MASONRY
Materials and Methods
Masonry, an assembly of building units held together with mortar, is a class of construction that dates back to the beginning of recorded history. 4 of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, including the pyramids of Egypt, were masonry structures. The materials and methods used have not changed that much since then. Essentially masonry consists of setting individual building units in a bed of mortar, one after another. A variety of shapes, patterns, and sizes can be incorporated into a single homogeneous structure. Common building units include brick, stone, and concrete masonry units.
Mortar
Sand, lime, cement, water
Important properties
Strength
Workability
Compatibility
Cements – I, II, III
Mortar Types M, S, N, O
Grout
Aggregate grading is different from mortar
Used for filling cells of concrete units and other leveling uses
Masonry Joints
Struck
Weather
Flush
Raked
Stripped
Vee
Concave
Brick Manufacture
The process of making brick generally consists of the following steps: Gathering, crushing, grinding, screening, and mixing the raw materials; making the brick; and setting, drying, firing, packaging and inventorying the final product.
Molded – Dried – Burned in kilns
Methods
Extruded
Molded
“green” brick
Firing brick in kiln
dried brick
Brick Shapes & Sizes
6 surfaces
4 x 2 2/3 x 8 (nominal includes mortar joint)
3 5/8 x 2 ¼ x 7 5/8
Cored brick
Quality & Grades
Building brick
Face brick
Strength – durability – appearance
Severe weathering SW
Moderate weathering MW
Negligible weathering NW
Brick Bonds
re: p. 567-569
Brick Positions
Bricklaying
Efflorescence
Salts in brick or mortar that leach out due to penetrating water
Expansion Control
To relieve stresses
Located at offsets and intersections
Expansion/Control Joints
Masonry Accessories
Reinforcing
horizontal
vertical
Wall ties
Flashing
External – prevents water penetration at points where walls intersect flat surfaces (roofs)
Internal – built into & usually concealed in wall
Should be installed
Above grade in exterior walls
Under & behind window sills
Over lintels
Over spandrel beams
Projections or recesses from face of wall
Under parapet copings
Intersections of roof & wall
Roof projections
Around chimney & dormers