What is the typical unit weight of brick masonry used by designers ?
- A24 kN/m³
- B20 kN/m³Correct
- C0·130 kN/m³
- D25 kN/m³
Solution
Concept
Unit weight of masonry
Step-by-step solution
1. Brick masonry weighs about 19 to 20 kN/m³ (IS 875 Part 1 gives about 18.8 to 20.4 depending on the brick class). 2. 20 kN/m³ is the typical design value.
Explanation
Designers adopt about 19–20 kN/m³ for brick masonry. Plain concrete is about 24 kN/m³ and reinforced concrete 25 kN/m³.
Why the other options are wrong
24 kN/m³ and 25 kN/m³ are the unit weights of plain and reinforced concrete. 0.130 kN/m³ is far too low.
Shortcut
Brick masonry 20, PCC 24, RCC 25 kN/m³.
Common mistake
Choosing the weight of concrete.
Correct answer: B) 20 kN/m³