CT2605 - Construction Technology
Classwork Questions
1. Why Bricks has frog?
A fog is the depression or indentation on one side of brick which is normally 10-20
mm deep.
It serves multiple purpose: -
Reduces the weight of the bricks without decreasing its compressive strength
majorly.
Improve bond strength in masonry.
Acts as key for mortar to enhance stability.
2. Block don’t have frog?
Concrete blocks are larger and heavier than traditional bricks.
They depend on their shear mass and rough surface for bonding with mortar.
Bricks are made from clay which is moulded and then fired in kiln.
Concrete blocks are casted in mould and cured making it easier to produce
uniform smooth surface.
Blocks manufacturing and design already provide sufficient grip and keying.
Conclusion
Bricks have frogs to enhance bonding and reduce weight whereas concrete blocks
depend on their shapes surface texture and sometimes hollows to achieve similar
benefits.
3. What is Fly Ash Bricks?
Fly ash bricks are eco friendly building materials made by mixing fly ash (a
byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants) with cement or lime
and other binding agents.
These bricks are widely used as alternative to conventional clay bricks due to
their strength, uniform shape and environmental benefits.
Materials used in making of the fly ash bricks is:- Fly ash, Sand, Lime, Gypsum
and Cement.
It has higher strength than normal bricks
Less water absorption.
It is ecofriendly.
It is mostly uniform in shape and size.
It has better Thermal insulation.
Rangwala, S. C. (2012). Engineering Materials. Charotar Publishing House.
4. Defects in Brick Masonry
Kirtan Gajjar UCE23109
CT2605 - Construction Technology
1. Sulphate Attack
Occurs when bricks or mortar contain soluble sulphates, which expand
upon moisture absorption, causing cracks and disintegration.
Prevention: Use sulphate-resistant cement and prevent excessive
moisture exposure.
2. Efflorescence
White or greyish salts appear on the brick surface due to water
evaporation, leaving behind soluble salts.
Prevention: Use bricks with low salt content and ensure proper
drainage.
3. Cracks in Masonry
Causes:
o Thermal expansion/contraction.
o Differential settlement of foundation.
o Overloading.
Prevention: Proper expansion joints and uniform settlement control.
4. Improper Bonding
Weak joints due to improper overlapping of bricks.
Effect: Reduces structural integrity and leads to cracks.
Prevention: Follow standard bonding patterns like English bond or
Flemish bond.
5. Uneven Settlement
Occurs due to non-uniform soil compaction or excessive load
concentration.
Effect: Causes diagonal cracks.
Prevention: Proper soil investigation and uniform load distribution.
6. Poor Workmanship
Defects:
o Uneven mortar thickness.
o Inadequate curing.
o Poor alignment.
Prevention: Skilled labour and quality control measures.
Punima, B.C., Jain, A.K., & Jain, A.K. (2005). Building Construction. Laxmi
Publications.
Kirtan Gajjar UCE23109
CT2605 - Construction Technology
5. What is AAC Block? Composition and materials used in AAC Blocks?
AAC stands for Autoclaved Aerated concrete. AAC blocks are lightweight, precast and
foam concrete blocks used as an alternative to traditional clay bricks. They are known
for their high thermal insulation, soundproofing and fire resistance.
Composition and materials used in AAC Blocks
AAC blocks are made from a mixture of cementitious and aerated materials.
Cement: - Provides strength and binding properties.
Fly Ash: - Acts as a filler and improves workability
Lime: - Enhances aeration and binding of materials.
Gypsum: - Helps in maintaining setting time of mixture.
Water: - Helps in hydration process of cement.
Manufacturing Process of AAC Blocks
Following is sequence is followed in making of AAC Blocks
Mixing and Slurry preparation.
Casting and expansion.
Cutting into blocks (as per required sizes)
Autoclaving (steam curing)
Final Finishing.
Shetty, M.S. (2018). Concrete Technology: Theory and Practice. S. Chand Publishing.
Kirtan Gajjar UCE23109
