MASONRY

1.1 GENERAL

The term “masonry” encompasses all the

materials used by masons in a project, such as block,
brick, clay, tile, or stone. The mason is also
responsible for the installation of lintels, flashing,
metal wall reinforcing, weep holes, precast concrete,
stone sills and coping, and manhole and catch
basin block.
The use of masonry in construction is appealing for a
number of reasons. It is fireproof and durable, it
requires little or no maintenance, and it can be
configured to satisfy a wide variety of structural
requirements.
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications should be carefully checked for the

size of the unit, type of bond, color, and shape. Simply
because a particular unit is specified does not mean it is
available in a particular area.

The estimator must check with the local

manufacturer and suppliers to ensure the availability of all
items, their compliance with the specifications, and the
standards established by the local building code.

Many masonry accessories such as lintels and

flashing, which are built into the wall, must be installed by
the masons. The general contractor needs to verify
whether the masonry subcontractor has included these
items in his quote.
1.3 LABOR
The amount of time required for a mason (with the
assistance of helpers) to lay a masonry unit varies
with the:
(1) size, weight, and shape of the unit
(2) bond (pattern)
(3) number of openings
(4) whether the walls are straight or have jogs in
them
(5) distance the units must be moved (both
horizontally and vertically)
(6) the shape and color of the mortar joint
1.3 LABOR

The height of the walls becomes important in

estimating labor for masonry units.
Labor costs arise from the erection, moving,
and dismantling of the scaffolding as the building goes
up. The units and mortar have to be placed on the
scaffold, which further adds to the labor and
equipment costs.
The weather conditions always affect labor
costs, because a mason will lay more brick on a clear,
warm, dry day than on a damp, cold day.
1.4 BONDS (PATTERNS)

Some types of bonds required for masonry

units can add tremendously to the labor cost of the
project.
The least expensive bond (pattern) is the
running bond. Another popular bond is the stacked
bond; this type of bond will increase labor costs by as
much as 50 percent if used instead of the running
bond.
Various ashlar patterns may also be required;
these may demand several sizes laid up to create a
certain effect.
1.4 BONDS (PATTERNS)

Examples of typical concrete block patterns

1.4 BONDS (PATTERNS)

Examples of Stone Patterns

1.4 BONDS (PATTERNS)

Examples of Brick Patterns

1.5 CONCRETE MASONRY

Concrete masonry
comprises all molded
concrete units used in the
construction of a building
and includes concrete brick,
hollow and solid block, and
decorative types of block.
1.5 CONCRETE MASONRY
CONCRETE BLOCK

Concrete block has no complete standard of sizes. The

standard modular face dimensions of the units are 75/8 inches
high and 155/8 inches long. Thicknesses available are 3, 4, 6, 8, 10,
and 12 inches.
Concrete blocks are available either as heavyweight or
lightweight units. The heavyweight unit is manufactured out of
dense or normal weight aggregates such as sand, gravel and
crushed limestone, cement, and water.
1.5 CONCRETE MASONRY
CONCRETE BLOCK

Lightweight units use aggregates such as vermiculite,

expanded slag, or pumice with the cement and water.
The lightweight unit may weigh 30 percent less than
the heavyweight unit, although it usually costs a few
cents more per unit and usually has a slightly lower
compressive strength.
1.5 CONCRETE MASONRY
Most Common types of Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
Scored block: Units scored across the face to give the appearance of smaller
units.
Scored block: Units scored across the face to give the appearance of smaller
units.
Split rib block: Units with a corrugated look achieved by molding the block
with coarse, vertical ribbing.
Deep groove block: Units with deep vertical grooves scored at intervals along
the face of the block.
Slump block: Units manufactured so that the face of the block sags, giving a
unique appearance.
Glazed concrete block: Units with factory-applied glazing on one or more
faces.These are used for applications that require a durable, washable surface.
Glazed concrete block: Units with factory-applied glazing on one or more
faces.These are used for applications that require a durable, washable surface.
1.5 CONCRETE MASONRY

Typical Block Sizes ( Actual )

1.6 SPECIFICATIONS-
CONCRETE MASONRY

They give the size, shape, color, and any requisite

features such as glazed units, strength, and fire ratings. The
type, color, thickness, and shape of the mortar joint must be
determined, as well as the style of bond required. Also to be
checked are the reinforcing, control and expansion joints,
wall ties, anchors, flashing, and weep holes needed.
 1.6 ESTIMATING-
CONCRETE MASONRY
Concrete masonry should be taken off from the drawings
by the square feet of wall required and divided into the different
thickness of each wall. The total square footage of each wall, of a
given thickness, is then multiplied by the number of units required
per square foot.
 1.6 ESTIMATING-
CONCRETE MASONRY
For sizes other than those found in the Figure, the
following formula can be used:
 1.6 ESTIMATING-
CONCRETE MASONRY

Mortar Mixes to Mix 1 cf of Mortar.

 1.6 ESTIMATING-
CONCRETE MASONRY

When estimating the quantities of concrete masonry,

use the exact dimensions shown. Corners should only be
taken once, and deductions should be made for all openings
in excess of 10 sf.

While performing the takeoff, the estimator should

note how much cutting of masonry units will be required.
Cutting of the units is expensive and should be anticipated.
 1.7 ESTIMATING-
CONCRETE MASONRY

In working up the quantity takeoff, the estimator

must separate masonry according to the following:
(1) Size of the units
(2) Shape of the units
(3) Colors of the units
(4) Type of bond (pattern)
(5) Shape of the mortar joints
(6) Colors of the mortar joints
(7) Any other special requirements (such as fire rating)
EXAMPLE 1.1
Determine the quantity of concrete block required for the
west wall of the small commercial building found in Appendix A.
Figures 11.8 and 11.9 are excerpts from those drawings and are helpful
in determining the quantity of concrete block.
EXAMPLE 1.1
Deduct 10” of slab Header/Lintel Blocks

Openings
EXAMPLE 1.1
Labor Hours Required for Concrete Masonry
EXAMPLE 1.1
1.8 CLAY MASONRY
Clay masonry includes brick and hollow tile. Brick is considered
a solid masonry unit, whereas tile is a hollow masonry unit. The faces of
each type of unit may be given a ceramic-glazed finish or a variety of
textured faces.
1.8 CLAY MASONRY
Clay masonry includes brick and hollow tile. Brick is a solid masonry unit made of clay
or shale and formed into a rectangular prism while soft, then burned or fired in an oven, called
a kiln, until hard. There is a wide and ever-changing variety of bricks available to the industry. For
estimating purposes, most brick can be classified into one of the following groups.
1.8 CLAY MASONRY

Types of Brick
- Face brick: is used where appearance is important (e.g., veneer walls). Its
manufacture is closely controlled so that color, size, hardness, strength, and texture are
uniform.
- Common brick: is used in applications where performance is more important than
appearance (e.g., below-grade masonry, as a backup for face brick, or in manholes).
- Glazed brick: is fired with a ceramic or other type of glazing material on the exposed
surfaces. It is typically used in applications where durability and cleanliness are essential
(e.g., restrooms, kitchens, and hospitals).
- Firebrick: is used in areas of high temperatures, such as furnaces and fireplaces.
- Brick pavers: are used as a wearing surface for floors, walks, and patios. Pavers are
typically hard and durable, with a high resistance to damage from both freeze-thaw
cycles and the corrosive salts used to melt snow.
- SCR brick: is a patented type of brick developed by the Structural
Clay Products Institute (SCR).
1.8 CLAY MASONRY

Brick is considered a solid masonry unit even if it

contains cores, as long as the core unit is less than 25 percent of
the cross-sectional area of the unit.

Hollow tile is classified as either structural clay tile or

structural facing tile. When the units are designed to be laid up
with the cells in a horizontal position, they are referred to as side
construction; with end construction the units are laid with the
cells in a vertical position. Structural facing tile is available
either glazed or unglazed
1.9 SPECIFICATIONS-BRICK

The specifications must be checked to determine

exactly the type of material and the type of mortar as well
as the shape, thickness, and color of the joint itself. The style
of bond must also be determined. From the specifications,
the estimator also determines the types of lintels, flashing,
reinforcing, and weep holes required, and who supplies and
who installs each item.
1.10 ESTIMATING-BRICK
Figure shows the number of bricks required per square foot of wall surface for
various patterns and bonds. Special bond patterns require that the estimator analyze the
style of bond required and determine the number of bricks. One method of analyzing the
amount of brick required is to make a drawing of several square feet of wall surface,
determine the brick to be used, and divide that into the total area drawn. Sketches are often
made right on the workup sheets by the estimator.
1.10 ESTIMATING-BRICK
Labor Hours Required to Lay 1,000 Standard-Size Bricks
EXAMPLE 1.2 (FACE BRICK)
Labor Hours Required to Lay 1,000 Standard-Size Bricks
EXAMPLE 1.2 (FACE BRICK)
The gross area will be slightly different, as the exterior face dimensions
will be used rather than the face dimensions of the concrete block.

(1)
(3)

(2)

(4)
EXAMPLE 1.2 (FACE BRICK)
The gross area will be slightly different, as the exterior face dimensions
will be used rather than the face dimensions of the concrete block.

(1)
(3)

(2)

(4)
1.11 STONE MASONRY

Because it is a product of nature, stone varies dramatically in

type, size, shape, and weight with each different species and geographic
location.

Stone masonry is primarily used as a veneer for interior and

exterior walls; it is also used for walkways, riprap, and trim on buildings.
Stone masonry is usually divided into that which is laid up dry with no
mortar being used—such as on some low walls, sloping walls, walkways,
and rip-rap—and wet masonry, in which mortar is used.
1.11 STONE MASONRY

Stone for construction purposes can be classified in one of the following

groups:
Rubble: Irregularly shaped pieces broken from larger masses of rock,
installed or “laid up” with little or no cutting or trimming.
Fieldstone: Irregularly shaped rocks used as they are found in nature.
Most commonly used in fireplaces and stone walls in landscaping.
Cut stone: Stone that has been cut to specific shapes and sizes, with a
uniform texture. Most commonly used for veneers.
Ashlar: Characterized by saw-cut beds and joints, usually rectangular in
shape, with flat or textured facing.
 1.12 MORTAR
Mortar is a composition of water, fine aggregates (such as sand), cement
(Portland, hydraulic, or masonry), and lime. Mortar requirements are specified in the
products section of the masonry specifications. The mortar, or its components, is often
listed as complying with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), one of the
primary agencies that sets standards for masonry products and procedures.
The compressive strength of mortar varies with the proportions of the
ingredients. The four basic types of mortar and their uses are based on mixing
proportions and strengths.They are as follows:
Type M: A high-strength mortar used primarily in foundation masonry, retaining walls, walkways,
sewers, and manholes. In general, Type M mortar is used when maximum compressive strength is
required.
Type S: A relatively high strength mortar that develops maximum bonding strength between
masonry units. It is recommended for use where lateral and flexural strength are required.
Type N: Medium-strength, general-use mortar for above-grade exposed applications.
Type O:A low-strength mortar for interior non-load-bearing applications.
1.12 MORTAR
 1.12 MORTAR
The size of the joints must also be specified or determined in the absence of a
specified size. Mortar quantities are typically in cubic feet (CF) or can be converted to
cubic yards (CY; 27 CF = 1 CY). The quantity of mortar for setting stone varies with
the size of the stone and the joint. However, a general rule is that 4 to 5 CF of mortar
is required per 100 CF of stone.
EXAMPLE 3 (MORTAR TAKEOFF)
1.13 ACCESSORIES

Masonry wall reinforcing. Steel reinforcing,

which comes in a wide variety of styles and wire gauges,
is placed continuously in the mortar joints. The two-wire
styles are used to reinforce a masonry wall, whereas the
three-wire and ladder style with a tab is used to
reinforce a masonry wall with an accompanying face
brick.
It is used primarily to minimize shrinkage,
temperature, and settlement cracks in masonry, as well
as to provide shear transfer to
1.13 ACCESSORIES

Control Joints. A control joint is a straight vertical joint

that cuts the masonry wall from top to bottom.
Wall Ties. Wall ties are used to tie the outer wythe
with the inner wythe. They allow the mason to construct
one wythe of wall to a given height before working on
the other wythe, resulting in increased productivity.
Adjustable wall ties are among the most popular.
1.13 ACCESSORIES

Flashing. The flashing built into the walls is generally

installed by the mason. It is installed to keep moisture
out and to divert any moisture that does get in back to
the outside of the building.
Weep Holes. In conjunction with the flashing at the
base of the building (above grade level), weep holes are
often provided to drain any moisture that might have
gotten through the outer wythe. Weep holes may also be
required at other locations in the construction.
1.13 ACCESSORIES

Lintels. A lintel is the horizontal member that

supports the masonry above a wall opening.

Sills. Sills are the members at the bottoms of

window or door openings. Also to be checked is
the type of sill required: A slip sill is slightly smaller
than the width of the opening and can be installed
after the masonry is complete. A lug sill, which
extends into the masonry at each end of the wall,
must be built into the masonry as the job
progresses.
1.13 ACCESSORIES

Coping. The coping covers the top course of a wall to protect

it from the weather. It is most often used on parapet walls.

Labor Hours Required for Installing Accessories

 EXAMPLE 4 (MASONRY TAKEOFF)
Figures 11.20 and 11.21 are the completed masonry takeoffs for the commercial building found in
Appendix A.
 EXAMPLE 4 (MASONRY TAKEOFF)
Figures 11.20 and 11.21 are the completed masonry takeoffs for the commercial building found in
Appendix A.
UNIT MASONRY ( GENERAL )

Measurement Rules:
(a) Concrete Hollow Blocks
(b) Solid concrete blocks
(c) Bricks
(d) Glass blocks
• No deductions are made for:
• (a) voids < 1.00 m^2
• (b) the area taken up by lintels and cills
Block and brick walls are measured the mean length.
UNIT MASONRY
Coverage Rules (General) : (j) Cutting and pinning ends of steel beams
and the like
(a) All cutting
(b) Projecting and recessed courses (k) Obtaining and building in position all
inserts including bolts, fixings, cores, pipes,
(c) Packing at heads sleeves and the like (supply of inserts
(d) Ranking out joints for flashing, asphalt included elsewhere)
nibs and the like and pointing (l) Making good
(f) Cutting and bonding (m) Sundry items of a like nature
(g) Forming square, rebated and irregular Supplementary Information:
reveals, ends and angles.
Kind and quality of materials
(h) Forming openings < 1.00 m^2 including
providing lintels
(i) forming, leaving or cutting chases,
grooves, rebates, throats, splays, chamfers,
notches, holes and mortices.
UNIT MASONRY
Classification (Concrete hollow block, (a) Reinforcement including dowel bars and
solid concrete block, brick, and glass blocks. starter bars
): (b) Filling cavities with mortar
(1) Walls, thickness stated (c) Cast in place concrete stiffeners and
(2) Built fair and pointed one side or both lintel beams including formwork and
sides. reinforcement and precast concrete hollow
beam blocks forming lintel beams.
(3) Square meter
(2) Concrete hollow blocks walls and solid
(4) Curved concrete block walls are held to include:
Definition Rules: (a) blocks of special shape and size at ends,
Walls are held to be vertical and of angles or as otherwise required
constant thickness unless otherwise (b) concrete infilling around inserts and
described. protrusions or as otherwise necessary
Coverage Rules:
(1) Concrete hollow blocks walls are held
to include for:
UNIT MASONRY
Supplementary Information: Classification (Bonding to existing):
(1) Composition and mix of mortar (1) Thickness of wall stated
(2) Type of pointing where built fair (2) Meters (m)
(3) For concrete hollow block walls, details Coverage Rules:
of:
Work is held to include for all labor
(a) Reinforcement and materials in bonding new walls to existing.
(b) Concrete stiffeners Supplementary Information:
Classification (Projections): Method of bonding.
(1) Size stated
(2) Vertical or Horizontal
(3) Meter (m)
(4) Shape described if other than
rectangular and built fair and pointing
UNIT MASONRY Classification (Designed joints):
Classification (Mesh reinforcement in (1) Dimensioned description
joints of blocks or brick walls and Damp-
proof courses): (2) Meters (m)

(1) Width (3) Sealants and Curved

(2) Minimum laps Measurement Rules:

(3) Meters(m) Joints are only measured where

designed by the Structural Engineer.
(4) Horizontal,Vertical, or Curved
Coverage Rules:
Measurement Rules:
Joints not designed by the
Work is measured the net length covered Structural Engineer are held to be included.
with no allowance for laps.
Supplementary Information:
Coverage Rules:
Details of:
Work is held to include extra material for
laps (a) fillers and sealants
(b) ties and fixings
UNIT MASONRY
Classification (Lintels): (2) Precast concrete lintels are measured in
accordance with Section 03 45 00 - Precast
(1) Cast in place, Precast concrete, or
Architectural Concrete.
Concrete hollow beam blocks.
Definition Rules:
(2) Dimensioned description
Lintels are isolated lintels over openings.
(3) Meters (m)
Lintel beams in concrete hollow block walls
Measurement Rules: are held to be included with the walls.
(1) Cast in place lintels are given as Coverage Rules:
composite items and described giving the
(1) Cast in place lintels are held to include:
information in the following:
(a) Reinforment
(a) Concrete Forming
(b) formwork
(b) Concrete Reinforcing
(c) Cast in place concrete
(d) Concrete finishing
UNIT MASONRY
(2) Concrete hollow beam blocks forming Coverage Rules:
lintels are held to include: Work is held to include for:
(a) reinforcement including dowel (a) all fixing materials
bars and starter bars.
(b) sealants
(b) filling cavities with mortar
Supplementary Information:
(c) blocks of special shape and size
at ends, angles or as otherwise required (1) Details of bracing
(d) temporary support (2) Method of fixing
Classifiation (Bracing to head of walls): (3) Nature of base
(1) Height and spacing of bracing
(2) Thickness of wall
(3) Meters (m)
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