance
This unit,
and use is similar to light-weight concrete block.
For the manufacture
of this unit, lightness in
weight is achieved by introducing
some gas in the
material through chemical action.
1.3.12 Lime-based

Block

This unit is similar in characteristics

and use to
cement
concrete
block
but its strength
is
somewhat
low. Choice between
this unit and
cement concrete block depends on considerations
of avai!ability,
strength requirement
and relative
economy.
1.3 .13 Sand-lime

Brick

Characteristics
of this unit are more OI- less
similar to that of common burnt clay brick. In
areas where neither soil suitable for burning brick
nor stone suitable for masonry, nor aggregates for
making concrete block are available, but lime and
siliceous sand are readily available, one could go
in for this type of unit. The unit can be
manufactured
to any desired strength between 7.5
to 20.0 N/mm2 depending
on the requirements.
This unit has better dimensional
stability than
concrete block .and lime-based but is inferior to
brick and stone in this respect.
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

1.3.14 Soil-cement

: 1991

Block

Use of this unit is made mainly in low cost

buildings, when soil (available locally) is suitable
for manufacturing
the unit and economy in cost is
a primary consideration.
1.3.15 Non-load

Bearing

Gypsum

Block

This unit is suitable for use in internal partition

wails and dry locations. It has low self-weight and
high thermal
insulation.
Use of this unit in
masonry
will prove
to be economical
and
advantageous
mainly
when gypsum
is locally
available.
1.4 Mortar
1.4.1 General
Mortar is an intimate mixture with water of a
binder such as cement or lime and some inert
material such as sand, crushed stone, in the form
of a smooth paste. In masonry,
mortar has an
important
role to play and that is to bind the
units together
into one mass, in order that
masonry
may effectively perform its functions.
Various types of mortars in common use are: mud
mar-tar, lime mortar, cement mortar, cement-lime
mortar
and
iime-pozzolana
mixture
mortar.
Composition,
properties
and
methods
of
preparation
of various types of mortars are as
follows.
1.4.2 Materials

,fbr

Mortars

Materials
used
for making
mortars
are: (a)
binder
such as clay, lime, cement;
(b) inert
material
such
as sand,
crushed
stone;
(c)
pozfolana
such as fly ash, burnt sclay/ surkhi; (d)
lime pozzolana mixture; and (e) plasticizers. Most
materials
arc covered
by Indian
of these
Standards (see References).
1.4.3 Properties

of- iMortars

Properties
of mortars which are sought for use
in masonry
are: workability,
water retentivity,
rate of stiffening,
strength,
resistance
to rain
penetration
and durability. These properties have
been discussed below explaining
their effect on
masonry. Choice of masonry mortar is governed
by several considerations
such as type of masonry
unit and its properties,
degree of exposure
to
weather and environments,
strength requirements,
etc.
1.4.3.1

Workability

Workability
is the property
of: mortar
which
enables it to be spread and applied to masonry
unit with ease. It also facilitates proper filling of
joimts in masonry.
A good mortar would hang
from the trowel and will flow down readily when
lightly jerked. This property of mortar depends on
properties of various ingredients used for making
mortar and on the method of mixing adopted. As
a general rule, a mud mortar prepared from fine
clay soil has better workability than one prepared
from sandy soil and a lime mortar has a better

CONSTRUCTION-PART

111

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
workability
than cement mortar. Lime when used
in the form of putty, gives better workability than
when used in dry hydrated form. Also grinding of
lime mortar in a mortar mill, results in improved
workability.
When using dry hydrated
lime in
mortar, it is desirable to soak lime in water before
mixing
with sand in order
to improve
its
workability.
When mortar is made by mixing dry
hydrated lime and sand without pre-soaking
of
lime, workability
can be improved somewhat, by
keeping the mixed mortar in a covered heap for
about 12 hours before use. This process, known as
maturing,
allows particles to swell up time to
time. A ,mortar made from well graded sand has
better workability
than one made from ungraded
sand. Cement mortar made with ungraded coarse
sand has poor workability,
particularly when mix
is lean and sand used is angular. Workability
of
such a mortar can be improved by either adding
lime or chemicals known as plasticizers.
To some
extent
workability
depends
upon
consistency
of mortar
which is measured
by
recording depth of penetration
of a standard cone
as detailed
in IS 2250 : 1981. That Standard
following
depth
recommends
values
of
penetration
for different purposes:
For ,laying walls with solid bricks90-l 30 mm
For laying perforated
bricks
-- 70-80 mm
For filling cavities
-130-150 mm
As a general principle,
when joints are thin or
units have high suction, consistency
should be
more and when units are. heavy and have low
suction,
consistency
should
be less. A good
craftsman
adjusts the consistency
of mortar by
varying
the quantity
of water
through
his
experience.
Composite
cement-lime
mortars are well known
for their good workability
and have some other
desirable properties as discussed later in 1.4.3.5.
1.4.3.2 Water-retentivit_v
Most
of the masonry
units
have normally
appreciable
suction, .depending on their porosity
and moisture
content
and they begin to suck
moisture from mortar as soon as these come in
contact with mortar. If units draw out too much
moisture from the mortar rapidly, the latter is
unable to gain adequate strength, when gain of
strength is dependent on the process of hydration
in mortar. Thus, when binder used is portland
cement or hydraulic
lime, it is necessary that
mortar should not part with its moisture readily
by suction-that
is mortar should have good
water- retentivity.
As a general rule, lime mortar
and
cement-lime
mortar
have good
water
retentivity while plain cement mortar made with
coarse ungraded sand has low water retentivity.
Water retentivity
of cement mortar is improved
by the addition of hydrated lime or finely ground
limestone
or chemical
compounds
known as
plasticizers.
Generally
speaking, mortars having
good workability have also good water retentivity.
112

HANDBOOK

A standard
test for determination
of water
retentivity
in masonry
mortars
is given in
IS 2250 : 1981. In accordance with that standard
water ,retentivity of masonry mortar should not be
less than 70 percent. It may be clarified that
property of water retentivity in masonry mortars
is imnortant
mainlv when masonrv
units have
high ;ate of suction-as
for example, common
burnt clav brick and concrete block. In case of
engineering brick and hard stone, which have low
suction, high water retentivity of mortar does not
have much advantage.
In case of_common
brick
which has water absorption
of about 20 percent,
suction rate of units is reduced by pre-soaking or
pre-wetting of the units. In case of concrete blocks
and such other units, which have very high
shrinkage
rate, pre-soaking
or prolonged
prewetting is likely to result in extensive cracking of
masonry due to drying shrinkage and therefore
pre-wetting
has to be done on a restricted scale
and a mortar with high water retentivity
(85
percent or more) should be chosen for such
masonry (see also 6.3 of Part 1).
1.4.3.3

Rate

of stiffening

Stiffening of mortar in masonry is caused either

by loss of moisture or by the setting action of
binder used in the mortar or by both. Most of the
moisture lost is absorbed into the masonry unit
but some evaporates into the atmosphere.
A mud
mortar stiffens only by loss of moisture and there
is no setting action of its clay. A lime-sand mortar
made from non-hydraulic
lime (limes of grade C
and D) also stiffens in early stages by loss of
moisture but it has also very mild and slow setting
action due to carbonation.
A cement mortar
stiffens mainly through setting action of cement.
Behaviour of a cement-lime
mortar is in-between
that of lime mortar and cement mortar.
It is
necessary
that mortar should have sufficiently
high rate of initial stiffening so that construction
work could proceed at a reasonable
pace. If rate
of stiffening
is too low, mortar,
due to its
plasticity will get compressed and squeezed out, as
the work proceeds, due to self-load of masonry,
thus resulting in variation
in thickness of joints
and distortion of masonry. On the other hand, if
rate of stiffening is too rapid, it wiil result in
cracking masonry as the unavoidable
shrinkage in
units due to drying and slight settlements
in
foundation
due to loads,
cannot
then
be
accommodated
within the mortar joints.
In cold regions, when nights are frosty, it is
important
that mortar
should
stiffen rapidly
enough so that it is not damaged by frost by
formatibn
of ice crystals within the body of
mortar. For this reason, as a general rule, cement
mortar should not be leaner than I : 5 and cementlime mortar leaner than I :A :41/. In addition,
some further precautions like preventing masonry
units, sand and water from getting too cold, use
of warm water for mixing of mortar,
use of
calcium chloride
as an accelerator
in cement
mortar, covering the freshly laid masonry with
ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION--PART

SP 20(S&T)
tarpaulins
at the close
should be taken.
1.4.3.4

of the days work,

etc,

Strength

A mortar gains strength, to a small extent by

loss of moisture that is by drying action as in mud
mortar
and non-hydraulic
lime mortar,
but
mainly
by setting
action
of its cementitious
content, namely lime and cement. In case of lime
mortar made from non-hydraulic
lime, which sets
through
carbonation,
gain of strength
is very
slow. In case of cement mortar or lime mortar
made from hydraulic lime, gain of strength is due
to hydration
and is comparatively
rapid. From
structural
considerations
it is necessary
that
masonry should attain the requisite strength by
the time loads are imposed on it. With that in
view, 28-day strength of a mortar is taken into
consideration.
As stated earlier, mud mortar stiffens only by
loss of moisture and its constituents,
namely soil
has no setting
action.
It softens
again
on
absorbing moisture and is easily eroded by rain. It
has, therefore,
very low strength
and poor
durability.
For this reason,
mud mortar
is
considered suitable only for use in superstructure
of temporary
or semi-permanent
buildings with
very light loadings. When mud mortar is used in
brick or stone masonry, basic stress in masonry
should be limited to 0.2 N/mm* and to prevent
erosion due to rain, external face of walls should
be protected either by lime/cement
pointing or
some form of non-erodible
plaster. Mud mortar
should not be used in moist-or wet situations for
examnle. foundations
of a wall. This mortar is
also hot suitable for use in areas infected with
white ants.
Strength
of masonry,
inter-alia,
depends
on
strength of mortar. It is however, to be kept in
mind
that undue
importance
should
not be
attached to strength of mortar at the cost of other
properties of mortar. Mortar need not, therefore,
be stronger
than
what
is necessary
from
consideration
of strength of masonry, and it should
possess other desirable properties. High strength
mortar has an advantage
only in case of highstrength units, and heavy loads.
Ordinarily
in
buildings
designed
as
per
provisions of Design Standard Codes, slenderness
ratio of load bearing elements is restricted so that
due to over-loading,
failure of masonry would
take place by tensile splitting of masonry and not
by buckling. Therefore, bond between mortar and
masonry
is more important
than compressive
strength of mortar. Use of composite cement-lime
mortar, because of its better bond strength, gives
a stronger masonry than that with plain cement
mortar, even though plain cement mortar may
have higher compressive -strength.
1.4.3.5

Resistance

to rain penetration

Rain water penetrates

a masonry wall by three
different
modes, namely: (a) through
pores of
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

masonry units, (b) through pores of mortar, and

(c) through cracks between units and mortar. It
has been found that rain penetration
through
units and mortar is not very significant and main
source of rain penetration
is through cracks in
masonry.
Moreover,
rain penetration
is much
more through wide cracks, even if few in number,
than through thin cracks which may be more in
number.
These cracks are mostly
caused by
shrinkage of units and mortar on drying, thermal
movement
of units and mortar and inevitable
slight settlement
to which every building
is
subject.
Thus,
from the view-point
of rain
penetration,
bonding
property
of mortar is of
great importance.
It has been observed that if
mortar is not very strong, if it ains strength
slowly, and if it has good bon % with umts,
movement of units due to shrinkage, temperature
variations
and settlement
of foundation
get
accommodated
to a great extent within
the
mortar and cracks are, therefore, thin and evenly
distributed.
As a result, masonry has much better
resistance
to rain penetration.
A composite
cement-lime
mortar possesses practically
all the
above
mentioned
desirable
qualities.
In this
mortar relative proportion
of cement and lime is
varied to suit the strength requirement
of masonry
and shrinkage
coefficient
of units. For units
having
high shrinkage
for example,
concrete
block, lime content should *be ample. Mixes of
composite mortars in common use are 1 : /z : 455,
1 : 1 : 6, 1 : 2 : 9 and 1 : 3 : 12. Of these 4 mixes
1: 1 : 6 mix is in more common use since it has
reasonably
good strength and also, imparts to
masonry, adequate resistance to rain penetration.
1.4.3.6

Durability

Deterioration
in mortar takes place due to: (a)
frost
action
before
the mortar
has gained
sufficient strength, and repeated cycles of freezing
and thawing,
(b) prolonged
chemical
action
between soluble sulphates present either in burnt
clay bricks or in soil in contact with masonry in
foundation,
and (c) ingress of moisture through
cracks
into the body
of the masonry
and
consequent
repeated cycles of wetting and drying
over a number of years and crystallization
of
salts.
For
protection
against
frost
damage,
and
repeated
cycles of freezing and thawing,
it is
necessary
that
mortar
should
gain
strength
rapidly, it should be dense and should have good
ultimate
strength.
lt should therefore,
contain
adequate
proportion
of portland
cement,
and
sand should be well graded. Since lime mortar is
slow in setting, and does not have much ultimate
strength, its use is not suited when there is early
frost hazard or when masonry
is likely to be
subjected
to repeated
cycles of freezing and
thawing. Use of an air-entraining
admixture
in
cement mortar 1 : 5 or 1: 6 considerably
improves
its resistance to frost action and repeated cycles of
freezing and thawing.
For

protection

CONSTRUCTION-PART

against

sulphate

attack,

a rich
113

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

cement mortar (I : 4 mix or better) or composite

cement-lime
mortar
1 : L/2: 4% using
ordinary
portland
cement
should
be used when only
moderate
protection
is needed and rich cement
mortar (1 : 4 or better) with sulphate resisting
cement should be provided when sulphate attack
is expected to be severe.. It should be borne in
mind that if masonry in any situation
remains
generally dry, sulphates, even if present in brick
or sand in excessive quantity, cannot cause much
damage.
durability
of
mortar
against
ensure
To
weathering
action
due to repeated
cycles of
wetting and drying of masonry
(for example,
parapets) in exposed situations, mortar should be
dense and moderately
strong. For this mortar
should be either 1 cement: 5 sand or 1 cement: 1
lime: 6 sand using well graded sand. Further,
properties
of mortar should match the type of
unit used in masonry, so that there are no wide
cracks in masonry. For example, when using units
having high shrinkage. such as concrete blocks,
cement-lime
mortar should be used since this
mortar, being slow in gaining strength, permits
volumetric
changes in units within the mortar
joints without occurrence of wide cracks and has
good resistance to rain penetration.
Use of some
air-entraining
admixture
in cement mortar also
improves its durability
quite appreciably.
1.4.4 Preparation
1.4.4.1

Mud

of Mortars

mortar

Soil for mud mortar should have clay and silt

content--60
to 70 percent and sand content40
to 30 percent. It should be free from vegetation,
organic matter, gravel, coarse sand and should
not contain excessive quantities
of soluble salts.
Selected soil should be placed in regular stacks of
about 30 cm height, with raised edges. Size of
stack should be regulated so that mortar obtained
is adequate to meet a days requirement.
Enough
water should then be added so as to soak the
entire soil. After 12 to 24 hours, it should be
worked up with a phowrah and trodded over
with bare feet so as to form a thick paste, adding
more water if necessary and removing all clods,
stones, roots, etc. If during course of use, the
mortar becqmes stiff due to loss of moisture by
evaporation,
more water should be added and
mortar retempered.

lumps or in ground form when so required.

Semi-hydraulic
and non-hydraulic
lime are
generally supplied as quicklime,
but these
are also available as hydrated limes in bags.
Kankar lime is supplied either as quicklime
in lumps or as ground quicklime in bags.
When lime is supplied
as quicklime, ,it
should
be slaked as soon
as possible
(preferably
within
7 days)
since
it
deteriorates
in quality due to on slaking if
kept unslaked. Quicklime should be stored
when storing is unavoidable,
in compact
heaps under cover from rain so that its
exposed surface is minimum.

b)

Slaking cf lime-There
are basically two
methods
of slaking of quicklime
at site,
namely,
tank
slaking
and platform
slaking. In the latter method, there are some
variations depending on type of lime, that is
hydraulic,
non-hydraulic,
dolomitic
or
kankar. These methods have been described
below:

1) Tank siaking - This method of slaking

is adopted in case of semi-hydraulic
and
non-hydraulic
calcium
lime. It is not
suitable for slaking hydraulic, dolomitic
and kankar lime because, firstly, thtse
limes, being slow in slaking, do not slake
properly by this method and secondly,
hydraulic
and kankar
limes lose their
strength
rapidly
due
to excess
of
moisture. In case of semi-hydraulic
and
non-hydraulic
calcium liine, this method
has the advantage over the other method
of slaking, namely platform slaking that
hydrated lime obtained is in the form of
putty,
free from any impurities
and
unhydrated
particles, and mortar made
from
lime in puttyform
has good
workability.
For
this
method
of slaking,
there
should
be preferably
two tanks
of
suitable sizes, the first one at a raised
level of 40 to 50 cm depth, so that its
contents
could flow by gravity to the
second tank of 75 to 80 cm depth, at a
lower level. The upper tank is filled with
water up to about 25 cm depth and
quicklime broken to small lumps of 5 to
10 cm size is added to the tank to cover
the entire bottom of the tank up to about
half the depth of water. Care should be
taken to ensure that no part of lime is
exposed
above
water.
As soon
as
quicklime comes in contact with water, it
begins to slake with evolution
of heat
and rise of temperature.
Pace of feeding
of quicklime to tank is so adjusted that
near-boiling
temperature
is maintained.
Contents of the tank are constantly hoed
and stirred to promote slaking. After the
slaking
has apparently
ceased, hoeing
and stirzing is continued
for sometime

If use of soil containing

excessive soluble salts
is unavoidable,
salts should be leached out from
the soil, by adding sufficient water daily to the
soil stack, once or twice, for about a week and
letting the water drain out from the sides of the
stack. If soul containing
excessive salts is used in
mud mortar without leaching, the mortar will not
have much binding quality.
1.4.4.2

Lime

mortar

lime
is
a) Supp/_v
qf lime - Hydraulic
normally supplied as h drated lime in bags,
but it could be supp ?led as quicklime
in
I14

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SIP 20(S&T)

slaking. Quickline should be heaped on a

water-tight
masonry platform and water
to the. extent of about 30 litres per
quintal
sprinkled
over the heap and
mixed with lime so that all lumps or
of quickline
get thoroughly
pieces
wetted. The heap should then be covered
all over with a layer of measured
quantity of sand 5 to 8 cm thick in order
to conserve heat of hydration
and the
heap left undisturbed
for 36 hours. After
this, time along with sand should be
sieve
of
1s
screened
through
a
designation
6.3 mm; When using this
hydrated time, quantity of sand used for
covering the heap should be taken into
account
while proportioning
lime and
sand. This lime should be stored in a
compact
heap
and
protected
from
moisture and rain. It should be used as
soon as possible
within
7 days.
If
limestone
has been
burnt
at high
it cannot
be properly
temperatures,
slaked at site, and pressure slaking in an
autoclave
becomes necessary.

more to ensure complete and thorough

slaking. Lime in slurry form is then run
down, through a sieve of IS designation
2.36 mm, to the lower tank, where it is
allowed to mature and thicken so as to
form putty. Period of maturing
should
be I to 2 daysin case of semi-hydraulic
lime and not less than 3 days in case of
non-hydraulic
lime.
supply of lime
In case, a continuous
putty is desired, there should be two lowlevel ta,nks, to be used alternatively.
On
small jobs, the lower tank could be
dispensed with and slaking of lime and
its maturing
to form putty could be
carried out in one tank.
Lime, putty should not be attowcd to
dry before use, and when kept in storage,
it should be completely covered with a
layer of water. Putty of non-hydraulic
lime could be kept in storage up to 2
weeks, without any risk of deterioration
in quality but putty of semi-hydraulic
lime should be used within 1 or 2 days.

2) Plurfti~l~l sluliinn

.I

of semi-h ~xlraulic~ uml

_,

limes -non-hydraulic
calcium
Ouicklime is broken to about 5 to IO cm
s&e and is spread in a 15 cm thick layer
on a water-tight
masonry
platform.
Water
is then
sprinkled
over
it
intermittently,
overall quantity of water
used being approximately
60 percent by
weight of the quantirJi of quicklime. It is
necessary
to regulate
the quantity
of
water carefully
through
experience,
so
that after slaking, hydrated lime is in the
form of dry powder. If excess water is
used, hydrated lime will not be in dry
powder form and if less water is used,
slaking will not be complete. To ensure
thorough
and complete
sl~ing,
lime
should be, at intervals, hoed and turned
over adding more water if necessary.
When slaking
activity
has a parently
ceased, the slaking process s f: ould be
allowed to continue by itself for a further
period of one or two days. Slaked lime
should then be screened through a sieve
of IS designation
3.35 mm and hydrated
lime kept stored in a compact
heap,
suitably covered with a tarpaulin
or a
layer of dry bricks to protect it from
wind, dust and rain. It is desirable to use
lime after slaking as soon as possible but
within 7 days, since it deteriorates
in
quality due to contact with air.
sluking
ctj hydraulic
littw
3) Plu~form
Hydraulic lime slakes rather slowly and
therefore,
before
slaking
the lumps
should be broken to pieces of size 5 cm
and below.
In fact, if lime is very
refractory,
it should be ground
to a
coarse powder so as to ensure good
HANDbOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

4)

~k~l~fiJrl?l

SlUliitlg

qf dolottlitic

litm

Slaking procedure of this lime is similar

to that of hydraulic lime. However, the
quantity of water used should be 40 litres
per quintal and the heap should be left
undisturbed
for 2 to 3 days. Thereafter, it
screened.
stored
illld
should
be
proportioned
just like hydraulic time. In
case of this lime also, pressure slaking is
needed when limestone has been burnt at
high temperature.
5) Slulcirzg q/ liut~kur lime -~Since kankar
lime contains
a large proportion
of
impurities, it is very slow in slaking. This
lime has, therefore, to be ground to a
coarse powder before slaking. Procedure
for slaking of this lime is similar to that
of hydraulic
lime. However,
no sand
should be added as. cover during slaking
and the quicklime
after wetting
and
turning over, should be left in the form
of a compact heap for 2 to 3 days for
slacking.
Alternatively
the process
of slaking
and wet grinding to form mortar could
be combined
and carried out in mortar
mill as in 1:4.4.2(e)(6).
lime itI nwrtur ~~~~
When
semi-hydraulic
and non-hydraulic
limes have
been supplied at site in hydrated form or
these have been slaked on a platform at site,
it is desirable to soak lime in,water for some
time before use, so as to -ensure
proper
workabilitv
of mortar. Soaking should be
for a minimum period of 16 ho;rs in case of
non-hydraulic
lime and for 8 to 12 hours fat
semi-hydraulic
lime. Hydraulic lime should
not be soaked before use since this lime

cl U,w of h~drutecl

CONSTRUCTION--PART

115

SP 20(S&T):l991
startssetting
on getting wet and thus loses
strength if presoaked.
If lime mortar has
been prepared
from dry hydrated,
nonhydraulic
and
semi-hydraulic
limes,
its
workability can be improved by keeping it in
storage for 16 to 24 hours in case of nonhydraulic lime and 8 to 12 hours in case of
semi-hydraulic
lime. In case however, some
pozzolana
has been used in the mix, the
mortar should be used as soon as possible
within 4 hours.

d) Proportioning of mix - For preparation

of
lime mortar, lime, in the form of dry hydrate
or putty,
and fine aggregate
(sand and
pozzo1an.a) are proportioned
by volume.
Though density of lime putty varies with its
age, getting denser as it ages, for all practical
purposes,
volume of putty is taken to be
same as that of dry hydrated lime. In case of
sand, it is its dry volume that is to be taken
for proportioning
and therefore
due to
allowance has to be made for its bulkage, in
case the sand is moist. When lime supplied is
in the form
quicklime
for estimating
roughly, lime requirement,
it may be assured
that one quintal of quicklime
will yield 5
standard
sized bags (0.035 m3) of dry
hydrated lime, after making allowance for
residue and wastage. When lime used in
non-hydraulic,
it is necessary that at least
half the volume
of fine aggregate
is a
pozzolanic
material namely, cinder, fly ash
or burnt clay. Even in case of semi-hydraulic
lime it is desirable to use pozzolona to the
extent of at least one third of the volume of
fine aggregate, so as to get better strength.
Though it is not essential to use pozzolana
in a mix of hydraulic lime mortar, there is
no technical disadvantage
in doing so if it
results in saving in cost.

e) Mixing

and grinding

1) Mixing can be done either manually

in a
masonry
trough
or in a mechanical
mixer. The latter method gives much
better result and is preferable.
For all
important jobs, mixing should therefore
be done in a mechanical
mixer.

2) When mixing is done manually,

if lime is
in dry powder form, lime and sand or
lime and pozzolana and then sand should
be first mixed dry. Water should then be
added and wet mixing continued
for
some time more so as to ensure thorough
and uniform mixing. When lime is in
putty form, some water may be added
right in the beginning,
since otherwise,
because of sticky nature of putty, mixing
is difficult. Alternatively,
lime putty and
water may be first mixed in the trough to
form
a
thin
paste
and
then
sand/pozzolana
added
and
further
mixing carried out.

116

HANDBOOK

mixer is used, all

3) When a mechanical
ingredients
may be added at one time
and mixing carried out for at least 5
minutes.
optimum
result
is
4) In lime mortar
obtained
by grinding
the mortar in a
mortar mill, after dry or wet mixing of
ingredients,.
manually
or mechanically.
The mortar mill could be either animal
drawn or mechanically
powered.
The
ingredients after mixing are fed into the
mortar
mill
and
grinding
done,
continuously
raking the stuff to ensure
uniform
grinding,
and adding
more
water as and when necessary. Grinding
should be continued
till all particles of
fine aggregate are fully coated with lime
and mortar
is of uniform
colour all
through.
In an animal
drawn mortar
mill, grinding should generally be done
for 120 to 180 revolutions (2 to 3 hours)
depending
on nature
of lime and
aggregate
used and quality of mortar
desired. In case of mechanically
powered
mortar mill, grinding, should generally be
done for at least 15 minutes.
5)._When using hydraulic
_ . . lime,
..
.sometimes,
_
as a short cut, unslaked lime in the term
of small lumps or coarse powder, is fed
directly into the mortar mili along with
requisite quantity of fine aggregate and
wet grinding is started. Thus, process of
slaking, mixing and grinding take place
Drawback
of
this
simultaneously.
method is that some unburnt stone also
gets crushed and incorporated
into the
mortar
mix and as a result, strength
obtained from this mortar is somewhat
less. It is, therefore,
desirable to first
slake the hydraulic lime and screen the
same so as to remove unburnt
stone
before mixing and grinding.

6) Kankar

lime - Mortar
from kankar
lime is made by grinding slaked lime in a
mortar mill. Proportion
of sand to be
added to the mix is determined
after
testing lime for its calcium oxide content.
When calcium-oxide
content is close to
the minimum limit of 25 percent, no sand
is added to the mix. When lime is of very
good quality, lime and sand are mixed in
the proportion
of 1 : 1.
Alternatively,
mortar
from
kankar
lime should be prepared directly from
quicklime by first dry grinding quicklime
in the mortar mill and then wet grinding
the same, with or without addition
of
sand. The process of wet grinding should
be continued
for a minimum
period of
three hours to ensure thorough slaking.
In this process, slaking and grinding take
simultaneously.
The
place
result,

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
however,
obtained

depending
on ready
availability,
and
requirements
of
rate
of
strength
development
and resistance
to sulphate
action, etc. As !I general rule, for masonry
mortars it is not desirable to use cements
that set rapidly except in cold regions where
early strength development
is needed from
consideration
of frost
action.
Masonry
cement gives a good workable mortar and
being
slow
in strength
development,
masonry
is much less liable to shrinkage
cracks. Portland
pozzolana
cement is also
somewhat slow in strength development and
should be preferred to ordinary
portland
cement, when there is no need for early
strength
development;
in addition
it has
better
resistance
against
chemical
and
sulphate attack. Sulphate resisting portland
cement and super sulphated cement are used
when moderate
to high resistance against
sulphate attack is desired.

is not so satisfactory
as that
by the former method.

7) Iri case of small and less important

jobs,
it is generally not feasible to arrange a
mechanical
mixer for mixing
and a
mortar mill for: grinding
of mortar. In
such a case, wet mixing
should, be
in
the
continued
mortar
trough
manually,
for a period of at least 15
minutes
so that. all particles
of fine
aggregate
get thoroughly
coated with
lime and mortar is of uniform colour all
over. Workability
and strength of such a
mortar however, is not so good as that of
mortar prepared by proper grinding.

qf mortar - As a general rule, all

mortars should be u&d as soon as possible
after preparation
and mortar should not be
allowed to get stiff before use. Mortars
prepared
from non-hydraulic
and semihydraulic limes should be used on the same
day and left-over mortar of previous day
should be discarded. As an exception to this
general rule, lime mortar prepared from dry
hydrated
lime without
any presoaking
should be kept stored in a covered heap
before use as in 1.4.3.1, in order to improve
its workability.
In case of mortar prepared
from hydraulic
lime, it should
be used
within 4 hours, as otherwise, it may partly
set before use.

Storage

Use of pozzolana in lime mortar - Mortar

prepared from non-hydraulic
lime and sand
does not have much strength and is thus not
suitable for masonry work, except for very
light loads and temporary structures. Such a
mortar depends, for its setting or hardening
action on carbonation
which takes place
very slowly and that also mainly at the
surface. Use of coarse angular
sand and
thorough
grinding
for such
a mortar
however, do help to promote carbonation
to
some extent and that way, there is some
improvement
in strength.
Where
semihydraulic
and
hydraulic
limes are not
available and use of non-hydraulic
iime for
masonry is unavoidable,
strength of mortar
is imprbved by substituting
sand wholly or
partly with some pozzolanic material such as
fly ash, or burnt clay. Alternatively
in place
of lime; one of the standard lime-pozzolana
which
marketed
as
mixtures,
are
standardized
materials
(Refer
IS
4098 : 1967) should be made use of as dealt
with in 1.4.4.5.
1.4.4.3

Cement

mortar

a) Cement -Types
of cement normally
used
for masonry mortars are: ordinary portland
portland
slag cement,
Portland
cement,
masonry
cement,
pozzolana
cement,
sulphate
resisting
portland
cement
and
super-sulphate
cement,
choice of cement
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

b)

Proporlioning
-- Proportion.ing
of
ingredients for mortars is normally done by
volume,
taking a normal bag of cement
weighing
50 kgs as a standard
unit of
volume 0.035 cu.m. Measurement
of sand is
done by making use of a box of size 40 X
35 X 25 cm which has the same volume as
that of a standard
bag of cement. When
sand used is not dry, due allowance shouL
be made for bulkage of sand, after carrying
out test for bulkage.

c)

MixingExcept on small jobs or when

requirement
of mortar is not much, mixing
of mortar should be done ip a mechanical
mixer.
Cement
and sand
in specified
proportions
are added to the mixer, and the
two are first dry mixed till a mix of uniform
colour
is obtained.
Water
in measured
quantity
is thin added gradually
and wet
mixing continued
till mortar of uniform
colour and desired consistency
tS obtained,
time for wet mixing being not less than 3
minutes.
Quantity
of water
should
be
regulated
so that mix obtained has the
consistency
of a stiff paste.
If mortar
contains
too much of water, strength
of
masonry will be affected. Mixer should be
cleaned with water immediately
after use
each time before suspending
the work.

For hand mixing,

measured
quantity
of
sand should be stacked over a water-tight
platform
and contents
of a cement
bag
emptied and spread over it .in a uniform
layer. The two ingredients
should be first
mixed dry, by turning
over and over a
number of times till a mixture of uniform
colour is obtained. Wet mixing of the whole
or a part of the dry mix should be done
either on the same platform or in a separate
trough,
by adding
requisite
quantity
of
water and hoeing the mix continuously
for 5
to 10 minutes so that a stiff paste of uniform

CONSTRUCTION-PART

117

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

colour is obtained. Care should be taken not

to add excess water.
If a plasticiser
is to be used in cement
mortar
to improve
its workability,
its
measured
quantity
should
be added to
mixing water for the cement mortar. When
lime is to be used as a plasticiser, it should
preferably
be a non-hydraulic
lime and
failing that semi-hydraulic
lime. It should be
either used in the form of putty added to the
mix or mixing water, or as a second choice
in the form of dry hydrated lime, presoaked
in a trough for some time and added to the
mix or mixing water, such that cement
mortar
contains
the right proportion
of
lime.
As far as possible only that much quantity
of mortar should be prepared at one time as
can be consumed
within
half an hour.
However,
if for some reason that is not
found feasible, mortar could be used up to a
maximum period of 2 hours, by retempering
the same, adding more water if necessary to
get the desired consistency. Mortar not used
within 2 hours of addition of water should
be discarded.
1.4.4.4

Cement-lime

mortar

There are three methods of making cement-lime

mortar
as given below.
These methods
are
described in order of their preference. On large
method
one should
be
and important
jobs,
normally
adopted.
Method
three should
be
adopted
only for small and unimportant
jobs.
Only that much quantity
of mortar should be
prepared at a time, as can be consumed
in 2
hours.

4 Method

One - Lime mortar with lime and

sand in specified proportion
for whole days
requirement
should first be prepared from
lime putty
and sand by mixing
in a
mechanical mixer and then grinding it in a
mortar
mill. This mortar
called coarse
stuff is kept aside as stock and prevented
from drying ,out. Coarse stuff and cement
should then be taken in suitable proportions
in batches and mixed, along with additional
water in a mechanical mixer for a minimum
of 3 minutes so as to obtain mortar of
desired
consistency
and uniform
colour.
When ratio of lime to cement in the mix is 1
or less than 1, main function of lime in the
mix is to act as a plasticiser and grinding for
preparation
of coarse stuff may be dispensed
with.

For proportioning,
volume of coarse stuff
is taken to be equal to that of sand in the
mix. Thus for preparing cement-lime mortar
1 cement: 2 lime: 9 sand, coarse stuff of
proportion
1 : 4% is prepared and cement
and coarse stuff are mixed in the proportion
1 : 2. If on the same day, different mixes of
118

HANDBOOK

composite
mortar namely
1 : 1 : 6, I : 2: 9
and 1 : 3 : 12 are needed, coarse stuff of
standard
proportion
I : 3 is prepared and
additional
sand is added where required at
the time of mixing to cement and coarse
stuff so as to obtain any desired mix. For
example,
when k : 1 : 6 mortar
is to be
pre ared with this stock, cement, coarse
stu Pf and sand are mixed together in the
proportion
I : 1 : 3. Similarly, for obtaining
1 : 2 : 9 and 1 : 3 : 12 mortars, cement, coarse
stuff and sand in the proportion
1 : 2 : 3 and
I : 3 : 3 are mixed.
When only a small quantity
of mortar isneeded, mixing of mortar could be done
manually
on a platform or in a trough.

b) Method

Two - In this method, cement and

sand are taken in specified proportions
and
are mixed together dry in a mixer. Lime
putty in specified proportion
along with
requisite quantity of water are then added
and further
mixing done till mortar
of
uniform colour is obtained.
When lime to be used is in the form of dry
hydrated powder, it should be pre-soaked in
a trough for about 16 hours in case of nonhydraulic lime and for 8 to 12 hours in case
of semi-hydraulic
lime, excess of water if
any, decanted off from top and putty thus
formed
in the trough,
used for making
mortar, as described earlier. If mixing is to
be done manually,
measured
quantity
of
lime putty and water are mixed together
separately
in a container
and emulsion
of
lime thus formed (called milk of lime) added
to dry mix of cement and sand and further
mixing done in a trough or over a platform.
Care should be taken to add only that much
water as would give mortar
of desired
consistency.

c) Method

Three - In this method, cement,

hydrated
lime and sand in the specified
proportion
are first mixed dry in a mixer or
on a platform and then water added and
further mixing done so as to obtain a mix of
uniform colour and desired consistency. Wet
mixing should be carried out for a minimum
period of 3 minutes in case of mechanical
mixing and 10 minutes in case of manual
mixing. With this method, workability
of
resulting
mortar
is not so good as that
obtainable
by methods one and two. This
method
of mixing
should,
therefore,
be
adopted only when methods one and two
feasible
from
practical
are
not
considerations.

1.4.4.5 Lime-pozzolana

mixture

mortar

This mortar is made by taking lime-pozzolana

mixture and sand in specified proportions
and
mixing the -ingredients
in the same manner as
cement
mortar.
Mortar
made
from
limepozzolana
mixture of type LP-20 or LP-40 as
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION--PART

SP 20(S&T)
binder, which are hydraulic should be used within
4 hours of mixing, while mortar made from limepozzolana
mixture of type LP-7 which is semihydraulic
should be used within 12 hours.
I A.5 Standard

1.4.6 Choice

Mixes

Standard
mortar mixes for masonry commonly
used, mainly based on Table 1 of IS 2250 : 198 1
are given in Table 2.
Table 2 Standard
SI
No.

Type

Mix
Gement

I.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Mortar

a) Type of Structure-Structures
may
classified as permanent,
semi-permanent
Mixes

Proportions
/\
Pozzolana

Sand

3
4
4%
5
6
1.5

be
or

for Masonry

O-I/,C or B
0-N C or B
/z C or B

I
I
1

H-l
H-2
H-2
M-l
M-l
M-l

of Mortar

1.4.6.1 Choice of mortar is governed by several

considerations
such as type of structure, type of
masonry
units, degree of exposure to weather,
nature of environment,
strength requirements,
etc.
These considerations
are briefly discussed below:

L.P.
Mixture

Lime

: I991

1 C or B
1

Midimum
Compressive
Strength
N/mm*
IO

7.5
6.0
5.0
3.0
3.0

(LP-40)
7.
8.
9.
10.

II.
12.

I
I

M-2
M-2
M-2
M-2
M-2
M-2

6
9
2

28
IA
IB
I C or B

1.75

3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0

(LP-40)
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

M-3
M-3
M-3
M-3
M-3
M-3

19.
20.
21.
22.

L-l
L-l
L-l
L-l

23.

L-l

I
1

7
12
3

3B
IA
IB
I C or B

2
3

-.

I
(LP-40)

1
IB
1 C or B

I
2
I
(LP-40)

I .5
I.5
I.5
1.5
1.5
1.5

8
2
I
2.25

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

1.5

0.7

3
2
I .5

0.5
0.5
0.5

(LP-20)
24.
25.
26.

L-2
L-2
L-2

IB
1 C or B

I
I
(LP-7)

NOTES

1 .A11 proportions
are by volume.
2 Sand for making mortar should be well graded; if it is not well graded proportion
of sand in the mix shall be reduced
in order to achieve the minimum specified strength.
3 In mixes I and 2, use of lime is optional,
it is intended to improve workability.
4 In mixes 4, 7, I3 and 19, either lime C or D to the extent of /4 part of cement (by volume) or some plasticizer, should
be added for improving
workability.
5 In mixes 8 and 14. lime and sand should first be ground in mortar mill and then cement added to coarse stuff.
6 It is essential that mixes 9. IO, II. 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 are prepared by grinding
in mortar mill.
7 Mix 3 has been classed to be of same type as mix 2, mix 5 and mix 6, same as mix 4 and mixes 8 to 12 same as mix 7,
even though their compresive
strength is less, because on account of higher bond strength these are taken as equivalents in regard to strength of masonry.
8 Use of an air-entraining
admixture
in mortar 4 and 7 improves its sulphate resisting property as well durability that is
resistance, to frost hazard or damage due to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing.

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

II9

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

temporary,
depending
on their
life
expectency.
Durability
of mortar
varies
according
to the type of binder used in
making the mortar. Mortars for permanent
buildings
should
have greater
durability
than those for temporary buildings. On this
consideration,
mortars used should be as
under:
Permanent
structures - Cement
mortars
not leaner than 1 : 6; Cement-lime
mortar
not leaner than 1 : 1 : 6; Lime-mortars
using
hydraulic lime; and Lime mortar using limepozzolana
mixtures LP-40 and sand;
Semi-permanent
structures
- Cement
mortar 1 : 7 or 1 : 8 depending upon quality
of sand, Lime mortar using semi-hydraulic
lime; Lime mortar using non-hydraulic
line
in conjunction
with some pozzolana;
Lime
mortar using lime-pozzolana
mixture of type
LP-7; and
Temporary
structures - Semi-hydraulic
lime mortar;
Lime mortar
using
nonhydraulic lime in case semi-hydraulic
lime is
not available
lime mortar
using
lime
pozzolana mixture of Mud mortar Type LP7.

b) Type

of Masonry
Unit - Physical
characteristics
of units
which
have a
reIevence in regard to choice of mortar are
their porosity,
shrinkage
co-efficient
and
strength. For unit of high porosity, such as
common
burnt
clay bricks and cement
concrete blocks, mortar used should have
good water retentivity. Similarly, in case of
units with high or moderate shrinkage coefficients such as concrete blocks, cellular
concrete
blocks
and sand-lime
bricks,
mortar used should not be very strong and
should gain strength slowly. Such mortars
are cement-lime
mortars of mix 1 : 2 : 9 and
1 : 3 : 12 and lime mortars.

c) Degree of Exposure to Weather - External

walls to a moderate extent and free-standing
walls such as parapets and compound walls
to a great extent are exposed to weather
which means rain penetration
and repeated
cycles of wetting and drying in areas of
heavy rainfall and, frost action at night and
repeated cycles of freezing and thawing in
very cold climate. From consideration
of
rainfall and repeated wetting and drying,
mortars which are slow in setting and have
good bond strength
namely
cement-lime
mortars or hydraulic lime mortars are better
than
plain
cement
mortars.
Masonry
subjected to night frost during construction
and repeated freezing and thawing during its
life span, should have greater durability than
masonry which is only subjected to repeated
-wetting and drying. When masonry work is
being done in cold climate and nights are
frosty, mortar should be quick setting so
120

HANDBOOK

that
it gains
adequate
strength
before
occurrence of frost at night. For this, cement
mortar not leaner than 1 : 4 or cement-lime
mortar not leaner than 1 : 1/ : 41/2 or cement
mortar 1 : 5 with an air entraining admixture
should be used and use of plain lime mortar
Addition
of air entraining
avoided.
admixture
to cement mortar considerably
improves its durability.

4 Nature

of Environment - Environments
which affect choice of mortar for foundation
masonry are moisture in soil in contact with
masonry and presence of soluble sulphates
in soil and bricks. From this consideration,
mortar
should be a cement
mortar
not
leaner than 1 : 4 or cement-lime
mortar not
leaner than 1 : 1/2: 4% or cement mortar 1 : 5
with
air-entraining
admixture.
When
concentration
of sulphates in soil is quite
appreciable,
sulphate-resisting
cement
should
be used. Use of air entraining
admixture
in cement mortar 1 : 5, improves
its resistance to sulphate attack.

4 Strength of Masonry-

To obtain desired
strength
of masonry,
it is necessary that
strength
of mortar
should
match
the
strength of unit in use. No useful purpose is
served in using strong mortar with units of
low or moderate
strength.
It is not
economical or sound to use mortar which is
stronger than that which gives the optimum
strength
in masonry.
Optimum
mortar
mixes from consideration
6f strength
of
brick
masonry
for
bricks
of various
strengths
are given in Table
2 of IS
1905 : 1987 for general guidance.
Masonry
should be designed in accordance
with the
provisions
of IS 1905 : 1987.

1.4.6.2

Recommended

mortar mixes for masonry

Table 3 for recommended

mortar
mixes, for
different
purposes
is given below. One may
choose a suitable mortar mix for any specific
location/situation
with the help of this table,
keeping in view the structural
requirements
of
masonry as per Table 10 of IS 1905 : 1987.
1.4.7 Miscellaneous
1.4.7.1

Retempering

qf mortar

If mortar gets stiffened due to evaporation

of
moisture before use it could be retempered
for
immediate use by adding water and bringing it to
desired consistency within two hours of mixing in
case of cement and cement-lime mortars; 4 hours
in case of hydraulic lime mortar, 8 hours in case
of semi-hydraulic
and 12 hours in case of nonhydraulic lime mortars. As regards mud mortar,
there is no time limit because it has no setting
action. A mortar, other than mud mortar, which
has been
retempered
once,
should
not
be
retempered
for the second time and should be
discarded.
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
Table 3 Recommended
Sl
No.

Situation/Location

Type of Masonry

(21

(1)
I. Foundation

Mortar

Units

Mixes

Environmental/Exposure
Condition

(3)
and

for Masonry

5 to 12

13 to I8

Moist subgrade with water

table within 1.5 m of
subgrade,
!ittle or no
soluble salts in soils

3, 4

5, 6, 7

9, 12, 13

Moist subgraded
moderate soluble
content in soil

with
sulphate

1, 2

3,

4,Q

Moist

with

lR

2R

4R

2,

3,

4Q

1 to 3

4 to 6

7 to 18

subgraded

content

Masonry is subject
early frost hazard
Brick.

walls

stone

(7)

3, 4

high sulphate
in soil

2. External

(6)

(5)

(4)

Brick, stone, concrete blocks Dry. subgrade

with water
table 1.5 m or more below
of normal density, etc
subgrade

plinth

Recommended
Mortar MixP
/\
Moder/Heavy
Ligh>
Loads
ate
Loads
Loads

to

Moderate

4 to 7

Severe as in parapets,
free standing walk, coping,
sills
Concrete block of normal
density sand-lime
brick, etc

Moderate

14 to 18

5, 6,
8 to 12

Severe as in parapets,
free standing walls,
coping, sills, etc
3. Internal

4. External
Internal

walls

or
walls

5. Brickwork
with
reinforcement

-Recommended

mortar

mixes

Brick, stone
Concrete block of normal
density sand-lime brick, etc
Light weight/ cellular
concrete

Normal
Norma1

Brick, stone concrete

blocks, normal density,
etc

Subject
hazard

Brick

Sheltered portion
exposed to weather/
moisture

refer

to corresponding

mprtar-mixes

E$itnating

mortar

reyuiremenr

As a general rule volume of mortar is taken as

equivalent to volume of fine aggregates namely
sand, surkhi, cinder, pozzolana, etc, used in the
mortar mix. Quantity of mortar required for
masonry depends on size of units, trueness of
shape of units, thickness of joints and workability
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

to early

given

frost

in Sl. Nos

12

4 to 12
5 to 12

13 to 26
14 to I8

8 to 12

14 to 18

4Q

1, 2

1,

of Table

2. From

2, 3
3

Normal

strength, mortar should be selected in accordance

with IS 1905
-Use
air entraining plasticizer as admixtures in the mortar.
a-Use
sulphate resisting cement for the mortar.

1.4.1.2

5 to

consideration

: 1987.

of mortar. For brick masonry using bricks of size

23 X 11.5 X 7.7 cm mortar requirement is about
25 percent for class A bricks and 30 percent for
class B bricks. In case of bricks of size 20 X 10 X
10 cm it is about 22 percent and 26 percent (for
classes A and B) respectively. In case of stone
masonry, it varies from 8 percent for fine ashlar

CONSTRUCTION-PART

121

SI 20(S&T)

: 1991

masonry to about 25 percent for coarsed rubble

masonry and about 30 percent for random rubble
For concrete block masonry,
mortar
masonry.
requirement
varies between 12 to 20 percent.
1.4.1.3

Mortar

Properties
admixing
commonly

additives

of cement mortar can be modified by

certain
chemicals.
The admixtures
used in mortars are termed as:

i) Waterproofing
ii) Water

reducing

iii) Air-entraining

compounds
compounds

or plasticizers

agents

iv) Accelerators
The substances/ chemicals
generally
used are
and
manufacturers
articles
proprietory
instructions
for their use are to be followed.

9 Waterproo.fing

Compounds
- These
compounds
are used when it is intended to
improve water proofing quality of masonry
as in thin external walls or linings of water
tanks
and water
channels.
Apart from
proprietory
materials use of crude oil to the
extent of 5 percent by volume of cement
makes
the mortar
water proof and is
sometimes
used
for filling
joints
of
bricks/ tile pavement of roof terraces.

Compounds
or
Reducing
ii) Water
Plasticizers--.
By addition
of such
a
compound
plasticity
or workability
of

mortar gets improved. Its use is advocated

in case of plain cement-sand
mortars 1 : 3,
1 : 4, 1 : 5, 1 : 6, 1 : 7 and 1 : 8, which
otherwise would be harsh, particularly when
sand used is coarse and ungraded.
Use of
plasticizer
reduces
water requirement
of
mortar and thus, because of reduction
in
water cement ratio, increases strength
of
mortar.
iii) Air-entraining
AgentsBy use of an airentraining
agent in mortar,
its durability,
that is, resistance to freezing and thawing
and sulphate attack is improved. Use of this
admixture
in cement
mortar
also gives
protection to masonry against frost damage,
in very cold weather.
iv) AcceleratorBy adding an accelerator
in
mortar,
rate of hydration
of cement
is
increased and consequently
setting time is
reduced. This helps in combating early frost
hazard. Accelerator commonly employed for
this purpose is calcium chloride to the extent
of 1.5 to 2 percent of cement content of
mortar (by weight).
1.5 Scaffolding
1.5.1 Scaffolding is a temporary structure erected
during construction
for supporting
labour and
materials in order to execute masonry and some
other items of work. It is very essential that
scaffolding should be strong enough and safe so
that accidents do not occur due to its failure.
1.5.2 A scaffold

\GUARD

(see Fig.

1) consists

of upright

RAIL

PLATFORM

L LONGITUDINAL
CONNECTER

FIG. 1 TYPICAL

SKETCI~ ILLIJSTRATING COMPONENTS

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DIAGONAL
BRACE
TO UPRIGHTS

OF A SINGLE SCAFFOLD
DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
members called standards, longitudinal
horizontal
members parallel to the wall called stringers and
cross horizontal
members at right angle to the
wall called putlogs. Over the putlogs, planks are
provided
to form a platform
which serves as
working space for workers and stacking space for
materials.
In order to distribute
concentrated
loads from standards
on the ground, these are
supported
on base plates of suitable size. On the
other side of platform, plank on edge called too
board is provided to prevent falling down of
materials,
and also a guard rail is provided for
safety of workers.
1.5.3 There
are two systems
of scaffolding,
namely
single
scaffolding
and
double
scaffolding.
In case of the former, there is only
one row of standards at some distance from the
wall and putlogs are supported stringers on one
end, and on wall masonry at the other. For this
purpose, holes at suitable intervals are left in a
header course of the masonry. In case of double
scaffolding two rows of standards are provided
and the two ends of putlogs rest on stringers only.
The scaffolding is thus more or less independent
of the wall except for some ties of the scaffolding
with wall or other structural members at suitable
intervals,
which are provided to give additional
stability ,to the scaffolding, especially in case of
tall buildings. It is necessary to go in for double
scaffolding
when wall has exposed brick/tile
or
some other decorative finish and it is obligatory
to avoid holes in masonry. When using single
scaffolding, not more than one header for each
putlog should be left out, and no holes should be
permitted
in pillars
or stretches
of masonry
narrower
than 1 m in width, or immediately
below or close to a concentrated
load on masonry
or near skew backs of arches. Holes left in
masonry for scaffolding should be made good on
removal of the scaffolding in such a way as to
match the surrounding
surface.
1.5.4 Sometimes,
it is necessary for workmen to
execute
certain
items
of work-such
as
application
of finish coats to external walls at a
height which cannot be reached by ladders and it
is not economical to go in for norma! scaffolding
for that purpose. In such situations,
a craddle
with working platform called jhoola, suspended
by ropes from the roof terrace, is provided. The
craddle is held in position or moved sideways or
up and down by a few workers stationed on the
terrace.
1.5.5 Depending
on the nature of material used,
there are two main types of scaffold, namely
timber/ bamboo
scaffold
and steel scaffold.
Main features
of the former
type which is
commonly
used are given below. For details of
latter
type,
1s 2250 : 1981 may be referred
to.
1 S.6

Timber/ Bamboo

Scaffolding

1.5.6.1 Timber/ Bamboo

either single or double.
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

scaffolding
DESIGN

AND

could

be

: 1991

4 single Scaffolding-

For single scaffolding

the row of standards should be at a distance
of 1.2 to 1.5 m from the wall. Standards
should be 1.8 to 2.4 m apart and connected
horizontally
by stringers, spaced vertically at
1.5 to 1.8 m centres. Putlogs with one end
resting on stringers and tied to them and the
other end resting in holes in masonry,
should be spaced horizontally
1.2 or less
apart (usually half the spacing of standards).
Nominal diameter of standards should not
be less than 8 cm subject to a minimum of 5
cm at the thin end: When it is necessary to
extent
a standard,
overlap
between
two
standards
should be at least 60 cm.

b) Double Scaffoldihg-

In double scaffolding,
one row of standards should be close to the
wall and the other 1.2 to 1.5 m away from
the wall. Nominal
diameter
of standards
should not be less than 10 cm. subject to a
minimum
of 5 cm at the thin end. For
extension of standards over-lapping
should
be done as for single scaffolding. Inside and
outside scaffolding should be interconnected
by cross-ledgers passing through openings in
masonry
with a view to obtainmg
better
stability.

1.5.6.2 The scaffoldin

should be provided with
diagonal
bracings
Bor stiffening
it in the
longitudinal
direction
so as to- prevent
its
distortion.
It should also be tied to the structure
at suitable intervals to prevent it from leaning
away from the structure.
In case of a tall
structure,
with a view to increasing stability of
scaffolding, it is desirable to embed the standards
in ground to the extent of 60 cm, supported over
base plates and if that is not feasib!e, standards
may be supported in steel barrels of about 60 cm
height, filled with soil which should be well
rammed after filling it into the barrels.
1.5.6.3 Standards,
stringers
and
putlogs
are
generally
of round poles and planks for the
platform are of section 20 cm X 3.5 to 4.0 cm.
Ends of planks may be hooped to prevent their
splitting,
thus prolonging
their life. Standards,
stringers and putlongs
could also be of sawn
timber in which case their minimum
sections
should be 7 X 7 cm, 7 X 5 cm, and 5 X 5 cm
respectively.
Lashing
of various
members
of
scaffolding
should be done with strong fibre
ropes, applying
non-slip knots. When bamboo
poles are ,used as standards, horizontal
members
should be tied to the verticals just above a knot of
the vertical bamboo. Toe boards and guard rails
are fixed to platform/standards
by nailing. Planks
of the platform at their heading joints are butted,
two putlogs being placed at this part about 10 cm
apart to support the ends.
1.5.6.4 Scaffolding
for stone masonry structures
has to be stronger than that for brick masonry
structures, in view of heavier weight of masonry
units. This could be done by reducing the spacing

CONSTRUCTION-PART

123

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

of standards and putlogs

for the platform.

and using thicker planks

1.6 Curing
1.6.1 Masonry
mortars
based
on cement,
hydraulic
and semi-hydraulic
lime, and nonhydraulic limes containing pozzolanas, depend for
their setting/ hardening
action of hydration
for
which it is necessary that water used in mixing
should
not dry out during
the process
of
hydration.
In order to prevent early drying of
moisture, all exposed faces of masonry are wetted
periodically
by sprinkling
water over the same.
The process of sprinkling water over masonry to
prevent
drying
out is commonly
known
as
curing.
1.6.2 Curing of masonry should begin as soon as
partial set of mortar has taken place. This would
depend on type of binder used (that is whether
hydraulic
semi-hydraulic,
or noncement,
hydraulic lime) and the ambient temperature.
In
hot weather, setting action is rapid, while in cold
weather, it is slow. Another factor which governs
the time of commencement
of curing is the water
retentivity
of mortar. Curing of masonry using
cement mortar, which has low water retentivity
should
be commenced
early while curing
of
masonry
using lime mortars
which have high
water retentivity
should be commenced
a little
later. Broadly speaking, in hot weather, curing of
masonry should be commenced within 12 hours in
case of cement mortar, 24 hours in case of lime
mortars made from hydraulic and semi-hydraulic
limes and .36 hours in case mortars made from
non-hydraulic
lime. In cold weather,
curing
should be deferred for about 12 hours in each
case.
1.6.3 Curing
should
be continued
up to a
minimum period of 7 days from date of laying of
masonry. However, in case of masonry using rich
cement mortar (1 : 4 or richer) when strength of
masonry
is a special consideration,
period of
curing should be extended
to 10 days in dry
weather (humidity
less than 50 percent).
1.6.4 Frequency
of curing during a day depends
on ambient temnerature
and relative humiditv. In
hot and dry weather water should be sprinkled 3
times a day that is early morning, mid day and
evening, in hot and humid weather or temprate
and dry weather, watering should be done twice
(morning and evening) and in cold weather, once
a day. In case of masonry
units having high
shrinkage
co-efficient,
as for example, concrete
blocks,
sprinkling
of water should
be done
sparingly so that water affects only the surface of
the masonry.
Excessive watering in this case is
likely to cause too much of shrinkage cracking on
drying.

not exceeding 0.05 percent as otherwise strength

of masonry
may be affected or it may cause
efflorescence
in masonry.
1.6.6 In mud masonry, apart from drying of mud
mortar and consequent
hardening
of mortar on
this account,
there is no other setting action
requiring
the presence of moisture.
Thus, no
curing is required in case of this masonry.

SECTION
2 BRICK

HANDBOOK

MASONRY

2.1 General
Of all the masonry units, the one most commonly
used in masonry is ordmary burnt clay brick. In
order that brick masonry
serves its purpose
effectively, it is necessary that quality of materials
used (brick and mortar), construction
technique
and workmanshiu
should be sound. Materials
used in brick maionry,
namely brick and mortar
have been dealt with earlier in Section 1. In the
section,
construction
techniques
and
workmanship
of brick masonry are discussed.
2.2 Bonds
Since masonry
consists of a large number
of
individual units jointed together with mortar so as
to form one mass, it is necessary to lay the units
in such a way that, under load, the units act
jointly. The most important rule to be observed in
this connection
is that vertical cross-joints in any
course should be staggered and these should not
be nearer than a quarter of brick length from
those in the course below or above that course.
There are a number of brick laying arrangements
in vogue-called bonds, of which those commonly
English
bond,
Flemish
bond,
used
are:
bond and Quetta
Stretcher
bond, Header
bond. These are briefly described below.
23.1

English Bond

In this bond (Fig. 2), bricks in the facing are laid

as alternate
header and stretcher courses. The

1.6.5 Quality of water used for curing could be

same as for mixing water. It should be free from
organic impurities
and excess of soluble salts.
Chloride not exceeding 0.1 percent and sulphate
124

FIG.
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

2 ENGLISH
AND

BOND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
header course is commenced with a quoin header
followed by a queen closer and continued
with
successive headers. The stretcher course is formed
of structures,
having a minimum
lap of one
quarter brick length. This bond is considered to
give the best strength in masonry and is mostly
adonted in all load bearing masonrv. that is to be
plastered over. In this bo&, when the wall is only
one brick thick. one face is fair and even. while
the other face may be uneven
due to slight
variations
in length and breadth of units.
2.2.2 Flemish

Bond

In this bond,
in each course,
headers
and
stretchers are used alternatively.
When a course is
started with a quoin header, it is followed by a
queen closer to obtain desired lappage of one
quarter brick length. In case of a wall which is
more than one brick thick, this bond has 2
variations,
namely single Flemish bond (Fig. 3)
and double Flemish bond (Fig. 4). In the former,
use of Flemish bond is provided only on one face
while backing consists of English bond. In the
latter, Flemish bond is used both in front and at
the back.

: 1991

Flemish bond is employed mainly in exposed

brick masonry because of its better appearance.
When only one face of brick masonry has exposed
brick finish as is generally the case, the single
Flemish bond possesses the advantage
of both
Flemish bond (better appearance)
and English
bond (better strength).
In brick masonry,
with special facing bricks on
the external face, adoption of single Flemish bond
leads to economy in the use of number of facing
bricks. Sometimes,
for one brick walls, that are
not heavily loaded and strength of masonry is not
a major consideration,
Flemish bond is adopted
in preference
to English bond, since with this
bond both faces of the wall are more or less fair
and even, and therefore, plastering of those faces
is less expensive.
2.2.3 Stretcher

Bond

In this bond (Fig. 5) stretchers are used in all

courses, with a lappage of half brick. This bond is
adopted
in half-brick
masonry
such as in
partitions
and cavity walls.
/--SLATE

CLOSURE

TO JAMB

PLAN OF COURSE 8

I
I

PLAN OF COURSE A

FIG. 3 DOUBLE FLEMISH BOND

ELEVATION
NOTE-Use

construction

of stretcher bond in cavity

is illustrated
here.

wall

FIG. 5 STRETCHER BOND

2.2.4 Header

Bond

In this bond (Fig. 6) only headers are used in all

courses with a lappage of half-brick width. This
bond is adopted in walls curved in plan for.better
alignment,
in foundation
footings of a wall for
better transverse load distribution,
and in corbels
for better anchorage.
2.2.5 Quetta Bond
FIG.
HANDBOOK

4 SINGLE FLEMISH BOND

ON MASONRY

This bond (Fig. 7) is adopted when it is necessary

to provide vertical reinforcement
in walls for

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

125

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)

sets by hydration.
It is, therefore, necessary that
for brick masonry
in mortar other than mud
mortar,
bricks should be soaked in water by
immersion or sprinkling, before use, so that water
penetrates to the entire depth of bricks. Period of
soaking would vary depending
on porosity of
bricks and it could be determined
by soaking a
few bricks for different periods and then breaking
them to find out depth of penetration
of moisture.
When bricks are soaked by immersion,
these
should be taken out from the tank a little while
before their actual use, so that these are surface
dry at the time of use.

PLAN OF COURSE'A'

ELEVATION

FIG. 6 HEADER BOND FOR A WALL

CURVED

IN PLAN

2.3.2 All loose materials,

dirt and set lumps of
mortar which may be lying over the surface, on
which brick masonry
is to be freshly started
should be removed with a wire brush and surface
should be wetted slightly. Bricks should be laid
with frog up, on full and even bed of mortar.
While laying, bricks should be slightly pressed to
ensure good adhesion. All cross joints and wall
joints should be properly flushed and filled with
mortar so that no hollow spaces are left. Eveness
of bed joint and proper filling of wall joints
ensures maximum
strength and proper filling of
cross
joints
ensures
better
resistance
to
penetration
of moisture which takes place mainly
through cross joints. In case of walls thicker than
one and a half-brick,
vertical joints should be
grouted at every course in addition to flushing of
vertical faces of bricks with mortar.
The course at the top of plinth,
sills and
parapets and just below floor/roof
slab, should,
where feasible be brick-on-edge
(applicable
only
in case of traditional
bricks), using cut bricks at
corners to form what is known as panja or
marukona
(Fig. 8).
[MORTAR

FIG. 7 QUETTA

BOND

areas
subjected
to earth
tremors.
Minimum
thickness of wall in this case is 1% bricks and
both front and back elevations
of the wall are
similar
to that of Flemish
bond.
With the
adoption of this bond, quarter brick by half brick
pockets, which are continuous
through full height
of the wall, are formed along the length of the
wall. In these pockets steel rods are placed, and
pockets are filled up with cement concrete or
mortar as the work proceeds.
2.3 Laying
23.1

of Brick Masonry

Soaking

of Bricks

Bricks being porous, absorb moisture from the

mortar on coming in contact with it, if these are
in a dry state. This would weaken a mortar which
126

JOINTS

HANDBOOK

FIG. 8 I-YPICAL

ARRANGEMENT
IN A CORNER

OF CUT

BRICKS

2.3.3 Thickness
of courses
should
be kept
uniform,. and for this purpose a wooden straight
edge ('known as storey rod) with graduations
giving thickness of each course including joint
thickness should be used. Height of window sills,
soffits of lintels, beams and slabs and such other
important
levels/planes,
in the height of the wall
should also be marked on it. Thickness of mortar
joints should not exceed 10 mm unless otherwise
stipulated.
It should
be borne
in mind that
strength of masonry decreases with increase in
thickness of joints and vice versa.
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION--PART

SP 20(S&T)
2.3.4 All brick
masonry
should
be built in
uniform layers racking back where necessary at
corners,
and for long lengths.
Provision
for
subsequent
construction
of cross-walls should be
made by leaving indents of 1/4brick in depth and
width equal to thickness
of wail, in alternate
courses. Similarly, provision for future extension
should be made by toothing at the end of a wall.
No part of a wall during its construction
should
be raised more than 1, metre in one day in case of
one brick or thicker walls and 0.6 metre in one
day in case of a half-brick wall. This is to obviate
possibility of squeezing out of gree mortar from
joints of masonry
under self-load and also to
avoid unequal
settlement
of foundation
of a
building.
2.3.5 Striking/

Finishing

of Joints

If a wall is to be plastered over, face joints should

be raked to a depth of 10 mm while the mortar is
green, in order to provide key for plaster. In case
a wall is to be finished by pointing,
face joints
should be raked to a depth of 15 mm and face of
masonry should be wire brushed to remove loose
mortar and blemishes from the surface. If, as an
economic measure, joints are to be finished flush
without any plastering or pointing, this should be
done while the mortar is green.
23.6 From structural
and other considerations,
horizontality
of courses and verticality
of walls
and columns are very important.
For ensuring
horizontality
of courses a straight edge and spirit
level are used by the mason to check every course
as the work proceeds. For checking verticality a
straight
edge and plumb-bob
are employed.
Deviation in verticality should not exceed 6 mm
for.a height of 3 m or one storey, and a total of
12.5 mm for the entire height when the building is
more than one storeyed.
2.3.1 Improved

Method

of Brick

Laying

An improved
method of brick laying has been
evolvEd by CBRl (Refer CBRI Building Digest
No. 84) so as to increase productivity
of masons.
In this method of brick laying, special gadgets
called end frame, string holder and mortar
board are made use of. For success in the
adoption of this method of laying bricks, masons
should be given a brief training in the use of the
special
gadgets
and practice
in following
a
particular
sequence
of operations
for laying
bricks.
2.4 Fixing

Door

and Window

Frames

2.4.1 Door and window frames can be fixed in

masonry either at the time when masonry work is
in progress or subsequently
in openings left in
masonry for the purpose. Former method has the
advantage
that there are no gaps between the
frames and masonry and thus fixing of frames is
firm and sound. Disadvantage
in this method is
that frames made of wood are liable to get
damaged due to the work in progress and special
care has therefore to be taken to protect them
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

from damage.
The second
method
has the
advantage
that work is not heid up if there is
delay in the supply of frames, and there is no
likelihood of wooden frames getting damaged due
to dropping
of brick bats, mortar and curing
water, movements of workmen, etc. Disadvantage
of the second method is that in order to facilitate
subsequent fixing of frames, width of openings in
case of doors and width as well as height of
openings in case of windows has to be kept more
than the width/height
of frames to the extent of
about 10 mm. The gap thus left between frame
and the masonry/lintel
has to be made good hy
increase in the thickness of plaster in jambs and
soffits of openings.
2.4.2 Frames of doors and windows are fixed in
position with the help of holdfasts of adequate
size and strength embedded in brick masonry by
leaving recesses in masonry of suitable length, two
courses in height and of width equal to full
thickness
of wall and subsequently
filling the
recesses with cement concrete of 1 : 2 : 4 mix,
using coarse aggregate of size IO mm and below.
When
door
and window
frames
are to be
provided
later in openings
left in masonry,
recesses should
be left in masonry
at levels
corresponding
to the pcsition of holdfasts. These
recesses Should be temnorarilv i filled in with
unjointed
brick-bats
which are removed at the
time of fixing of frames. recesses are filled with
cement contrite
at the time of fixing of frames,
for embedding
the holdfasts.
2.5 Honey-Combed

Brick Masonry

2.5.1 For laying honey-combed

brick masonry,
pattern as shown in drawings should be followed.
Bricks should have a minimum bearing of 4 cm
on either side in case of half-brick wall and 2 cm
in case of one-brick wall. Bricks should be laid
with frog down.
2r6 Brick Masonry

Curved

on Plan

2.6.1 When radius of curvature of brick masonry

curved in plan exceeds 6 metres, it can be laid just
like ordinary brickwork, by providing some taper
in cross joints. When radius of curvature
is 6
metres or less, either specially moulded bricks
should be used or bricks cut to required radius
should be laid in header bond. Use of specially
moulded bricks is however feasible only in large
works. In case of unimportant
works such as
lining of soakage pits and cesspools of circular
shape, curved brickwork
may be provided
by
using uncut bricks, and thick tapered cross joints,
thus obviating
labour on cutting of bricks.
2.7 Extension of Old Brick Masonry
2.7.1 Normally provisions for future extension of
brick masonry
should be made at the time of
initial construction
as mentioned
in 23.4. When
no such provision has been made, proper bonding
of new work with old should be carefully made.
2.7.2 For making addition
of a new cross-wall,
recesses in old brickwork
should be cut out, at

CONSTRUCTION-PART

127

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

regular intervals, equal in width to the width of

new wall three courses in height and half-brick in
depth, spacing of the recesses also being three
courses. New brickwork should then be built into
the recesses formed in old brickwork using sotie
strong mortar. For making longitudinal
extension
of a wall, the new wall should be toothed for its
full width with the old wall up to a depth of one
quarter
brick length in alternate
courses. New
brickwork
should be laid in such a way that
height of each course is the same as that of
corresponding
old course. It should be ensure that
there is no hump or projection at the junction of
old and new brickwork.

ground water in contact with foundation.

Where
source of salts is brick or sand, efflorescence
appears soon after construction
in the first dry
spell when water used in construction
dries up.
This efflorescence could be easily removed by wire
brushing the surface. If masonry does not get wet
again, as in case of internal and protected walls,
there
may
be no further
recurrence
of
efflorescence.
In case of external walls, however
efflorescence may appear again during subsequent
cycles of wetting and drying, but to a gradually
lessening extent and may stop altogether in course
of time as the salts get depleted.

2.7.3 In case bricks used in old brick masonry are

of size as per foot-pound
system, while in new
brick masonry, bricks of size as per metric system
are to be used, height of recesses in old brickwork
as well as their spacings should be 4 courses of old
brick masonry
and height of 3 courses of new
brick masonry
should correspond
to that of 4
courses in old brick masonry,
making; suitable
adjustment,
if necessary by varying thickness of
joints of new brickwork.

Efflorescence
appearing
on exposed brickwork
may cause no damage to masonry if bricks are
strong and well burnt.
Weak and under-fired
bricks however are liable to get crumbled at the
surface due to strong force exerted by the process
of crystallization
of salts. If the brickwork
had
been
plastered
over,
before
drying
out of
construction
water used in masonry,
plaster is
likely to get damaged and flaked due to the salts.
Surface finish on plaster is also likely to get
spoil?d if it had been applied before drying out of
masonry and plaster.

2.7.4 Old brickwork

should
be thoroughly
cleaned of old mortar and wetted before jointing
it with new brickwork.
2.8 Corbelling
2.8.1 Where
corbelling
is required
in brick
masonry
for supporting
some other structural
member,
maximum
projection
of individual
bricks should not exceed one-half the height of
brick nor one-half of its built-in part and overall
horizontal
projection
of the corbel should not
exceed one third of the thickness of wall. It is
preferable
to adopt
header
courses
in the
corbelled
portion
of brick
masonry
from
consideration
of structural stability and economy.
2.8.2 Structural
stability of the corbel should be
ensured as per provision
of clause 6.4.2 of IS
1905 : 1987. Corbelled
masonry
should not be
loaded till it has fully set and sufficient masonry
above corbel
has been laid so that counterbalancing
weight is not less then twice the over
turning weight.
2.9 Efflorescence
2.9.1 Phenomenon
of appearance
of white
deposits on the external as well as internal surface
of walls (mostly external) is called efflorescence. It
is due to the movement of soluble salts-mainlv
sulphates of sodium, magnesium,
potassium ani
calcium in solution to the surface. , evanoration
of
moisture and crystallization
of salts at the surface.
Efflorescence may appear on exposed brickwork
or plastered
surface or may appear through
painted surface.
r

2.9.2 Efflorescence can occur only if there is some

source of soluble salts as well as moisture. Soluble
salts may be present in bricks used !or masonry or
in sand used in masonry and plaster work or in
128

HANDBOOK

2.9.3 Where source of soluble salts is ground

water
efflorescence
will affect super-structure
only if there is no DPC at plinth level or DPC
used is not very effective; otherwise effJorescence
will appear only on external masonry below DPC
level. Since ground
water would provide
an
inexhuaustable
source of salts, efflorescence due
to this source will appear whenever there is a dry
spell and it would thus, in course of time, weaken
the masonry and affect the life of the structure.
This brings out the necessity and importance
of
using well burnt
bricks in good mortar
in
foundation
and plinth and providing a good DPC
at plinth level, particularly
when the water table
in the area is high and soil contains appreciable
quantity
of soluble sulphates.
2.9.4 incidence of efflorescence in buildings could
be reduced if following measures are adopted at
the stage of construction
of a building
and
subsequent
maintenance.
2.9.4.1 Bricks
should
effloresence
rating and
excessive
efflorescenae
possible.

be
tested
for
their
use of bricks liable to
should
be avoided
if

A simple
test for determining
efflorescence
rating of bricks consists in standing
a brick
vertically in a flat bottom dish containing distilled
water up to a depth of 2.5 cm, till the entire water
is absorbed
and the brick appears to be dry..
W,ater is again added to,the dish to the samC level
i.e. 2.5 cm depth and allowed to get absorbed and
evaporated.
The brick is examined after second
evaporation.
If there is deposit of salts covering
50 percent or more of the brick surface, the brick
is rated as liable to excessive efflorescence.
This
test should be carried out on at least 5 bricks
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
selected at random
conclusion.

from

a lot for coming

to a

2.9.4.2 Sand used in mortar for masonry

and
plaster should not contain more than 0.1 percent
of soluble salts (chlorides and sulphates).
2.9.4.3 When water table is within
1.5 m of
subgrade and soil contains appreciable percentage
of soluble sulphates, mortar used for masonry m
foundation
and plinth should be as in 1.4.6.1(d)
and at plinth
!evel a good DPC should be
provided.
2.9.4.4 Before application
of decorative coats of
distemper
or paint to the ,plaster, it should be
ensured that plaster has fully dried.
2.9.4.5 At plinth level, an effective course of DPC
such as a .4 to 5 cm thick layer of cement concrete
I : 1 r/2 : 3 containing
some
integral
water
proofing compound,
should be provided.
2.9.4.6 Since efflorescence
can take place only
when there is some source of moisture, dampness
in any part of a building due to rain water, water
leaking
from
storage
tanks
or leakages
in
plumbing
system should be guarded against by
ensuring
soundness
of construction
and good
maintenance.
2.9.4.7 Apart from efflorescence, sulphate salts
when present in bricks, sand and ground water
are likely to cause cracks in masonry and plaster
and weaken a structure due to what is termed as
sulphate
attack.
Soluble
sulphates
in the
presence of moisture undergo a chemical action
with portland
cement
used in mortar,
thus
forming a compound which exerts expensive force
on masonry and plaster and causes damage. This
phenomenon
has been dealt with in detail in
SP : 25 Causes and Prevention
of Cracks in
Buildings.

SECTION
3 STONE

MASONRY

3.1 General
3.1.1 Use of stone in masonry for buildings in this
country has been made for a long time as can be
seen from some old monuments
and historical
buildings. Stone suitable for building construction
is available in many parts of the country. Main
reason for popularity of stone masonry in the past
its durability,
strength
and
case
of
was
construction.
3.1.2 Types of stone commonly
used in building
construction
are granite, trap, basalt, quartzite,
limestone, and sandstone.
Another type of stone
which is a semi-weathered
rock--namely
laterite,
though not very durable and strong, is available
in some regions of this country, and is used for
small and low cost structures.
3.1.3 As a general rule, stone for use in masonry
should t5e hard, sound and free from weathering,
decay, cavities, cracks, sand-holes, injurious veins,
patches of loose or soft materials, etc. Its water
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

absorption
should not exceed 5 percent. Stone
should not contain cryptic crystalline
silica or
chert, mica, or other deleterious
materials
like
iron oxide and organic impurities.
Selection of
stone is usually based on past experience, and in
order to ensure desired quality, it is customary to
stipulate source of stone that is particulars
of
quarries from which stone should be procured for
use in a particular job.
3.1.4 All stones should be wetted before use.
Masonry
should be laid truly in plumb or to
required
batter where so specified.
Height of
construction
in a day should not exceed 1 metre
so as to avoid excessive load on fresh mortar.
Connected
masonry should be raised uniformly
all over. However, if one part of masonry is to be
left behind, the wall should be racked at an angle
not steeper than 45 degrees. Toothing
in stone
masonry should not be allowed.
3.1.5 There are three main varieties
of stone
masonry in common use namely random rubble,
coursed rubble and ashlar, with some further subvarieties
de,pending
upon
quality
of stone,
standard
of dressing
and laying
of stones,
standard
of finish
and
workmanship
and
architectural
style. For the sake of brevity only
the main varieties of stone masonry are described
in this Handbook.
3.2 Random
3.2.1

Rubble

Masonry

General

In this variety of masonry (see Fig. 9) as the name

suggests,
stones are laid at random,
that is
without any regular courses and for that reason, it
is sometimes
also designated
as Uncour,sed
rubble masonry. For this masonry, labour spent
on dressing of stone is minimal and thus it is least
expensive. This masonry has a rough finish and
also is not very strong. It is, therefore, adopted
for low-cost
and low-height
structures
where
economy in cost is a primary consideration,
much
strength is not needed and appearance
does not
matter.
3.2.2 Size

qf Stone

Selection
and grading
of stones
for rubble
masonry is mainly done at site using selected and
larger stones at the faces and smaller stones.in the
hearting. Ordinarily stones for use in this masonry
should be small enough so that these could be
lifted by hand. Minimum
size of stone however
should be such that it does not pass through a
ring of 15 cm internal diameter and a rectangular
slit of- 10 cm width. Height of stones may be up to
30 cm. Length of a face stone at its base should
not be less than its height nor greater than three
times the height. Breadth of a stone at base
should not be greater than three-fourth
of the
thickness of wall nor less than its height, and at
least one-fourth
of the face stones whrch are not
less than 200 cm* in section, should tail into the
work to the extent of 2/3rd the thickness of wall
for walls thicker than 30 cm and for full thickness

CONSTRUCT!ON-PART

129

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

SECTION
FIG.

9 RANDOM

RUBBLE

of wall for walls 30 cm or less in thickness. Size

and number of bond stones should be as given in
3.2.4.4.
3.2.3

Dressing

qf Stone

Stone should be hammer dressed on the face,

sides and bed to enable
them to come in
proximity with the neighbouring
stones. Bushing
on the face should not be more than 4 cm from
the general wall surface. However, for the face to
be plastered, bushing should not exceed 1 cm.
3.2.4 Laying

of Stones

3.2.4.1 Stones should be wetted before use, laid

on their natural quarry bed and solidly bedded in
mortar by hammering them down to position with
a wooden mallet. No pinning should be done in
the face. Stone chips, not exceeding 20 percent of
volume of masonry may be used in hearting where
necessary to avoid thick mortar joints, taking care
that no hollow spaces are left in masonry. Chips
should be used only for filling interstices between
adjacent
stones and no chips should be used
below bed of hearting stones to bring the latter in
level with face stones. Hearting should be laid
nearly level with the face stones except for the
vertical
bond
stones
or plumbs.
Projecting
upwards to the extent of 15 to 20 cm at about one
metre intervals.
3.2.4.2 Though stones are laid without adhering
to any courses, masonry is required to be brought
to level at plinth. window sill, lintel and roof
levels. This should be done firstly by selecting
stones of appropriate
height and secondly,
if
by providing
a levelling course of
necessary,
concrete made by mixing 1 part of mortar used
for masonry and 2 parts of stone aggregate of 20
mm nominal gauge.
3.2.4.3 Bonding in masonry is obtained by closely
fitting
adjacent
stones,
by using
specified
proportion
of headers and bond stones, and by
laying face stones so as to break vertical joints as
much as possible, avoiding long vertical joints.
130

HANDBOOK

xx

UNCXERSED MASONRY

3.2.4.4

Bond

stones

There should be at least one bond stone (also

called through stone) for every 0.5 m2 of wall
surface. These stones should be marked with
white paint at the face for subsequent
check and
verification during construction.
In case of a wall
up to 60 cm thick, length of bond stones should
be equal to thickness of wall, while for walls
thicker than 60 cm, two or more stones with an
overlap of at least 15 cm should be used to serve
as a bond stone. Bond stones should have a
minimum section of 400 cm2. Where bond stones
of suitable length are not avilable these could be
made of precast cement
concrete
1 : 3 : 6 (I
cement : 3 sand : 6 stone aggregate
of 20 mm
nominal
gauge).
In case of highly absorbent
stones (porous limestone and sandstone) the bond
stone should extend to about two-third into the
wall for all walls whatever the thickness and a set
of two or more bond stone with an overlap of 15
cm should be provided. Use of a single bond stone
for full thickness in this case is likely to result in
movement
of moisture to the inside face of the
wall, through the bond stone, if continuous
from
face to face.

3.2.4.5

Quoin

stones

Quoins that is corner stones should be selected

stones dressed with hammer and/ or chisel to form
the required angle. Length of these stones should
be 45 cm or more and at least 25 percent of the
stone should be 50 cm or more in length. These
should
be laid as headers
and
stretchers
alternately.
The quoins should have a uniform
chisel draft of at least 2.5 cm width at four edges
of each exposed face, all the edges of a face being
in one plane. No quoin should be smaller than
0.025 m* in volume.
3.2.4.6 Jambs
Stones
quoin,
should
less.

used in jambs should be similar to those in

excepting
the length of the stem which
be 45 cm or thickness of wall whichever is

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CQNSTRUCTION-PART

: 1991

SP 20(S&T)
3.2.4.7

Joints
JOINTS
THICK

All joints should be completely filled with mortar

and face joints should not be thicker than 20 mm.
When surface of masonry is not to be pointed or
plastered,
joints
should
be struck flush and
finished at the time of laying. In case plastering or
pointing is required; joints should be raked to a
depth 20 mm while the mortar is still green. It is
desirable to do pointing, where required, within a
few days of paying masonry to ensure,good bond.
3.3 Coursed
3.3.1

Rubble

17 mm

EL EVAT I ON

Masonry

General

In this variety of masonry (see Fig. 10) stones are

laid in courses, height of each course being not
less than 15 cm nor more than 30 cm. All face
stones in one course should be of same height.
This type of masonry has two sub-types known as
first sort and second sort. In masonry of first
sort, height of all courses should be same while in
masonry of second sort, height of courses may
vary but height of any course should not be
greater
than that of a course below it and
difference in height of 2 adjacent courses should
not exceed 2.5 cm. In the latter variety
of
masonry, at places 2 stones could be used in the
face to make up height of a course.

PLAN

FOR

COURSE

PLAN

FOR

COURSE

3.3.2 Size of Stone

This should
be same as for random
rubble
masonry except that for this masonry at least one
third of the stones (by volume) should tail into the
work for a depth not less than twice their height.
3.3.3

Dressing

Face stones should be hammer dressed on all beds

and joints
so as to give them approximate1
rectangular
shape. These should be square on a Y1
beds and joints. The bed joints should be chisel
drafted for at least 8 cm from the face and side
joints for at least 4 cm. No portion of a dressed
joint should show a depth of gap of more than 6
mm in case of masonry of first sort and 10 mm in
case of masonry of second sort from a straight
edge placed on it and no portion of the stone
should project beyond the surface of bed and side
joints. Standard
of bushing on the exposed face
should be same as for random rubble masonry.
3.3 4 Laying
All courses should be laid truly horizontal,
and
vertical joints should be truly vertical. All stones
should be bedded solidly into the mortar. Stones
should
be laid
as headers
and
stretchers
alternatively.
Volume of chips used for filling
interstices
in the hearting should not exceed 10
percent in case of this masonry of first sort and 15
percent in case of masonry of second sort. While
using ,chips it should be ensured that no hollow
spaces are left anywhere in masonry. No pinning
should be done at face.
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND

SECTION

CROSS

FIG. IO COLJRSED RUBBLE MASONRY

3.3.5 Bond, Stones

These should be same as for random
rubble
masonry (clause 3.2.4.4) except that these should be
provided in every course, at not more than 1.8 m
intervals.
3.3.6 Quoin Stones
No quoin should be smaller than .025 m3 in
volume. Quoin stones should be of same height as
that of the course in which they occur. These
should not be smaller than 40 cm in length,
should be rough chisel dressed to a depth of 10
cm at the beds and should have a uniform chisel
draft of 2.5 cm at all four edges of each exposed
face. These should be laid square on beds as
headers and stretchers alternatively.
3.3.1 Jambs
Stones used in jambs of doors,
openings
should be similar
except that minimum length
thickness of wall whichever

CONSTRUCTION-PART

windows and other

to those in quoins
should be 40 cm or
is less.
131

SP 2O(S&T) : 1991
3.4.2.3 Laying

Joints

33.8

Ail bed joints should be horizontal and side joints

vertical. These should be made and treated as in
case of random
rubble
masonry
except that
thickness of joints should not exceed 10 mm in
case of masonry of first sort and 15 to 20 mm in
case of masonry of second sort.
3.4 Ashlar

Masonry

3.4.1 General
Ashiar
masonry
is the superior
most of all
varieties
of stone
masonry
and is provided
generally in important
and prestigeous buildings
architectural
appearance
and
were strength,
durability
of the structure are some of the major
considerations.
Stones of appropriate
quality are
carefully selected and dressed to suitable size and
shape.
This
variety
has some sub-varieties,
depending
on
standard
of dressing
and
workmanship;
the main sub-varieties
being called
plain ashiar-fine
tooled and plain ashiar-rough
Plain
ashlar-fine
tooled
masonry
is
tooled.
illustrated
in Fig. 11.

Stones should be laid on full and uniform bed of

moriar
and bedded in position
with wooden
mallet without use of chips or pinning of any sort.
Stones should be laid as headers and stretchers
alternately.
Headers should be placed, as far Bs
possible, over middle of the stretchers below and
stones should break joints on the face for at least
half the height of the course and the bond should
be carefully maintained
throughout.
For wails up
to 80 cm thick, ail headers should have length
equal to full thickness of wail. If necessary, jib
cranes and other mechanical appliances should be
used to handle heavy pieces of stones and to place
them into correct
position.
When racking
is
unavoidable,
its slope to the horizontal should not
exceed 30.
3.4.2.4

Joints

All joints should be uniform and not more than 5

mm in thickness.
A uniform
recess of 15 mm
depth from the face should be left in ail joints
with the help of a steel plate during construction.
All exposed joints should be pointed with mortar
as per architectural
requirements.
Normally joints
are finished with pointing
which is sunk to a
depth of 5 mm from the face, depth of mortar in
pointing being not less than 10 mm. Coiour of
mortar for pointing should match with the coiour
of stone and for this purpose
fine aggregate
should be obtained
by crushing chips of stone
used in masonry.
3.4.3 Plain Ashlar

ELEVATION
FIG.

ii

3.4.2

3.4.2.1

PLAIN

SECTION

ASHLAR

FINE

Plain Ashlar-Fine

TOOLED

Tooled

MASONRY

Masonry

Size of stone

Height of stones after dressing should not be less

than 15 cm nor greater than 30 cm inclusive of
thickness of joints, and for high class work, ail
courses should be of uniform
height. In less
important
works variation
in height of courses
may be permitted such that height of any course is
not greater than the height of all courses below
that course. Length of a stone should not be less
than twice nor greater than thrice the height and
breadth should not be less than height.
3.4.2.2

Dressing

of stones

The stones should be cut to regular and required

size and shape so that all sides are rectangular and
joints could be truly horizontal
and vertical. Ail
sides of stones should be chisel dressed such that a
fairly smooth surface is obtained and no point on
the dressed surface is d.eeper than 1, 3, 6 and 10
mm from a 60 cm long straight edge placed on the
surface of exposed face, beds, sides, and rear
surface respectively.
Ail angles and edges that
remain exposed in the final position should be
true square and free from chippings.
132

HANDBOOK

Rough Tooled Masonry-This

type of masonry is
similar
to plain ashlar fine tooled
masonry
described above, egcept that exposed face should
have a fine chisel draft, 2.5 cm wide round the
edges and should be rough tooled between the
draft such that the dressed surface should not
deviate more than 3 mm from the straight edge
placed over it.
3.4.4 Ashlar Stone Masonry
Coursed Rubble Masonry

with a Backing of

In many cases inner faces of ashiar masonry wails

are finished in plaster. In such cases backing of
ashiar masonry consists of coursed rubble stone
masonry and two varieties of masonry are laid
together in uniform courses of same height with
proper bonding of the two types. Back faces of
stones used in ashiar masonry need not be dressed
to the standard required for ashlar masonry and
may simply tail into coursed rubble masonry.
3.4.5 Ashlar Stone
Brickwork

Masonry

with a Backing of

In regions where normal

mode of walling is
ashlar faced wails generally
have
brickwork,
backing
of brickwork.
It is essential
that the
facing is effectively bonded with backing. This is
achieved and wastage of bricks and iabour in
cutting
of bricks avoided by: (a) making the
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SF 20(S&T)
ashlar courses alternately half-brick and one brick
in breadth; (b) providing breadth of brick backing
as a multiple of half-brick; and (c) keeping height
of each course of ashlar same as the height of a
few brick courses inclusive of thickness of bed
joints. It is desirable that high strength bricks of
first grade with very thin joints are used in
backing so as to ensure reasonable compatability
between stone masonry and brickwork.
3.4.6 Mortar
Mortar for ashlar masonry should be reasonably
strong and durable. Mortar mix should therefore
be either cement-sand
mortar 1 : 5, I : 4 or 1 : 3
or composite
cement-lime-sand
mortar
I : 1 : 6/ 1 : /2 : 41/2, depending
on strength
requirement,
loads and other considerations.

3.5 Laterite
3.5.1

Stone

Masonry

General

Laterite stone should be compact in texture. It

may be mottled with streaks of brown, red and
yellow colours. It should not contain white clay or
lithomarge
or an appreciable
number
of deep
sinuosities..
Blocks should be obtained
from a
good ferrugenous variety of laterite which hardens
on exposure after it is quarried. Density of laterite
stone should not be less than 2.5 gm/cm3 and
moisture
absorption
should
not exceed
12
percent.
3.5.2 Size of Stone

Blocks

Minimum height of blocks should be 19 cm actual

that is 20 cm nominal with normal joint thickness
of 10 mm. Breadth of blocks should be equal to
height and length should be equal to twice the
height. Standard sizes of laterite blocks as per IS
3620 : 1966 are given in Table I.
3.5.3 Dressing

of Stones

Stones should be dressed soon after quarrying

into regular rectangular
blocks so that all faces
are free from waviness and edges are straight and
sauare. Blocks mav be cut to size either manuallv
0; by machine, hut for good qualit
work it cs
desirable to use machine cut blocks. i tone blocks
after dressing should be exposed to atmosphere
for a period of 3 months before use in masonry.
This stone, on exposure changes its nature and
improves in compressive
strength.
3.5.4 Laying
Blocks are laid in masonry in regular horizontal
courses, breaking bond of vertical joints in every
course to the extent of at least half the height of
blocks. when a masonry element is thicke; than
breadth of blocks, these should be laid as headers
and
stretchers
similar
to English
bond
of
brickwork.
All joints should be completely filled
with mortar. Normally all courses should be of
same height.
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

3.5.5 Joints
Thickness of joints in good quality work should
not exceed 10 mm. Faces may be plastered,
pointed
or finished
flush
depending
on
architectural
effect to be achieved. When surface
is to be plastered or pointed, joints should be
raked while the mortar is green to a depth of IO
mm and 15 mm respectively. Pointing should be
done as early as possible after raking of joints to
ensure good bond.
3.6 Stone

Veneering

3.6.1 Wall faces are sometimes,

veneered with
thin slabs of stone or marble with the object of
providing a decorative and durable finish. Mostly
veneering
is provided
on the external face for
architectural
effect, but it is also provided on the
internal face in special areas such as entrance halls
and toilets.
3.6.2 For veneering
stones generally
used are
sandstone.
limestone
and marble.
the walling
being
e&rally brickwork, rubble stone masonror R.? .C . Veneering stone should be hard. soun b;.
and free from crack; flaws, decay and weathering
and it should be of uniform or specified texture.
Colour
and texture
of stone or marble
are
specified
on considerations
of architecture,
durability,
cost and availability.
Detailed
specifications
of limestone and marble slabs are
given in IS 1I28 : 1974 and IS 1130 : 1969
respectively.
3.6.3 Thickness
of stone veneer generally varies
between 2 to 8 cm, depending on type of stone,
architectural
style, and type of building.
As a
general rule, when using expensive
variety of
stone for facing, comparatively
a thin veneer
stone is specified, for economy in cost.
3.6.4 Dressing
3.6.4.1

Sandstone

and limestone

Sandstone
and limestone slabs should be cut to
the required size and shape so as to be free from
any waviness
and to give truly vertical and
horizontal
joints with the adjoining
slabs. The
faces that are to remain exposed in the final
position as well as the adjoining faces to a depth
of 6 mm should be fine chisel dressed so that
when checked with a 60 cm straight edge, no
point in the finished surface varies from it by
more than 1 mm. The faces top bottom and
vertical sides which are to form joints should be
chisel dressed so that variation from straight edge
at no point exceeds 5 mm. Dressing at the back
should not be done so as to ensure good grip with
the backing.
All angles and edges that are to
remain exposed in the final position should be
true square free from chippings.
3.6.4.2

Marble

slabs

Marble slabs should be cut to required size and

shape and chisel dressed on all beds and joints so
as to be free from any waviness and to give truly

CONSTRUCTION-PART

133

SP 2O(S&T)

: 1991

vertical and horizontal,

radial or circular joints as
required. The exposed faces and joints 12 mm
from the face should be fine tooled such that
straight edge laid along the face of the slab is in
contact
with every point on it. The surfaces
should then be rubbed smooth. All visible edges
and angles should be true square and free from
any chippings. Beyond the depth of 12 mm from
the face, the joints should be dressed with a slight
splay so that joints are V shaped, being thin at the
face and wide at the back. Surface of the stone
coming in contact with backing should not be
dressed so as to ensure a good grip with the
backing.

deformation

3.6.5 Laying and Fixing

Thickness of joints should not exceed 5 mm in

case of sandstone and limestone veneering and 1.5
mm in case of marble veneering. In the former
case, a uniform recess of 20 mm depth from face
should be left with the help of a steel plate. In the
latter case jointing
should be done with mortar
specified for pointing.

3.6.5.1 Stone slabs should be thoroughly

wetted
before laying. All joints should be truly horizontal
and vertical and face should be in plumb. For
grounding
in case of stone and marble and
jointing
in case of stone slabs, mortar generally
used is cement mortar I : 4 or cement-lime mortar
I : /2 : 4. In case of marble, mortar for jointing
should be same as specified for pointing, and care
should
be taken
that
mortar
used
in the
grounding
does not spill over to the joints or
exposed
face. It should be ensured
that no
hollows are left in the grounding
and that all
joints are completely
filled.
3.6.5.2 Slabs should be anchored to the backing
unmetal or some
by means of cramps (of bronze,
other non-corrodible
metal). f n case of thin
veneers (less than 16 cm in thickness)
and by
means of stone dowels in case of thick veneers (6
cm or more in thickness). In addition slabs should
be interconnected
to each other in the horizontal
direction b means of copper pins in case of thin
veneers an B by means of cramps in case of thick
veneers. Cramps
generally
used are of size 3
mm X 2.5 cm X 20-30 cm and normal size of pins
is 6 mm dia X 7.5 cm long. Spacing of cramps,
stone dowels and pins would depend on size of
slabs but it is necessary to ensure that each slab is
properly secured to the backing as well adjoining
slabs. Cramps dowels and pins are generally fixed
in cement mortar
1 : 2, using fine and. Some
typical details for fixing veneering slabs are shown
in Fig. 12, 13, 14 and 15.
3.6.5.3 The facing should be provided
with a
continuous
support at the ground level as well as
at every storey level that is, at about 3.5 m vertical
intervals,
the supports
being in the form of
projections
in concrete
floor slab or beams
between
columns
or angle iron attached
to
backing. Such supports should also be provided
the top of all openings and soffits of cantilevered
portions. Alternatively
specially designed cramps
in accordance with IS 4101 (Part 1) : 1967 may be
used so as to hold the facing in position as well as
to transfer full weight of facing to the backing. In
case of large buildings,
provision
in fixing
arrangements
for veneering work should be made
for movements
in facing due to creep, elastic
134

HANDBOOK

3.6.5.4

and

thermal

variations.

Pointing

All exposed joints in facing should be pointed

with mortar, as may be specified for the purpose
to match the colour of the facing. Pointing in case
of stones other than the marble, should be sunk
from the face by 5 mm and depth of ointing
should not be less than 15 mm. In case o P marble
veneering, mortar joints should be finished neat
and fair in jointing mortar as the work proceeds,
since joints
being very thin,
no subsequent
pointing is possible.
3.6.5.5 Jointing

3.6.5.6

Finishing

After the marble veneering

has been cured, it
should be rubbed with Carborundum
stone of
grades 60, 80 and 100 in succession, so as to give a
plane, true and smooth surface. It should then be
cleaned with oxalic acid solution,
washed and
finished clean.
3.7 Miscellaneous
3.7.1 Stwe

Items

Pillars

Masonry
in stone pillars is as a general rule
similar to that of masonry used for walls in a job
in regard to quality and size of stones, dressing of
stones, height of courses, quoin stones, bond
stones, jointing,
finish, etc, with the following
exceptions:

a) Random

rubble
masonry - Bushing
of
exposed faces should not exceed 20 mm.
Quoins should have length not less than 25
cm for pillars up to 40 cm side, and 30 cm
for pillars having side greater than 40 cm.
Bond stones should not be less than 15 cm
in height and should be hammer dressed on
beds, faces and sides into squared blocks.

b) Coursed

rubble masonryBeds of stones

should be rough tooled true and square for a
distance of at least 10 cm from the face and
the sides of stones for at least 5 cm from the
face. Beds and sides of quoins should be
rough tooled for a distance of at least 10 cm
from the face. ~Length of the stone should
not be less than 1% times the height.

cl Ashlar

masonry - Minimum
height
of
stones for fine tooled masonry should be 30
cm and for rough tooled masonry 20 cm.

4 For pillars having a cross sectional

area of
0.25 m* or less, bond stone should be a
single full stone and for pillars exceeding

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)

STONE
LGUN

VENEER

METAL

COPPER

PIN

CRAMP
rEXPOSED

FACE

: 1991

FACES
AND
Smm FROM
0 BE
INE TOOLED

JOINTS

AR

FULL SIZE

DETAIL

rMORTAR
C 6,
LONG
PIN

75 mm
COPPER

SECTIONAL PLAN
FULL SIZE DETAIL A

FIG. 12 TYPICAL DETAILS OF FIXING STONE VENEERWORK FACING USING GUN METAL
CRAMPS AND COPPER PINS

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION-PARr

135

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

STONE

GUN

VENEER
SECTIONAL

\L

FACE

FIG.

136

CRAMP

PLAN

JOINTS

SECTIONAL

METAL

ELEVATION

GUN

AT

METAL

CRAMP

P Q

SECTIONAL
(FULL
SIZE

ELEVATION
OETAILS
ATA)

SECTIONAL
(FULL
SIZE

,PLAN
DETAILS

AT A)-

13 TYPICAL DETAILS OF FIXING STONE VENEER WORK ~JSING STONE DOWELS

AND GUN METAL CRAMPS
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20 (S&T) : 1991

NORTAR

-.. ..

. . ..

;_-..-.

,_.,;:.

...I

\-STONE
VENEERING

GUN MEfAL

FIG.

14 TYPICAL

DETAILS

OF FIXING
GUN

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

METAL

CRAMP

STONE

FACING

SHOWING

USE OF

CRAMPS

CONSTRUCTION-PART

137

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

NON-CORiOSIVE
CRAMP
A8OUT

50

BACKING

ANGLE
mm
WIDE

WALI,

/WASHER

L NONCORROSIVE
DOWEL

F
rGUN-METAL

CRAMP

.,

I.1

G
FIG. 15 TYPES OF CRAMPS FOR STONE

e)

0.25 m* in area, it should be made up of four

stones provided
in two courses at right
angle. Three bond stones should be provided
in each pillar of storey height at bottom,
middle
and
top. In case of plastered
masonry,
bond stones could be of precast
cement concrete of M-15 grade laid on the
full section of pillar in one piece.

twice its breadth. Standard

of dressing of stone
should be as for ashlar masonry. Joints of the sill
should break joints with those of masonry below.
Thickness
of vertical joints of sill should not
exceed 1.5 mm in case it is fine tooled and 3 mm
in case it is rough tooled. Embedment of sills into
masonry on any side should not be less than 5 cm.

Height
should

4 CONCRETE

of masonry laid in pillars in one day

not exceed 60 cm.

3.7.2 Corbels
3.7.2.1 Corbelling
in brick masonry
has been
dealt with earlier in 2.8. Corbelling
in stone
masonry
is generally
similar to that in brick
masonry. In view, however, of greater strength of
units in case of stone masonry and difference in
jointing,
there are some minor variations.
3.7.2.2
For
stone
corbelling,
breadth
of
embedded portion of stone should not be smaller
than 1.5 times the breadth of projected portion.
Vertical joints of corbel and its junction
with
adjoining masonry should break joints with those
in the courses below and above.
3.7.3

Window

Sills

Thickness
of sills should not be less than 5 cm.
Entire width of sill should be in one stone and
length of any sill stone should not be less than
138

FACINGS

HANDBOOK

SECTION
BLOCK

MASONRY

4.1 General
4.1.1 Concrete blocks for use in masonry may be
solid hollow, lightweight or autoclaved cellular as
per standard
specifications
IS 2185 (Part
1) : 1979, IS 2185 (Part 2) : 1983, IS 2185 (Part
3) : 1984 and IS 3115 : 1978. These are used for
load bearing walls as well as non-load
bearing
panels and partitions.
Choice of units should be
made carefully, taking into consideration
type of
structure, loads, .climatic conditions,
economy in
cost, ready availability
of units, etc.
4.1.2 Concrete block masonry is very much prone
to shrinkage cracks and, therefore, masonry units
must strictly conform to standard specifications
and suggestions for handling, storage, moistening
before
use, selection
of mortar
for laying
curing and finishing
as given below
masonry,
should be carefully followed so as to avoid or to
minimise cracks. Moreover, it should be ensured
that concrete blocks are dried for a period of at
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20 (S&T)
least 28 days
undergo initial
work.
4.2 Handling

after curing so that the blocks

shrinkage before use in masonry
and Storage

of Blocks -

4.2.1 The blocks should be handled with care in

transport
as these are liable to get broken and
damaged due to jolts and mishandling.
These are
to be stored at site in such a way that these may
not be able to absorb moisture from any source.
These shall, therefore, be stacked on planks, or
such other supports
and in inclement
weather
protected from rain.
4.3 Laying
4.3.1

of Blocks

Wetting

Before

Use

In humid weather, blocks should not be wetted

before laying. If weather is dry (humidity below
50 percent), bottom, to and sides of blocks may
be slightly moistened. I?xcessive wetting of blocks
before use in masonry
is likely to result in
extensive shrinkage cracks.
4.3.2 Mortar
As a general rule, mortar for concrete block
masonry
should be relatively
weak and slow
setting, so as to minimise possibility of shrinkage
cracks. Generally
speaking, composite cement lime mortar is best suited for the purpose, using
1 : 2 : 9 mortar for normal work and 1 : 1 : 6
mortar
when intensity
of loading
is high or
masonry
is exposed
to weather.
Mortar
for
masonry
in foundation
and plinth should be
somewhat
richer than that for super-structure
masonry.
4.3.3 Masonry

in Foundation

and

Plinth

For two or more storeyed buildings, it is desirable

to avoid use of hollow blocks in foundations
and
plinth. If for some reasons hollow blocks are to be
used for this purpose,
hollows of the blocks
should be filled with cement concrete 1 cement : 3
sand : 6 coarse aggregate of 20 mm nominal size.
In single storeyed buildings, when using hollow
blocks, the hollows should be filled with sand up
to one course below plinth and the top course
below plinth should be filled with cement concrete
1:3:6.
43.4

Masonry

in Super-structure

4.3.4.1 First course of concrete block masonry

should be laid with special care, making sure that
it is properly aligned, levelled and plumbed, as
this would greatly facilitate
laying subsequent
courses correctly. Before laying the first course,
ali nment of the wall should be marked on the
Df%. On this. blocks should be first laid drv. that
is without using mortar, aligning them coirectly
with the help of masons
line, in order to
determine
correct position
of blocks including
those of the cross-walls
and to adjust their
spacing. When blocks have been placed correctly,
two corner
blocks (one at each corner)
are
removed
without
disturbing
adjoining
blocks,
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

: 1991

mortar is spread on the bed, and these blocks are

placed back truly level and plumb. The string is
then stretched
tightly along the outer edge of
these two corner blocks. Thereafter, each block is
removed
one by one and relaid over bed of
mortar with mortar on sides, to correct level,
alignment
and plumb.
4.3.4.2 Having completed first course of blocks,
other courses are laid on it, breaking joint and
checking alignment,
horizontality,
verticality and
trueness of plane with the help of masons line,
straight edge, masons level and plumb bob. Use
of a storey-rod should also be made to ensure that
each course is laid at its proper level. As far as
possible, work should proceed uniformly all over,
but when that is not feasible portion of masonry
to be left behind should be racked back, to the
extent of half the length of block at every course.
It should be ensured that all perpends are truly
vertical.
4.3.4.3 To ensure good bond between blocks and
mortar, the latter should not be spread too far
ahead of laying of blocks, as otherwise mortar
may stiffen and may not bond well with the
blocks. As each block is laid, excess mortar from
the joints should be scraped off with trowel and
either thrown back to the mortar board (or pan)
and reworked with fresh mortar or applied to the
vertical side of the block just laid. Care shouid be
taken to prevent mortar falling into the cavities of
hollow blocks while laying.
4.3.5 Jointing
4.3.5.1

qf Hollow

Horizontal

Blocks

joints

Normally in load bearing walls, mortar is spread

over the entire top surface of the block, that is
front and rear shells and webs as a uniform layer
of 10 mm thickness so as to achieve full load
carrying capacity of the blocks. However, in case
of non-load
bearing masonry
as in panels of
framed structures, where load on masonry is very
light, mortar may be applied only on the top of
front and rear shells, and not on the webs. This
results in economy
in cost and also minimises
possibility of moisture penetrating
to the interior
face of the wall.
4.3.5.2

Vertical joints

For vertical joints, mortar should be applied on

vertical sides of the front and rear shells. This
could be done either by applying mortar on the
block already laid or on the one which is to be
laid next. Latter method is more convenient
as
mortar could be applied with greater ease, by
keeping the block in such a way that side to be
mortared
is upward and horizontal.
In case of
two-cell blocks, there is a slight depression on the
vertical sides, which may be filled up with mortar
when it considered
necessary to secure greater
lateral rigidity.

CONSTRUCTION-PART

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4.3.6

: 1991

Closure

Block

When layin
the closure block, all edges of the
opening an d all four edges of the block should be
buttered with mortar and carefully lowered into
place, without letting the mortar fall down. If any
mortar drops off, the block should be lifted back,
fresh mortar applied and block reset into position.
4.4 Rendering
4.4.1

External

and Other Finishes

Renderings

Concrete blocks of various varieties are mostly

pervious and are liable to get damp when exposed
to rain. In areas of heavy and mdderate rainfall,
exterior surface of blockmasonry
walls should
therefore
be made water-proof
by plastering
which should be applied only after the wall has
thoroughly
dried. To provide key for plastering,
joints should be raked to a depth of 10 mm, while
the mortar is green. Masonry surface should be
lightly
moistened
just
.before application
of
plastering.
Excessive wetting of block masonry is
likely to result in shrinkage cracks in masonry on
drying. Curing of plaster should also be done
sparingly so that masonry does not absorb much
moisture.
In areas of heavy rainfall, plastering
should be
done in two coats, first coat being 12 to 15 mm
thick and second coat 8 to IO mm. Mix of mortar
for plaster should be 1 cement : 1 lime : 6 sand,
usihg coarse sand (3 mm and down) and surface
should be finished coarse with a wooden float. In
areas of moderate rainfall, one coat of plaster 12
to 15 mm thick in cement-lime mortar 1 : 1 : 6 is
adequate.
In areas of scanty rainfall, it is not
necessary to provide plaiter, but joints should be
flush pointed with cement mortar 1 : 3. For this
purpose, mortar joints should be raked to a depth
of 15 mm at the time of laying masonry while the
mortar is green.
4.4.2 Internal

Renderings

As concrete
blocks generally
have even and
uniform surface, it is not essential to provide a
rendering
coat on the inside surface. Joints
should, therefore, be flush pointed and surface
finished in cement paint. However, when a very
smooth and high class finish is desired, walls may
be given one coat of plaster 8 to IO mm thick in
cement lime mortar 1 : 2 : 9, and desired finish
give to the surface.
4.5 Treatment at Openings
and Window Frames

and Fixing

of Door

4.5.1 When
using hollow
blocks as masonry
units? either one course of masonry under window
openings
should be built with solid blocks or
hollows of blocks in one course should be filled
with cement concrete 1 : 3 : 6.
4.5.2 Jambs of large door and windows should be
ether- built with solid blocks or hollow blocks
s f, ould be filled with cement concrete
1 : 3 : 6.
4.5.3 Door and window frames should be fixed to
140

HANDBOOK

masonry by means of holdfasts embedded in insitu cement concrete

blocks (of mix 1 : 2 : 4)
locations of which should correspond to locations
of masonry
units so that in-situ blocks for
embedding
holdfasts replace precast blocks and
cutting of blocks is avoided.
4.6 Provision of Lintels
A lintel over an opening may consist of either a
singIe reinforced
precast unit or a number of
precast units of U-shape provided with required
reinforcement
bars in the hollows and filled insitu with I : 21/ : 3% cement concrete.
4.7 Intersecting

Walls

All walls, whenever they meet or intersect, should

be bonded together by laying the courses of the
two walls at the same time, providing
true
masonry bond between at least 50 percent of the
units at the intersection.
When it is not feasible to
construct the two walls simultaneously,
pockets in
alternate courses should be left in the wall laid
first and corresponding
courses of second wall
built into those pockets.
4.8 Provision of Floor/Roof
If hollow blocks are used in masonry, hollows of
the blocks in the last course, just below the
floor/roof
should be filled with cement concrete
1 : 3 : 6. The top course in case of all varieties of
blocks should be finished smooth with a thin coat
of 1 : 3 cement mortar. After this has set and
partly dried, the bearing surface should be either
given a coat of crude oil or covered
with
craft/tarred
paper to serve as a slip-joint at the
bearing of the slab.
SECTION
5 MASONRY

ELEMENTS

5.1 General
Masonry
elements
in common
use are: wall,
pillar, cavity wall, retaining wall, arch and dome.
Construction
of wall and pillar has been covered
earlier in Sections 2, 3 and 4. Constructiop
of
other elements is given below.
5.2 Cavity

Wall

53.1 A cavity wall is a double wall consisting of

two separate leaves of masonry bonded to each
other, and having a thin cavity in-between which
intercepts movement of moisture from outer leaf
to the inner leaf and also improves the thermal
insulation of the wall. A cavity wall can be either
load bearing
or non-load
bearing.
Generally
speaking,
both the leaves of masonry
are half
brick thick,
built in stretcher
bond.
It for
architectural
effect, the outer leaf has to be in
Flemish bond it is necessary to make use of
purpose made snap header, since headers made by
cutting normal full length bricks do not prove to
be satisfactory.
5.2.2 The outer and inner leaves of masonry are
tied together by means of metallic ties, which are
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T)
embedded
in the mortar joints with a slight fall
towards the outer leaf so that ties may not act as a
path for travel of rain water from outer leaf to the
inner leaf. Wall ties may be made of galvanised
mild steel bar or galvamsed flat iron pteces with
fish-tailed ends. Galvanising
is necessary to make
the mild
steel rustproof.
A less expensive
alternative,
which is not so satisfactory
is to use
M.S. ties which are coated, with bitumen and
sand. To prolong the life of galvanised M.S. ties,
sometimes,
these are also coated with bitumen
and sand before use. Spacing of ties should be,
generally,
not less than 1 m horizontally
and
t/2 m vertically, with additional ties on the sides of
openings. As far as possible, ties should be evenly
distributed
over the entire wall.
52.3 Foundation
of the cavity .wall should be
solidly constructed
like ordinary wall foundation
up to 15 cm below DPC. Two leaves of masonry
should be raised simultaneously
and uniformly.
Measures should be adopted to ensure that cavity
is kept free from mortar droppings.
Door and
window jambs should be built solid by headers
suitably bonded with the main leaves of the cavity
wall. Window sills should consist of either precast
concrete
slabs or a header course of bricks.
Lintels should be of full thickness of wall. Below
the floor or roof slab there should be two courses
of solid masonry.
In case of non-load
bearing
panel walls, however, cavity may extend up to
sojfit of the beam. Cavity should be ventilated by
use of air bricks or weep holes both at bottom
and top. In areas of heavy rainfull, where it is
necessary
to ensure full protection
from rain
penetration,
vertical DPC should be provided at
jambs of doors,and window, which are solid built.
Width of cavity should be 4 cm minimum
and
10 cm maximum.
In case of walls having door
and window openings it facilitates construction
of
solid portion of masonry in foundation,
plinth,
jambs, sills of windows and bearings of R.C.C.
slabs of overall thickness of cavity wall is kept as
a multiple of half-brick.
5.3 Retaining

Wall

5.3.1 Function
of a masonry retaining wall is to
resist lateral pressure due to earth, water or some
other
non-cohesive
material.
Masonry
units
commonly, used for retaining walls are stone and
brick. Since a masonry retaining wall is designed
as a gravity structure, it is preferable, on grounds
of economy,, to use a masonry unit of.high density
for a retainmg wall. From this constderation,
m
regions where stone is available, retaining wall js
normally
constructed
in stone.
5.3.2 From structural
consideration,
a retaining
wall is built generally with one face vertical (the
face on which lateral thrust is acting) and the
other face battered. Courses of masonry instead
of being horizontal
are laid at a slope normal to
the battered face. Foundation
for retaining wall
should be taken deep enough so as to be safe from
the effect of scour, frost and surface water.
Projections
of any footing
course, should not
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

exceed

half the depth

: 1991

of course.

5.3.3 In case of a retaining wall, intended to resist

it is necessary
to prevent
earth
pressure,
accumulation
of water on the back side of the
retaining
wall by making suitable arrangements
for quick drainage
of rain water.
For this
purpose, a back fill of minimum
width 45 cm
consisting
of quarry spoil, stone spalls,. gravel,
disintegrated
rock, brick-bats
or some granular
material should be provided together with weep
holes of size 5 to 7.5 cm square in masonry. Weep
holes should
be spaced at intervals
of 2 m
horizontally
and 1 m vertically,
lowest row of
weep holes being 30 cm above the ground level,
and their inlets should be surrounded
by loose
stones or some other course material. It may be
mentioned that weep holes are not needed in case
of dry random
rubble stone masonry
because
water
can
easily
drain
out
through
the
unmortared
joints of such masonry.
Remaining
fill behind a retaining wall should be compacted
in 15 cm layers, sloping way from the wall.
5.3.4 Stone

Retaining

Wall

5.3.4.0 Mostly stone retaining

walls are built
either in dry random
rubble masonry
or dry
coursed rubble facing masonry with a backing of
random
rubble masonry
the former in case of
roads in unpopulated
areas, where appearance
is
not of much consideration
and the latter in
where
appearance
is an
populated
areas,
important
consideration.
Mortar
bound
stone
retaining
walls are generally
not provided
on
economic considerations.
5.3.4.1 Retaining
stone masonry

walls of dry

random

rubble

Stones in the facing for this masonry should have

a minimum height of 15 cm, their average breadth
should not be less than height and averge length
not less than 11%times the height for stones up to
20 cm height and 1/j times the height for stones
larger than 20 cm in height. Bond stones; which
should be at least 300 square centimetres
in
section and 80 centimetres
in length should be
provided at a rate of 2 per square metre of face
area.
Stone
in foundation
should
be as large as
possible, and should be placed with their bed at
right angles to the face better. Stones in the front
and back face should be laid .as headers and
stretchers alternately,
all stones breaking
bond
with stones below, as much as possible.
When ,it is desired to construct
a retaining
wall of height exceeding
3 m, it should be
provided with bands of rubble masonry laid in
mortar, both in the vertical as well as in the
horizontal
directions.
In the vertical direction,
bands should be of 0.5 m height at about 3 m
intervals
and in the horizontal
direction
these
should be of 1 to 2 m width at about 10 m centres.
Top few courses of wall should be strengthened
either by laying them in mortar or by providing a

CONSTRUCTION-PART

141

SP 20(S&T)
concrete
concrete
intervals
intervals.

: 1991

coping
of 15 cm depth in cement
1 : 3 : 6, with control joints at 3 metre
and expansion
joints
at 10 metre

5.3.4.2 Retaining
facing masonry

wall in dry

coursed

rubber

Specification
for facing is same as for coursed
rubble ,masonry (33) but without any mortar in
joints and backing, as laid down in 5.3.4.1.
5.3.5 Brick Retaining

Wall

Brick retaining
wall should be laid in cement
mortar of mix 1 : 6 using coarse sand. It could be
finished either by plaster or pointing, depending
on architectural
considerations.
It is desirable that
bricks should be well burnt from consideration
of
durability
of the wall-in
fact somewhat overburnt bricks would do better. Since compressive
stress in a retaining wall is generally not much,
broken bricks can be used in the hearting of the
wall, provided all joints are properly filled with
mortar.
This
would,
however,
increase
the
consumption
of mortar for this masonry
and
therefore one should carefully weigh the economy
in use of broken bricks against the increase in cost
of mortar.
Top of a brick retaining
wall should generally
be protected by a cement concrete coping of 7.5 to
10 cm thick, concrete being of 1 : 3 : 6 mix. This
coping should be laid with control joints at about
3 metre intervals and expansion joints at about
10 metre intervals
in order to obviate possibility
of shrinkage
and thermal cracks in coping.
5.4 Masonry Arches
5.4.1

General

A masonry
arch is employed
for horizontal
spanning, that is bridging and transmitting
loads
from above to the sides of an opening. In building
construction,
arches are provided over door and
window
or verandah
openings,
mainly
for
architectural
effect but sometimes for economy in
cost in case of small spanssay up to 1 metre.
Arches are of various shapes and forms; those in
common
use being circular (segment or semicircle) and flat. A segmental
arch generally
employed is that subtending an angle of 60 at the
centre. Such an arch has a rise to span ratio of
1 : 7.464. For simplicity a circular arch of rise to
span ratio of I /S is often adopted. A semi-circular
arch is a half circle so that rise in the middle is
half the span. This arch has an advantage
over
segmental arch that side thrust at the support is
much less and thus side supports need not be very
wide. A flat arch, which is suitable only for small
spans (say up to 1 metre) and light loads, has a
horizontal
extrados
and
slightly
cambered
intrados (to nullify the small amount of sag of the
arch under load) is employed mainly for spanning
door and window openings in ordinary buildings.
Usual allowance for camber in the intrados in the
flat arch is 1/ 100 of the span. When wooden
142

HANDBOOK

bressummers
are used for spanning
horizontal
in buildings,
openings,
circular
arches
are
sometimes provided over bressummers to serve as
relieving arches for reducing masonry loads on
bressummers
which otherwise would sag under
excessive load. Before advent of RCC, brick arch
roofing used to be a popular and economical
mode of roofing for buildings.
5.4.2 Centering
Centering for an arch should be true in shape and
should be sufficiently
rigid so as not to yield
under
load.
Also
there
should
be some
arrangement
(for example folding wedges) for
slightly
easing
the centering
without
any
vibration,
soon after construction
of the arch, so
that masonry units of the arch may bed down
firmly
before
the
mortar
has finally
set.
Slackening
of the centering, however, should not
be done too soon after laying of masonry in arch,
as that may squeeze out the mortar from part of
the masonry laid last. For arches up to 2 m span,
centering
may
consist
of honey-combed
brickwork
supported
on planks or battens
of
sufficient stren th, suitably held in position. For
spans between 9 to 4 m, timber centering should
be used with hard wood wedges for slackening the
centering.
For spans exceeding 4 metres, it is
desirable to use steel centering, particularly
when
a large number of arches of same span have to be
so that
repeated
use of steel
constructed,
centerings could be made. For spans exceeding 6
metre, slackening
device should consist of sand
boxes.
When there are 4 spans or less, all the spans
should be completely
centered at one time and
construction
of all the arches
should
be
commenced simultaneously.
In case of a structure
with more than 4 spans, there should be at least 4
sets of centerings so that a minimum of 4 spans
could be centered at one time and arched over.
Centering should not be struck before one week
after the completion
of an arch. Care should be
taken to ensure that walls on the sides of an arch
are built up to at least two-thirds of the height of
the arch and haunches are filled up to that height,
before striking of centering.
5.4.3 Construction
5.4.3.1 Masonry work in arch should be carried
up from both ends uniformly
and keyed in the
centre. Masonry units forming skew backs should
be cut or dressed so as to give proper radial
bearings to the end voussoirs. Defects in dressing
should not be made good by mortar or chips. The
arch work should be kept thoroughly wet.so that
no portion
of the arch hardens and fully ,sets
before the whole arch is completed.
From this
consideration,
it is desirable to employ a mortar
which is slow setting. In multiple arches, the key
units (brick or stone) should not be inserted in
any one arch till the adjacent arch or arches have
been constructed
to the extent of at least 25
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 2O(S&T) : 1991
percent
arch.
5.4.3.2

for counter-acting

the side thrust

of the

Brick arch

Brick arch may be either gauged or plain. In

gauged arch, cut or moulded bricks are used and
in plain arch uncut bricks are used. Joints in brick
work should consist of through radial joints and
voussoirs should break joints with each other. For
a gauged arch thickness of radial joint should not
exceed 5 mm. In case of plain arch, minimum
thickness of joint should be 5 mm and maximum
15 mm. When arch face is to be pointed, face
bricks should be moulded or cut to proper shape
so as to have uniform face joints not more than
5 mm in thickness.
5.4.3.3

Stone arch

Stones should not be smaller than 25 cm in any

direction for fine tooled ashlar arch and smaller
than 20 cm in case of rough tooled ashlar arch.
Stones, for arches up to 60 cm in depth, should be
of full thickness of wall. For arches exceeding 60
cm but not exceeding 90 cm in depth, stones
should be laid in alternate courses of headers and
stretchers, all the headers being of full thickness
of ring and not more than two stretchers being
used to make up full thickness, of a ring. For
arches over 90 cm in depth, quoins and key stones
only need be of full thickness of the ring. Break of
joints across the depth should be not less than 20
cm. During the progress of work, care should be
taken to distribute the load on centering evenly in
order to obtain true curvature on completion
of
the arch. For ashlar masonry arch, joints should
not be more than 5 mm thick and face joints
should be all uniformly
recessed to a depth of
20 mm.
5.4.4 Loading

of Arches

Loading
of arches should be gradual and so
regulated that at least 7 days should elapse before
50 percent of design load and at least 14 days
should elapse before 75 percent of design load
comes on the arch, allowing full design load only
after 28 days of completion
of arch.
5.4.5 Supports
End supports that is abutments
of arches should
be strong enough to withstand
the horizontal
thrust of end arches as well as vertical loads.
When
constructing
arched
roofs,
horizontal
thrusts at ends on walls should be resisted with
the help of mild steel tie rods. In case of multiple
arches of uniform span and loadings, as there is
no horizontal
thrust at intermediate
supports
(walls or piers), normally no ties are needed, in
intermediate
spans.
5.5 Masonry

Domes

5.5.1 Masonry domes were provided in the past

to serve as roof cover for large structures, when
no other structural means of bridging large spans
were available.
With
the advent
of steel,
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete, use

of domes is not made now, except on special
architectural
considerations
in case
of
monumental,
religious and institutional
buildings.
5.5.2 Construction
technique of a dome is more
or less similar to that of an arch. In view of the
fact that use of dome is very uncommon
now, it
has not been considered
necessary to go into
details of this technique.

SECTION

MISCELLANEOUS
TO MASONRY

6 SOME
RELATING

MATTERS

6.1 General
some miscellaneous
matters
In this section,
relating to masonry not covered in earlier sections
are dealt with briefly.
6.2 Chases, Recesses and Holes
Requirements
of chases, recesses and holes have
been covered in detail in IS 1905 : 1987.
6.2.1 Chases
and
recesses
are provided
in
masonry to run services like electric supply, water
supply, telephone lines, etc, and to provide space
for meters and shelves. As far as possible, services
should be planned with the help of vertical chases
in walls, in conjunction
with horizontal
runs in
floors and roofs and horizontal
chases in walls
should be avoided.
6.2.2 Vertical chases should not be closer than
2 m in any stretch of a wall. These should be kept
away from bearings of beams and lintels, but if
unavoidable,
stress in the affected portion should
be checked and kept within limits. Vertical chases
should be avoided in narrow stretches of masonry
such as between door and window openings.
When unavoidable,
such narrow stretches of wall
should be built with stronger units and richer
mortar or built in plain cement concrete.
6.2.3 Horizontal
chases
when
unavoidable,
should be located in the upper or lower one third
of height
of a storey,
and no continuous
horizontal
chase should exceed 1 m in length.
62.4 For load bearing
brick walls depth of
vertical and horizontal
chases should not exceed
one-third and one-sixth of the thickness of wall
respectively.
No chase should be. provided in a
load bearing half-brick wall and chases in a onebrick load bearing wall should be provided with
care so as to avoid excessive
cutting
and
structural .damage to masonry. Chases in masonry
should always be cut with a sharp chisel since a
blunt
chisel disturbs
the masonry
units and
weakens the masonry.
6.2.5 In brlckwork, chases are normally cut, after
the masonry has adequately set. However, in case
of stone masonry, because of hardness of stone,
this is not possible and therefore chases have to be
formed by using selected and specially shaped
stones while laying stones in masonry. In case of
masonry with hollow concrete blocks, hollows of

CONSTRUCTION-PART

143

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

blocks can
services.

be

made

use

of for

running

the

6.2.6 Recesses in masonry of size up to 30 cm X

30 cm could
be provided
without
a lintel,
provided there is no concentrated
load directly
over the recess. Masonry over a recess wider than
30 cm (horizontal dimension) should be supported
on a lintel. In case of circular recesses, no lintels
are needed if upper half of the recess is built as an
arch.

6.3 Brick Nogging and Dhajji

Wailing

63.1 In regions where timber is comparatively

cheap and available in abundance,
load and nonload
bearing
walls are sometimes
built
by
providing a timber framework infilled with halfbrick or stone masonry. This type of walling is
known as brick nogging when infilling is done
with bricks and dhajji walling when infilling is
done with stones. Thickness of wall is generally 12
to 13 cm. Brick nogging walling is illustrated
in
Fig. 16.

900 mm

WIRE NAlL8
FOR BONDING

--MORlICE
AND
TENON JOINT

-HORIZONTAL
RIBS

BRICK WORK IN LIME OR CEMENT

MORTAR. PLASTERED
BOTH SIDES

FIG. 16 TYPICAL DETAILS OF BRICKNOCGED WALLING

144

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION-PART

63.2 Timber framing consists of vertical posts of

storey height 1 to 1.5 m apart and horizontal
battens at about 1 m intervals. The battens are
notched into the posts and fastened by iron spikes
of about 8 mm dia. In case of dhajji walling the
frame is braced by diagonals which are halved at
their intersections
at-@ are fastened to the posts by
means of IO cm long wire nails. In case of brick
nogging diagonals
for bracing are not provided
because, firstly brickwork
which is laid tightly
with well-filled
thin joints
and good quality
bricks, itself serves as bracing for the frame and
secondly,
use of diagonals
if. provided,
would
interfere with brick laying and would considerably
weaken the brickwork.
In this type of walling
position of doors and windows is so planned that
frames for doors and windows form a part of the
wall frame. Sections of various members of the
frame and their spacings are determined
after
taking into consideration
the loads on the wall,
finish of the wall faces, sill level of window, lintel
level of doors and windows, storey height, length
of wall, size of bricks, etc. Sections common1
used are 12.5 X 12.5 cm for verticals, 12.5 X 7. J
cm for horizontals
and 10 X 5 cm for diagonal
braces.
6.3.3 Before laying of masonry, surface of timber
which- is to come in contact with masonry is given
one or two coats of hot bitumen or some wood
preservative
such as sollignum.
6.3.4 Brickwork and stone masonry are anchored
to the vertical posts by means of 10 cm long wire
nails half driven into the posts at intervals of 3 to
4 courses
or about 30 cm so that projected
portions of nails get embedded in bed mortar of
masonry.
6.3.5 Both faces of internal walls and inner face
of external walls are generally finished in cement
or lime plaster all over except at the door and
window frames. In order to bond plaster to the
wood surface strips of wire netting of about
1.5 cm mesh are nailed over the wood surface to
be plastered. Outer face of external walls can be
finished by (a) plastering over the entire surface
(except frames of doors and windows);
or (b)
plastering over the infilling and stopping it against
the frame; or (c) pointing
over the infilling. In
case of alternatives
(b) and (c), the filling should
be so laid that the frame face projects by about
3 mm beyond the plastered or pointed surface.
6.3.6 In dhajji
walling,
thickness
of stone
masonry is generally 10 to 12 cm and all st.ones
must be through stones with flat beds laid to fit
closely against the vertical posts and diagonal
bracing. In hilly regions, where bricks are difficult
to procure and stone is easily available,
dhajji
walling is adopted in preference to brick nogging.
6.3.7 Since thickness of brick nogging or dhajji
walling is generally 12 to 13 cm, it does not have
much thermal insulation
and resistance to rain
penetration.
It is, therefore, not suitable for use as
external
wall in regions of extreme climate or
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
.
heavy rainfall. This type of walling, because of its
light weight and good ductility, is well suited for
earthquake
prone regions.
6.4 Window

Sills

It is a good practice to provide for extra strength

and durability in window sills so that these do not
get damaged, loosened or worn out in use. This is
done by (a) laying a course of brick on edge at the
sills in case of brick masonry or laying a course of
headers in case of rubble stone masonry; or (b)
providing
a 4 to 5 cm thick layer of cement
concrete, with or without terranzzo finish; or (c)
laying a 4 to 5 cm thick course of stone or marble
slabs. Choice of a specification for this purpose in
any case would depend upon cofisiderations
of
cost, type of masonry units used for ,walls and
architectural
requirements
of the building.
6.5 Copings

on Compound

Walls and Parapets

Copings on compound
walls and parapets are
provided to afford protection
to the top courses
of masonry
from
weathering
action
due to
repeated
cycles of heating
and cooling
and
rainfall, which would otherwise tend to dislodge
the top courses of masonry. The coping generally
consists of precast cement concrete slabs or stone
slabs about 5 cm in thickness
laid in suitable
mortar. The coping should project about 2.5 cm
on both sides of the wall faces with drips and
should be provided with expansion joints about
5 mm in width at 2 to 4 m intervals.
Parapet
copings should slope to the rear to prevent rain
washing down dust on the face of wall and
spoiling it.
6.6 Use of Fire

Bricks

When masonry is in immediate contact with fire

as in fire places, hearths, incinerators,
bakeries,
ovens, etc, it will not be able to stand the intense
heat and would disintegrate
and get burnt out
very soon. It is, therefore,
necessary
in such
situations to provide a lining of fire bricks (see IS
1526 : 1960) laid in fire proof mortar (see IS
195 : 1963). for laying, fire bricks are simply
dipped in a thin paste of well puddled firelclay in
water and laid so that joints are very thin. No
lime or cement mortar should be used in masonry
which is to be in contact with some source of
heat. In case of ordinary
residential
buildings,
CHULLAHS
or cooking places could be built
with common
bricks laid in mud mortar and
finished with mud plaster.
6.7 Flues and Chimneys

in Residential

Buildings

6.7.1 In residential
building
a flue is generally
provided in kitchen (in conjunction
with a hood)
so as to take out smoke, hot gases, fumes, etc,
from CHULLAHS
or cooking stoves. Flue may
consist of either an, asbestos cement pipe of 15 cm
dia encased in masonry wall or a duct formed in
masonry itself. In the.latter case, thickness of wall
has to be at least I / brick, which would give a
flue of about 10 X 20 cm section. Masonry flue

CONSTRUCTION-PART

14s

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

.
should be laid in weak cement mortar or mud
mortar and pargetted with a mix I cement : 1
GOBAR : 3 mud. Pargetting
has to be done in
small stretches as the work
roceeds, since it is
not possible to provide any B.nush to the interior
of the flue, after it has been constructed
to full
height.
During
construction
of a flue it is
necessary to prevent mortar. dropings falling into
the flue and blocking it. This could be done by
plugging the completed part of flue with a roll of
gunny bag and shifting the plug up as the work
proceeds.
As a further
precaution,
after the
completion
of a flue, a core of unny bag or old
cloth tied to a long rope should 1 e pulled through
the flue to make sure that the flue is not blocked.

6.7.2 In case of multi-storeyed

buildings,
when
there are a number of kitchens one above the
other, every kitchen should have an independent
flue going up to the top and flues of different
kitchens
should
not be combined
or interconnected as otherwise smoke from one kitchen is
likely to be blown into another.
6.7.3 In order to ensure good draught
a flue
should be more or less vertical with minimum of
bends. When bends are unavoidable,
as in multistoreyed buildings having a number of kitchens
one over the other, angle of bend in any flue
should not be flatter than 60 to the horizontal.
6.7.4 Flues are more efficient, when provided in
an internal wall. If placed in an external walls,
thickness of wall on the external face of the flue
should preferably be one brick but not less than
half-brick
so that outside low temperature
in
winter may not have much damping effect on the
draught.
6.7.5 Flues in the form of a chimney should be
carried to a height of at least 1 metre above the
roof and ended into a chimney top, having side
outlets and a stone or concrete
slab over to
prevent rain water getting into the chimney.
6.8 Protection

of Masonry

During

Construction

6.8.1 It is necessary to protect masonry during

construction
when the mortar is green or when
masonry has not been laterally supported, against
damage due to rain, frost, storm, etc. Lt is also
necessary
to protect some vulnerable
parts of
masonr
such as jambs, corners and sills and
expose d masnory,
during
construction
from
damage due to construction
activities.
6.8.2 Protection

Against

Rain

A heavy down-pour
of rain falling on freshly laid
masonry can leach out cement and lime from the
mortar used for laying masonry if mortar has not
sufficiently
set. In the first instance,
masonry
work should be suspended
if heavy rainfall is
expected.
When some masonry work has been
freshly laid and rain is imminent, masonry should
be covered with tarpaulins
or water-proof canvas
and if these are not readily available, with old
gunny bags. It is only the top few courses which
146

HANDBOOK

need protection. This protection is needed more in

case of slow setting lime or cement-lime
mortars
and less in case of fast setting cement mortars.
6.8.3 Protection

Against

Frost

As a general rule no masonry work in exposed

situation
should be carried out when ambient,
temperature
is below 5C, unless special means
are adopted to heat masonry ,materials and to
protect completed work. When there is likelihood
of occurrence
of frost at night, in the first
instance, mortar which is quick setting, that is,
mortar containing
fair proportion
of portland
cement should be used for laying masonry (see
1.4.3.3). Where considered necessary, use can be
made of accelerators
in cement mortar so that
mortar
sets quickly
and develops
sufficient
strength before occurrence of frost [see 1.4.7.3
(d)]. As a further precaution,
days work should
be protected by covering the freshly laid masonry
with tarpaulins, canvas or gunny bags. Use of airentraining
admixtures
in cement mortars results
in increased
resistance
to repeated
cycles of
freezing and thawing.
6.8.4 Protection

Against Storm

A masonry wall is able to resist lateral forces due

to wind pressure only when cross walls have been
built or R.C.C. floor/roof bearing on the wall has
been laid. A high wall, therefore,
is liable to
overturn due to wind pressure if a storm happens
to occur, before the wall has been braced either by
cross walls or by floor/roof
slab. It is, therefore,
necessary
to protect an unbraced
wall during
construction
if there is a likelihood of occurrence
of a storm, with the help of adequate number of
bully stays, fixed on both sides of the wall.
6.8.5 Care qf Exposed

Masonry

In case of masonry which is not to be plastered

over and is to have exposed finish, care should be
taken
that
mortar
droppings
and
surface
blemishes
are removed
soon after laying
of
masonry, that is, before mortar has set. It is very
difficult and laborious
to clean the surface of
exposed masonry once mortar droppings have set
and surface has been blemished.
6.8.6 Protection from Damage
Construction Activities

Due to Normal

Care should be taken that corners/edges

and
jambs and sills of openings, etc, are not damaged
due to falling of materials, movement of workers,
fixing and removal of scaffolding,
centring and
shuttering,
etc. For preventing
damage of this
nature, it is necessary to issue suitable instructions
to workers
and to impress
upon
them the
necessity of exercising due care.
6.9 Use of Reinforcement
6.9.1

in Masonry

Provision qf Horizontal

Rei~f&cement

Sometimes
horizontal
reinforcement
in long half-brick
partition
walls
ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

is provided
in order to

CONSTRUCTION-PART

SP 20(S&T) : 1991
increase their lateral resistance. Reinforcement
for
this purpose could be in the form of M.S. flat of
section 3 X 25 mm, or M.S. round bars of 6 to
8 mm dia. Bricks for such walls Should have a
minimum
crushing
strength of 10 N/mm2 and
mortar should not be leaner than 1 cement : 4
sand. Reinforcement
is generally
provided
in
every third
or fourth
course.
Reinforcement
should have a minimum mortar cover of 15 mm
in the lateral direction and 5 mm in the vertical
direction.
It should be securely anchored at the
ends into load bearing walls. A brick wall which is
exposed to rain or is likely to get wet frequently,
should not be reinforced, as mild steel is likely to
rust and damage the masonry in course of time.
Lateral
resistance
of brick walls in exposed
situations
should, therefore, be increased where
necessary
by other means such as increase in
thickness
of wall or by providing
piers or
buttresses.
6.9.2 Provision

of Vertical Reinforcement

Vertical reinforcement
is provided in masonry at
junctions and corners of walls when it is necessary
to strengthen
a building against seismic forces.
This matter has been dealt with at some length in
IS 4326 : 1976 which may be referred to for
further details.
6.10 Prevention

of Cracks

in Masonry

Quite
often,
non-structural
cracks
occur
in
masonry due to causes such as drying shrinkage,
thermal
movement,
differential
strain, chemical
action, settlement
of soil/foundation,
etc. This
matter has been dealt with in details in SP
25 : 1984 which may be referred to.
6.11 Walling

with Materials

Other than

Masonry

6.11.1 It will not be out of place to make a brief

mention
here of some types of wallings with
materials
other than masonry.
These are Reed
Walling and Walls with soil cement.
6.11.2

Reed

Walling

6.11.2.1 This type of walling, which is classed as

semi-permanent
is provided for low cost buildings
in areas, where reed for the purpose is locally
available.
The variety of reeds used for this
construction
are ekra (also spelled as accra) in
Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh, and Sarkanda in
Northern
India. Reed walling, being light and
ductile has a special advantage in zones of high
seismicity such as Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
6.11.2.2 For construction
of reed walling a timber
frame
consisting
of vertical
and horizontal
members
is provided.
This frame should be
structurally
capable
of taking
vertical
and
horizontal
loads. Reeds in between the frame

HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

members function as panels. Reeds could be used

either in the form of machine made reed boards
nailed
to the frame
or as individual
reeds
horizontally
slipped into grooves provided in the
vertical timber, parts. Reeds are strengthened
on
both sides by bamboo slips of not less than 6 mm
thickness
and 25 mm width at about 40 cm
Reed
panels
are
plastered
(two
intervals.
coat - 15 mm thick) on both-sides
with cement
mortar 1 : 6 or lime mortar so as to stiffen and
protect the reed wall. For further details of this
construction
a reference
is invited
in IS
4407 : 1967 on this subject.
Cement

6.11.3 Soil

in-situ Construction

6.11.3.1 This type of construction

is considered
suitable
for low cost and low height single
storeyed buildings which may be permanent
or
semi-permanent,
in areas where soil suitable for
soil cement construction
is locally available. Soil
for this type of construction
should
have a
minimum
sand content
of 35 percent.
Black
cotton soil and soils containing
large proportion
of plastic clay are not suitable for this type of
construction.
Maximum dry density of soil should
not be less than 1.8 g/cm3. Walls made with soil
cement could be either load bearing or non-load
bearing. In the former case, minimum thickness
should be 30 cm and in the latter case 20 cm.
6.11.3.2 Cement content of soil generally for this
type of construction
is 2.5 to 3.5 percent.
Proportion
of cement for any particular
soil is
decided after carrying out laboratory tests so that
compressive
strength of soil cement is not less
than I .4 N/mm? in dry condition and 0.7 N/ mm2
in saturated condition. Total quantity of water in
the soil cement mix is kept at optimum moisture
level as determined
by Proctor Test so as to
achieve maximum
dry density.
6.11.3.3 Selected
soil is thoroughly
pulverized
and stacked to a height of 30 cm. Requisite
quantity
of cement is uniformly
spread over the
stack and soil and cement are mixed by spading
and again stacked to original height. Requisite
quantity of water is then added and wet mixing
done to such portion of the stack as can be laid in
waH and compacted within l/2 an hour of addition
of water. Soil cement mix is laid in 75 mm layers
and well compacted in position with the help of
proper shuttering for a lift of 60 cm at a time. The
walls should be cured for 15 days after removal of
Shuttering and after drying for at least 4 weeks,
finished with plaster 12 mm thick on both sides
with cement mortar (I : 5).
6.11.3.4 For fuller details
construction
of soil-cement
invited to 1s 2110 : 1960.

CONSTRUCTION-PART

in regard to in-situ
walls a reference is

147

As in the Original Standard, this Page is Intentionally Left Blank

SP 20(S&T)

LIST OF REFERENCES

Department
Works
Public
I. Central
Specificationsp~~l~~.
I-1977.
Department
Works
2. Rajasthan
(B&R) Specification
and Explanatory
Notes
Vol. i-1968.
Handbook.
Bombay Vol. I-1968.
3. P.W.D.
4. MES Standard Schedule of Rates (Part ISpecificatio;)Wl~.O.
Specification--l963
. .
s. Punjab
(Reprint
1980).
Specification6. Madras Detailed Standard
1956 (Reprint
1964).
Research
Note No. 7 of CBRI,
7. Building
Roorkee.
Construction
Parts 1 & II by
8. Building
George A. Mitchell-l
944.
of Modern Building Vol. 1 and
9. Principles
11-1961.
Construction
Vol. I by W. B.
IO. Building
MCKAY Second Edition--1943.
for sand for
II. IS 21 I6 : 1980 Specification
masonry mortars yirst revision)
for calcined
12. IS 1344 : 1981 Specification
clay for pozzolana
(second revision).
for fly ash for
13. IS 38 I2 : 198 I Specification
use as pozzolana
and admixture
(first
revision).
for building
14. IS 712 : 1973 Specification
limes (second revision).
for ordinary and
15. 1s 269 : 1976 Specification
low heat portland
cement (third revision).
for portland slag
16. IS 455 : 1976 Specification
cement (third revision).
for portland
17. IS 1489 : 1976 Specification
pozzolana
cement
compounds
(second
revision).
for masonry
18. IS 3466 : 1967 Specification
cement (first revision).
for
high
19. IS 6452 : 1972 Specification
alumina
cement for structural
use.
for super20. IS 6909 : 1973 Specification
sulphated
cement.
for
high
21. IS 8112 : 1976 Specification
strength ordinary portland
cement.
for integral
22. IS 2645 : 1975 Specification
cement
water-proofing
compounds
first
revision).
for lime23. IS 4098 : 1983 Specification
pozzolana
mixture (first revision).
for common
24. IS 1077 : 1976 Specification
burnt clay building bricks (third revision).
for heavy-duty
25. IS 2180 : 1970 Specification
burnt clay building bricks (first revision).
for sewer
26. 1s 4885 : 1968 Specification
bricks.
for burnt clay
27, IS 2222 : 1979 Specification
perforated building bricks (second revision).
HANDBOOK

ON MASONRY

DlSlGN

AND

: 1991

AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

for burnt clay

28. 1s 3952 : 1978 Specification
hollow blocks for walls and partitions (first
revision).
for laterite
29. IS 3620 : 1979 Specification
stone block for masonry (first revision).
for
30. IS 2185 (Part 1) : 1979 Specification
concrete masonry units: Part I Hollow and
solid concrete blocks (second revzsion).
for
31. IS 2185 (Part 2) : 1984 Specification
concrete masonry units: Part 2 Hollow and
solid .light weight concrete
blocks Cfirst
revision).
for
32. IS 2185 (Part 3) : 1984 Specification
concrete masonry unit: Part 3 Autoclaved
cellular
(aerated)
concrete
blocks
(first
revision).
for lime based
33. IS 31 I5 : 1978 Specification
blocks (first revision).
34. IS 1725 : 1982 Specification
for soild based
blocks used in general building construction
(first revision).
for sandlime
35. IS 4139 : 1976 Specification
bricks yirst revision).
for non-load
36. IS 2849 : 1983 Specification
bearing gypsum partition blocks (solid and
hollow types) @st revision).
37. IS I 128 : 1974 Specification
for limestone
(slab and tiles) (first revision).
38. IS 1130 : 1969 Specification
for marble
(blocks, slabs and tiles).
39. IS 3622 : 1977 Specification
for sandstone
(slabs and tiles) (first revision).
40. IS 2212 : 1962 Code
of practice
for
brickwork.
41. 1s 1597 (Part I) : 1967 Code of practice for
construction
of stone
masonry:
Part
1
Rubble stone masonrv.
42. IS 2572 : 1963 Code
of practice
for
construction
hollow
concrete
block
masonry.
43. IS 6041 : 1971 Code
of practice
for
construction
of autoclaved cellular concrete
block masonry.
44. IS 6042 : 1969 Code
of practice
for
construction
of light
weight
concrete
block masonry.
45. IS 4101 (Part 1) : 1967 Code of practice for
external facings and veneers: Part I Stone
facing.
46. IS 4101 (Part 2) : 1967 Code of practice for
external facings and veneers: Part 2 Cement
concrete facing.
47. IS 4101 (Part 3) : 1969 Code of practice for
external facings and veneers: Part 3 Wall
tiling. and mosaics.
48. IS 4407 : 1967 Code of practice for reed
walling.

CONSTRUCTION-PART

149

SP 20(S&T)

: 1991

49. IS 2110 : 1980 Code of practice for in-situ

construction
of walls in buildings with soilcement (first revision).
of
50. IS 1969 : 1968 Method for determination
breaking
load and elongation
at break of
woven textile fabrics.
51. IS
1905 : 1986 Code
of practice
for
structural
use of unreinforced
masonry
(third revision).
52. IS 4326 : 1976 Code
of practice
for
resistant
construction
of
earthquake
buildings
(first revision).
for
53. IS 3696 (Part 1) : 1966 Specification

150

HANDBOOK

54.
55.
56.
57.
58.

safety code for scaffolds and ladders: Part I

Scaffolds.
IS 2750 : 1964 Specification
for steel
scaffoldings-BIS.
SP 21 : 1983 Summary of Indian Standards
for Building Materials-BE.
SP 25 : 1984 Causes and Prevention
of
Cracks in Buildings-BE.
BS CP 121 : 202 (1951) Masonry--Rubb
Walls.-British
Standards
Institution.
BS CP 121 : Part I (1973) Brick and Block
Masonry-British
Standards
Institution.

ON MASONRY

DESIGN

AND

CONSTRUCTION-PART