Why are bricks soaked in water before using in brick masonary?a)for re...
Why are bricks soaked in water before using in brick masonry?
Before using bricks in brick masonry, it is a common practice to soak them in water. This process involves immersing the bricks in water for a specific duration of time. The main reason behind soaking bricks is to prevent the depletion of moisture from the mortar during construction. Let's understand the importance of this process in detail:
1. Prevention of Moisture Depletion:
Soaking bricks in water helps to prevent the depletion of moisture from the mortar. Bricks are porous in nature, and when they are dry, they tend to absorb moisture from the mortar. This rapid absorption of moisture from the mortar can result in weakened bond strength, shrinkage, and cracking. By soaking the bricks before use, they are already saturated with water, reducing their ability to absorb moisture from the mortar.
2. Improved Workability:
Soaking bricks also improves the workability of the mortar. When bricks are dry, they can quickly absorb water from the mortar, making it less workable and difficult to spread evenly. Wetting the bricks ensures that the mortar maintains its desired consistency, making it easier for the mason to work with and achieve a proper bond between the bricks.
3. Reduced Efflorescence:
Efflorescence is the white crystalline deposit that forms on the surface of bricks. It occurs when soluble salts present in the bricks react with moisture and are carried to the surface. Soaking the bricks before use helps to reduce efflorescence by saturating the bricks with water, preventing the salts from getting dissolved and transported to the surface.
4. Dust Removal:
Soaking the bricks also helps in removing dust and dirt that may have accumulated on their surface. This ensures a clean and debris-free surface, which promotes better adhesion between the mortar and the bricks.
In conclusion, soaking bricks in water before using them in brick masonry is done primarily to prevent the depletion of moisture from the mortar, improve workability, reduce efflorescence, and remove dust. This process ensures that the bricks are saturated with water and ready to form a strong and durable bond with the mortar, resulting in a reliable and long-lasting structure.