Masonry has been an integral part of Indian architecture for centuries, especially in the construction of temples, monuments, and residential or public buildings. Various kinds of masonry techniques and materials have been used depending on the availability of resources, climatic conditions, and cultural preferences. The following sections explore the different types of masonry used in India, along with specific examples and their significance in the Indian context.

In masonry design, building materials are broadly classified into two categories:

• Primary building materials are the core elements that form the main structure, providing strength and stability. These include bricks, stones, and mortar, which bind the masonry units together. These materials are essential for load-bearing and serve as the foundation of any masonry structure.
• Secondary materials support, enhance, or finish the masonry work. While they don't typically bear loads, they are crucial for performance and aesthetics. These include reinforcing steel (for tensile strength), insulation (for thermal and sound protection), cladding (for visual appeal), and waterproofing materials (to protect against moisture).

In this blog, we’ll explore the classification based on the type of building material used in Indian construction:

1. Brick Masonry
2. Stone Masonry
3. Gabion Masonry
4. Block Masonry
5. Composite Masonry
6. Veneer Masonry

Types of Building Materials

1. Brick Masonry

Brick masonry is one of the most widely used forms of construction in India, both in traditional and modern structures. It involves the use of bricks as the primary building material.

Brick masonry is categorized in following categories : 

a. Common Burnt Clay Bricks

Common burnt clay bricks are made by baking clay in a brick kiln. These bricks are red in color and are widely used for constructing walls and foundations.

Example: The Girls' Hostel Block at the St. Andrews Institute of Technology and Management in Gurugram is built using common red bricks in the right way, which helps achieve this building as an example of zero-energy design.

b. Fly Ash Bricks

Fly ash bricks are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional clay bricks. These bricks are made by combining fly ash (which is a byproduct of the coal industry) with lime and water. They have low thermal conductivity and are stronger than common burnt clay bricks.

Example: In modern construction projects, particularly in developing regions of our country or in government contracts, it is mandatory to use fly ash bricks. Fly ash bricks, made from industrial by-products, hence provide a sustainable alternative that not only helps conserve resources but also enhances the durability and thermal efficiency of buildings.

c. Sand Lime Bricks

These bricks are made by combining sand with lime and water, then pressing the mixture into shape and curing it with steam under high pressure. They are used in high-strength masonry works.

Example: In regions like Jaisalmer, where the extreme heat and temperature fluctuations of the desert are a constant challenge, sand-lime bricks are increasingly used in construction to provide resilience and durability. At the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School in Jaisalmer, sand-lime bricks are used not only to enhance the building’s ability to withstand the intense heat but also to improve its thermal insulation.

d. Mud Masonry

Mud masonry is made by mixing earth with water to create a mud mixture, which is then poured into molds to form bricks, and these bricks are then dried in the open air, often with the addition of fibrous materials like straw to prevent cracking. These mud bricks are then joined together using a mud mortar to build walls and structures. 

Example: Gurukuls in India today are being built using mud masonry, with live examples in Mayapur, West Bengal. The thick mud brick walls help maintain a comfortable temperature inside, naturally regulating heat. Inspired by this approach, young and educated people like Reva and Ranjan (popularly known for their mud house in Bangalore) are also constructing their homes with mud bricks, allowing them to live without relying on electricity.

e. Reinforced Brick Masonry

Reinforced brick masonry is a construction method that combines traditional brick masonry with steel reinforcement, such as bars or mesh, to make the structure stronger. This masonry improves the brickwork's ability to withstand the forces generated by earthquakes, reducing the risk of structural failure during seismic events.

Example: In regions, where seismic activity is a concern, reinforced brick masonry is often used in the construction of multi-story buildings to ensure structural stability. This technique is often used in buildings located in areas with high earthquake risk, specifically in regions classified under Zone IV or Zone V of seismic zones, which are more prone to seismic activity.

Overview of Different Types of Brick Masonry:

2. Stone Masonry

Stone masonry has been used in India for centuries, particularly in the construction of temples, forts, and monuments. It involves using different types of stones as the primary building material.

a. Rubble Masonry

Rubble Masonry is a type of stone masonry where the stones used are generally irregularly shaped and roughly dressed, giving the structure a more rustic and unpolished appearance. It is one of the oldest and simplest forms of masonry construction. The stones are typically laid in mortar to bind them together, but the stones themselves don't have to be cut with great precision, as in ashlar masonry.

Example: The Tughlaqabad Fort in Delhi is a prime example of rubble masonry. This historic fort, built in the 14th century, utilizes rubble stone construction for its walls and defensive structures. The irregularly shaped stones were laid without precise shaping, which helped provide strength and durability. 

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Rubble masonry is categorized in following categories :

• Uncoursed Random Rubble: This is the simplest form of rubble masonry where stones of various sizes and shapes are laid without any specific order or uniformity. The stones are randomly placed in the mortar with no regular courses (horizontal layers). The stones may be roughly hewn but not shaped to fit precisely.

• Coursed Random Rubble: In coursed rubble masonry, stones are roughly shaped and laid in horizontal courses or layers, making the construction more uniform. While the stones may not be perfectly rectangular or smooth, they are at least worked to fit into specific rows or layers, resulting in a more organized appearance.

• Polygonal Rubble : Polygonal rubble masonry uses stones that are cut into polygonal shapes (usually irregular but somewhat uniform in form), which are then fitted together in a pattern that minimizes gaps between the stones. The goal is to create a stable structure with minimal mortar, relying on the precise placement of the stones.

• Dry Rubble : Dry rubble masonry is a type of construction where stones are laid without mortar or any bonding agent. The stones are placed in a way that they interlock and support each other purely through their weight and the way they are shaped. This technique is typically used where mortar is unnecessary or unavailable.

b. Ashlar Masonry

Ashlar masonry consists of stones that are hewn or cut to precise dimensions, often rectangular or square, and laid with clean, sharp joints. This masonry type offers an even, smooth surface and is commonly used for high-quality architectural structures.

Example: Ashlar masonry is used in prestigious buildings (Rashtrapati Bhavan), monuments, and structures such as palaces, temples, bridges, and retaining walls. It’s commonly seen in heritage and classical architecture where both strength and aesthetics are critical.

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Ashlar masonry is categorized in following categories :

• Fine Ashlar Masonry: This type involves stones that are finely dressed to a high degree of accuracy. The joints between the stones are very thin and the surface is smooth and polished. Fine ashlar masonry gives a neat and elegant appearance.

• Block in Course Ashlar Masonry: In this style, stones are cut to rectangular shapes and laid in regular courses (horizontal layers). The stones are larger than in fine ashlar, but the structure still has a clean, uniform appearance.

• Chamfered Ashlar Masonry: Chamfered ashlar masonry features stones with beveled edges, often at a 45-degree angle. This gives the structure a more ornamental look. Chamfering can be done on the corners or edges of the stones.

• Rough Tooled Ashlar Masonry: In rough toled ashlar masonry, stones are roughly cut with a tool to give them a more textured, less refined finish compared to fine ashlar. The joints are still relatively tight, but the stone surface may have a more natural or rugged look.

• Rock or Quarry-Faced Ashlar Masonry: This type of masonry involves stones that retain their natural, rough faces directly from the quarry. The stones may be dressed only on the back and sides, while the front remains in its original, irregular form.

Overview of Different Types of Stone Masonry:

3. Gabion Masonry

Gabion masonry involves the use of wire mesh baskets filled with stones. It is a flexible, yet stable form of masonry.

Example: Gabion masonry is commonly used in the construction of dams, retaining walls along roadways (particularly in hilly regions), and other structural elements. This type of masonry is especially effective in areas prone to erosion or landslides, as the wire mesh cages filled with stones provide strong, flexible support. Gabion walls are highly beneficial in water-related projects, where they can withstand the forces of flowing water while preventing soil erosion, making them an ideal solution for stabilizing slopes and shorelines.

4. Block Masonry (Concrete)

Block masonry uses large blocks of concrete or AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) for constructing walls.These blocks are made from concrete and are used in modern construction for their strength and ease of handling.

Example: Block masonry is widely used in the construction of load-bearing walls, foundations, and partitions in residential and commercial buildings. This type of masonry is particularly effective in projects requiring durability and thermal insulation, as the solid or hollow concrete blocks offer strength and energy efficiency. Block masonry is highly advantageous in urban construction, where it can support heavy loads while providing soundproofing, making it an ideal choice for multi-story structures and noise-sensitive areas.

Block masonry is categorized in following categories :

• Solid Block Masonry : Solid blocks are dense, heavy, and used in load-bearing structures.

• Hollow Block Masonry : Hollow blocks have voids within them, reducing weight and improving insulation properties.

• AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) Blocks : AAC blocks are lightweight and offer excellent thermal insulation properties.

5. Composite Masonry

Composite masonry combines different materials, often using one type of stone for the outer layers and another for the inner core. This is done to enhance both structural strength and aesthetic appeal. It is mainly used in facade work, either in the glazing part or the front portion of buildings.

Example: In most government buildings, like the CCS Buildings in the Central Vista Project, sandstone is used for the aesthetic part and RCC and brickwork for the structural part.

6. Veneer Masonry

Veneer masonry uses a thin outer layer of high-quality stone or brick, attached to a base of lower-cost material.

Example: The Lotus Temple is a prime example of veneer masonry, where a thin layer of marble veneer is used for its decorative and aesthetic effect while the main structure relies on concrete and steel for support. 

Conclusion

Masonry has played a significant role in Indian architecture, with each type serving a specific purpose based on the materials available, the climate, and the intended use of the structure. From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, the choice of masonry reflects the historical, cultural, and technological advances in Indian construction. Each type of masonry brings with it unique advantages, ensuring that buildings remain durable, functional, and visually appealing for generations.

For a detailed breakdown of rates, refer to Stone Masonry Estimation and Rate Analysis.

Top 5 FAQs

1. What is the most commonly used type of masonry in India?
Brick masonry is the most commonly used due to the widespread availability of clay bricks, affordability, and ease of construction.‍

‍2. Which masonry type is best for earthquake-prone areas in India?
Reinforced brick masonry or concrete block masonry with proper structural design is preferred in seismic zones for added strength and flexibility.‍

3. How is stone masonry different from brick masonry?
Stone masonry uses natural stones and is more durable and aesthetic but expensive, while brick masonry uses manufactured bricks and is more economical and widely used.

4. Are fly ash bricks better than traditional clay bricks?
Yes, fly ash bricks are eco-friendly, lighter, and have better uniformity and strength compared to traditional clay bricks.

5. Can different types of masonry be used in a single building?
Yes, composite masonry combines materials like brick and stone to achieve both functional and aesthetic benefits in one structure.‍