Concrete - Masonry

Etech 1

Masonry is

the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by mortar

the common materials of masonry construction are (5)

1. brick

2. stone (granite, travertine, and limestone)

3. concrete block

4. glass block

5. tile

Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction. However,

the material used, the quality or mortar and workmanship, and the pattern i which the units are laid can strongly affect the durability of the overall masonry construction

4 masonry advantages

1. Thermal mass - the use of materials such as brick and stone can increase the thermal mass of a building, giving increased comfort in the heat of summer and cold of winter

2. fire resistant - fire resistance and heat resistance is very high

3. maintenance free - brick typically will not require painting, providing a surface with reduced life-cycle costs

4. appearance - masonry’s appearance can give an impression of solidity and permanence

5 masonry disadvantages

1. expensive

2. absorbs moisture

3. color deteriorates

4. requires a heavy foundation

5. requires skilled labor for installation 

Masonry Brick - Grade SW (severe weathering)

is used in areas of heavy rain, snow, or continual freezing

Grade MW (moderate weathering)

is used in areas of average rain or moderate freezing

Grade NW (no weathering)

is used in areas of minimal rain and no freezing, in sheltered or indoor locations

Face Brick

is brick that will be exposed to view; made with a controlled mixture of clay and shale

fire brick

is made with great resistance to high temperatures for use in fireplaces or similar

paving brick

is very hard and dense for use in pavements

adobe brick

is made from a mixture of clay and straw, placed in molds, and dried in the sun. requires protection from rain and moisture 

Mortar

a material composed of cement and a fine aggregate (sand) used to hold masonry units together. It must be compatible with the masonry units being used, the strength required of it, and the environmental conditions.
it is distinguished from ‘concrete’ by lack of large aggregates.distinguished from ‘concrete’ by lack of large aggregates

Grout

Similar to mortar, but is mixed to a pouring consistency and used to fill cavities or cores of masonry units

Efflorescence

• a white powdery crystallization on a masonry surface caused by soluble salts in the units or in the mortar

• when it appears it can be removed by washing with high pressure water, light sandblasting, or most commonly washing with a 5% solution of muriatic acid water

Joints

• are a critical part of a masonry wall.

• The mortar in the joints not only holds the entire wall together, it also prevents the infiltration of water and air

After the brick is laid, the joints must be

• tooled

• Tooling imparts a decorative effect on the wall, but more importantly, it makes the joint more watertight by compressing the mortar near the exposed surface.

A course is (define + name 6 types)

one continuous horizontal layer of masonry

• stretcher course (typical course style)

• header course

• bull stretcher course (decorative)

• bull header course (rowlock)

• soldier course (decorative)

• sailor course (decorative)