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  3. ईंट भराई (Brick Infill)
Title

ईंट भराई (Brick Infill)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Īnṭ bharāī

Brick Infill

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionईंट भरण (Eint Bharan), or brick infill, denotes the non-load-bearing application of *ishtika* (bricks) within a structural framework, prevalent across the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally sourced from alluvial clay deposits, particularly in regions like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab, the bricks exhibit a chemical composition dominated by silica, alumina, and iron oxides. Processing involves molding, drying, and firing, with variations influencing final properties. Compressive strength ranges from 7-14 MPa, density from 1600-1900 kg/m³, and water absorption from 15-25% [2]. Historically, dynasties like the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal extensively employed *chinai bharan* (masonry infill) in monumental architecture. Conservation necessitates careful assessment of brick condition, mortar composition, and structural integrity. Traditional *brick hammers* [1] were used for shaping. Restoration often involves replacing deteriorated bricks with compatible materials, prioritizing breathability and minimizing salt accumulation to preserve heritage structures. Thermal conductivity is 0.6-0.8 W/m·K.
Also Known As
Brick Infill
Īnṭ bharāī
Brick Infill
Brick Filling
Infill Brickwork
ईंट का भराव
ईंटों से भराई
चिनाई भरण
इष्टिका भरणम् (Sanskrit)
செங்கல் நிரப்பு (Tamil)
ఇటుక నింపడం (Telugu)
ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ತುಂಬುವುದು (Kannada)
ഇഷ്ടിക നിറയ്ക്കൽ (Malayalam)
விட்டம் நிரப்பு (Sinhala)
ইটা ভরাট (Bengali)
ઈંટ ભરવું (Gujarati)
विटा भरणे (Marathi)
ਇੱਟ ਭਰਨਾ (Punjabi)
ଇଟା ଭର୍ତ୍ତି କରିବା (Odia)
Tags
Brick
Infill
Clay Brick
Masonry
Wall
Non-Load Bearing
Material ID
INHFMAT-244434009-20-11-25-EI
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/brick-infill
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/brick-infill
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Brick
Masonry

Regions

Regions
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal
Punjab

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Early Modern
Modern
Dynasties
Maurya Dynasty
Gupta Dynasty
Mughal Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Local Brick Kilns (Uttar Pradesh)
Local Brick Kilns (West Bengal)

Properties

Properties
Compressive Strength: 7-14 MPa
Density: 1600-1900 kg/m³
Water Absorption: 15-25%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.6-0.8 W/m·K

Common Uses

Uses
Non-load-bearing infill walls in framed structures
Partition walls in framed structures
Interior wall construction and repair in heritage buildings

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Cement Mortar

Related Styles

Styles
Indo-Islamic Architecture
Colonial Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Residential Buildings
Religious Buildings
Fortifications

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to salt attack
  • Requires breathable mortars for repair
  • Potential for efflorescence
  • Vulnerable to moisture damage
  • Assess mortar compatibility before intervention

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
IS 1077Indian StandardSpecification for Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Sri Durga Temple Rockbank
Primary
Walls100%

Frequently Asked Questions