What is the purpose of a brick bat in masonry?

A brick bat is specifically used in masonry to fill gaps in a wall. When bricks are cut down to smaller sizes, they are referred to as brick bats, and their primary application is to fit into spaces where full-sized bricks cannot be used. This ensures that the wall maintains a consistent appearance and structural integrity, as it allows for proper alignment and bonding of the bricks.

Using brick bats helps to avoid having large, unsightly gaps in the masonry, which can compromise the aesthetics as well as the strength of the wall. They also enable masons to work around obstacles or variations in the wall construction, making them a practical tool for maintaining the desired dimensions of a masonry project.

In the context of the other choices, reinforcing structural integrity is typically achieved with full-sized bricks and other supportive elements, while decorative elements may involve patterned or colored bricks rather than simply filling gaps. Additionally, measuring tools are distinctly different, used to ensure levels, alignments, and dimensions in the masonry work rather than serving a direct functional role in the wall structure itself.