Basics of Building Construction

Basics in Building Construction 4(2+2)

Lesson 07 : Walls

Brick Partitions

Brick partitions are the cheapest and quite common. These partitions are of three types:

1. Plain brick partitions
   • Plain brick partitions are usually half brick thick.
   • The bricks are laid as stretchers, in cement mortar.
   • Vertical joints are staggered alternate blocks.
   • The wall is plastered on both the sides.
   • The wall is considerably strong and fire resistant







2. Reinforced brick partitions
   • These are stronger than the ordinary brick partitions and are used when better longitudinal bond is required and when the partition wall has to carry other super imposed loads.
   • The thickness of the wall is kept equal to half brick (10cm).
   • The reinforcement consists of steel meshed strips, made from thin rolled steel plates which are cut and stretched (or expanded) by a machine to a diamond network
   • Such a strip is known as Expanded metal and is provided at every third course.
   • Another form of meshed reinforcement, called Bricktor is made of a number of straight tension wires with binding wires is also used.



3. Brick nogging partitions

   Brick nogging partition wall consists of brick work (half brick thickness) built up within the frame work of wooden members. The timber frame work consists of

   • Sill
   • Head
   • Vertical members, called studs
   • Horizontal members called noggin pieces.

   The vertical members or studs are spaced at 4 to 6 times the brick length. The noggin pieces are housed into the studs at vertical interval of 60 to 90cm, the frame work provide stability to the partition against lateral loads and vibrations caused due to opening the adjoining door. The brick work is plastered on both the sides. The bricks are usually laid flat, but they may be laid on edge also. Cement mortar 1:3 is used. The surfaces of the timber frame work coming in contact with brick work are coated with coal tar.