![masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro](http://www.sandiegofireplaces.com/images/slideshow2/fireplace-1.jpg)
![masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro](http://www.sandiegofireplaces.com/images/slider-1/slide-2.jpg)
There are three factors that help determine brick durability: compressive strength, water absorption, and the saturation coefficient. Structures for conveyance of sewage, storm water, and industrial wasteīrick grades indicate the durability of a brick when it is exposed to moisture and freezing.
![masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro](https://d2haqc5836ials.cloudfront.net/live/KB-00058/00058-fig4-11.jpg)
Glazed brick where the glaze is fused during firing of the main brick body Paving for pedestrian or very light vehicular traffic Structural and non-structural brick where appearance is importantīuilding or facing brick used with anchors (e.g. Structural and non-structural brick where appearance IS NOT important The red face is the face that is exposed.Įven though the bricks are laid in any of the six orientations below, brick walls are always dimensioned as if they are laid in the stretcher orientation. The diagrams below represent the orientations for bricks as they are laid in walls. Actual Opening Sizeįor more information on dimensioning and estimating brick, check out the Brick Industry Association Technical Notes 10, Dimensioning and Estimating Brick Masonry. Brick Openings: Nominal Masonry Opening vs. Note that the image below is for illustrative purposes and doesn't show a lintel (steel angle, precast, or other), which also must be factored into calculating the modular/rough opening. However, to get the actual opening you have to factor in the additional mortar joint that is missing from the standard nominal dimensions. When calculating brick openings, you count the courses (vertical) or brick lengths (horizontal) to get the Masonry Opening (M.O.). Brick Sizes: 3/8" Mortar Joint Between Bricks (Most Common) The mortar joint dimensions we call out are used for the Depth and Length dimensions. This is because the bricks are laid with mortar beds that vary to provide the common coursing dimensions listed. You will notice that the two different mortar sizes listed below both show the same vertical coursing dimensions. In fact, the International Building Codes reference TMS 602 Specification for Masonry Structures, which defaults to a 3/8" mortar joint so this should be the main starting point for architects and engineers, but always confirm the specified size of your selected brick. The predominant mortar joint width used in construction is 3/8". However, a 3/8" mortar joint is usually used, which we will cover below. The size of the mortar joint is usually of no concern to the aesthetic (it is hard to tell the difference between 3/8" and 1/2"), but it is important in detailing - selection of the mortar size will come after the brick is selected and the manufacturer provides the specified size. The size of the brick is tied to the bond pattern and manufacturer specifics. That said, most architects will select bricks based on their color and bond pattern. nominal Brick Selection for ArchitectsĪrchitects are mostly interested in the aesthetic appearance of the brick wall, but when it comes to detailing it is important to understand the sizes of bricks. Most bricks are manufactured so that the nominal sizes fit into a grid of 4", which coincides with the modules of other building materials such as doors, windows, and wood components.
Masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro plus#
Nominal brick dimensions are used in modular construction and are the specified size plus the width of the mortar joint. If you are interested in more information about tolerances, start with the Brick Industry Association Technical Notes 9A. The tolerances vary depending on the type and size of brick, but they are minimal and will usually not affect the architectural design. The actual dimensions of the brick are within certain tolerances of the specified size - tolerances are spelled out in ASTM C216, Standard Specification for Facing Brick and ASTM C652, Standard Specification for Hollow Brick. In non-modular construction, the specified size is the only size used as you'll see in the tables below - non-modular construction is uncommon.Īctual brick dimensions are the final measurements of the brick as it comes out of the manufacturing plant. Architects will include the specified size in their drawings and specifications.
![masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro masonry fireplace chief architect home designer pro](https://media.architecturaldigest.com/photos/60ec9ca5334c7ca48fce5daa/16:9/w_2560%2Cc_limit/AD%20Module%20Replacement%20Image%202.jpg)
Specified dimensions are the anticipated manufactured dimensions of a brick without taking the mortar joint size into account. Specified brick dimensions are the dimensions that architects use in designing a wall. There are three different ways of discussing sizes when it comes to brick and it is important to understand the different sizes so there isn't any confusion - we will start by discussing the different dimensions: specified, actual, and nominal.