UNIT-IV

DESIGN OF BRICK
MASONRY
DESIGN OF BRICK MASONRY
[IS1905-1987] – Reaffirmed 1998
Brick
(Comp. strength  3.5 to 40 N/mm2)

Clay Calcium Silicate (Cement, FAL-G)

Used for,
1. External and internal bearing walls
2. Load bearing piers and columns
3. Paritition walls
4. Brick masonry foundations
5. Floorings and Pavings

Advantages of brick masonry:

Attractive appearance, economical light weight, durable, strength, fire resistance,
sound insulation, low thermal conductivity, minimum maintenance.

Classification of bricks: [Based on shapes]

1. Solid bricks – Perforations or holes not greater than 25% of volume
2. Perforated bricks – Perforation is greater than 25% of volume. Advantages:of perforated
bricks are high thermal insulation and light weight. Water absorption should not be greater
than 15% after 24 hours of insertion and compressive strength not less than 7N/mm2.
3. Hollow blocks – Holes greater than 20% and sizes of holes greater than 20mm.
4. Cellular bricks – Holes greater than 20% and closed at one end
5. Ornamental bricks – Bricks used in corbels, cornices, etc.

Size of bricks: [As per IS1077]

Standard size – 19 x 9 x 9 cm
Modular brick – 20 x 10 x 10 cm

The average compressive strength of brick unit as per IS3495 (Part I) – 1976

is, 3.5 - 40N/mm2.

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Tests on bricks:
1. Water absorption: Brick units immersed in water for 24 hours has,
i) upto 12.5 N/mm2 strength and water absorption should not be greater than 20%
ii) for higher classes, water absorption should not be greater than 15%
2. Efflorescence: Leaching of water soluble salts (white coloured) under efflorescence.
Test for efflorescence is done as per IS3495 (Part III) – 1976. The brick is kept in a
dish with water height as 25mm and the time for water absorption and evaporation is
noted. This value is compared with the same dish with 25mm water height kept for
evaporation alone. Based on the code, efflorescence in brick is reported as nil, slight,
moderate, heavy and serious.
3. Hardness: For the brick to be hard, it should create no impression by finger nail.
4. Soundness: When two bricks are struck, it should not break and produce a clear
ringing sound.
5. Compressive test: 3.5 – 40 N/mm2
6. Flexure test: Rarely done

Classification of brick based on structure and usage:

1. Solid wall
2. Cavity wall
3. Faced wall
4. Veneered wall

Based on loading, walls are classified as,

1. Axially loaded walls [Load applied at centre t/2]
2. Eccentrically loaded walls
3. Laterally loaded walls [Loading applied at sides]

Design procedure:
Slenderness (Least of le/t & he/t) : (λmax = 27)
(λ = 60 for RC columns, λ = 45 & 30 for braced and unbraced RC walls)
1. Actual stress on the brick masonry wall is found based on the load from slab and self
weight of wall.
2. The permissible compressive stress for masonry based on the type of mortar and
compressive strength of brick unit is taken from Table 8, IS1905-1987. This table is valid
for slenderness ratio λ ≤ 6 and eccentricity e = 0.

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3. Corrections are applied for slenderness ratio, eccentricity (if any), shape and size of brick
unit. Shape modification factor and cross sectional area of masonry (area reduction factor).
4. Slenderness ratio is found as the least of le/t or he/t, where, (le = Effective length and he
= effective height).
Effective length is found from Table 5, IS1905 – 1987 and effective height is found from
Table 4, IS1905-1987.

Table 4 – Effective height:

Support condition Effective height
Fixed – Fixed 0.75H
Fixed – Hinged 0.85H
Hinged – Hinged H
Fixed – Free 1.5H

The permissible value of λ is 27 (λmax) for cement mortar (OPC & PPC), given in Table 7,
IS1905-1987.

5. Eccentricity of loading is determined (for axial loading e = 0). Eccentricities for various
other cases are to be checked as per Appendix B of IS1905-1987.

6. For the permissible stress adopted, shape modification factor is found based on height
to width ratio of each brick unit given in Table 10, IS1905-1987.

7. Area reduction factor is applied for elements having cross section less than 0.2m2. The
area modification factor, k = 0.7 + 1.5 A

8. After applying modification factors, the actual stress is verified with a modified
permissible stress, σact < σper
The permissible stress (strength of the wall) depends upon the following
factors: i) Compressive strength of masonry unit
ii) Compressive strength of mortar
used iii) Slenderness ratio of the wall
iv) Eccentricity in loading
v) Shape and size of brick unit
vi) Cross sectional area of masonry

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1. Design an interior cross wall for a two storeyed building to carry 100mm thick RC slab
with 3m storey height. The wall is unstiffened and supports 2.65m wide slab. Loading on
the slab is given as below:
i) Live load on floor slab = 2 kN/m2
ii) Live load on roof slab = 1.5 kN/m2
iii) Floor finish = 0.2 kN/m2
iv) Roof finish = 1.96 kN/m2

Assume the compressive strength of brick as 10N/mm2 and mortar type as M1.
The loading on the wall includes the load from slab (LL + DL) and self weight of the wall.
Assuming the wall thickness as 100mm and size of each masonry unit as 200 x 100 x
90mm,
Loading on
slab: Live load:
on floor slab = 2 kN/m2
on roof slab = 1.5 kN/m2
Dead load:
Floor finish = 0.2 kN/m2
Roof finish = 1.96 kN/m2
Self weight of slabs = 2 x 0.1 x 25 = 5
kN/m2 Load from slab = 10.66 kN/m2
For 2.65m length of slab,

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Load from slab = 10.66 x 2.658 = 28.36 kN/m
Self weight of masonry = 2 x 0.1 x 20 x 3 = 12 kN/m
Total = 40.36 kN/m
Permissible stress of masonry for M1 mortar and masonry unit of compressive
strength 10N/mm2 is taken from Table 8, IS 1905 – 1987.
Permissible stress = 0.96 N/mm2
Stress reduction factor, Area reduction factor, Shape modification factor are applied as
per Cl.5.4.

Stress reduction factor (Kst)

Slenderness ratio (Least of le/t & he/t)
From Table 4,
he = 0.75 H = 0.75 x 3 = 2.25m [Both ends fixed]
he/t = 2.25 / 0.1 = 22.5 < 27
Therefore, the stress reduction factor from Table 10 for λ = 22.5 and no
eccentricity condition is,
For 22  0.56 (e = 0)
For 24  0.51
For 22.5  0.55
Kst = 0.55

Area reduction factor (KA) [Cl.5.4.1.2, IS1905-1987]

A = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1m2 < 0.2 m2

KA = 0.7 + (1.5 x 0.1) = 0.85

Shape modification factor (Ksh) [Cl. 5.4.1.3, IS1905-1987]

Ksh for block of size 200 x 100 x 90 mm laid along 100mm side, from Table 10 for Height
to Width ratio of 90 x 100,

Height/ width = 90/100 = 0.9

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For 0.75xo  1
For 1xo  1.1
For 0.9xo  1.06
Ksh = 1.06

σper modified = Kst.KA.Ksh. σper

= 0.55 x 0.85 x 1.06 x 0.96 = 0.48 N/mm2
40.36x103
σact /m = = 0.4036 N/mm2 < σper [0.48 N/mm2]
100x1000
Hence the adopted thickness of 100mm with M1 mortar and masonry unit with

compressive strength 10N/mm2 is safe in carrying the load from slab.

2. In the above problem, design the wall if it is continuous and stiffened by cross wall of
100mm thickness and length of the wall being 3.6m.

Here, Sp = 3.6m
Loading on the masonry wall = 40.36 kN/m
40.36x1000
Actual stress = = 0.4036 N/mm2
100x1000
σper for M1 mortar and masonry unit of compressive strength 10 N/mm2 with
100mm thickness,
Permissible stress = 0.96 N/mm2 [From Table 8, IS1905 – 1987]
Slenderness ratio, λ  Least of He/t & Le/t
He = 0.75 H = 0.75 x 3 = 2.25m
Le = 0.8L = 0.8 x 3.7 = 2.96m [From Table 5, IS1905 – 1987]
For the cross walls provided, stiffening coefficients are found from Table 6, IS1905 –
1987. tp  Thickness of pier

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tp = 3tw [for cross walls] cl.4.6.3, IS1905-1987
Sp = 3.7m, [Sp  c/c spacing of pier]
tw = 0.1m [tp  thickness of pier]
tp = 3tw = 0.3m [tw  thickness of wall]
wp = 0.1m [wp  width of pier] cl.4.5.3, IS1905-1987

t S
p 0.3 p 3.7
= = 3, = = 37
t
w 0.1 wp 0.1
Sp tp
From Table 6, for = 37, =3
w
p tw
Se = 1
Thickness of wall = 1 x 0.1 =
0.1m [Considering stiffness]
λ = 2.25 / 0.1 = 22.5 < 27
The stress reduction factor (Kst) for Table no.10 for λ = 22.5 with no eccentricity (e=0)
condition,
For λ = 22 0.56
For λ = 24 0.51
For λ = 22.5 0.55
Kst = 0.55
Area reduction factor for area = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1m2 < 0.2m2,
KA = 0.7 + (1.5 x 0.1) = 0.85
Shape modification factor: [Cl.5.4.1.3]
Ksh for block size of 200 x 100 x 90mm laid along 100mm side from Table 10 for height
to width ratio of 90 x 100mm,

Height = 90 = 0.9
Width 100
For Ht/W = 0.75 1
For Ht/W = 1 1.1
For Ht/W = 0.9 1.06
Ksh = 1.06
σper modified = Kst .KA.Ksh. σper
= 0.55 x 0.85 x 1.06 x 0.96 = 0.48 N/mm2 > σact
Provided masonry wall of thickness 100mm with M1 mortar and compressive strength
of each unit 10 N/mm2 is safe.

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3. Design an interior cross wall for a two storeyed building to carry 100mm thick RC slab.
Check the safety of the wall if the wall is continuous and cross wall is available on only
one side and the storey height is 3.5m. The wall supports 2.65m wide slabs on both sides.
Loading on the slab is given as below:
i) Live load on floor slab = 2 kN/m2
ii) Live load on roof slab = 1.5 kN/m2
iii) Floor finish = 0.2 kN/m2
iv) Roof finish = 1.96 kN/m2

Assume the compressive strength of brick as 10N/mm2 and mortar type as

M1. Loading on slab:
Live load:
on floor slab = 2 kN/m2
on roof slab = 1.5 kN/m2
Dead load:
Floor finish = 0.2 kN/m2
Roof finish = 1.96 kN/m2
Self weight of slabs = 2 x 0.1 x 25 = 5
kN/m2 Load from slab = 10.66 kN/m2
For 2.65m length of
slab, Load from slab
= 10.66 x 2.658 = 28.36 kN/m
Self weight of
= 2 x 0.1 x 20 x 3.5 = 14 kN/m
masonry Total = 42.36 kN/m
σact /m = 42.36x103 = 0.4236 N/mm2
100x1000

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Permissible stress of masonry for M1 mortar and masonry unit of compressive
strength 10N/mm2 is taken from Table 8, IS 1905 – 1987.
Permissible stress = 0.96 N/mm2
Stress reduction factor, Area reduction factor, Shape modification factor are applied as
per Cl.5.4.
Stress reduction factor (Kst)
Slenderness ratio (Least of le/t & he/t)
From Table 4,
Effective height, he = 0.75 H = 0.75 x 3.5 = 2.625m [Both ends fixed]
Effective length, le = 1.5 L = 1.5 x 3.65 = 5.475m [One end fixed, other end free]
he/t = 2.625 / 0.1 = 26.25 < 27
Therefore, the stress reduction factor from Table 10 for λ = 26.25 and no eccentricity
condition is,
For 26  0.45 (e = 0)
For 27  0.43
For 26.25  0.3375 + 0.1075 = 0.445
Kst = 0.445

Area reduction factor (KA) [Cl.5.4.1.2, IS1905-1987]

A = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1m2 < 0.2 m2

KA = 0.7 + (1.5 x 0.1) = 0.85

Shape modification factor (Ksh) [Cl. 5.4.1.3, IS1905-1987]

Ksh for block of size 200 x 100 x 90 mm laid along 100mm side, from Table 10 for Height
to Width ratio of 90 x 100,
Height 90
Width = 100 = 0.9

For 0.75xo  1
For 1xo  1.1
For 0.9xo  1.06

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Ksh = 1.06

σper modified = Kst.KA.Ksh. σper

= 0.445 x 0.85 x 1.06 x 0.96 = 0.385
N/mm2 < σact /m [0.4236 N/mm2]
Hence the adopted thickness of 100mm with M1 mortar and masonry unit with
compressive strength 10N/mm2 is not safe in carrying the load from slab. The thickness
of wall is increased to 200mm.
Load from slab = 10.66 kN/m2
For 2.65m length of slab,
Load from slab = 10.66 x 2.658 = 28.36 kN/m
Self weight of masonry = 2 x 0.2 x 20 x 3.5 = 28 kN/m
Total = 56.36 kN/m
Loading on masonry wall = 56.36 kN/m

Actual stress σact = 56.36x1000 = 0.2818 N/mm2

200x1000
Permissible stress of masonry for M1 mortar and masonry unit of compressive
strength 10N/mm2 is taken from Table 8, IS 1905 – 1987.
Permissible stress σper = 0.96 N/mm2
Stress reduction factor, Area reduction factor, Shape modification factor are applied as
per Cl.5.4.
Stress reduction factor (Kst)
Slenderness ratio (Least of le/t & he/t)
From Table 4,
Effective height,
he = 0.75 H = 0.75 x 3.5 = 2.625m [Both ends fixed]
Effective length,
le = 1.5 L = 1.5 x 3.65 = 5.475m [One end fixed, other end free] he/t =
2.625 / 0.2 = 13.125 < 27
Therefore, the stress reduction factor from Table 10 for λ =
22.5 and no eccentricity condition is,

For 12  0.84 (e = 0) For

14  0.78

For 13.125  0.3675 + 0.439 = 0.806

Kst = 0.806

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Area reduction factor (KA) [Cl.5.4.1.2, IS1905-1987]

A = 0.2 x 1 = 0.2m2
KA = 1

Shape modification factor (Ksh) [Cl. 5.4.1.3, IS1905-1987]

Ksh for block of size 200 x 100 x 90 mm laid along 100mm side, from Table 10 for Height
to Width ratio of 90 x 100,
Height 90
= 0 Width
= 0.9 10
For 0.75xo  1
For 1xo  1.1
For 0.9xo  1.06
Ksh = 1.06
σper modified = Kst.KA.Ksh. σper
= 0.806 x 1 x 1.06 x 0.96 = 0.82

N/mm2 > σact /m [0.2818 N/mm2]

Hence the adopted thickness of 200mm with M1 mortar and masonry unit with

compressive strength 10N/mm2 is safe in carrying the load from slab.

4. Design the interior wall of a single storey building shown in figure. The height of the
ceiling is 3.5m and the load from slab including self weight is 30kN/m2.
Load from slab = 30 x 3.65 = 109.5 kN/m
Self weight of wall = 0.15 x 3.5 x 1 x 20 = 10.5 kN/m
Total = 120 kN/m

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 120x1000
Actual stress = = 0.8 N/mm2
150x1000
Permissible stress of masonry for M1 mortar and masonry unit of compressive
strength 10N/mm2 is taken from Table 8, IS 1905 – 1987.
Permissible stress σper = 0.96 N/mm2
Stress reduction factor, Area reduction factor, Shape modification factor are applied as
per Cl.5.4.
Stress reduction factor (Kst)
Slenderness ratio (Least of le/t & he/t)
From Table 4,
Effective height, he = 0.75 H = 0.75 x 3.5 = 2.625m [Both ends fixed]
Effective length, le = 1 L = 1.0 x 8.15 = 8.15m
he/t = 2.625 / 0.2 = 13.125 < 27
For the cross walls provided, stiffening coefficients are found from Table 6, IS1905 – 1987.
tp = 3tw [for cross walls] cl.4.6.3, IS1905-1987
Sp = 8.15m, [Sp  c/c spacing of pier/wall]
tw = 0.15m [tp  thickness of pier/wall]
tp = 3tw = 0.45m [tw  thickness of wall]
wp = 0.15m [wp  width of pier/wall] cl.4.5.3, IS1905-1987

tp 0.45 Sp 8.15
= = 3, = = 54.3
w
t p 0.15 t
w0.15 S p =3
p
From Table 6, for = 54.3,
wp tw
Se = 1
Thickness of wall = 1 x 0.2 =
0.2m [Considering stiffness]
λ = 2.625 / 0.2 = 17.5 < 27

Therefore, the stress reduction factor from Table 10 for λ = 17.5 and no eccentricity
condition is,
For 16  0.73 (e = 0) For
18  0.67
For 13.125  0.1825 + 0.5025 =
0.685 Kst = 0.685

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 Area reduction factor (KA) [Cl.5.4.1.2, IS1905-1987]

A = 0.15 x 1 = 0.15m2
KA = 0.7 + (1.5 x 0.15) = 0.925

Shape modification factor (Ksh) [Cl. 5.4.1.3, IS1905-1987]

Ksh for block of size 200 x 100 x 90 mm laid along 100mm side, from Table 10 for Height
to Width ratio of 90 x 100,
Height 90
Width = 100 = 0.9

For 0.75xo  1
For 1xo  1.1
For 0.9xo  1.06
Ksh = 1.06

σper modified = Kst.KA.Ksh. σper

= 0.685 x 0.925 x 1.06 x 0.96 = 0.647

N/mm2 < σact /m [0.8 N/mm2]

Hence the adopted M1 mortar and masonry unit with compressive strength 10N/mm2 is
not sufficient in carrying the load.
Increase the strength of brick unit and mortar as,
H1 mortar and masonry unit compressive strength 15N/mm2
σper = 1.31 N/mm2
σper modified = 0.88 N/mm2
Therefore, the interior wall of 150mm thickness is safe with H1 mortar and brick units of

compressive strength 15 N/mm2.

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5. Design a masonry wall of height 4m subjected to a load of 20kN/m. Use M1 mortar. The
wall is unstiffened[no need to find effective length] at the ends.
Assume a thickness of wall of 300mm
20x1000
Actual stress = = 0.066N/mm2
300x1000
σper = 0.96 N/mm2
He = 0.75 H = 0.75 x 4 =
3
3m λ = 0 .3 = 10

Kst = 0.89
For A = 0.3 x 1 = 0.3 m2, KA =
1 Ksh = 1.06
σper modified = 0.27 N/mm2 > σact [0.066 N/mm2]
Hence, safe.

6. Design the wall in the GF level for the loading condition as shown in figure.
Loading on brick wall:
Load from slab = 12 + 10 + 10 Weight of
= 32 kN/m
wall (self wt.) = 3 x 2 x 0.1 x 3 x 20 Total = 36 kN/m
= 68 kN/m
68x1000
2
Actual stress = 2x100x1000 = 0.34 N/mm
Use M1 mortar and brick of compressive
strength 10 N/mm2. σper = 0.96 N/mm2 [From Table 8,
IS1905 – 1987] (λ ≤ 6)
heff = 0.75 x h = 0.75 x 3 = 2.25m
te = 2/3(tw + tw) = 2/3(0.1 + 0.1) = 0.133m

λ = 2.25 = 2.25 = 16.875

te 0.133
From Table 8, IS1905 – 1987,
λ  16, 0.75
λ  18, 0.67
λ  16.875, (0.421875 + 0.293125 = 0.715) Area
of wall (each leaf) = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1m2 < 0.2 m2 KA
= 0.85
Ksh = 1.06

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σper (modified) = Kst x KA x Ksh x σper
= 0.704 x 0.85 x 1.06 x 1.96 = 0.61 N/mm2 > σact
Therefore, the cavity wall is safe with M1 mortar and masonry unit of compressive

strength 10N/mm2.

2. Design a cavity wall of overall thickness 250mm and thickness of each leaf 100mm
fora three storeyed building. The wall is
stiffened by intersecting walls 200mm
thick at 3600mm c/c. The ceiling height is
3m and the loading from roof is 16 kN/m.
The loading from each floor is 12.5kN/m.
Load from roof = 16kN/m
Load from floor = 12.5 + 12.5 kN/m
Wall load [3x0.2x20] = 36 kN/m
Total = 77 kN/m
77x103
2
Actual stress = σac = 200x1000 = 0.39 N/mm σper
:
Assume M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength 10
N/mm2. From Table 7, IS1905 – 1987,
σper = 0.96 N/mm2 (λ ≤ 6)
Effective height = heff = 0.75 x 3 = 2.25m
Effective length = leff = 0.8 l = 0.8 x 3600 = 2880mm =
2.88m Stiffening Coefficient:
Since cross wall is available along one leaf, Sc for
S
p 3.6 tp 3tw 0.3
w
p0.2 = 18, tw tw 0.1 3
From Table 8, IS1905 – 1987,
 15, 1.2
 20, 1
 18, 0.48 + 0.6 = 1.08
Effective thickness of cavity wall, te = 2/3 (1.08(0.1) + 0.1) = 0.139m
2.25
λ= 16.18
0.139
λ  16, 0.73

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λ  20, 0.67
λ  16.18, 0.664 + 0.0603 = 0.7243
Kst = 0.72
Area = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1m2 < 0.2
m2 KA = 0.85
Ksh = 1.06
σper (modified) = 0.62 N/mm2 > σact [0.39 N/mm2]

3. Design a masonry column to carry a load of 150kN. The height of the column
is 2000mm. The column is restrained against translation (hinged) only.
Assume a column of size 400 x 400mm.
Use M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength 10 N/mm2.
150x103
Actual stress = σ act = = 0.94 N/mm2
400x400
σper:
heff = h[Table 4, IS1905-
1987] λ = 2000/400 = 5 < 6
There is no need for Stress reduction factor (Kst =
1) From Table 7, σper = 0.96 N/mm2
Ast = 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.16m2 < 0.2m2
KA = 0.7 + (1.5 x 0.4 x 0.4) =
0.94 Ksh = 1.06
σper (modified) = 0.94 x 0.96 x 1 x 1.06 = 0.98 N/mm2.
σact < σper
Therefore, the masonry column of size 400 x 400mm with M1 mortar and brick unit of

compressive strength 10N/mm2 is safe to carry a load of 150kN.

Note: Boundary condition is assumed if not given.

4. Design an interior wall of a single storeyed workshop building of height 5.4m supporting
a RC roof. Assume roof load
as 45kN/m. The wall is
stiffened by piers at equal
intervals shown in figure.
Height = 5.4m, w = 45 kN/m

17
Since there is an increase in width at the pier, the actual stress is found for the wall length
of 3.6m (One bay).
C/s area of one bay = (3.6 x 0.2) + 4(0.1 x 0.1) = 0.76 m2
Loading per bay (for 3.6m length) = 45 x 3.6 = 162 kN
Load from brick wall = 0.76 x 5.4 x 20 = 82.08 kN
Total = 244.08 kN
244.08x103
Actual stress = σ act = = 0.321 N/mm2
0.76x106
σper:
heff = 0.75h = 4.05m [Table 4, IS1905-1987]
demise leff = 0.8l = 0.8 x 3.6 = 2.88m
λ = 2.88 < 6
There is no need for Stress reduction factor (Kst =
1) From Table 7, σper = 0.96 N/mm2
Ast = 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.16m2 < 0.2m2
KA = 0.7 + (1.5 x 0.4 x 0.4) =
0.94 Ksh = 1.06
σper (modified) = 0.94 x 0.96 x 1 x 1.06 = 0.98 N/mm2.
σact < σper
Therefore, the masonry column of size 400 x 400mm with M1 mortar and brick unit of
compressive strength 10N/mm2 is safe to carry a load of 150kN.
Stiffening coefficient,
t
Sp 3.6 p 0.4
= 18, 2
wp 0.2 tw 0.2
(tp  depth of pier
(0.4)) Sc = 1.04
teff = 1.04 x 0.2 = 0.208m
λ is the least of Heff and Leffλ
2.88
= 0 208 = 13.85

Kst = 0.785
0.76
Area reduction coefficient = 3.6 = 0.211 > 0.2
KA = 1 [Cl.5.4.1.2, IS1905 – 1987]
Ksh = 1.06

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σper (modified) = 0.785 x 0.96 x 1 x 1.06 = 0.79 N/mm2 > σact
Inference : Hence the brick wall is safe with M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength

10N/mm2.

5. Design a brick masonry column of height 3m, tied effectively, fixed at top and bottom.
The load from slab is 100kN, including self weight of the brick pillar.
Load from slab = 100kN
Self weight of brick pillar = 0.4 x 0.4 x 20 x 3 = 9.6kN
Total = 109.6 kN
Assume a column size of 400mm x 400mm.
109.6x103
Actual stress = = 0.685 N/mm2
400x400
Assume grade of mortar as M1 and compressive strength of
0.96N/mm2 heff = 0.75.H = 2.25m
2.25
λ= 0.4 = 5.625 < 6
There is no need of stress reduction
factor. Kst = 1
A = 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.16 m2 < 0.2m2
KA = 0.7 + (1.5 x 0.4 x 0.4) = 0.94
Ksh = 1.06 [Brick unit 200 x 100 x 90]
σper (modified) = 0.9565 N/mm2 > σact
Hence the brick wall is safe with M1 mortar and compressive strength of 10N/mm2.

6. Design an interior wall of a 3 storeyed building with ceiling

height of each storey as 3m. The wall is unstiffened and 3.6m
in length. Load from roof is 12kN/m and from each floor is
10kN/m. Select a cavity wall with overall thickness 250mm and
length between each leaf as 50mm.
h = 3m, l = 3.6m
Load from roof = 12 kN/m
Load from each floor = 10 + 10 kN/m
Self weight of wall = 3 x 2 x 0.1 x 3 x 20 = 36 kN/m
Total = 68 kN/m

19
Actual stress = 68x103 = 0.34 N/mm2
2x100x1000
Use M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength
10N/mm2, σper = 0.96 N/mm2
heff = 0.75 x 3 = 2.25m te
= 2/3(tw + tw) = 0.133m

λ=
2.25 =
16.875 te
From Table 8, IS1905 –
1987, Kst = 0.704
Area of wall = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1 m2 < 0.2
m2 KA = 0.85
Ksh = 1.06
σper (modified) = 0.704 x 0.85 x 1.06 x 0.96 = 0.61 N/mm2 > σact
Hence the brickwork is safe with M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength 10N/mm2.

MASONRY WALL SUBJECTED TO CONCENTRATED LOAD

σbr < σbr per
Load _ from _ beam P
where, σbr = Bearing _ area A ,
br

where, P  reaction from conc. load [Eg: From

Beam]
Abr  Bearing area
σbr per = 1.5 (σper ) [σper given in Table 8, IS1905-
1987]
When concentrated load is applied on a masonry
wall, the wall is checked for load bearing stress.
Permissible stress in bearing is taken as 50% more
than the value given in Table 7 of IS1905-1987.
The angle of dispersion below the concentrated load is 30 o on each
side. Therefore, the actual stress is,
σact = P / A,
where, A  Area for 1m run = L x t,
2H
L  Length of load dispersion = ,
tan 600

20
 H  Height of wall
For the wall to be safe in carrying the load, σact < σper

1) Design a solid wall of a mill building 3m height securely tied with roof and floor units.
The wall supports two beams on either side exerting reactions of 30kN and 20kN.
Thickness of wall is 230mm and the beam bears on the wall for 115mm (width of beam).
Neglect load due to self weight.
Abr = 230 x 115 = 26450 mm2
P (30 20)x103
σbr = A 26450 = 1.89 N/mm2 < σper in bearing
br

The values given in Table 8 are increased by 50% for σper in bearing.
Therefore, assume H1 grade of mortar and brick of compressive strength 15 N/mm 2.
σper = 1.31 N/mm2
σper br = 1.5 x 1.31 = 1.965 N/mm2
Check for compressive stress:
σact = P / A, A = L x t, where, L  Length of load dispersion

L= 2H = 2x3 = 3.464 m
tan 600 tan 600
A = 3.464 x 1000 x 230 = 796720 mm2
50x103
σact = = 0.063 N/mm2
796720
σper = 1.31 N/mm2
Kst = 0.89
KA = 1
Ksh = 1.06
σper modified = Kst x KA x Ksh x σper
= 0.89 x 1 x 1 x 1.31 = 1.1659 N/mm2 > σact [0.063 N/mm2]
The wall is safe in carrying a concentrated load with H1 mortar and brick of compressive

strength 15N/mm2.

2) Design the exterior wall of a workshop building 3.6m height carrying steel trusses at
4.5m spacing. The wall is securely tied at roof and floor levels. The wall is of thickness
200mm and the truss bears on the wall for 200mm and load from the truss is 30kN.
[Length is considered only for piers and cross

walls] Abr = 200 x 200 = 40000 mm2

21
 30x103
σbr = = 0.75 N/mm2 < σbr per  [1.5(σper) = 1.5 x 0.96 = 1.44 N/mm2]
40000
Assume M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength 10 N/mm2.
Check for compressive stress:
σac = P/A
2H
L = tan 600 = 4.157m
A = 4.157 x 103 x 200 = 956110mm2
30x103
σact = = 0.036 N/mm2
956110
Heff = 0.75 x 3.6 = 2.7m
Leff = 0.8 x 4.157 = 3.3256m

λ = 2.7x103 = 13.5
2300
A = 4.157 x 0.2 = 0.8314 m2 > 0.2 m2
KA = 1
Kst = 0.795
Ksh = 1.06
σper modified = 0.81 N/mm2

3) In the above problem, design the wall if piers are available below the truss and size of
pier is 200 x 400mm.
Here, we need to take the
length. If the truss fully rests on
pier, bearing area,
Abr = 80000 mm2
P = 30 x 103 N
30x103
σ
br =
200x400
σbr = 0.375N/mm2 < σbr per  [1.5(0.96) = 1.44 N/mm2]
Using M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength
10N/mm2, Check for compressive stress:
σac = P/A
2H
L= = 4.16m
0
tan 60
Heff = 0.75 x 3.6 = 2.7m

22
Leff = 0.8 x L = 0.8 x 4.5 = 3.6m
t e = Sc x t
Sp 4.5 22.5 , tp 0.4 2
Wp
0.2 tw 0.2
Sc = 1
te = 1 x 0.2 = 0.2m
2 .7
λ= 0 . 2= 13.5

A = L x t = 4.5 x 0.2 = 0.9 m2 > 0.2 m2

KA = 1
Kst = 0.795
30x103
σact = = 0.03N/mm2
4.5x0.2
σper modified = 1 x 1 x 0.795 x 1.06 x 0.96 = 0.8089 N/mm2
Hence the wall is safe with M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength 10N/mm2.

ECCENTRICALLY LOADED BRICK MASONRY

Eccentricity – Offset distance from CG of member to CG of load
Occurs in,
i) Exterior wall –Bearing not sufficient
ii) Flexible slab – Excessive deflection (timber)
iii) When span is very large, code recommends to take some amount of
eccentricity
P M
σact = < 1.25(σper modified),
A Z
where, M  P x e, Z  b.t2/6, b = 1m (wall)
Guidelines given in Appendix A
Eccentricity in loading occurs in loading on walls due to various reasons causing
reduction in stress. The cases where eccentricity needed to be assumed are given in
Appendix A of IS1905-1987.
1. For an exterior wall, when span of roof is more than 30 times the thickness of wall,
the eccentricity assumed is one sixth of the bearing width.
L > 30 tw
E = 1/6(tw)
2. When bearing is not sufficient, eccentricity assumed is tw/12

23
 3. When flexible floors are adopted, for full width bearing, eccentricity assumed is tw/6.
4. For interior walls, when there is unequal length of slabs on both sides and then the
difference between the loading is greater than 15%, moment is generated for
which, e=M/P.

Actual stress (σact) is the sum of direct compressive stress P/A and bending stress
M/Z. The permissible stress given in Table 8 can be increased by 25% and
modification factors applied on it.

1) Design an exterior wall of height 3.5m, which is unstiffened. The slab is light weight
flexible slab of length 3.5m. Assume the unit weight of slab as 15kN/m3 with thickness
0.2m.

Half of the load from the slab comes to

the wall and since the slab is flexible,
eccentricity considered as per Appendix
A of IS1905 – 1987.
Assume 200mm thick wall with M1 mortar
and brick of compressive strength of

10N/mm2.

Loading on wall:
Load from slab = 15 x 0.2 x 3.5/2 = 5.25 kN/m
Self weight of wall = 0.2 x 3.5 x 20 = 14 kN/m
Total = 19.25 kN/m
e = tw/6 = 33.33mm
M=Pxe
Moment due to eccentricity = 19.25 x 103 x 33.33 = 641.67 x 103

Nmm Z = bt2/6 = 1000 x 2002 / 6 = 6.67 x 106 mm3

24
M/Z = 0.096 N/mm2
P M 19.25x103
Total stress = A Z = 1000x200 + 0.096 = 0.192 N/mm2
σper :
Use M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength 10N/mm2,
σper = 0.96 N/mm2
Stress reduction factor (Kst)
Slenderness ratio (Least of le/t & he/t)
From Table 4,
he = 0.75 H = 0.75 x 3 = 2.25m [Both ends fixed]
he/t = 2.625 / 0.2 = 13.125 < 27
Therefore, the stress reduction factor from Table 10 for λ = 13.125 and no
eccentricity condition is,
For 12  0.78 (e = 0)
For 14  0..7
For 13.125  0.735
Kst = 0.735

Area reduction factor (KA) [Cl.5.4.1.2, IS1905-1987]

For thickness t = 0.2m, A = 0.2 m2
KA = 1
Shape modification factor (Ksh) [Cl. 5.4.1.3, IS1905-1987]
Ksh for block of size 200 x 100 x 90 mm laid along 100mm side, from Table 10 for Height
to Width ratio of 90 x 100,
Height 90
= 0 Width
= 0.9 10
For 0.75xo  1
For 1xo  1.1
For 0.9xo  1.06
Ksh = 1.06
σper modified = Kst.KA.Ksh. σper
= 0.735 x 1 x 1.06 x 1.25 x 0.96 = 0.935

N/mm2 σact [0.192N/mm2] < 1.25 σper [ 1.17N/mm2]

Note : For brick masonry columns laterally supported by beams,

25
 He = H
Only when the column is not laterally supported (laterally
unsupported), He = 2H

2) Design a masonry column tied effectively at top and bottom. Load from slab is
100kN. Assume size of column as 400 x 400mm
100x103 2
σact = = 0.625 N/mm
400x400
σper = 0.96 N/mm2
Heff = H = 2m
λ=5<6
Kst = 1 Ksh
= 1.06 KA
= 0.94
σper modified = 0.957
N/mm2 σact < σper

3) Design an interior wall of

a single storeyed building
supporting unequal
concrete roof slabs. The
plan is as shown in figure.
Assume triangular pressure
distribution and unit weight
of slab is 10kN/m3. The
height of the wall is 3.8m
and the wall is fixed to the
foundation block below.

Height = 3.8m
e = tw tw = 2tw = tw
6 6 6 3
P M
σact =
A Z
Loading from slab 1:

26
 (1/ 2)x3.6x1.8x10
= Area of triangle x Load intensity on slab = = 9 kN/m
3.6
Loading from slab 2:
(1/ 2)x(1.8 / 2)x3.6x10
= Area of rectangle x Load intensity on slab = = 4.5 kN/m
3.6
Self weight of brickwork = 0.2 x 3.8 x 20 = 15.2 kN/m
= 28.7 kN/m

Since the difference in loading is 100% [> 15%], there is an eccentricity in the loading.
The eccentricity in the loading as per Appendix A of IS1905-1987 is,

e = tw tw =2tw = tw
6 6 6 3
M  (Difference in load from slab x Eccentricity)

= (9 – 4.5) x 103 x 200/3 = 300 x 103 Nmm

P M b.t 2 1000x2002 6 3

σact = A Z , where Z = 6 = 6 = 6.67 x 10 mm

3
σact = 28.7x10 300x103 = 0.1885 N/mm2
1000x200 6.67x103
e = tw/3  e/tw = 1/3
λ is least of (He/te and Le/te)
Assume width of the cross wall as 200mm
te = t x Sc
Sp 3.8 = 19, tp 0.6 3
W t
p 0.2 w 0.2
Sc = 1.04
te = t x Sc = 1.04 x 0.2 = 0.208m
Heff = 0.75 x 3.8 = 2.85m
2850
λ= 208 = 13.7
Leff = 0.8 L = 0.8 x 3.60 =
2.88m λ = 13.8
λ  12 0.72
λ  14 0.66
λ  13.7 0..67
Kst = 0.67
A = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1m2 < 0.2m2

27
KA = 1 Ksh =
1.06

σper modified = 0.96 x 0.67 x 1 x 1.06 = 0.68 N/mm2

σact [0.1885 N/mm2] < 1.25(σper)  [0.851 N/mm2]

4) Design an exterior wall of height 4m, unstiffened and supports a flexible slab 150mm
thick with unit weight 12 kN/m3. The length of
the slab is 4m.
Load from slab = 2 x 0.15 x 12 = 3.6 kN/m
Self weight of wall = 0.2 x 4 x 20 = 16 kN/m
Total = 19.6 kN/m
e = tw/6 = 200/6 = 25mm
M = P x e = 19.6 x 103 x 25 = 6.53 x 105 Nmm
b.t2 1000x2002 6 3

Z= 6 = 6 = 6.67 x 10 mm
P M 2
σact = A Z = 0.098 + 0.097 = 0.195 N/mm
Heff = 0.75H = 3m
Assuming M1 mortar and brick of compressive strength 10 N/mm2,

λ = 3000 = 15
200
λ  14 0.7
λ  16 0.63
λ  15 0.35 + 0.315 = 0. 665
Kst = 0.665
A = 0.1 x 1 = 0.1m2 < 0.2m2
KA = 1
Ksh = 1.06
σper modified = 0.96 x 0.665 x 1 x 1.06 = 0.677 N/mm2

σact [0.195 N/mm2] < 1.25(σper)  [0.846 N/mm2]

28