Water penetration in brick masonry: Impact of brick type and workmanship

This study investigates the impact of brick types and workmanship on water penetration in brick masonry veneer walls. Masonry specimens, built by two masons using solid and perforated bricks with two different laying methods, were subjected to an average water spray rate of 28 l/m²·h. Results indicate that, on average, the water penetration rate was approximately twice as high in solid bricks as in perforated bricks. The workmanship could significantly influence the penetration rate in solid bricks, with rates varying up to eightfold depending on the mason's skill and technique. However, workmanship variations had negligible effects on penetration rates for perforated bricks. These findings emphasize the significance of workmanship, particularly in the case of solid bricks, in ensuring the hygrothermal performance and durability of masonry walls.