CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 200

SUB HEAD : 6.0

BRICK WORK
 CONTENTS

Clause No. Brief Description Page No.

List of Mandatory Tests 205

List of Bureau of Indian Standard Codes 206

6.0 Terminology 207

6.1 Bricks/ Brick Tiles/ Brick Bats/ Mechanized Autoclave Fly 208
Ash Lime Brick

6.2 Brick Work 214

6.3 Brick Work in Arches 219

6.4 Half Brick Work 221

6.5 Brick Tile Work 221

6.6 Honey Comb Brick Work 221

6.7 Joining Old Brick Work with New Brick Work 221

6.8 Moulding and Cornices 222

6.9 Brick Work under Water and Foul Conditions 223

6.10 Exposed Brick Work 223

6.11 Cavity Wall 224

6.12 Gypsum Partition Panels 225

6.13 Brick Edging 225

Appendix A Test for Dimensional Tolerance 226

Appendix B Test for Compressive Strength 227

Appendix C Test for Water Absorption 228

Appendix D Test for Efflorescence 229

Fig. 6.1 Brick Work 230

Fig. 6.2 Brick Pillars 231

Fig. 6.3 & 6.4 Brick Bonds 232

Fig. 6.5 Brick Work in Arches. 234

Fig. 6.6 Brick Work in Cavity Walls 235

203 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 204
 LIST OF MANDATORY TESTS

Sl. Material Clause Test Field/ Test Minimum Qty.

No. laboratory Procedure of material
Test for carrying
out test
(i) Bricks/ 6.1.3, Testing of Laboratory Appendix As per Table 6.3
Brick 6.1.4, Bricks/Brick A, B, C & D and 6.4
Tiles 6.1.5 Tiles for of Chapter 6
dimensions,
Compressive
strength,
Water
absorption
and
efflorescence
(ii) Sewer 6.1.4 Dimensions, Laboratory Appendix As per Table 6.3
Bricks Compressive A, B, C & D and 6.4
strength, of Chapter 6
Water
absorption
and
Efflorescence
(iii) Burnt 6.1.5 --do-- -- do -- -- do-- -- do--
clay
perforated
building
bricks

205 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 LIST OF BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS CODES

S. No. IS. No. Subject

1. IS 712 Specification for building limes.
2. IS 1077 Common burnt clay building bricks.
3. IS 1200 (Part 3) Method of measurements of brick works
4. IS 2212 Code of practice for brick work. (1st Revision)
5. IS 2222 Specification for burnt clay perforated building bricks.
6. IS 2849 Specification for non load bearing gypsum partition blocks, (Solid
and hollow types)
7. IS 3495 Method of test for burnt clay building bricks.
8. IS 3812 Specification for fly ash for use as pozzolana and admixture.
9. IS 4139 Specification of calcium silicate bricks
10. IS 4885 Specification for sewer brick
11. IS 5454 Methods of sampling of clay building bricks.
12. IS 12894 Pulverized fuel ash lime bricks specification,
13. IS 13757 Specification of burnt clay fly ash bricks.

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 6.0 BRICK WORK
6.0. TERMINOLOGY

Bond
The arrangement of the bricks in successive courses to tie the brick work together both longitudinally
and transversely. The arrangement is usually designed to ensure that no vertical joint of one course is
exactly over the one in the next course above or below it, and there is greatest possible amount of lap.

Bed Joint
Horizontal joint in brick work or masonry.

Closer
Any portion of a brick used in constructing a wall, to close up the bond next to the end brick of a
course (See Fig. 6.3).

Coping or Weathering
The cover applied over or the geometrical form given to a part of structure to enable it to shed rain
water.

Corbel
A cantilever projecting from the face of a wall to form a bearing (see Fig. 6.1D)

Cornice
Horizontal or ornamental feature projecting from the face of a wall (see Fig. 6.1D)

Course
A layer of bricks including bed mortar.

Cross joint
A joint other than a bed joint normal to the wall face.

Efflorescence
A powdery incrustment of salts left by evaporation. This may be visible on the surface or may be
below surface. In the latter case, this is termed as crypto Efflorescence.

Header
A brick laid with its length across the wall.

Indenting
The leaving recesses into which future work can be bonded.
Jamb
The part of the wall at the side of an opening.

Joint
A junction of bricks.

Jointing
The operation of finishing joints as the masonry work proceeds.

Pier
A thickened section forming integral part of the wall placed at intervals along the wall primarily to
increase the stiffness of the wall or to carry a vertical concentrated load. The thickness of a pier is the
over all thickness including the thickness of the wall, or when bonded into one leaf of a cavity wall the
thickness obtained by treating this leaf as an independent wall (see Fig. (6.1A, 6.1B)).

207 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

Pillar
Pillar means a detached masonry support. This can be rectangular, circular, elliptical etc. In case of
rectangular pillar, the breadth shall not exceed three times the thickness and thickness itself shall not
exceed more than thrice the length of brick (See Fig. 6.1C).

Quoin
An external corner in brick work, the term may also denote the brick used to form the quoin.

Scaffolding
A temporary erection of timber or steel work used in the construction, alteration, demolition or repairs
of a building to support or to attend of the hoisting or lowering of workmen, their tools and materials.
Scaffoldings are of two types, namely single and double scaffoldings. Single scaffolding consists of a
row of verticals connected to wall by horizontal supported on and tied to the structure. Double
scaffolding consists of two rows of verticals secured or leashed together with horizontal and diagonal
bracings forming essentially a structure independent of the building. It may also connect to the structure
at convenient points for the sake of better stability.

Sill
A brick work forming the lower boundary of door or window opening (see Fig. 6.1D).

Spandrel
The space between the haunches and the road decking of an arch.

Strecher
A brick laid with its length in the direction of the wall.

String course
A horizontal course projecting from a wall usually introduced at every floor level or windows or below
parapet for imparting architectural appearance to the structure and also keeping off the rain water. (see
Fig. 6.1D).

Templet
A pattern of sheet metal used as a guide for setting out specific section and shape.

Toothing
Bricks left projecting in alternate courses to bond with future work.

Wall joint
A joint parallel to the wall face.

6.1 BRICKS/BRICK TILES/BRICK BATS/MECHANIZED AUTOCLAVE FLY ASH LIME BRICK

Bricks used in the masonry may be of the following type.
(a) The Common Burnt Clay Bricks shall conform to IS:1077 and shall be hand moulded or
machine moulded. They shall be free from nodules of free lime, visible cracks, flaws warpage
and organic matter, have a frog 100 mm in length 40 mm in width and 10 mm to 20 mm deep on
one of its flat sides. Bricks made by extrusion process and brick tiles may not be provided with
frogs. Each brick shall be marked (in the frog where provided) with the manufacturer’s
identification mark or initials.

(b) Fly Ash Lime Bricks (FALG Bricks) : The Fly Ash Lime Bricks (FALG Bricks) shall conform to
IS 12894. Visually the bricks shall be sound, compact and uniform in shape free from visible
cracks, warpage, flaws and organic matter. The bricks shall be solid and with or without frog on
one of its flat side.

Fly Ash: Fly ash shall conform to IS 3812.

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 Note: This item will be operated only for load bearing structure upto 2 storeys and for non-load
bearing walls 23 cms thick for multi-storeyed building's.

Bottom ash used as replacement of sand shall not have more than 12% loss on ignition when tested.

Sand: Deleterious materials, such as clay and silt in the sand shall preferably be less than 5%.

Lime: Lime shall conform to class ‘C’ hydrated lime of IS 712.

Additives: Any suitable additive considered not detrimental to the durability of bricks may be used.

(c) Clay Fly Ash Bricks: The clay fly ash bricks shall conform to IS 13757. The bricks shall be
sound, compact and uniform in shape and colour. Bricks shall have smooth rectangular faces
with sharp and square corners. The bricks shall be free from visible cracks, flaws, warpage,
nodules of free lime and organic matter, the bricks shall be hand or machine moulded. The bricks
shall have frog of 100 mm in length 40 mm width and 10 to 20 mm deep on one of its flat sides. If
made by extrusion process may not be provided with frogs. Fly Ash shall conform to grade I or
grade II of IS 3812.

(d) Calcium Silicate Bricks: The bricks shall conform to IS 4139. The Calcium silicate bricks shall
be sound, compact and uniform in shape. Bricks shall be free from visible cracks, warpage,
organic matter, large pebbles and nodules of free lime. Bricks shall be solid and with or without
frog. The bricks shall be made of finely grounded sand siliceous rock and lime. In addition limited
quantity of fly ash conforming to IS 3812 may be used in the mix. These bricks are also known as
Fly Ash Sand Lime bricks in the construction industry.

(e) Tile Brick: The bricks of 4 cm height shall be moulded without frogs. Where modular tiles are not
freely available in the market, the tile bricks of F.P.S. thickness 44 mm (1-3/4") shall be used
unless otherwise specified.

(f) Brick Bats: Brick bats shall be obtained from well burnt bricks.

(g) Mechanized Autoclave Fly Ash Lime Brick: These bricks shall be machine moulded and
prepared in plant by appropriate proportion of fly ash and lime. The autoclave fly ash bricks shall
conform to IS 12894. Visually, the bricks shall be sound, compact and uniform shape, free from
visible cracks, warpage and organic matters. The brick shall be solid with or without frog, and of
100/80 mm in length, 40 mm width and 10 to 20 mm deep one of its flat side as per IS 12894. The
brick shall have smooth rectangular faces with sharp corners and shall be uniform in shape and
colour. Fly ash shall conform to IS 3812 and lime shall conform to class ‘C’ hydrated lime of IS 712.

6.1.1 Dimensions
The brick may be modular or non-modular. Sizes for both types of bricks/tiles shall be as per Table
6.1. While use of modular bricks/tiles is recommended, non-modular (FPS) bricks/tiles can also be used
where so specified. Non-modular bricks/tiles of sizes other than the sizes mentioned in Table 6.1 may
also be used where specified.

TABLE 6.1

Type of Bricks/ Nominal Size Actual Size

Tiles mm mm
Modular Bricks 200 × 100 × 100 mm 190 × 90 × 90 mm
Modular tile bricks 200 × 100 × 40 mm 190 × 90 × 40 mm
Non-modular tile bricks 229 × 114 × 44 mm 225 × 111 × 44 mm
Non-modular bricks 229 × 114 × 70 mm 225 × 111 × 70 mm

209 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

6.1.2 Classification
Bricks/Brick tiles shall be classified on the basis of their minimum compressive strength as given below :

TABLE 6.2
Class Average compressive strength
Designation Not less than Less than
N/mm 2 (kgf/cm )2 N/mm 2 (Kgf/cm2)
12.5 (125) 12.5 (125) 15.0 150
10 (100) 10 (100) 12.5 125
7.5 (75) 7.5 (75) 10 100
5 (50) 5 (50) 7.5 75
3.5 (35) 3.5 (35) 5.0 50

The bricks shall have smooth rectangular faces with sharp corner and shall be uniform in colour and
emit clear ringing sound when struck.
(Note: Upper limits specified in Table 6.2 are for calculating the average compressive strength in
accordance with Appendix B of Chapter 6).

6.1.3 Sampling and Tests

Samples of bricks shall be subjected to the following tests :
(a) Dimensional tolerance.
(b) Water absorption.
(c) Efflorescence.
(d) Compressive strength.

6.1.3.1 Sampling: For carrying out compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence and
dimensional tests, the samples of bricks shall be taken at random according to the size of lot as given in
Table 6.3 below. The sample thus taken shall be stored in a dry place until tests are made. For the
purpose of sampling, the following definition shall apply.
(a) Lot: A collection of bricks of same class and size, manufactured under relatively similar conditions of
production. For the purpose of sampling a lot shall contain a maximum, of 50,000 bricks.
In case a consignment has bricks more than 50,000 of the same classification and size and
manufactured under relatively similar conditions of production, it shall be divided into lots of
50,000 bricks or part thereof.

(b) Sample: A collection of bricks selected for inspection and/or testing from a lot to reach the
decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of the lot.

(c) Defective: A brick failing to meet one or more of the specified requirements.

6.1.3.2 The samples shall be taken as below:

(i) Sampling from a Stack: When it is necessary to take a sample from a stack, the stack shall be
divided into a number of real or imaginary sections and the required number of bricks drawn from
each section. For this purpose bricks in the upper layers of the stack shall be removed to enable
units to be sampled from places within the stack.
Note: For other methods of sampling i.e. sampling in motion and sampling from lorries or trucks,
IS :5454 may be referred.

Scale of sampling and criteria for conformity for visual and dimensional characteristics:—
Visual characteristics: The bricks shall be selected and inspected for ascertaining their
conformity to the requirements of the relevant specification.

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 210

 The number of bricks to be selected from a lot shall depend on the size of lot and shall be in
accordance of Col. 1 and 2 of Table 6.3 for visual characteristics in all cases and dimensional
characteristics if specified for individual bricks.

(ii) Visual Characteristics: All the bricks selected above in accordance with Col. 1 and 2 of Table
6.3 shall be examined for visual characteristics. If the number of defective bricks found in the
sample is less than or equal to the corresponding number as specified in Col. 3 of Table 6.3 the
lot shall be considered as satisfying the requirements of visual characteristics, otherwise the lot
shall be deemed as not having met the visual requirements.

(iii) Dimensional Characteristics: The number of bricks to be selected for inspecting the
dimensions and tolerance shall be in accordance with Col. 1 and 4 of Table 6.3. These bricks will
be divided into groups of 20 bricks at random and each of the group of 20 bricks thus formed will
be tested for all the dimensions and tolerances. A lot shall be considered having found meeting
the requirements of dimensions and tolerance if none of the groups of bricks inspected fails to
meet the specified requirements.

TABLE 6.3
Scale of Sampling and Permissible Number of Defectives for Visual and Dimensional
Characteristics

No. of For characteristics For dimensional

bricks in specified for characteristics for
the lot individual bricks group of 20 bricks
No. of Permissible No. of
bricks to be no. of defective bricks to be
selected in the sample selected
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2001—10000 20 1 40
10001—35000 32 2 60
35001—50000 50 3 80

Note: In case the lot contains 2000 or less bricks the sampling shall be as per decision of the
Engineer-in-Charge.

(iv) Scale of Sampling and Criteria for Physical Characteristics: The lot which has been found
satisfactory in respect of visual and dimensional requirements shall be next tested for physical
characteristics like compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence as specified in relevant
material specification. The bricks for this purpose shall be taken at random from those already
selected above. The number of bricks to be selected for each of these characteristics shall be in
accordance with relevant columns of Table 6.4.

TABLE 6.4
Scale of Sampling for Physical Characteristics

Lot size Sample size for compres- Permissible No. Warpage

sive strength, water of defectives Sample Permissible
absorption and efflorescence for efflorescence Size No of defects
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
2001—10000 5 0 10 0
10001—35000 10 0 20 1
35001—50000 15 1 30 2
Note: In case the lot contains 2000 or less bricks, the sampling shall be as per decision of Engineer-in-Charge.

211 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 (v) A lot shall be considered having satisfied the requirements of physical characteristics if the
condition stipulated here in are all satisfied.
(a) From the test results for compressive strength, the average shall be calculated and shall
satisfy the requirements specified in relevant material specification.
Note: In case any of the test results for compressive strength exceeds the upper limit for the
class of bricks, the same shall be limited to the upper limit of the class for the purpose of
averaging.
(b) Wherever specified in the material specification, the compressive strength of any individual
bricks tested in the sample shall not fall below the minimum average compressive strength
specified for the corresponding class of brick by more than 20 per cent.
(c) From the test results for water absorption, the average for the bricks in the sample shall be
calculated and shall satisfy the relevant requirements specification in material specification.
(d) The number of bricks failing to satisfy the requirements of the efflorescence specified in the
relevant specification should not be more than the permissible no. of defectives given in Col.
3 of Table 6.4.

6.1.3.3 Dimensional Tolerances: The dimensions of, modular bricks when tested as described above
as per procedure described in Appendix A of Chapter 6 shall be within the following limits per 20 bricks
or locally available size as approved by Engineer-in-charge.

(a) For modular size

Length 7320 to 3880 mm (3800 ± 80 mm)
Width 1760 to 1840 mm (1800 ± 40 mm)
Height 1760 to 1840 mm (1800 ± 40 mm) for 90 mm high bricks
760 to 840 mm (800 ± 40 mm) for 40 mm high bricks

(b) For non modular bricks

Length 4520 to 4680 mm (4600 ± 80 mm)
Width 2240 to 2160 mm (2200 ± 40 cm)
Height 1440 to 1360 mm (1400 ± 40 mm) for 70 mm high bricks
640 to 560 mm (600 ± 40 mm) for 30 mm high bricks

Brick Tiles
760 to 840 mm (800 ± 40 mm) for 40 mm high brick tiles
In case of non-modular bricks, % age tolerance will be ± 2% for group of 20 numbers of class 10
bricks, and ± 4% for other class of bricks.

6.1.3.4 Compressive Strength: The bricks, when tested in accordance with the procedure laid down in
Appendix B of Chapter 6 shall have a minimum average compressive strength for various classes as
given in Table 6.2. The compressive strength of any individual brick tested shall not fall below the min.
average compressive strength specified for the corresponding class of brick by more than 20%. In case
compressive strength of any individual brick tested exceeds the upper limit specified in Table 6.2 for the
corresponding class of bricks, the same shall be limited to upper limit of the class as specified in Table
6.2 for the purpose of calculating the average compressive strength.

6.1.3.5 Water Absorption: The average water absorption of bricks when tested in accordance with the
procedure laid down in Appendix C of Chapter 6 shall be not more than 20% by weight.

6.1.3.6 Efflorescence: The rating of efflorescence of bricks when tested in accordance with the
procedure laid down in Appendix D of Chapter 6 shall be not more than moderate.

6.1.4 Sewer Bricks

6.1.4.1 Sewer bricks are intended for the lining of walls, roofs and floors of sewers used for ordinary
sanitary (domestic) sewage. The general practice in the country is also to utilize common building bricks

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 212

in the construction of sewers which is not satisfactory. However, these sewer bricks may not be suitable
for sewers dealing with industrial effluent (sewage) for which the use of acid resistant bricks in
accordance with IS 4860 may be considered. Sewer bricks shall conform to IS 4885.

6.1.4.2 Dimensions and Tolerances

Dimensions: The standard sizes of the sewer bricks shall be as follows:

Length Width Height

mm mm mm
190 90 90
190 90 40

For sewers of special shapes, such as the oval sewers, the bricks may have to be suitable
tapered to conform to the radii of curvature of the arches and barrels and sides of sewers.

Tolerance: The permissible tolerance on the dimensions specified in 6.1.4.2 shall be as follows :

Dimensions Total tolerance

for 20 bricks
mm mm
190 + 80
90 + 40
40 + 40

6.1.4.3 Compressive Strength: The average compressive strength obtained on a sample of sewer
bricks when tested in accordance with the procedure laid down in IS 3495 (Part I) shall be not less than
17.5 N/mm2 (175 kgf/cm2 approximately) and the individual strength of any brick shall be not less than
16 N/mm2 (160 kgf/cm2 approximately).

6.1.4.4 Water Absorption: The average value of water absorption for five bricks after 24 h cold water
immersion test when tested in accordance with IS 3495 (Part 2) shall not exceed 10 per cent of the
average dry weight of the brick and the absorption for any individual brick shall not exceed 12 per cent.

6.1.4.5 Efflorescence: When the bricks are tested in accordance with the method laid down in IS 3495
(Part 3), the rating of efflorescence shall not be more than ‘slight’.

6.1.5 Burnt Clay Perforated Building Bricks

6.1.5.1 General Quality: The bricks shall be made of suitable clay and shall be thoroughly burnt at the
maturing temperature of clay. They shall be free from cracks, flaws and nodules of free lime. They shall
have rectangular face with sharp straight edge at right angle. They shall be of uniform colour and
texture. These bricks generally should conform to IS 2222.

6.1.5.2 Dimensions and Tolerances: The standard size of burnt clay perforated bricks shall be as
follows:
Length Width Height
(L) (W) (H)
mm mm mm
Modular 190 90 90
Non 230 110 70
Modular

213 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 The permissible tolerances on the dimensions shall be as follows:

Dimension Tolerance
mm mm
70, 90 +4
110, 190 +7
230 + 10

Note: The tolerances specified above shall apply to measurements on individual bricks.

6.1.5.3 Perforations: The area of perforation shall be between 30% and 45% of the total area of the
corresponding face of the bricks.

The perforation shall be uniformly distributed over the surface. In the case of rectangular
perforations, the larger dimension shall be parallel to the longer side of the brick. The shorter side of the
perforation shall be less than 20 mm incase of rectangular perforations and less than 25 mm diameter in
case of circular perforations.

The area of each perforation shall not exceed 500 mm2.

The thickness of any shell shall not be less then 15 mm and that of any web not less than 10 mm.

6.1.5.4 Compressive Strength: The bricks when tested in accordance with the procedure laid down in
IS 3495 (Parts 1 to 4) shall have a minimum average compressive strength of 7 N/ mm2 on net area.

The compressive strength of any individual brick tested shall not fall below the minimum
compressive strength specified for the corresponding class of bricks. The lot shall then be checked for
next lower class of brick.

6.1.5.5 Water Absorption: The bricks when tested in accordance with the procedure laid down in IS
3495 (parts 1 to 4): after immersion in cold water for 24 hours water absorption shall not be more than
20 percent by weight.

6.1.5.6 Efflorescence: The bricks when tested in accordance with the procedure laid down in IS 3495
(Parts 1 to 4) shall have a rating of efflorescence not more than ‘slight’.

6.1.5.7 Warpage: The bricks when tested in accordance with the procedure laid down in IS 3495 (parts
1 to 4) the average warpage shall not exceed 3%.

6.2 BRICK WORK

6.2.1 Classification
The brick work shall be classified according to the class designation of bricks used.

6.2.2 Mortar
The mortar for the brick work shall be as specified, and conform to accepted standards. Lime shall
not be used where reinforcement is provided in brick work.

6.2.3 Soaking of Bricks

Bricks shall be soaked in water before use for a period for the water to just penetrate the whole
depth of the bricks. Alternatively bricks may be adequately soaked in stacks by profusely spraying with
clean water at regular intervals for a period not less than six hours. The bricks required for masonry work

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 214

using mud mortar shall not be soaked. When the bricks are soaked they shall be removed from the tank
sufficiently early so that at the time of laying they are skin-dry. Such soaked bricks shall be stacked on a
clean place where they are not again spoiled by dirt earth etc.

Note I: The period of soaking may be easily found at site by a field test in which the bricks are
soaked in water for different periods and then broken to find the extent of water penetration. The least
period that corresponds to complete soaking will be the one to be allowed for in construction work.

Note II : If the bricks are soaked for the required time in water that is frequently changed the soluble
salt in the bricks will be leached out, and subsequently efflorescence will be reduced.

6.2.4 Laying

6.2.4.1 Bricks shall be laid in English Bond (Fig. 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) unless otherwise specified. For brick work
in half brick wall, bricks shall be laid in stretcher bond. Half or cut bricks shall not be used except as
closer where necessary to complete the bond. Closers in such cases, shall be cut to the required size
and used near the ends of the wall. Header bond shall be used preferably in all courses in curved plan
for ensuring better alignment.

Note: Header bond shall also be used in foundation footings unless thickness of walls (width of
footing) makes the use of headers impracticable. Where thickness of footing is uniform for a number of
courses, the top course of footing shall be headers.

6.2.4.2 All loose materials, dirt and set lumps of mortar which may be lying over the surface on which
brick work is to be freshly started, shall be removed with a wire brush and surface wetted. Bricks shall be
laid on a full bed of mortar, when laying, each brick shall, be properly bedded and set in position by
gently pressing with the handle of a trowel. Its inside face shall be buttered with mortar before the next
brick is laid and pressed against it. Joints shall be fully filled and packed with mortar such that no hollow
space are left inside the joints.

6.2.4.3 The walls shall be taken up truly in plumb or true to the required batter where specified. All
courses shall be laid truly horizontal and all vertical joints shall be truly vertical. Vertical joints in the
alternate course shall come directly one over the other. Quoin, Jambs and other angles shall be pro-
perly plumbed as the work proceeds. Care shall be taken to keep the perpends properly aligned within
following maximum permissible tolerances :
(a) Deviation from vertical within a storey shall not exceed 6 mm per 3 m height.
(b) Deviation in verticality in total height of any wall of building more than one storey in height shall
not exceed 12.5 mm.
(c) Deviation from position shown on plan of any brick work shall not exceed 12.5 mm.
(d) Relative displacement between load bearing wall in adjacent storeys intended to be vertical
alignments shall not exceed 6 mm.
(e) A set of tools comprising of wooden straight edge, masonic spirit levels, square, 1 metre rule line
and plumb shall be kept on the site of work for every 3 masons for proper check during the
progress of work.

6.2.4.4 All quoins shall be accurately constructed and the height of brick courses shall be kept uniform.
This will be checked using graduated wooden straight edge or storey rod indicating height of each
course including thickness of joints. The position of damp proof course, window sills, bottom of lintels,
top of the wall etc. along the height of the wall shall be marked on the graduated straight edge or storey
rod. Acute and obtuse quoins shall be bonded, where practicable in the same way as square quoins.
Obtuse quoins shall be formed with squint showing three quarters brick on one face and quarter brick on
the other.

215 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

6.2.4.5 The brick work shall be built in uniform layers.
No part of the wall during its construction shall rise more than one metre above the general
construction level. Parts of wall left at different levels shall be raked back at an angle of 45 degrees or
less with the horizontal. Toothing shall not be permitted as an alternative to raking back. For half brick
partition to be keyed into main walls, indents shall be left in the main walls.

6.2.4.6 All pipe fittings and specials, spouts, hold fasts and other fixtures which are required to be built
into the walls shall be embedded, as specified, in their correct position as the work proceeds unless
otherwise directed by the Engineer-in-Charge.

6.2.4.7 Top courses of all plinths, parapets, steps and top of walls below floor and roof slabs shall be laid
with brick on edge, unless specified otherwise. Brick on edge laid in the top courses at corner of walls
shall be properly radiated and keyed into position to form cut (maru) corners as shown in Fig 6.4. Where
bricks cannot be cut to the required shape to form cut (maru) corners, cement concrete 1:2:4 (1 cement :
2 coarse sand : 4 graded stone aggregate 20 mm nominal size) equal to thickness of course shall be
provided in lieu of cut bricks.

6.2.4.8 Bricks shall be laid with frog (where provided) up. However, when top course is exposed, bricks
shall be laid with frog down. For the bricks to be laid with frog down, the frog shall be filled with mortar
before placing the brick in position.

6.2.4.9 In case of walls one brick thick and under, one face shall be kept even and in proper plane, while
the other face may be slightly rough. In case of walls more than one brick thick, both the faces shall be
kept even and in proper plane.

6.2.4.10 To facilitate taking service lines later without excessive cutting of completed work, sleeves
(to be paid separately) shall be provided, where specified, while raising the brick work. Such sleeves in
external walls shall be sloped down outward so as to avoid passage of water inside.

6.2.4.11 Top of the brickwork in coping and sills in external walls shall be slightly tilted. Where brick
coping and sills are projecting beyond the face of the wall, drip course/throating (to be paid separately)
shall be provided where indicated.

6.2.4.12 Care shall be taken during construction that edges of jambs, sills and projections are not
damaged in case of rain. New built work shall be covered with gunny bags or tarpoulin so as to prevent
the mortar from being washed away. Damage, if any, shall be made good to the satisfaction of the
Engineer-in-Charge.

6.2.4.13 Vertical reinforcement in the form of bars (MS or high strength deformed bars or thermo-
mechanically treated bars as per direction of Engineer-in-Charge)), considered necessary at the corners
and junction of walls and jamb opening doors, windows etc. shall be encased with cement mortar not
leaner than 1:4 (1 cement : 4 coarse sand), or cement concrete mix as specified. The reinforcement
shall be suitably tied, properly embedded in the foundation and at roof level. The dia. of bars shall not be
less than 8 mm and concrete grade shall be minimum 1:3:6 (1 cement : 3 coarse sand : 6 graded stone
aggregate 20 mm nominal size).

6.2.4.14 In retaining walls and the like, where water is likely to accumulate, weep holes, 50 to 75 mm
square shall be provided at 2 m vertically and horizontally unless otherwise specified. The lowest weep
hole shall be at about 30 cm above the ground level. All weep holes shall be surrounded by loose stones
and shall have sufficient fall to drain out the water quickly.
Note : Work of providing loose stone will be payable extra.

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 216

6.2.4.15 Work of cutting chases, wherever required to be made in the walls for housing G.I. pipe, CI pipe
or any other fixtures shall be carried out in various locations as per guidelines given below :
(a) Cutting of chases in one brick thick and above load bearing walls.
(i) As far as possible services should be planned with the help of vertical chases. Horizontal
chases should be avoided.
(ii) The depths of vertical chases and horizontal chases shall not exceed one-third and one-sixth
of the thickness of the masonry respectively.
(iii) When narrow stretches of masonry (or short length of walls) such as between doors and
windows, cannot be avoided they should not be pierced with openings for soil pipes or waste
pipes or timber joints, etc. Where there is a possibility of load concentration such narrow
lengths of walls shall be checked for stresses and high strength bricks in mortar or concrete
walls provided, if required.
(iv) Horizontal chases when unavoidable should be located in the upper or lower one-third of
height of storey and not more than three chases should be permitted in any stretch of a wall.
No continuous horizontal chase shall exceed one metre in length. Where unavoidable,
stresses in the affected area should be checked and kept within the permissible limits.
(v) Vertical chases should not be closer than 2 m in any stretch of a wall. These shall be kept
away from bearings of beams and lintels. If unavoidable, stresses in the affected area should
be checked and kept within permissible limits.
(vi) Masonry directly above a recess, if wider than 30 cm horizontal dimension) should be
supported on lintel. Holes in masonry may be provided upto 30 cm width and 30 cm height
without any lintel. In the case of circular holes in the masonry, no lintel need be provided for
holes upto 40 cm in diameter.
(b) Cutting of chases in half brick load bearing walls.
No chase shall be permitted in half brick load bearing walls and as such no reccessed conduits
and concealed pipes shall be provided with half brick thick load bearing walls.
(c) Cutting of chases in half brick non-load bearing wall :
Services should be planned with the help of vertical chases. Horizontal chase should be provided
only when unavoidable.

6.2.5 Joints
The thickness of all types of joints including brick wall joints and cross joints shall be such that four
course and three joints taken consecutively shall measure as follows:
(i) In case of modular bricks conforming to IS 1077 specification for common burnt clay buildings
bricks, equal to 39 cm.
(ii) In case of non-modular bricks, it shall be equal to 31 cm.

Note : Specified thickness of joints shall be of 1 cm. Deviation from the specified thickness of all
joints shall not exceed one-fifth of specified thickness.

6.2.5.1 Finishing of Joints: The face of brick work may be finished flush or by pointing. In flush
finishing either the face joints of the mortar shall be worked out while still green to give a finished surface
flush with the face of the brick work or the joints shall be squarely raked out to a depth of 1 cm while the
mortar is still green for subsequently plastering. The faces of brick work shall be cleaned with wire brush
so as to remove any splashes of mortar during the course of raising the brick work. In pointing, the joints
shall be squarely raked out to a depth of 1.5 cm while the mortar is still green and raked joints shall be
brushed to remove dust and loose particles and well wetted, and shall be later refilled with mortar to give
ruled finish. Some such finishes are ‘flush’, ‘weathered’, ruled, etc.

6.2.6 Curing
The brick work shall be constantly kept moist on all faces for a minimum period of seven days. Brick
work done during the day shall be suitably marked indicating the date on which the work is done so as to
keep a watch on the curing period.

217 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

6.2.7 Scaffolding
Scaffolding shall be strong to withstand all dead, live and impact loads which are likely to come on
them. Scaffolding shall be provided to allow easy approach to every part of the work.

6.2.7.1 Single Scaffolding: Where plastering, pointing or any other finishing has been indicated for
brick work, single scaffolding may be provided, unless otherwise specified. In single scaffolding, one end
of the put-logs/pole shall rest in the hole provided in the header course of brick masonry. Not more than
one header for each put-log/pole shall be left out. Such holes shall not be allowed in the case of pillars,
brick work less than one metre in length between the openings or near the skew backs of arches or
immediately under or near the structural member supported by the walls. The holes for putlogs/poles
shall be made good with brick work and wall finishing as specified.

6.2.7.2 Double Scaffolding: Where the brick work or tile work is to be exposed and not to be finished with
plastering etc. double scaffolding having two independent supports, clear of the work, shall be provided.

6.2.8 Measurements

6.2.8.1 Brick work shall be measured in cubic metres unless otherwise specified. Any extra work over
the specified dimensions shall be ignored. Dimensions shall be measured correct to the nearest 0.01 m
i.e. 1 cm. Areas shall be calculated to the nearest 0.01 sq mtrs and the cubic contents shall be worked
out to the nearest 0.01 cubic metres.

6.2.8.2 Brick work shall be measured separately in the following stages:

(a) From foundation to floor one level (Plinth level)
(b) Plinth (floor one) level to floor two level
(c) Between two specified floor levels above floor two level
Note : (i) Brick work in parapet walls, mumty, lift machine room and water tanks constructed on the
roof upto 1.2 m height above roof shall be measured together with the corresponding work of the floor
next below.

6.2.8.3 No deductions or additions shall be done and no extra payment made for the following :

Note : Where minimum area is defined for deduction of an opening, void or both, such areas shall
refer only to opening or void within the space measured.
(a) Ends of dissimilar materials (that is, joists, beams, lintels, posts, girders, rafters, purlins, trusses,
corbels, steps, etc.); up to 0.1 m2 in section;
(b) Opening up to 0.1 m2 in area (see Note);
(c) Wall plates, bed plates, and bearing of slabs, chajjas and the like, where thickness does not
exceed 10 cm and bearing does not extend over the full thickness of wall;
(d) Cement concrete blocks as for hold fasts and holding down bolts;
(e) Iron fixtures, such as wall ties, pipes upto 300 mm diameter and hold fasts for doors and
windows; and
(f) Chases of section not exceeding 50 cm in girth.
(g) Bearing portion of drip course, bearing of moulding and cornice.

Note : In calculating area of an opening, any separate lintel or sills shall be included with the size of
the opening but end portions of lintel shall be excluded. Extra width of rebated reveals, if any, shall also
be excluded.

6.2.8.4 Walls half brick thick and less shall each be measured separately in square metres stating
thickness.

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 218

6.2.8.5 Walls beyond half brick thickness shall be measured in multiples of half brick which shall be
deemed to be inclusive of mortar joints. For the sizes of bricks specified in 6.1.1, half brick thickness
shall mean 100 mm for modular and 115 mm for non-modular bricks.

Where fractions of half brick occur due to architectural or other reasons, measurement shall be as follows :

(a) upto 1/4th brick-actual measurements and

(b) exceeding 1/4 brick-full half bricks.

6.2.8.6 String courses, projecting pilasters, aprons, sills and other projections shall be fully described
and measured separately in running metres stating dimensions of each projection.

6.2.8.7 Square or rectangular pillars shall be measured separately in cubic metres in multiple of half brick.

6.2.8.8 Circular pillars shall be measured separately in cubic metres as per actual dimensions.

6.2.8.9 Brick work curved on plan shall be measured like the brick work in straight walls and shall
include all cutting and wastage of bricks, tapered vertical joints and use of extra mortar, if any. Brick
work curved on plan to a mean radius not exceeding six metres shall be measured separately and extra
shall be payable over the rates for brick work in straight walls. Nothing extra shall be payable if the mean
radius of the brick work curved in plan exceeds six metres.

6.2.8.10 Tapered walls shall be measured net as walls and extra payment shall be allowed for making
tapered surface for brick work in walls.

6.2.8.11 Brick work with brick tiles shall be measured and paid for separately.

6.2.9 Rate
The rate shall include the cost of materials and labour required for all the operations described above
except the vertical reinforcement and its encasement in cement mortar or cement concrete. The rate
shall also include the following :
(a) Raking out joints or finishing joints flush as the work proceeds;
(b) Preparing tops of existing walls and the like for raising further new brick work.
(c) Rough cutting and waste for forming gables, splays at eaves and the like.
(d) Leaving holes for pipes upto 150 mm dia. and encasing hold fasts etc.
(e) Rough cutting and waste for brick work curved in plan and for backing to stone or other types of
facing.
(f) Embedding in ends of beams, joists, slabs, lintels, sills, trusses etc.
(g) Bedding wall plates, lintels, sills, roof tiles, corrugated sheets, etc. in or on walls if not covered in
respective items and
(h) Leaving chases of section not exceeding 50 cm in girth or 350 sq cm in cross-section.
(i) Brick on edge courses, cut brick corners, splays reveals, cavity walls, brick works curved on plan
to a mean radius exceeding six metres.

6.3 BRICK WORK IN ARCHES (FIG. 6.5)

6.3.0 The detailed specifications for brick work mentioned in 6.2 shall apply, in so far as these are
applicable. Arch work shall include masonry for both gauged as well as plain arches. In gauged arches,
cut or moulded bricks shall be used. In plain arches, uncut bricks shall be used.
Brick forming skew-backs shall be dressed or cut so as to give proper radial bearing to the end
voussiors. Defects in dressing of bricks shall not be covered by extravagant use of mortar, nor shall the
use of chips or bats etc. be permitted.

219 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 The bricks of the spandrel wall at their junctions with the extrudes of the arch shall be cut to fit the
curvature of the arch.

6.3.1 Circular Arches

These shall be either (a) plain arches, and shall be built in half brick concentric rings with break
joints, or (b) gauged arches built with bricks cut or moulded to proper shape. The arch work shall be
carried up from both ends simultaneously and keyed in the centre. The bricks shall be flush with mortar
and well pressed into their positions so as to squeeze out a part of their mortar and leave the joints thin
and compact. All joints shall be full of mortar and thickness of joints shall not be less than 5 mm nor
more than 15 mm.

After the arch is completed, the haunches shall be loaded by filling up the spandrels upto the crown
level of the arch. Care shall be taken to load the haunches on two sides of the spandrels.

When the arch face is to be pointed (and not plastered), the face bricks shall be cut to proper shape
or moulded, so as to have the joints not more than 5 mm thick. These shall be laid with radial joints to
the full depth of the arch. The voussoirs shall break joints to the full depth of the arch.

6.3.2 Flat Arches

These shall be gauged arches of brick cut or moulded to proper shape. The extrados shall be kept
horizontal and the intrados shall be given slight camber of 1 in 100 of the span. The centre of the arch
from which joints shall radiate, shall be determined by the point of the inter-section of the two lines
drawn from the ends of the arch at the springing level and at 60° to horizontal.

In flat arches, bricks shall be laid with radial joints to the full depth of arch and voussoirs breaking
joints with each other. The arch work shall be carried up from both ends simultaneously and keyed in the
centre. The thickness of the joints shall not exceed 5 mm. Flat arches may be used for the sake of
appearance but for purpose of carrying loads of the wall above, these shall be used in conjunction with
relieving arches, lintels placed below.

6.3.3 Centring and Shuttering

The centring and shuttering for the arch shall be got approved by the Engineer-in-Charge before the
arch work is started. It shall be strong enough to bear the dead load of the arch and the live loads that
are likely to come upon it during construction, without any appreciable deflections.

The shuttering shall be tightened with hard wood wedged or sand boxes, so that the same could be
eased without jerks being transmitted to the arch. The sequence of easing the shuttering shall be got
approved from the Engineer-in-Charge. The shuttering shall be struck within 48 hours of the completion
of the arch but not before 24 hours. This shall be done after the spandrel has been filled in and the arch
loaded.

6.3.4 Measurements
The length of the arch shall be measured as the mean of the extrados and intrados of the arch
correct to a cm. The thickness of the arch shall be measured in multiples of the half brick.
The breadth in the direction of the thickness of wall shall be measured as specified.
The cubical contents shall be calculated in cubic metre, correct to two places of decimal.
For arches exceeding 6 m in spans extra payment shall be made on the actual area of the soffit for
additional cost of centring including all strutting, bolting, wedging, easing, striking and its removal.

6.3.5 Rate
The rate is inclusive of the cost of the materials and labour required for all the operations described
above.

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 220

6.4 HALF BRICK WORK
Brick work in half brick walls shall be done in the same manner as described above in 6.2.4 except
that the bricks shall be laid in stretcher bond. When the half brick work is to be reinforced, 2 Nos. M.S.
bars of 6 mm dia., shall be embedded in every third course as given in the item (the dia of bars shall not
exceed 8 mm). These shall be securely anchored at their end where the partitions end. The free ends of
the reinforcement shall be keyed into the mortar of the main brick work to which the half brick work is
joined. The mortar used for reinforced brick work shall be rich dense cement mortar of mix 1:4
(1 cement: 4 coarse sand). Lime mortar shall not be used. Over laps in reinforcement, if any shall not be
less than 30 cm.

The mortar interposed between the reinforcement bars and the brick shall not be less than 5 mm.
The mortar covering in the direction of joints shall not be less than 15 mm.

6.4.1 Measurements
The length and height of the wall shall be measured correct to a cm. The area shall be calculated in
sq.m. where half brick wall is joined to the main walls of one brick or greater thickness and
measurements for half brick wall shall be taken for its clear length from the face of the thicker wall.

6.4.2 Rate
The rate includes the cost of the materials and labour involved in all the operations described above
except reinforcement which is to be paid for separately.

6.5 BRICK TILE WORK

6.5.0 The work shall be done in the same manner as described in 6.2.4 except that brick tile shall be
used instead of bricks. The measurement and rate shall be same as specified under 6.2.

6.6 HONEY COMB BRICK WORK

The honeycomb brick work shall be done with specified class of brick, laid in specified mortar. All
joints and edges shall be struck flush to give an even surface.

The thickness of the brick honeycomb work shall be half-brick only, unless otherwise specified.
Openings shall be equal and alternate with half brick laid with a bearing of 2 cm on either side.

6.6.1 Measurements
The length and height shall be measured correct to a cm. Area shall be calculated in square metres
correct to two places of decimal. Honeycomb openings shall not be deducted.

6.6.2 Rate
The rate includes the cost of materials and labour involved in all the operations described above.

6.7 JOINING OLD BRICK WORK WITH NEW BRICK WORK

6.7.1 In case the height of the bricks of old as well as new work is same, the old work shall be toothed to
the full width of the new wall and to the depth of a quarter of brick in alternate courses. In case the
height of the bricks is unequal, then the height of each course of new work shall be made equal to the
height of the old work by adjusting thickness of horizontal mortar joints in the new wall. Where
necessary, adjustment shall be made equal to thickness of old wall by adjusting the thickness of vertical
joints.

6.7.2 For joining new cross wall to old main walls, a number of rectangular recesses of width equal to
the thickness of cross wall, three courses in height and half a brick in depth shall be cut in the main

221 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

walls. A space of the three courses shall be left between two consecutive recesses. The new cross wall
shall be bonded into the recesses to avoid any settlement.

6.7.3 Joining of old brick work with the new brick work shall be done in such a way that there shall not be
any hump or projection at the joint.

6.7.4 Measurement
The height and thickness of vertical face in contact with new work shall be measured to the nearest
0.01 m and the area shall be calculated to the nearest 0.01 sqm.

6.7.5 Rate
The rate includes the cost of labour and material involved in all the operations described above.

6.8 MOULDING AND CORNICES

6.8.0 The specifications described under 6.2 shall apply in so far these are applicable. Mouldings and
cornices shall be made with bricks as specified for brick work. The bricks shall be cut and dressed to the
required shape as shown in the architectural drawings.

6.8.1 Cornices shall not ordinarily project by more than 15 cm to 20 cm and this projection shall be
obtained by projecting each brick course by more than one fourth of the length. For cornices projecting
more than 20 cm and requiring more than quarter bricks projection, metal cramps shall be used and paid
for separately.

6.8.2 Corbelling shall be brought roughly to shape by plastering with the specified mortar. When the
mortar is still green, the mouldings shall be finished straight and true with the help of metal templates.

6.8.3 Curing and Protection

The mouldings and cornices shall be cured for at least seven days. These shall be protected from
the effects of sun and rain by suitable covering and also from damage during the execution of the work.

6.8.4 Measurements
For the purpose of measurements, the sectional periphery of mouldings and cornices (excluding the
portion in contact with wall) shall be measured in centimetres and length in metres (fig. below). The girth
and length shall be measured correct to a cm. No deduction shall be made from the masonry of wall for
the bearing of the moulding and cornices.

Note : 1 The sectional periphery curve ABCDEF.

2. Length FA shall not be measured.

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 222

6.8.5 Rate
The rate includes the cost of materials and labour involved in all the operations described above.

6.9 BRICK WORK UNDER WATER OR FOUL CONDITIONS

Brick Work under following conditions :
(i) Work in or under water/or liquid mud;
(ii) Work in or under foul positions
Shall be measured separately for payment of extra rate over and above the quantity measured
and paid under para 6.2.8.

6.10 EXPOSED BRICK WORK

6.10.1 Facing Bricks

The facing bricks made from suitable soils shall be free from cracks, flaws, nodules of free lime
warpage and organic matter. These shall be thoroughly burnt and shall have plane rectangular faces
with parallel sides and sharp straight right angled edges. Facing bricks shall have uniform colour and
even texture. Unless otherwise specified, facing bricks shall be machine moulded only. As far as
possible, total requirement of facing bricks for a work shall be arranged from the same kiln. Bricks with
chipped edges and broken corners shall not be used.

6.10.2 Dimensions and Tolerances

The standard sizes of machine moulded facing bricks shall be as specified in 6.1.1.

6.10.2.1 The permissible tolerances shall be as under:

Dimension Tolerance (For Machine

moulded bricks)
mm mm
Length 190 or 225 +3
Width 90 or 111 + 1.5
Thickness 40 or 44 + 1.5

Note: Tolerance and Dimensions for selected hand moulded bricks + 4 mm in length and + 3 mm in
width and thickness).

6.10.3 Sampling
As per Para 6.1.3 and 6.1.3.2.

6.10.4 Physical Requirements

Facing bricks shall be of class designation 75 unless otherwise specified. Average compressive
strength shall not be less than 7.5 N/mm2, water absorption shall not exceed 20 per cent by weight and
efflorescence rating shall be nil when tested in accordance with the procedure laid down and tolerance
in dimensions shall be checked as per the procedure laid down in Appendix A-2.

Mortar, Soaking of Bricks and laying shall be as specified in Para 6.2.2, 6.2.3 and 6.2.4 respectively.

6.10.5 Joints in the exposed brick work shall be truly horizontal and vertical and kept uniform with the
help of wooden or steel strips. The thickness of joints shall be as per 6.2.5.

6.10.6 Curing and scaffolding shall be as specified in 6.2.6 and 6.2.7 to 6.2.7.2 respectively.

6.10.7 Measurements
Exposed brick work in face using machine moulded bricks and selected hand moulded bricks shall
be measured separately and the measurement shall be as specified in 6.2.8.

223 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

6.10.8 Rate
The rates shall be as specified in 6.2.9 and shall also include the following :
(a) Labour for selecting bricks and wastage of bricks where use of selected hand moulded brick is
specified.
(b) Leaving uniform horizontal and vertical grooves of specified depth and providing joints of
required thickness using wooden or steel strips as the work proceeds.

6.11 CAVITY WALL

It is a wall comprising of two leaves, each leaf being built of masonry units and separated by a cavity
so as to provide an air space within the wall and tied together with metal ties or bonding units to ensure
that two leaves act as one structural unit. The width of the cavity shall not be less than 50 mm and not
more than 115 mm. Each leaf of the cavity wall shall not be less than 75 mm. The space between the
leaves being either left as cavity or filled with non-load bearing insulating and water proofing material.

6.11.1 Metal Ties

These may be of galvanised iron, wrought iron, gun metal, brass, copper, stainless steel or any such
corrosion resistant metal, made of flats 20 x 5 mm cranked or twisted at their mid point with ends split
and fish tailed. The ties shall be built into horizontal bed joints during erection, placed sloping towards
the exterior side to prevent water from flowing along it from outer to inner leaf side (For details refer Fig.
6.6 of Chapter 6).

6.11.2 Bonding Units

These shall be preferably precast R.C.C. units having cross-section as per Fig. No. 6.6.

Length of the Bonding units will be sum of thickness of both leaves plus width of cavity if the leaves
are 75 mm or 115 mm. If the leaves are more than 115 mm thick, then the length of a unit will be 2 ×
115 + width of cavity as shown in Fig. 6 of Chapter 6. Precast RCC units shall be provided with 2 no., 6
mm mild steel reinforcement bars tied with 2 no. 3 mm. dia. M.S. wire/hard drawn wire cross bars (As
shown in Fig. 6 of Chapter 6) placed in the centre of units.

Cement concrete used in the bonding units shall not be leaner than 1:3:6 (1 cement : 3 coarse sand :
6 graded stone aggregate 20 mm nominal size).

6.11.3 Spacing
Metal ties/bonding units shall be spaced not more than 90 cm apart horizontally and 45 cm vertically
and staggered in each course. Additional ties shall be used near openings.

6.11.4 Restrictions
Cavity walls shall not normally be built more than 7.5 metres in height and 9 metres in length. Where
large lengths and heights are desired, the wall shall be divided into panels with strengthening measures
such as pillars etc. Cavity shall be covered at the top with at least two courses of masonry unit and/or a
coping over it.

Adoption of cavity walls is not recommended when heavy concentrated load from beam etc. are to
be supported by walls.

6.11.5 Measurements and Rate

(a) Brick work in cavity walls shall be included and measured with general brick work. The width of
the cavity shall not be measured. Skin of cavity wall, half brick thickness shall be measured as
and paid as described in para 6.2.8 and 6.4.
(b) The forming of the cavity shall be given in square metres stating the width of the cavity and shall
include the metal ties/bonding unit specifying the numbers per square metre.
(c) Labour and material for closing cavities at the jambs, sills and heads of opening shall be as
described and measured separately in running metres.
(d) The item shall include use of device for keeping cavity clear and forming the requisite weep and
vent holes and nothing extra on this account shall be payable.

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 224

6.12 GYPSUM PARTITION PANELS

6.12.1 The material shall conform to IS:2849.

6.12.2 Dimensions
As per the item nomenclature.

6.12.3 Laying
(i) Panels are stored in a dry place and water should not come in contact with panels during or after
construction. If the panels get wet, they should be dried before use.
(ii) The floor should be perfectly level before laying the first course. All panels must be properly
aligned to the plumb. Successive layer of panels must be alternatively staggered so that vertical
joints are not in the same line.
(iii) The recommended quantity of Gypsum Bonding Plaster must be used for joints and filling the
grooves made for conduits, pipelines, etc. Excess Bonding Plaster must be scooped and
removed, so that the joints and the places where the grooves are filled in are flush and even.
(iv) The walls should be dry and sanding done properly especially at joints before the primer is
applied so that the surface is even and joints will not be visible after painting. Avoid chasing with
chisel and hammer. Use electrical saw or grooving tools for conduiting etc.
(v) The recommended span of walls is maximum 6 meters and maximum height is 4.5 meters.
(vi) Gypsum panel can easily be cut with coarse tooth hand saw, electric jigsaw, etc. The panels can
be cut, sawn, drilled, milled or dowelled on the job. For concealed piping and conduit, the depth
of groove should not exceed 50 mm. Hammer and chisel techniques to form chases must be
avoided.
(vii) Sanding: This application is to make the surface level without undulations. To make the gypsum
wall surface level (in particular at joints, where there is excess bonding plaster), do sanding with
sand paper at joints and other places, wherever you find uneven surface, otherwise joints will be
visible after painting. It is important to sand all joints uniformly.
(viii) Primer Application: The purpose of the primer is to give a better adhesion to the paint and also
to reduce consumption of paint on the wall. Water thinable primers shall be used only.

6.12.4 Measurements
The length and height shall be measured correct to a cm. Area shall be calculated in square meters
correct to two place of decimal. No deduction shall be made for ducts, opening made from the standard
size of panel.

6.12.5 Rate
The rate shall include the cost of materials and labour involved in all the operations described above.

6.13 BRICK EDGING

6.13.1 The edging shall be of bricks of class specified in the item. The specifications of bricks shall be
as described in 6.1. Trenches of required depth and width shall first be made along the edge of the plinth
protection to receive the bricks for edging. The bed of trenches shall be compacted to a firm and even
surface. The brick shall be laid true to line in cement mortar 1:4 (1 cement: 4 fine sand) with length
parallel and butting the plinth protection. The top face of the brick edging shall be in one level to conform
to the finished level of the plinth protection adjacent to the edging. After the concreting is done, no
portion of the brick edging shall project above the adjacent concrete surface. Cement mortar shall
conform to the specification described in chapter 3.0.

6.13.2 Measurements
The brick edging shall be measured in running metere correct a cm.

6.13.3 Rate
Rate shall include the cost of materials and labour involved in all operations.

225 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 APPENDIX A

TEST FOR DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCE

(Clause 6.1.3.3)
A -1. Sampling
As per para 6.1.3.1 and 6.1.3.2.
A -2. Procedure
All the blisters, loose particles of clay and small projections shall be removed from the surface of
bricks. Each specimen of 20 bricks shall then be arranged upon a level surface successively as
indicated in Fig. A, B and C of para A-4 below in contact with each other and in straight line. The overall
length of the assembled bricks (20 Nos) shall be measured with a steel tape sufficiently long to measure
the whole row at one stretch.
A-3. Tolerance
The actual dimensions of bricks when tested as described in A-2 shall be within the following limits
per 20 bricks.
Modular Bricks
Length 3720 to 3880 mm (3800 ± 80 mm)
Width 1760 to 1840 mm (1800 ± 40 mm)
Height 1760 to 1840 mm (1800 ± 40 mm) for 90 mm high brick
760 to 840 mm (800 ± 40 mm) for 40 mm high brick

Non-Modular Bricks
For class 10
Length (4520 to 4680) mm (4600 ± 80 mm)
Width (2240 to 2160) mm (2200 ± 40 mm)
Height (1440 to 1360) mm (1400 ± 40 mm) for 70 mm high bricks
(640 to 560) mm (600 ± 40 mm) for 30 mm high bricks

For other classes

Length (4320 to 4680) mm
Width (2130 to 2310) mm
Height (1340 to 1460) mm for 70 mm high bricks
(840 to 920) mm for 44 mm high bricks

A-4. Criteria for Conformity

A lot shall be considered conforming to the requirements of dimensions and tolerances if all the
groups of bricks are tested to meet the specified requirements.

1 to 2 CM
4 CM
'A' Measurement of Length
10 CM

'B' Measurement of Width

'C' Measurement of Height

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 226

 APPENDIX B

TEST FOR COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

(Clause 6.1.3.4)

B-1. Specimen
Five whole bricks shall be taken from the samples as specimens for this test. Length and width of
each specimen shall be measured correct to 1 mm.

B-2. Apparatus
The apparatus consists of compression testing machine, the compression plate of which shall have a
ball seating in the form of portion of a sphere the centre of which shall coincide with the centre of the
plate.

B-3. Procedure
(a) Pre-conditioning: The specimen shall be immersed in the water for 24 hours at 25º to 29ºC. Any
surplus moisture shall be allowed to drain at room temperature. The frog of the bricks should be
filled flush with mortar 1:3 (1 cement : 3 clean coarse sand of grade 3 mm and down) and shall
be kept under damp jute bags for 24 hours, after that these shall be immersed in clean water for
three days.

After removal from water, the bricks shall be wiped out of any traces of moisture.

(b) Actual Testing: Specimen shall be placed with flat faces horizontal and mortar filled face upward
between three 3 ply plywood sheets each of thickness 3 mm and carefully centred between
plates of the testing machine. Plaster of Paris can also be used in place of plywood sheets to
ensure a uniform surface.

Load shall be applied carefully axially at uniform rate of 14 N/mm2 per minute till the failure of the
specimen occurs.

B-4. Reporting the Test Results

The compressive strength of each specimen shall be calculated in N/mm2 as under :

Maximum load at failure (in N)

Compressive Strength = ————————————————
Area of Specimen (in sq mm)

In case the compressive strength of any individual brick tested exceeds the upper limit of the
average compressive strength specified for the corresponding class of brick, the same shall be limited to
the upper limit of the class specified in 6.1.2 for the purpose of calculating the average compressive
strength. Compressive strength of all the individual bricks comprising the sample shall be averaged and
reported.

B-5. Criteria for Conformity

A lot shall be considered having satisfied the requirements of average compressive strength if the
average compressive strength specified in 6.1.2 for the corresponding class of brick tested is not below
the minimum average compressive strength specified for the corresponding class of bricks by more than
20 per cent.

227 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 APPENDIX C

TEST FOR WATER ABSORPTION

(Clause 6.1.3.5)

C-1. No. of Specimen

Five whole bricks shall be taken from samples as specimen for this test.

C-2. Apparatus
A balance required for this test shall be sensitive to weigh 0.1 percent of the weight of the specimen.

C-3. Procedure
(a) Pre-conditioning: The specimen shall be allowed to dry in a ventilated oven at a 110°C to 115°C
till it attains a substantially constant weight. If the specimen is known to be relatively dry, this
would be accomplished in 48 hours, if the specimen is wet, several additional hours may be
required to attain a constant weight. It shall be allowed to cool at room temperature. In a
ventilated room, properly separated bricks will require four hours for cooling, unless electric fan
passes air over them continuously in which case two hours may suffice.

The cooled specimen shall be weigh (W1) a warm specimen shall not be used for this purpose.

(b) Actual Testing: Specimen shall be completely dried before immersion in the water. It shall be
kept in clean water at a temperature of 27°C ± 2°C for 24 hours. Specimen shall be wiped out of
the traces of water with a damp cloth after removing from the water and then shall be weighed
within three minutes after removing from water (W2).

C-4. Reporting the Test Results

The water absorption of each specimen shall be calculated as follows and the average of five tests
shall be reported.

⎛ W − W1 ⎞
WaterAbsorption = ⎜ 2 ⎟ ×100
⎝ W1 ⎠

C-5. Criteria for Conformity

A lot shall be considered having satisfied the requirements of water absorption if the average water
absorption is not more than 20% by weight.

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 228

 APPENDIX D

TEST FOR EFFLORESCENCE

(Clause 6.1.3.6)

D-1. No. of Specimen

Five whole bricks shall be taken as specimen for this test.

D-2. Apparatus
Apparatus required for this test shall be a shallow flat bottom dish containing distilled water.

D-3. Procedure (actual testing)

The brick shall be placed vertically in the dish with 2.5 cm immersed in the water. The room shall be
warm (18ºC to 30ºC) and well ventilated. The bricks should not be removed until it absorbs whole water.
When the whole water is absorbed and the brick appears to be dry, place a similar quantity of water in
that dish and allow it to evaporate as before. The brick shall be examined after the second evaporation.

D-4. Reporting the Test Results

The rating to efflorescence in ascending order shall be reported as ‘NIL’, ‘SLIGHT’, ‘MODERATE’,
‘HEAVY’ or ‘SERIOUS’ in accordance with the following :

(a) NIL: When there is no perceptible deposit of efflorescence.

(b) SLIGHT: When not more than 10 per cent of the area of the brick is covered with a thin deposit of
salts.

(c) MODERATE: When there is heavier deposit and covering upto 50% of the area of the brick
surface but unaccompanied by powdering or flaking of the surface.

(d) HEAVY: When there is a heavy deposit of salts covering 50% or more of the brick surface but
unaccompanied by powdering or flaking of the surface.

(e) SERIOUS: When there is heavy deposit of salts, accompanied powdering and/or flaking of the
surface and tending to increase in the repeated wetting of the specimen.

D-5. Criteria for Conformity

A lot be considered having satisfied the requirements of efflorescence if for 4 out of the specimen of
5 bricks, the rating of efflorescence is not beyond “Moderate”.

229 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 BRICK WORK
Sub Head : Brick Work
Clause : 6.0 & 6.2.8

COPING
OVERSAILING COURSE

MUD PHUSKA
TILES

SLAB
CORNICE
CORBLES

STRING COURSE

WINDOW SILL
A. PIER (1)

B. PIER (2)

FLOORING
DPC

C. PILLARS D. TYPICAL SECTION OF BRICK WALL

THE BREADTH SHALL NOT EXCEED THREE TIMES THE

THICKNESS AND THICKNESS ITSELF SHALL NOT
EXCEED MORE THAN THREE BRICKS
Drawing not to scale

Fig. 6.1 : Brick Work

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 230

 BRICK PILLARS
Sub Head : Brick Work
Clause : 6.2.4.1

ODD COURSES EVEN COURSES

100 150

100

200
1 X 1½ BRICK

50 100 200

100

200
1 X 2 BRICK

100 150 200 150

200
1 X 2 ½ BRICK

100
50 100 200

300
1 ½ X 2 BRICK

100

100 50 200
100 50

400

2 X 2 BRICK

150 100
150

300
100

1 ½ X 1 ½ BRICK

Drawing not to scale

All dimensions are in mm

Fig. 6.2 : English Bond

231 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 BRICK BONDS
Sub Head : Brick Work
Clause : 6.2.4.1

50ODD COURSES EVEN COURSES

200
100

1 BRICK WALL
200 100

100
Q UEEN
CLOSER

200
1½ BRICK WALL

100 200 100

200 200

200
200

2 BRICK WALL

Drawing not to scale

All dimensions are in mm
Fig. 6.3 : English Bond

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 232

 BRICK BONDS (Contd.)
Sub Head : Brick Work
Clause : 6.2.4.1

ODD COURSES EVEN COURSES

200

100 Q UEEN
CLOSER

200
1 BRICK WALL
200 100

100

300
200

1½ BRICK WALL
100 200 100
100

400
200

2 BRICK WALL

200 300

70 20
300

70 50
60 40
200

70 80
70
60 150
200 60 70 70 70 60 70

CUT BRICK CORNER (MARUCONA)

Drawing not to scale
All dimensions are in mm
Fig. 6.4 : English Bond

233 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 BRICK WORK IN ARCHES
Sub Head : Brick Work
Clause : 6.3

SPANDREL KEY

EXTRADOS
OR BACK

T SOFFIT OR
ES S SPRINGING INTRADOS
O W SOI R POINT
FACE JOINTS NOT L OU S JOINTS VARYING
V FROM 5 TO 15 MM
MORE THAN 5 MM
THICK THICK

ABUTMENT.
PIER SPAN

GAUGED PLAIN OR ROUGH

CIRCULAR ARCH

SPAN

SPAN

1½ BRICK THICK ONE BRICK THICK

FLAT GAUGED ARCH

Drawing not to scale

Fig. 6.5 : Brick Work in Arches

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 234

 BRICK WORK IN CAVITY WALLS
Sub Head : Brick Work
Clause : 6.11.0

Coping

roof level

M M

Metal Tie or
bonding unit

Cavity < 50 Cavity to start from

> 115 75 mm above g.l.
G L

(a) SECTION OF CAVITY WALL

Normally 115 but 230 mm wall

not less than
75 mm in any case

Metal tie of
bonding unit

(b) SECTIONAL PLAN - MM

Cavity

115 or 115 or less

less

(c) PLAN AT MM

115 mm 75 mm or less
outside face

(d) PLAN AT MM

75 mm 75 mm

(e) PLAN AT MM

Note :
(1) Only one of the alternative a, b, c, d or e shall be applicable in each case.
(2) Ties shall be placed sloping towards exterior side.
Drawing not to Scale
All dimensions are in mm
Fig. 6.6 : Brick Work in Cavity Walls
(Fig. 6.6 Contd.)

235 SUB HEAD 6.0 : BRICK WORK

 BRICK WORK IN CAVITY WALLS (Contd.)
Sub Head : Brick Work
Clause : 6.11.0

Wall Tie Position

Unbonded Cavity Wall
Jamb

300 300 300 300 300 300

450
450
450
450
900 mm 900 mm

As Near to Opening as is Practicable

(f) ELEVATION

Metal Tie as per

Detail

Metal Tie as per

Detail

(g) ISOMETRIC VIEW

3 mm M.S. Hard Drawn Wire 20 x 5 mm

Course
Height
20 cm

W id
th
6 mm
M.S. Bar
L
L = Thickness of Walls + Cavity L = Sum of Two Leaves + Cavity
> 2 x 115 + Cavity (for walls 115 mm or more) > 2 x 115 + Cavity (for walls 115 mm or more)

(h) BONDING UNIT (i) METAL TIE

(Preferably Precast R.C.C.)

2-6 mm M.S. Bars

2-3 mm M.S. Wire/Hard Drawn Wire

(j) DETAILS OF REINFORCEMENT IN BONDING UNIT

Drawing not to Scale
All dimensions are in mm
Fig. 6.6 (Contd.) : Brick Work in Cavity Walls

CPWD SPECIFICATIONS 2009 236

SUB HEAD : 7.0

STONE WORK