Calculating the Self-Weight of Our Example Brick Wall:
We have:
- Length (L) = 5 meters
- Height (H) = 3 meters
- Thickness (T) = 0.23 meters (a common single brick wall)
The formula for the volume of a rectangular prism (like our wall) is:
V = L × H × T
V = 5m × 3m × 0.23m = 3.45 m³
So, our wall has a volume of 3.45 cubic meters.
2. Step 2: Assume a Unit Weight for Brick Masonry
The unit weight (weight per cubic meter) of brick masonry can vary, but a typical value for common clay bricks with mortar is around 19 kN/m³ (kilonewtons per cubic meter).
(Note: This is an assumed average. Actual unit weights can range from 18 kN/m³ to over 22 kN/m³ depending on brick type and density.)
3. Step 3: Calculate the Total Self-Weight
Self-Weight = Volume × Unit Weight
Self-Weight = 3.45 m³ × 19 kN/m³
Self-Weight = 65.55 kN
Self-Weight = 3.45 m³ × 19 kN/m³
Self-Weight = 65.55 kN
So, the estimated self-weight of this particular brick wall is 65.55 kilonewtons.
To put that into perspective, since 1 kN is approximately 100 kg of force (more accurately 101.97 kg), this wall weighs roughly 65.55 * 101.97 ≈ 6684 kg or 6.68 tonnes!