How much does a brick masonry wall weigh?

Common burnt clay brick masonry weighs approximately 19.2 kN/m³ (Table 1), but varies slightly depending on the mortar used.

How should partition walls be loaded?

Fixed partition walls are calculated as dead loads based on their volume and unit weight. Movable partitions are typically accounted for as an additional imposed (live) load under IS 875 Part 2.

IS 875 Part 1

: 1987

Design Loads (Other than Earthquake) for Buildings and Structures - Dead Loads

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This code provides the unit weights of building materials, stored materials, and structural components. Structural engineers use it as the fundamental reference to calculate the permanent dead loads (self-weight) on buildings and structures during the initial design phase.

Specifies dead loads for structural design of buildings and structures, including weights of materials and components.

Quick Reference Values

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)25 kN/m³

Plain Cement Concrete (PCC)24 kN/m³

Structural Steel78.5 kN/m³

Brick Masonry (Common Burnt Clay)19.2 kN/m³

Cement (Ordinary Portland)14.1 kN/m³ (approx 1440 kg/m³)

Water9.81 kN/m³

Timber (Teak)6.5 to 8.7 kN/m³

Dry Sand15.4 to 16.0 kN/m³

Practical Notes

Always use 25 kN/m³ for RCC and 24 kN/m³ for PCC unless lightweight or heavy-weight aggregates are specifically utilized.

When calculating the dead load of floors and roofs, ensure you include the superimposed dead loads (SDL) like waterproofing, screed, floor finishes, and false ceilings based on these unit weights.

For industrial structures, the unit weight of stored bulk materials (like coal, grain, or cement) can vary significantly with moisture content and compaction. Check Table 2 carefully and consider the worst-case scenario.