MS For Blockwork - 01
MS For Blockwork - 01
MS For Blockwork - 01
SS1-CSC-ST-MS-GN-xxx
REVISION NO. 0
DATE: 09-12-2015
Blockwork
Revision Records
REVISION RECORD
09-12-2015
DTM TM SPM
Contents
5.9 Lintels............................................................................................................................................... 18
5.9.1 Concrete lintels ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.10 Steel lintels ...................................................................................................................................... 19
5.10.1 Option for large spans and 300mm walls ................................................................................ 20
5.10.2 Table for Solid Block Lintels: .................................................................................................... 20
5.10.3 Table for AAC Block Lintels ...................................................................................................... 21
5.10.4 Table for Hollow Block Lintels ................................................................................................. 21
5.10.5 Steel lintels capacity table ....................................................................................................... 22
5.11 Construction of Openings ................................................................................................................ 23
5.12 MEP Openings ................................................................................................................................. 23
5.13 Provisions for installation of wall mounted sanitary ware (hanging wash basins) ......................... 23
5.14 Pointing and raking .......................................................................................................................... 24
5.15 Tolerances ....................................................................................................................................... 24
5.16 Curing............................................................................................................................................... 24
5.17 Adjustments and cleaning ............................................................................................................... 25
6 RESOURCES .............................................................................................................................................. 25
6.1 Plant and Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 25
6.2 Manpower ....................................................................................................................................... 25
7 QUALITY ASSURANCE .............................................................................................................................. 26
8 HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................................................................................... 28
8.1 Emergency arrangements ............................................................................................................... 28
8.2 Hazards faced when carrying the works.......................................................................................... 28
9 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................. 29
9.1 Organizational responsibilities ........................................................................................................ 29
9.1.1 The Project Manager ............................................................................................................... 29
9.1.2 The Construction Manager ...................................................................................................... 29
9.1.3 The QA/QC Engineer................................................................................................................ 29
9.1.4 The Site Engineer & Foreman .................................................................................................. 29
9.1.5 The Safety Officer .................................................................................................................... 30
9.2 Distribution ...................................................................................................................................... 30
9.3 Statement of intent ......................................................................................................................... 30
Preface
The purpose of this method statement is to establish, monitor and control all activities relating to
the installation of BLOCKWORK, including inspection, sampling and testing to be conducted, in
accordance to the requirements prescribed in the drawings and project specifications.
CSCEC present this method statement for review and to notify those who involved in the
construction to attain the consistency of work towards the common objectives.
This Method statement is a controlled document and only the current revision number is valid and
authorized.
All necessary parties involved in the execution of this method will be competent and authorized for
their respective roles and will be fully conversant with the contents of this document.
Signed
Hasanain F. Hasan
This document details the methods, quality and safety controls to be implemented in carrying out
blockwork installation, including inspection, sampling and testing to be conducted within the scope
of CSCEC on the Viceroy Dubai, Jumeirah Village project.
2.1 Definitions
2.2 Abbreviations
ITP - INSPECTION & TEST PLAN means the document which contains sequence of activities in a
process, highlights the applicable Quality Documents, and inspection criticalities.
PAR - PREVENTIVE ACTION REQUEST means to eliminate the causes of a potential non-
conformity or other potentially undesirable situation
CAR - CORRECTIVE ACTION means to eliminate the causes of a detected non-conformity or other
undesirable situation.
QUALITY DOCUMENTS means drawings specification, procedure, record formats, codes and
standards specified in the documents issued by the Contractor/Company to the Sub-contractor.
SITE means the place, designated by Client for further development, where the construction
activities shall be carried out by Sub-contractor.
3 REFERENCES
3.2 Drawings
3.3 Documents
Approval of location and setting out must be obtained from the Engineer prior to
proceeding with the works.
Material submittals
shop drawings (setting out, details, coordination)
Method statement
4 Materials
The following list of material will be required within the scope of this method statement:
4.1 Blocks
4.2 Mortar
For solid, hollow and insulated concrete block, standard sand cement based mortar will be
used in accordance to project specifications with an average thickness of 10 mm (3-13
mm).
Mortar to be mixed as specified and submitted for Engineers approval prior to start
site works: 1 Part Portland cement to 3 parts of sand by Volume to produce mortar
of mean compressive strength at 28 days conforming to BS 5628: Part 1:1992.
For Pointing mortar, suitable for joints of 5mm and smaller width, mixture shall incorporate
aggregate to meet specified requirements but not less than 95% passing a 1.18 mm sieve.
Cement Grout (filled cells of concrete units – if applicable) composed of one part of
Portland cement and three parts sand with water.
For the construction of AAC walls an approved thin bed adhesive shall be used. Standard
thickness of the thin bed adhesive is 3mm to 6mm.
Mortar shall be mixed to the approved mixture by using a mechanical mixer in a clean
container. Ingredients shall be measured properly in clean gauge boxed.
Mortar mixture shall be approved prior to the commencement of works.
A damp proof course shall be installed between the slab and the first course of blocks to all
walls at ground floor level, and walls surrounding wet areas above (toilets, bathrooms,
kitchens).
The damp proof course shall match the wall width so it will be visible from both sides of
the wall.
Note: All materials must be approved by the Engineer prior to commencement of works on site.
5 PROCEDURES
The following detailed procedures will be followed for the installation of blockwork.
All formwork and back propping in the designated area must be removed.
Clean the concrete surface prior to survey markings and lay-out.
Put markings on the concrete surface and lay out the block at the correct and final location
as per approved the approved shop drawings.
All line markings on the slabs to be according the points provided by the surveyor.
Set out wall locations, door and window openings and location of stiffeners and nibs as per
approved shop drawings.
Set out location of coordinated MEP provisions in the block wall as per approved MEP
coordination shop drawings and builder’s work.
A single layer of block (one course) should be completed for Engineer’s inspection and
approval prior to proceeding with the work.
Samples along with required test certificates must be approved by the Engineer before the
commencement of work.
Copies of material test certificates shall be kept on site as record of every material delivery.
All blocks will be transported to the site by trucks, unloaded in the designated area and
from there transported on plates as required.
Mobile crane or other suitable equipment must be used for hoisting or transporting to
lading platforms or exact work location.
All materials will be stored in a manner to avoid exposure to weather and on elevated
platform free from direct contact with the ground.
Cement will be delivered by trucks and stored in a dry place, placed on a raised wooden
plate and covered by plastic sheet. It must be kept in shaded areas and easily accessible to
ensure the continuous progress of work.
Rebar steel to be kept in a dry place to prevent rusting.
The first course of all type of blocks shall be laid in a thick bed, standard sand cement based
mortar that will serve as levelling pad.
Procedure:
Damp proof course shall be applied first below all walls at the ground floor and all walls
surrounding wet areas above (bathroom, toilet and kitchen walls).
Dampen the area along the designated location before proceeding with the first course.
Lay a block at each end of the wall levelled by mortar. Attach a string to each of the two
blocks as a guide for the entire wall.
Lay the thick bed mortar and the first course of blocks between the guideline blocks.
Fix block wall accessories as per specifications and engineer’s approval.
Call for inspection for verification of the setting out and continue with the wall once
approved. Carry out block laying ensuring proper alignment along the guide line. Make sure
that block alignment is within the tolerance both horizontally and vertically.
Mortar to be used within thirty minutes of mixing, hardened concrete shall not be used in
work and shall be removed immediately from the site.
Care shall be taken at this stage to ensure the blocks are plumb and level so further
construction up to ceiling height will be fast and accurate.
Blocks shall lay in half bond configuration and overlap of joints shall be 200 mm minimum.
Blocks shall be laid as close to their final alignment as possible and use a rubber hammer to
level and align the blocks.
Uniform mortar joint shall be kept along horizontal and vertical joints:
Standard thickness mortar bed for concrete blocks 10 mm average thickness (8mm
to 15mm),
Thin bed adhesive 3 mm to 6mm for AAC blocks.
As per drawing number S/0104, accessories should be fixed first two courses and
then every second course of block above.
Block cutting shall be made by using appropriate cutting machine. The cut must be straight
and clean. Use chipped and blemished units only where concealed. Do not use defective or
broken units.
The joint between internal block wall and slab soffit shall be finished with a neat flush joint
with appropriate clearance between the slab soffit and the blockwork.
15 to 22 mm uniform clearance between the end course of block wall and the structural
slab soffit shall be provided to accommodate the deflection of the structure above it.
The gap will be filled with semi rigid mineral wool or sponge strip and terminated with
appropriate compressible sealant 2h fire rating in fire rated walls, while it will be filled with
appropriate non fire rated compressible sealant in the other walls.
An inspection request shall be submitted once the block wall is terminated in the
designated area.
Make joints of uniform thickness with vertical joints from course to course maintained to
plumb.
Joints shall extend to cover the full width of the block.
Do not groove the joints
Joint reinforcement shall be provided every second course using a reinforcement mesh,
galvanized steel for internal walls and stainless steel for external walls:
The first course of blocks shall be laid in a thick-bed 1:5 cement:sand mortar mixed with
water incorporating a bonding agent at a rate of 10% by volume. The mortar shall provide
a levelling bed for the first course of blocks. Care must be taken to ensure that the blocks
are plumb and level. Subsequent courses shall be laid in thin bed mortar.
Thin bed mortar is to be applied to the horizontal and vertical joints with a ribbed profile
trowel.
Joints shall be 3mm to 6mm thick when the blocks are laid.
Galvanized block wall accessories shall be used for internal walls and stainless steel
accessories shall be used for exterior or exposed walls.
Joint reinforcement shall be provided for the first two courses, two courses above or below
the openings extended 60 cm from the opening edge and every second course of blocks in
between. Wire mesh shall be applied with concrete blocks and fiber mesh shall be applied
with AAC blocks.
Wherever walls and partitions intersect one another, or cross each other, continue
reinforcement through. Do not carry reinforcement through intersections where lateral
support anchors are installed or at intersections of walls and partitions with solid piers.
Minimum mesh lap or splice for the joint reinforcement must not be less than 150 mm.
Joint reinforcement must stop at expansion or control joints.
Connection between different types of concrete block shall be performed by using frame
cramps or movement ties as specified and as noted in relative sections.
One tie or cramp to be applied every second course of AAC block unless specified
otherwise.
Wall height cannot exceed 1.5 m per day. This way mortar in the lower courses is not
exposed to excessive load until properly dry. Construction breaks shall not be visible once
the wall is finished.
The connection between a block wall and concrete vertical element (wall/column) shall be
performed by using a frame cramp every second course of block (refer to next sections):
400mm for solid/hollow concrete block
500mm for AAC
RC posts and Coping beams shall be executed at the locations indicated in the approved
shop drawings and in line with the following design requirements:
The connection details of the RC posts to the permanent structure will be according to the
design details as follows:
Note:
It is proposed that the detail 3 shall be applied to the top of the post as well as the bottom
where the dowel bar does not impact the integrity of the slab.
Connection of block work to Restraint RC posts shall be done using approved frame cramps
150mm length, 30mm width, and 1.5mm thickness shot fixed a as per the design detail
below. Cramps will be provided at alternate courses or 400mm c/c.
Cramps shall be galvanized for internal walls and stainless steel for external walls.
Note :
In the case where the two block panels are built on either side of the post and used as partial
formwork of the post itself, (post is cast after block wall), then the frame cramps shall be cast
directly into the concrete post and not post shot fixed.
The connection to the underside of slabs or beams shall be done using approved frame
cramps 2.5mm thick installed at 400mm c/c as per design detail below.
A 15mm to 22mm joint will be maintained under the soffit of the slab to allow for vertical
movement of the structure.
Cramps shall be galvanized for internal walls and stainless steel for external walls.
Control joints shall be provided at a maximum spacing of 6m. These joints shall be located
at RC post locations when the wall panel exceeds the dimension specified in 5.2.7 but not
spaced more than 6m.
Joint cramps shall be de-bonded on one side and shall be galvanized for internal walls and
stainless steel for external walls.
The connection to the columns shall be executed using movement ties as listed in the
previous paragraph to achieve a 20mm seismic isolation joint as per the design detail
below.
5.9 Lintels
A lintel shall be provided for all openings that are wider than 600mm.
Reinforced concrete lintels shall be used for all openings that are larger than 2.0m
Concrete lintels shall be as per the design details below and as per the approved shop
drawings.
If precast lintels are used, allow lintels to cure before lifting and building into wall.
Steel lintels as per material approval will be used for all openings that do not exceed 2.0m.
Lintel selection shall be based on opening size and block wall height above the opening.
To calculate the safe working load of the lintels, the weight of the block above the lintel
shall be calculated as follows:
o Take the size of the opening = L
o Take the thickness of the wall =t
o Considering the arching effect above the opening the load of a triangular section of
wall above the lintel will be calculated. The area of this triangular section is (L*L)/2
o The maximum height above opening is considered as 1.8m Therefore if L >1.8 then
the area of the triangular zone is (L*1.8)/2
o Consider generally 15mm of plaster each side.
o Weight of solid block wall = (L*L/2)*(t+0.03) *2.4 T/m3
o Weight of hollow block wall = (L*L/2)*(t+0.03) *1.8 T/m3
o Weight of AAC block wall = (L*L/2)*(t+0.03) *0.8 T/m3
The following is provided for guidance:
o For 1.2m opening in 200mm solid wall:
Safe working load = (1.2*1.2)/2*0.23*24 = 0.4 Tons
Use CL-200-50-A , 2 mm thickness
o For 1.85m Opening in 200mm AAC wall:
Safe working load= (1.85*1.8/2*0.2*0.8)+(1.85*1.8/2*0.03)*2.4=0.38 Tons
Use CL-200-50-B , 2.5mm thickness
For 300mm walls, as there are no 300mm large steel lintels, we shall install two lintels of
150mm width. The first course above these lintels shall be 150mm solid block and shall be
continued on the second course as 300mm blocks.
For long spans, where the capacity of a single steel lintel is exceeded, we shall place two
steel lintels of lesser width side by side. In this case, the first course above the lintels shall
match the width of the lintels (example in the 250mm wall above 1.85m below).
The following tables of lintels have been produced for each block type based on the
opening sizes which are the most common for the project. They are based on the steel
lintel capacity attached in the following section.
The table represents the actual calculated load based on the opening size. The steel lintel type is
then indicated based on the capacity noted in the capacity table in 5.10.5
Hollowblock
Calculated Working loads and lintel types
Walls
At openings, joint reinforcement shall be incorporated the two courses directly below and
above the opening, extending 600mm (minimum) from either side of the opening.
Lintel shall be provided according to 5.8
For installation of fire rated or metal doors in AAC block wall one course of solid block (200
mm wide solid block installed vertically) has to be provided around the opening for the
installation of the jamb.
Alternatively, if the door frame will be fixed into AAC block wall method of fixation and
pullout test shall be submitted for engineer’s approval.
It is important that to secure that anchors between solid and AAC blocks are well secured
and that frames are true and plumb to the specified structural door opening size. Frame
course shall be completely filled with mortar and that all excessive mortar is cleaned form
the frame surface.
Non fire rated doors will be installed by fixing the door jamb directly into the AAC block by
using approved method of fixation.
Holdfasts for timber door frames or door sub-frames are to be built in as work proceeds.
Door frames etc. are to be installed after blockwork and rough finishing is completed,
securely fixed to hold-fasts or sub-frames, and pointed solid in cement mortar one or both
sides as required.
Built-in items and other MEP services and connections shall be clearly identified in the as
per the location provided in the approved SD and shall be installed while the block work is
in progress.
Leave, form or cut chases, reveals, recesses, holes, etc. to receive framing, ducting, rain
water and other pipes, etc. as shown or required and make good around. Cut and pin in
ends of brackets, thresholds, lintels, bars, etc. and make good around.
All pipe ducts shall be fair-faced and pointed with a neat flush joint internally.
Provide not less than 200 mm of masonry between chases or recess and jamb of openings
and adjacent chases and recess.
Steel lintel shall be provided for all openings equal or larger than 600 mm. For all openings
that are smaller than 600mm width a wooden/plywood frame has to be provided.
5.13 Provisions for installation of wall mounted sanitary ware (hanging wash basins)
For the installation of the wall mounted wash basins and other wall mounted sanitary ware
if required a the lower part of the wall will be performed by using five courses (1 m height)
of solid concrete block.
Installation of sanitary elements will be covered under a separate method statement.
5.15 Tolerances
5.16 Curing
Curing of completed blockwork panels is to be ensured by soaking the joints with a fine
spray of water twice per day at equal intervals for two days after laying, or for three days
after laying if at any point during the process the ambient temperature rises above 35°C.
6 RESOURCES
This section includes plant and equipment to be used – including power tools, hand tools, access
equipment, etc.
Hand tools: hammer, plumb, trolley, wheels borrow, cement trowel, etc.
Power tools: grinder, cutting machine, mixer, etc.
Equipment: Forklift, JBCV, Bobcat, Survey machine, etc.
6.2 Manpower
7 QUALITY ASSURANCE
Detailed inspection test plan is included under Appendix C: Inspection and Test Plan.
Additional requirements:
Material Engineer / store keeper shall ensure that only approved materials are been
delivered to the site.
Material Engineer / store keeper shall ensure proper storing of the materials.
Material Engineer / store keeper shall ensure that the delivered blocks are having relevant
authority test reports along with the delivery docket.
Material Engineer / store keeper shall ensure that the block materials delivered on site are
min. 30 days old.
Material Engineer / store keeper shall ensure that the block delivery dockets and DM
certificates are properly filled, for future reference and traceability (blockwork book).
QA/ Site Engineer shall ensure that material inspection request are raised and approved
prior to commence the block work.
Site construction manager shall ensure to provide mock up for each different type of block
work, for consultant approval.
QA/ Site Engineer shall ensure that method statement briefing is carried out to the site
execution team and that only approved SD is used for execution.
QA/ Site Engineer shall ensure the inspections are submitted as per the attached inspection
test plan.
Site/material engineer shall ensure that the delivered materials are stocked properly as per
the material manufacturer’s recommendation.
CSCEC surveyor shall provide the block work setting out on site to commence the first
layer.
Site Engineer shall ensure that the block laying is carried as per the approved shop drawing
and survey setting out.
Site Engineer shall ensure the substrate is prepared for the installation of damp proof as
required by project specifications.
Site Engineer shall ensure the approved inspection test plan is respected prior to
proceeding with the next activity.
QA/ Site Engineer shall ensure that the mortar for solid and AAC blocks are prepared as per
approved material submittal.
QA/ Site Engineer shall ensure that first layer block setting out is approved prior to
commence the preceding layer.
Site Engineer / Subcontractor shall ensure that damaged blocks or less than half size blocks
are not been used across the site.
Site engineer shall ensure that the block reinforcements are provided asper the approved
shop drawings.
Site Engineer / Subcontractor shall ensure the verticality of block work is maintained with
in the acceptable tolerance as per specifications.
Site Engineer / Subcontractor shall ensure the mortar joint is followed as per the approved
method statement as per specifications.
Site Engineer / Subcontractor shall ensure to cure the installed block wall joint for 48
hours.
MEP engineer shall ensure the openings required in the wall are been coordinated with the
builder work drawings.
Site Engineer / Subcontractor shall ensure to collect the MEP clearance prior to make cut
any openings.
Site Engineer / Subcontractor shall ensure the concrete in the stiffener and bond beam are
provided as per approved.
Workplace inspections will be carried out by the person in charge of concrete works activity by
CSCEC and sub-contractor. Where subcontractors are required to carry out such inspections, the
responsible CSCEC manager must have a system of ensuring the adequacy of the inspection
process. Inspections carried out by CSCEC will be recorded on the Inspection Form HSE-F -10.
Adequate traffic management will be arranged to avoid traffic congestion at the site entrance and
on work locations. A dedicated concrete truck washing point should be arranged at the site and the
concrete waste will be collected on skips which will be removed by the assigned subcontractor for
the waste collection.
All concrete pump operators should have Third Party Certificate and concrete truck drivers should
undergo safety induction at the security gate on general safety rules and Emergency Procedures to
be followed at site.
The works will be carried out according to all the requirements set out in the Site HSE Plan and
applicable DM & Trakhees-EHS Regulations and Code of Practices. For further details refer to the
HSE plan.
A main committee, known as the Emergency Planning Committee, (mainly comprises of Project
Manager, Construction Manager, HSE Manager) which shall be responsible for all decisions,
connected with the handling of the emergency. Depending on the type of emergency, this
committee may be called upon to make one or more or a combination of the following decisions:-
Adequate fire extinguishers will be provided at the work places and should ensure that the access
towards it is always maintained. A first aid station with full time male nurse and first aiders should
be provided at the site entrance.
Depending on the situation, the committee shall keep in close communication and liaise with one
or more of the parties detailed in the Emergency Numbers. (Police, Ambulance, Civil Defence and
Trakhees-EHS).
The site emergency arrangements are detailed in the Site HSE Plan.
Actions to be taken in the event of an emergency are also posted on the site notice board.
9 GENERAL
Takes responsibility for all interfaces and other communications as required during the
execution of all activities.
Review the method statements prior to execution and explain the same to his subordinates
ahead of the job plan.
Manage and lead his workforce to ensure good workmanship and a quality product.
Be aware of all test results, test frequencies and approved materials to be used.
Construction manager shall ensure the site mobilization and facilities are been arranged for
the said activity.
Construction manager shall ensure the availability of the required material and manpower
for the activity.
Shall ensure the executed works are as per the approved method statements.
Shall be responsible to coordinate with the relevant department for the coordination of the
said activity.
Shall ensure that all approvals are obtained from the Engineer and authorities prior to
commence the said activity.
Shall be responsible for communicating with the execution team, for better understanding
of the work methodology.
Shall ensure that the safety and quality requirements are fulfilled for the execution.
Ensure that all the procedures in the method statement are implemented followed.
Ensure that all necessary records such as Inspection Request (I.R.), test reports, material
approval and others must be in-place prior to commence with the work.
Shall execute the job as per the approved method statement, drawings, specifications and
Job Safety Analysis guidance.
Issue the correct and approved materials and explains the daily tasks to his workforce.
Work hand in hand with the Project Team to deliver a quality output.
Advice and assist in ensuring that all the requirements prescribed in the HSE plan are in
place.
Plant & equipment to be used is in good working order and has the correct up to date
certification, where necessary workers are fully competent to carry out their tasks and are
authorized to do so.
Required permits are in place before works commence safe access is provided to the
working area.
Accident/incidents and near misses are reported promptly.
There is suitable provision of first aid.
There are suitable measures for the prevention and control of fire.
Site safety inspections are carried out and reported to CSCEC.
NOTE: The Job Responsibilities shall be reviewed to suit the project Conditions.
9.2 Distribution
Project Manager
Construction Manager
Consultant
QA/QC Engineer
Safety Officer
CSCEC are committed to comply with national and local regulations and the Client’s requirements
to ensure that the project is delivered on time within budget and to the agreed quality
requirements.
The consultant will be notified of any changes required on site and approval will be obtained prior
to the works being carried out.
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C