The avoidance of cracking in masonry construction of concrete or sand-lime bricks (1949)
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Whilst this publication can still be purchased some of the information in it has been superseded by more recent research and standards. The BRE Group does not accept any responsibility whatsoever for any loss or damage, including - without limitation - indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from use, or loss of use, of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this document.
With any brick or block construction a certain amount of cracking is almost sure to be caused by the shrinkage that takes place as the work dries out. When bricks that have a relatively high drying shrinkage are built, while moist, into a structure that restrains their movement, the cracking can be much more serious than that due to mortar shrinkage. This Digest describes precautions that can be taken. Keeping the bricks dry on site and using a relatively weak mortar will reduce the risk of cracks forming, and reinforcement can also be used to control shrinkage cracking. Applying render should wait until the wall has dried out.
Includes a list of the 24 Notes on the Repair of Damaged Buildings (RDB).
A revised edition of this Digest was published in 1957.