Code of practice for brickworks

IS 2212: Scope & Key Specifications

The scope of IS 2212 covers the planning, design, and execution of brick masonry work with emphasis on providing clear, detailed information to responsible personnel.

Key Points from Clauses:

• Clause 4.1 & 4.2: Information to be Furnished

  • Layout plans with orientation.
  • Dimensioned structural details at scale 1:20 (1 cm = 20 cm).
  • Details of brickwork type, class, bond, mortar mix, finishes.
  • Openings, chases, embedments for services (water, electrical, drainage).
  • Architectural features, hearths, flues, chimneys.

• Clause 6.6.1: Structural Stability

  • Refer IS 1904:1986 (Structural Safety) and IS 1905:1987 (Masonry Design) for stability and strength design.

Summary Table: Information to be Provided for Masonry Work

References for Design:

• IS 1904:1986 — Code of Practice for Structural Safety of Buildings
• IS 1905:1987 — Code of Practice for Structural Use of Masonry

flowchart TD
    A[Planning & Design] --> B[Layout Plans]
    A --> C[Structural Details]
    A --> D[Brickwork Specifications]
    A --> E[Openings & Services]
    A --> F[Architectural Features]
    B --> G[Orientation]
    C --> H[Dimensions & Sections]
    D --> I[Type, Class, Bond, Mortar]
    E --> J[Embedments & Chases]
    F --> K[Hearths, Flues, Chimneys]

This ensures clarity and coordination for efficient masonry construction per IS 2212.

IS 2212: Key Definitions & Specifications

1. Nominal Thickness of Wall (Clause 6.5.2, Table 3.1)

• Nominal thickness is a fictitious dimension used for estimating quantities.
• It differs from actual thickness (excludes plaster/rendering).

2. Other Definitions

• Jointing: Operation of finishing masonry joints as work proceeds.
• Parapet: Solid/pierced guard wall on terraces, balconies, or roof edges exposed to atmosphere.
• Perpend: Alignment of cross joints checked with plumb line.

3. Related Specifications

• Mortar joints damaged without brick dislocation: rake to 20 mm depth, caulk with suitable mortar, cure properly (Clause 11.10).
• Refer to IS codes listed in Annex A for materials and workmanship standards (e.g., IS 269 for cement, IS 1077 for bricks).

flowchart TD
    A[Nominal Thickness] --> B[Used for Quantity Estimation]
    A --> C[Not Actual Wall Thickness]
    D[Actual Thickness] --> E[Includes Mortar Joint]
    F[Wall Types] --> G[Traditional Brick]
    F --> H[Modular Brick]
    G -->|One-brick| I[9 in nominal, 8.5-8.75 in actual]
    G -->|1.5-brick| J[13.5 in nominal, 13-13.625 in actual]
    G -->|2-brick| K[18 in nominal, 

IS 2212 - Materials for Brickwork: Key Specifications & Table

Table 1: Selection of Building Bricks (Clause 6.1.1)

Additional Notes:

• Class designation (e.g., 12.5, 7.5) refers to minimum compressive strength in N/mm².
• Bricks must comply with IS 1077:1991 for common bricks.
• Heavy-duty bricks per IS 2180:1988 for high load/water resistance.
• Mortar for exposed joints should be dense and watertight.
• Avoid bricks with efflorescence or soluble salts in damp conditions.

Summary Formula for Minimum Brick Strength (IS 1077):

[ f_{cu} \geq \text{Class strength (

Inspection of Materials (IS 2212: Clause 12.2 & related)

Key Points:

• Periodic Testing:
  For large works, samples of bricks, sand, surkhi, lime, cement, etc., must be periodically tested in a laboratory to confirm compliance with material standards (Clause 5).
  For small works, simple field tests may suffice.

• Materials to Test:

  • Bricks (IS 1077)
  • Sand (IS 2116)
  • Cement (IS 269, IS 1489)
  • Lime (IS 712)
  • Surkhi (clinker powder)
  • Mortar components

• Field Inspection Tips (Clause 12.3):

  • Remove loose dirt and lumps before starting brickwork.
  • Soak bricks thoroughly before use.
  • Ensure first course is horizontal with adequate mortar to fill undulations.
  • Use plastic mortar with correct water content added at mixing stage.

Relevant IS Standards for Materials Testing

Simple Field Tests for Bricks (Example)

Summary Diagram: Material Inspection Workflow

flowchart TD
    A[Material Sampling] --> B[Laboratory Testing]
    B --> C{Conforms to IS Standards?}

IS 2212: Preparation and Selection of Bricks — Key Points

1. Selection of Bricks (Clause 6.1 & Table 1)

2. Important Notes:

• Only clay bricks covered; unburnt bricks and mud mortar not covered (Clause 1.2).
• Bricks must comply with IS 1077:1991 for classification and quality.
• For severe weather, always use Class 12.5 bricks.
• Mortar joints should be dense and water-tight especially for exposed masonry.

Summary Diagram: Brick Selection Based on Use

flowchart TD
    A[Situation of Use] --> B[Facing Walls]
    A --> C[Heavy Load Areas]
    A --> D[Water Resistance]
    A --> E[Plinth/Foundation]
    A --> F[External Walls]
    A --> G[Internal Walls]
    A

IS 2212: Structural and Functional Characteristics of Brickwork

Key Points (Clause 6.6 & 6.1.1)

• Brick Selection (Table 1, Clause 6.1.1): Bricks must be chosen based on usage, strength, and exposure conditions.

Structural Characteristics (Clause 6.6 & 11.8)

• Compressive Strength: Depends on brick class; typical minimum strengths:

  • Class 3.5: 3.5 N/mm²
  • Class 7.5: 7.5 N/mm²
  • Class 12.5: 12.5 N/mm²

• Mortar: Use dense, water-tight mortar for durability and strength.

• Reinforced Brickwork (Clause 11.8): Steel reinforcement can be embedded to improve tensile and shear resistance.

Summary Table: Brick Classes & Uses

IS 2212: Bonding and Laying of Bricks – Key Points

1. Types of Bonds (Table 2, Clause 6.3.1)

2. Bonding Specifications (Clause 6.4)

• Joints: Thin, fully filled with mortar; no through joints.
• Lap: Minimum half brick width.
• Alignment: Verticality checked with plumb bob; horizontality with spirit level.
• Work Progress: No part left >1 m lower; rake back at ≤45° angle.
• Plastering: Joints raked 10 mm deep when mortar is wet for adhesion.
• Curing: Keep brickwork wet for 7 days starting 24 hours after laying.

3. Brick Selection (Table 1, Clause 6.1.

IS 2212: Scaffolding and Site Safety - Key Points

Types of Scaffolding (Clause 3.3.2)

• Single Scaffolding: One row of verticals tied to the structure by horizontals.
• Double Scaffolding: Two rows of verticals with horizontal and diagonal braces, independent or connected to the structure for stability.

Design Requirements (Clause 9.2)

• Scaffoldings must resist dead loads, live loads, and impact loads.
• Must ensure worker safety and comply with relevant building regulations and local bye-laws.

Support on Brickwork (Clause 9.1.1)

• Poles resting on brickwork should affect only one header per support point to avoid damage.

Structural Stability (Clause 6.6.1)

• Refer to IS 1904:1986 (Foundations) and IS 1905:1987 (Masonry) for stability and strength design.

Typical Load Considerations for Scaffold Design:

Basic Stability Check Formula:

[ \text{Factor of Safety (FOS)} = \frac{\text{Resisting Forces}}{\text{Overturning Forces}} \geq 1.5 ]

graph TD
    A[Scaffolding] --> B[Single Scaffolding]
    A --> C[Double Scaffolding]
    C --> D[Horizontal Bracing]
    C --> E[Diagonal Bracing]
    B --> F[Supported on Structure]
    C --> G[Independent or Connected]

Summary: Use double scaffolding for greater stability, ensure poles do not damage brickwork, design for combined loads, and check stability per IS 1904/1905 references.

Damp-proofing in Brickwork (IS 2212)

Key Specifications (Clause 6.8 & 5.3)

• Materials for Damp-proof Courses:
  • Bituminous felts (IS 1322:1982)
  • Bituminous compounds (IS 1580:1969)
  • Mortar or concrete (Clause 6.8.1.1)
  • Stone slabs (Clause 6.8.1.2)

Concrete Damp-proof Course (Clause 6.8.1.1)

Notes:

• Concrete DPC must be waterproofed either by surface coating or by adding waterproofing compounds during mixing.
• Bituminous felts and compounds must conform to their respective IS codes for durability and effectiveness.

flowchart LR
    A[Brickwork] --> B[Damp-proof Course]
    B --> C[Materials]
    C --> D[Bituminous Felts (IS 1322)]
    C --> E[Bituminous Compounds (IS 1580)]
    C --> F[Concrete Layer (1:2:4, 4cm thick)]
    F --> G[Waterproofing Treatment]
    C --> H[Stone Slabs]

This ensures a durable barrier preventing moisture rise through brickwork.

IS 2212: Reinforced Brickwork Key Specifications

• Brick Crushing Strength:
  Minimum 7.5 N/mm² (Clause 11.8.4)

• Wall Thickness:
  Minimum 100 mm (Clause 11.8.3)

• Metal Reinforcement (Clause 5.5):

  • Mild steel or medium tensile steel bars as per IS 432 (Part 1 & 2): 1982
  • Steel fabric or hard-drawn steel wire as per IS 1566: 1982

Typical Reinforced Brickwork Design Considerations:

Basic Formula for Flexural Strength (Approximate):

[ M_u = f_{st} \times A_{st} \times d ]

Where:

• (M_u) = Ultimate moment capacity
• (f_{st}) = Stress in steel (limited by yield strength)
• (A_{st}) = Area of steel reinforcement
• (d) = Effective depth of the wall section

flowchart LR
    A[Brick Masonry] --> B[Minimum Strength 7.5 N/mm²]
    A --> C[Wall Thickness ≥ 100 mm]
    A --> D[Reinforcement]
    D --> E[Mild Steel Bars (IS 432)]
    D --> F[Steel Fabric (IS 1566)]

Use these guidelines to ensure compliance and structural safety in reinforced brick masonry design.

IS 2212: Key Points & Specifications for Cavity Walls

1. Cavity Wall Composition (Clause 6.9 & 6.9.1)

• Leaves: Outer and inner leaves may be of same or different materials (e.g., brick and concrete).
• Thickness: Thicker leaf placed on the inside.
• Cavity Width: Between 4 cm to 8 cm to ensure proper insulation and moisture barrier.

2. Damp-Proof Course (Clause 11.12 & Fig. 11)

• Use flexible damp-proof courses over supports and around openings.
• Provide flexible vertical damp-proof course outside frame to prevent moisture ingress.
• Details differ for frames on outside or inside:
  • Fig 11A: Damp-proof course over support with flexible vertical DPC outside.
  • Fig 11B: Damp-proof course over support with slate DPC outside.

3. Performance (Clause 6.6.2.3)

• Cavity walls act as a perfect barrier to rain penetration.
• Outer leaf may get wet, but inner leaf remains dry.

Summary Table: Cavity Wall Dimensions

flowchart LR
    Outer_Leaf -->|Cavity 40-80mm| Inner_Leaf
    Outer_Leaf -.-> Rain_Penetration
    Inner_Leaf -->|Dry Barrier| Interior
    Damp_Proof_Course -.-> Supports
    Damp_Proof_Course -.-> Openings

This ensures moisture control and structural integrity as per IS 2212.

IS 2212: Architectural Features & Openings – Key Points

1. Brickwork Round Openings (Clause 6.11)

• Openings should minimize brick cutting.
• Widths should be multiples of brick width (typically 190 mm standard brick).

2. Openings (Clause 6.11.1)

• Size & spacing to reduce brick cutting.
• Use lintels or arches to support masonry above openings.
• Provide flexible damp-proof course (DPC) above lintels to prevent moisture ingress.

3. Bearing of Floors and Roofs (Clause 6.10)

• Timber should not be embedded directly into brickwork to avoid dry rot.
• Timber ends rest on corbels/brackets or concrete/stone templates.
• Provide preservative treatment and air space around embedded timber.

4. Damp Proofing Details (Figures 12, 13, 14)

• Use flexible or semi-rigid DPC above openings and parapets.
• DPC must extend over lintels and be continuous to prevent moisture.
• Parapet and plinth details include DPC layers to avoid dampness.

Summary Table: Opening Widths & Support

flowchart TD
    A[Wall with Opening] --> B[Lintel or Arch Support]
    B --> C[DPC Layer above Lintel]
    C --> D[Floor/Roof Bearing on Corbel or Template]
    D --> E[Timber Joist with Air Space & Preservative]

Use these guidelines to ensure structural integrity and moisture protection around openings and architectural features.

Protection Against Damage and Defects as per IS 2212:

1. Protection Against Damage (Clause 11.9)

• Avoid damage during handling, storage, and construction.
• Repair damaged mortar joints by raking out to a minimum depth of 20 mm.
• Use mortar for caulking that is not stronger than original to avoid further damage.
• Cure patchwork properly to ensure durability.

2. Resistance to Moisture Penetration (Clause 6.6.2)

• Use water-proofing materials like bitumen compounds (IS 1580) or bitumen felts (IS 1322).
• Proper damp-proof courses and coatings are essential to prevent moisture ingress.

3. Fire Resistance (Clause 6.6.6)

• Refer to IS 1642:1988 for fire safety of buildings.
• Use fire-resistant materials and construction details as per IS 1642.
• Fire resistance depends on material properties and thickness.

Key Table: Mortar Joint Repair (Clause 11.10)

References for Materials and Methods:

• IS 1580: Bitumen compounds for waterproofing
• IS 1322: Bitumen felts for waterproofing
• IS 1642: Fire safety of buildings
• IS 2250/3466: Masonry mortars and cement
• IS 269/1489: Portland cement types

flowchart LR
    A[Damage Prevention] --> B[Proper Handling & Storage]
    B --> C[Repair Joints]
    C --> D[Rake ≥ 20 mm]
    D --> E[Use Weaker Mortar]
    E --> F[Proper Curing]

    A --> G[Moisture Resistance]
    G --> H[Waterproofing Materials]
    H --> I[Bitumen Compounds/Felts]

    A --> J[Fire Resistance]
    J --> K[Refer IS 1642]
    K --> L[Fire Resistant Materials]

Summary:

IS 2212: Repair & Maintenance of Brickwork - Key Points

1. Causes of Defects (Clause 13.1)

• Sulphate attack on mortar/rendering
• Use of unsound materials
• Corrosion of embedded iron/steel
• Shrinkage cracks during drying (Clause 13.6)

2. Brick Selection (Table 6.5, Clause 6.1.1)

3. Shrinkage Cracks (Clause 13.6)

• Caused by drying shrinkage; vertical cracks develop.
• Rich mortar → fewer but wider cracks; lean mortar → many fine cracks.
• No structural threat; repairable and non-recurring after drying season.

4. Repair Guidelines (Clause 14)

• Remove unsound bricks/mortar.
• Use matching bricks and mortar.
• Ensure proper curing and water-tight finishes.

flowchart TD
    A[Causes of Defects] --> B[Sulphate Attack]
    A --> C[Unsound Materials]
    A --> D[Corrosion of Steel]
    A --> E[Shrinkage Cracks

IS 2212: References and Related Standards

Key References (Clause 6.6.1 & Annex A)

• Structural Stability:

  • IS 1904:1986 — Foundations in soils: General requirements
  • IS 1905:1987 — Structural use of unreinforced masonry

• Fire Resistance:

  • IS 1642:1988 — Fire safety of buildings: Materials and construction details

• Materials & Components:

  • IS 226:1975 — Structural steel (standard quality)
  • IS 269:1976 — Ordinary and low heat Portland cement
  • IS 383:1970 — Aggregates for concrete
  • IS 432 (Part 1 & 2):1982 — Steel bars and wire for concrete reinforcement
  • IS 456:1978 — Plain and reinforced concrete code
  • IS 712:1984 — Building limes
  • IS 1077:1991 — Common burnt clay bricks
  • IS 2250:1981 — Masonry mortars preparation and use

Mortar Joint Repair (Clause 11.10)

• Rake damaged joints to ≥ 20 mm depth
• Use compatible, not strong mortar for caulking
• Proper curing essential

Materials for Flashing and Weathering (Clause 5.4)

• Must conform to relevant IS standards (e.g., bitumen compounds IS 1580:1969)

Summary Table of Key IS Codes