ABSTRACT
In good quality facework, the visible vertical joints in alternate courses should have the general appearance of rising vertically one above the other for the full height of the building without ‘wandering’. In fulfilling the design requirements, the brickwork team, which may include main and subcontractors, supervisors, bricklayers, drivers and labourers, is responsible for completing many operations requiring skill, knowledge, understanding, care and attention. The colours of sands and even Portland cements from different sources vary enough to affect mortar colours, and where colour consistency is required, these materials should always be obtained from the same source. Common efflorescence derives mainly from soluble salts that are contained in clay bricks and sands used for mortars but sometimes in other sources, including ground water. Designers can use ‘umbrella’ details which protect the brickwork from saturation.
