Sand is a natural product which is obtained as river sand, nalla sand and pit sand. However sea sand should not be used for the following reasons: 1. It contains salt and hence structure will remain damp. The mortar is affected by efflorescence and blisters appear. 2. It contains shells and other organic matter, which decompose after…
Mortar is an intimate mixture of binding material, fine aggregate and water. When water is added to the dry mixture of binding material and the inert material, binding material develops the property that binds not only the inert material but also the surrounding stones and bricks. If the cement is the binding material, then the mortar is…
It is an important binding material used in building construction. Lime has been used as the material of construction from ancient time. When it is mixed with sand it provides lime mortar and when mixed with sand and coarse aggregate, it forms lime concrete. Types of Limes and their Properties The limes are classified as…
Bricks are used in the following civil works: (i) As building blocks. (ii) For lining of ovens, furnaces and chimneys. (iii) For protecting steel columns from fire. (iv) As aggregates in providing water proofing to R.C.C. roofs. (v) For pavers for footpaths and cycle tracks. (vi) For lining sewer lines.
The bricks used in construction are classified as: (i) First class bricks (ii) Second class bricks (iii) Third class bricks and (iv) Fourth class bricks (i) First Class Bricks: These bricks are of standard shape and size. They are burnt in kilns. They fulfill all desirable properties of bricks. (ii) Second Class Bricks: These bricks are ground moulded…
The following laboratory tests may be conducted on the bricks to find their suitability: (i) Crushing strength (ii) Absorption (iii) Shape and size and (iv) Efflorescence. (i) Crushing Strength: The brick specimen are immersed in water for 24 hours. The frog of the brick is filled flush with 1:3 cement mortar and the specimen is stored…
The following are the required properties of good bricks: (i) Colour: Colour should be uniform and bright. (ii) Shape: Bricks should have plane faces. They should have sharp and true right angled corners. (iii) Size: Bricks should be of standard sizes as prescribed by codes. (iv) Texture: They should possess fine, dense and uniform texture….
Brick is obtained by moulding good clay into a block, which is dried and then burnt. This is the oldest building block to replace stone. Manufacture of brick started with hand moulding, sun drying and burning in clamps. A considerable amount of technological development has taken place with knowledge about to properties of raw materials,…
The following are the some of commonly used stones: (i) Basalt and trap (ii) Granite (iii) Sandstone (iv) Slate (v) Laterite (vi) Marble (vii) Gneiss (viii) Quartzite. Their qualities and uses are explained below: (i) Basalt and Trap: The structure is medium to fine grained and compact. Their colour varies from dark gray to black. Fractures and joints are common….
Stones are used in the following civil engineering constructions: (i) Stone masonry is used for the construction of foundations, walls, columns and arches. (ii) Stones are used for flooring. (iii) Stone slabs are used as damp proof courses, lintels and even as roofing materials. (iv) Stones with good appearance are used for the face works of buildings. Polished marbles and…