Brick Ledge

A brick ledge is a reinforced concrete bearing that is a widely used construction component.

 It can withstand up to 100 kg per square meter of weight and finished materials including bricks, stones, and resins.

The final material can be laid directly on the brick ledge or on another base piece.

In this article you’ll learn:

• Purpose of the brick ledge.
• Types of brick ledges.
• Merits and Demerits of the brick ledges.
• Lots more.

So, if you’re ready to go with it, this article is for you.

Let’s get started!

What is the Brick Ledge?

They are often built in one piece with the foundation parts; however, it can also be built independently if necessary.

ACI 318-14 section 11.9 develops the geometry and strengthening of the brick ledges (Special Provisions for Brackets and Corbels).

They are often built as part of the foundation of a home or structure. In this situation, the formwork is secured alongside the foundation part.

Following that, the appropriate reinforcement is added, and ultimately, the concrete is poured integrally with the structure’s base.

Purpose of Brick Ledge:

• The main purpose is to provide a space for moisture in the framed structure to rest without affecting or ruining the timber sections in the building’s frame.
• It is employed to prevent moisture from leaking into and ruining the timber frames.
• Brick legs have a variety of uses, including sustaining masonry loads and providing limited support for floor joists or short-span porch slabs.

Construction of Concrete Brick Ledge:

Excavation of a trench beside the foundation or concrete slab for the construction of a concrete brick ledges.

The standard trench depth and breadth are 15.24cm and 30.48cm, respectively.

Fill in the trench with grade and level it correctly.

Stakes placed in the ground every 1.22m along the exterior of the formwork are used to secure it and reinforce the sides.

Apply reinforcement in accordance with the design parameters.

Fill the brick ledge formwork with concrete.

To compress the poured concrete, hit the side of the concrete with a hammer. This would remove any air pockets and allow the gravel to settle.

Eliminate any extra concrete.

Using a concrete trowel, smooth the concrete.

Dry the concrete until it reaches the desired strength.

Design of Brick Ledge:

The brick ledge’s reinforcing ratios and proportions may be determined using ACI 318-14 section 11.9: Special Provisions for Brackets and Corbels.

Ledges of Brick Flashing:

Flashing is widely applied to avoid rainwater penetration into the building, which would otherwise have a negative impact on the structure.

If adequate flashing is not done, the structure will almost certainly require costly repairs in the future.

Advantages of Brick Ledge:

1. The mould provides for a nice and clean finish on the finished product.
2. Provides for lower expenses as compared to the ledge from scratch.
3. The moulds are changeable in the height.

Disadvantages of Brick Ledge:

1. Time-consuming process.
2. Skilled labour required.
3. Labour cost is high for the construction of concrete brick ledges.

Also read: Brick Masonry | Types of Bricks | Brick bonds

Conclusion:

In terms of building, this method of producing a brick ledge proves to be quite affordable and successful in the long run.

It is a structural element that is basically a reinforced concrete bearing.