Masonry Magazine January 1979 Page. 1
masonry January/79
Concrete masonry
Concrete masonry is the use of modular units (concrete blocks) laid in courses and joined with mortar to create walls.
Advantages
* Availability
* Cost
* Fire resistance
* Sound insulation
* Ease of construction
Disadvantages
* Low tensile strength
* High water absorption
* Requires skilled labor
Types of concrete masonry units
* Solid units
* Hollow units
* Specialty units
Mortar
Mortar is a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water used to bond concrete masonry units together.
Types of mortar
* Type M
* Type S
* Type N
* Type O
* Type K
Reinforcement
Concrete masonry walls can be reinforced with steel reinforcing bars to increase their strength.
Types of reinforcement
* Vertical reinforcement
* Horizontal reinforcement
Construction
Concrete masonry walls are constructed by laying units in courses and joining them with mortar.
Steps
1. Prepare the foundation.
2. Lay the first course of units.
3. Apply mortar to the units.
4. Lay the next course of units.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the wall is complete.
6. Cure the mortar.
Quality control
Quality control is essential to ensure that concrete masonry walls are constructed properly.
Items
* Check the dimensions of the units.
* Check the mortar mix.
* Check the alignment of the walls.
* Check the plumbness of the walls.
Safety
Safety is essential when working with concrete masonry.
Precautions
* Wear safety glasses.
* Wear gloves.
* Wear a dust mask.
* Use proper lifting techniques.
]Brick masonry
Brick masonry is the use of modular units (bricks) laid in courses and joined with mortar to create walls.
## Advantages
* Aesthetics
* Durability
* Fire resistance
* Low maintenance
Disadvantages
* Cost
* Weight
* Requires skilled labor
## Types of bricks
* Common bricks
* Face bricks
* Paving bricks
* Fire bricks
Mortar
Mortar is a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water used to bond bricks together.
Types of mortar
* Type M
* Type S
* Type N
* Type O
* Type K
Reinforcement
Brick masonry walls can be reinforced with steel reinforcing bars to increase their strength.
Types of reinforcement
* Vertical reinforcement
* Horizontal reinforcement
Construction
Brick masonry walls are constructed by laying bricks in courses and joining them with mortar.
Steps
1. Prepare the foundation.
2. Lay the first course of bricks.
3. Apply mortar to the bricks.
4. Lay the next course of bricks.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the wall is complete.
6. Cure the mortar.
Quality control
Quality control is essential to ensure that brick masonry walls are constructed properly.
## Items
* Check the dimensions of the bricks.
* Check the mortar mix.
* Check the alignment of the walls.
* Check the plumbness of the walls.
Safety
Safety is essential when working with brick masonry.
Precautions
* Wear safety glasses.
* Wear gloves.
* Wear a dust mask.
* Use proper lifting techniques.