what are whythe and course bricks

A course is a layer of the same unit running horizontally in a wall. It can also be defined as a continuous row of any masonry unit such as bricks, concrete masonry units (CMU), stone, shingles, tiles, etc. If a course is the horizontal arrangement, then a wythe

is the vertical section of a wall.

Full Answer

What is a course of bricks?

A course of bricks is the number of bricks laid one length side by side, or two widths apart in order to complete a line. A 10-inch brick laid four inches deep is a 10-inch x 4-inch course. A 12-inch brick laid six inches deep is a 12-inch x 6-inch course. A 16-inch brick laid eight inches deep is a 16-inch x 8-inch course.

What is brick coursing and is it important?

Brick coursing is an integral component of the design and construction of brick or stone buildings, and is an important part of making the building aesthetically pleasing. The spacing between each course can vary, but will always be consistent within a single building.

Why is Midland Brick’s coursing chart so important?

This is where Midland Brick’s coursing chart is invaluable. You can easily see any combination from 1 to 100 courses with corresponding and accurate ceiling heights. And Midland Brick’s coursing chart covers their Standard, Maxi/Double Height and Utility bricks.

What is a wythe of brick?

A wythe of brick is a single vertical assembly of units. In this case, and typical with above grade exterior or even interior demising walls in Capitol Hill the wall is a double wythe. You can see a perfect cross-section of the bedding mortar and stretcher mortar between bricks.

What is a wythe of brick?

A wythe is a vertical section of a masonry wall that is one unit thick. Most older masonry structures are comprised of an outer wythe of brick (what we think of as the exterior façade of the building) and an interior wythe of brick (to which the drywall is attached).

What is a wythe in a chimney?

Wythe: In a masonry chimney, the wythe is a brick wall that partitions one flue from another inside the same chimney.

What is a two wythe wall?

A masonry wall composed of two walls with a space between them; the space may be filled with a material such as fiberglass to provide additional thermal insulation and sound insulation.

What does single wythe mean?

A wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness. A wythe may be independent of, or interlocked with, the adjoining wythe(s). A single wythe of brick that is not structural in nature is referred to as a masonry veneer.

What is a Rowlock brick course?

The rowlock or rolok is similar to the header course except that the brick are laid on narrow or face edge. This type of course is often used as the top course or cap of garden walls and as window and door sills (horizontal, short, narrow side laid on narrow edge).

Can a chimney have no flue?

Researchers noted that flue gases are acidic and attack mortar joints from the inside out. Without a flue liner, there is nothing to protect masonry from these acidic substances. That means unlined chimneys require more frequent repairs to prevent serious damage.

How thick is a wythe of brick?

Wythe, or withe, is a term for a vertical section of masonry that is one unit thick, meaning that it is constructed from a single line of masonry units. The units are usually bricks, made of clay or terracotta, or blocks, like those made of concrete.

How do you pronounce wythe masonry?

i.e. for multi-layer brick masonry. Oxford English Dictionary seems to think it's pronounced like “with”.

What is extruded brick?

Extruded bricks are often referred to as “bricks with holes”. These are manufactured with holes to ensure that they are evenly fired. The holes in extruded bricks also act as a method for decreasing the weight of the product, which can be beneficial for bricklayers when building with brick.

What is a single wythe CMU wall?

Single-wythe concrete masonry walls are cost competitive because they provide structural form as well as an attractive and durable architectural facade. However, because they do not have a continuous drainage cavity (as do cavity and veneered walls), they require special attention to moisture penetration.

What are the different types of masonry units?

Types of MasonryStone Masonry.Brick Masonry.Block Masonry.Veneer Masonry.Gabion Masonry.Composite Masonry.Reinforced Masonry.Bagged Concrete Masonry.

What is the standard size of a brick?

Standard Brick Sizes by CountryCountryStandard Brick Size in Inches (D x H x L)USA3 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 7 5/8UK4 x 2 1/2 x 8 1/2Australia3 x 4 1/3 x 9India4 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 9Jul 30, 2021

What is double brick?

Also to know, what is a double brick? Double brick construction Double brick refers to two bricks walls separated by a cavity that reduces thermal transmission and prevents moisture being transferred directly from the outside walls to the homes interior.

What is a wythe in masonry?

A wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness. A wythe may be independent of, or interlocked with, the adjoining wythe(s). A single wythe of brick that is not structural in nature is referred to as a veneer. Secondly, is Brick a good sound insulator?

What is a course in CMU?

A course is a layer of the same unit running horizontally in a wall. If a course is the horizontal arrangement, then a wythe is the vertical section of a wall. A standard 8-inch CMU block is exactly equal to three courses of brick, so that is it easy to build a brick-on-CMU wall.

How big is a course of bricks?

A course of bricks is the number of bricks laid one length side by side, or two widths apart in order to complete a line.

What is the thickness of a brick?

The thickness of a brick is the measurement from one side to the other of an individual brick. The thickness does not include the mortar used to hold the bricks together.

How do I measure the width of rows of bricks?

The width of a row is the number of bricks laid one length side to side, or two widths apart in order to complete a line.

What is the dimensions of a standard brick?

There are three dimensions that individual bricks can be specified by:

How do I measure a standard brick?

In conventional building, bricks are laid in mortar to produce a range of dimensions. The most common are described below:

What is the brick dimensions in MM

The standard brickwork coordinating size is 225 mm x 112.5 mm x 75 mm (length x depth x height).

What is the standard brick dimensions in inches

In conventional brick construction, standard bricks are laid in mortar to produce a range of dimensions. A typical brick measures 2-1/4 inches wide by 7-1/2 to 8 inches long.

Understanding Brick Size Nomenclature

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.

Brick Selection for Architects

Architects 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. That said, most architects will select bricks based on their color and bond pattern. The size of the brick is tied to the bond pattern and manufacturer specifics.

A Word About Mortar Joint Sizes

The predominant mortar joint width used in construction is 3/8". 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.

Calculating Brick Openings

When calculating brick openings, you count the courses (vertical) or brick lengths (horizontal) to get the Masonry Opening (M.O.). However, to get the actual opening you have to factor in the additional mortar joint that is missing from the standard nominal dimensions.

Brick Orientation

The diagrams below represent the orientations for bricks as they are laid in walls. The red face is the face that is exposed. Different orientations are combined to create brick bonds.

Brick Types and Specification Based on Application

Architects generally select bricks based on the type of application. Many factors go into the selection, including durability ( see Grades below ), load capacity, and appearance. The following table covers the major types of brick, their ASTM specification criteria, and the general usage applications.

Brick Grades

Brick grades indicate the durability of a brick when it is exposed to moisture and freezing. There are three factors that help determine brick durability: compressive strength, water absorption, and the saturation coefficient.

What is a wythe of brick?

A wythe may be independent of, or interlocked with, the adjoining wythe (s). A single wythe of brick that is not structural in nature is referred to as a masonry veneer . A standard 8-inch CMU block is exactly equal to three courses of brick. A bond (or bonding) pattern) is the arrangement of several courses of brickwork.

What is a course in masonry?

A course is a layer of the same unit running horizontally in a wall. It can also be defined as a continuous row of any masonry unit such as bricks, concrete masonry units (CMU), stone, shingles, tiles, etc.

What are the different types of courses?

Different patterns can be used in different parts of a building, some decorative and some structural; this depends on the bond patterns. Stretcher course (Stretching course): This is a course made up of a row of stretchers. This is the simplest arrangement of masonry units. If the wall is two wythes thick, one header is used ...

What is a string course?

String course (Belt course or Band course): A decorative horizontal row of masonry, narrower than the other courses, that extends across the façade of a structure or wraps around decorative elements like columns. Sill course: Stone masonry courses at the windowsill, projected out from the wall.

What is a header course?

If the wall is two wythes thick, one header is used to bind the two wythes together. Header course: This is a course made up of a row of headers. Bond course: This is a course of headers that bond the facing masonry to the backing masonry.

What is a brick course called?

SOLDIER COURSE. Bricks that are set with the narrow side exposed are called soldiers. Bricks laid vertically with its long narrow sides presented (Soldiers) in a row is called a soldier course. Usually used to add visual interest to a masonry structure.

What is mortar on a brick?

The act of placing mortar on one face of a masonry unit with a trowel before is laid. You will want to put as much mortar as possible on the end of the brick.

What is a bed joint?

The junction of two or more masonry pieces leaving a space between the bricks or concrete masonry units that are filled with mortar or grout. If the joint is parallel to the bed of masonry pieces in a course, it is termed as bed joint. If the joint is perpendicular, then the bed joints are termed vertical joints, side joints, head joints, ...

What is a stretcher course?

STRETCHER COURSE. A course of bricks or stones that lie with its longest side parallel to the face of the work. The course of brickwork in which all the bricks are laid as stretchers is known as stretcher course. In the example below it is a course of bricks four stretchers long.

What is a tie in masonry?

A masonry tie is a wire or sheet metal device used to connect two or more masonry single section brick walls. They are also used to connect masonry veneers to a structural backing system.

Why are beaded joints not recommended for exterior use?

These beaded joints create interesting shadows, but they are not recommended for exterior use because of their exposed ledges and the erosion over time leaves the joint weakened and untidy.

What is masonry made of?

Masonry that is composed of variable size rectangular units that have sawed, dressed, or squared bed surfaces, properly bonded and laid in mortar. These masonry units are precisely cut on all faces that are next to other masonry units and normally have very thin joints.

What is a brick beveled?

It is that portion of a brick in which the whole length of the brick is beveled for maintaining half width at one end and full width at the other.

What is a header in brick?

Header. It is a brick or stone which lies with its greatest length at right angles to the face of the work.. in case of stone masonry header is sometimes known as through stone. The course of brick work in which all the bricks are laid as headers is known as header course.

What is a joint in a course?

Joint. It is the junction of two or more bricks or stones. If the joint is parallel to the bed of bricks or stones in a course then it is termed as bed joint. The joint which are perpendicular to the bed joints are termed as vertical joints or side joints or simply joints.

What is a plinth?

Plinth. it is the horizontal course of stone or brick provided at the base of the wall above ground level. It indicates the height of the ground level above the natural ground level. It protects the building from dampness.