Page 136 - Masonry and Concrete

Source: Masonry and Concrete

5
CHAPTER

Masonry Construction

Techniques

esidential masonry construction involves the laying of brick, con-
Rcrete block, or stone in beds of mortar, the installation of accessory
items, and sometimes reinforcement. One of the most important oper-
ations is mixing mortar batches that are correctly and consistently pro-
portioned to produce mortar with adequate strength and durability.
The functional and financial success of a project, however, are often
determined before construction begins—based on proper planning
and estimating.

5.1 Planning and Estimating

The design of buildings with masonry foundations, basements, and
veneers must take into consideration the size of the units involved.
The length and height of walls as well as the location of openings and
intersections will greatly affect both the speed and cost of construc-
tion as well as the appearance of the finished masonry. The use of a
common module in determining dimensions can reduce the amount
of field cutting required to fit the masonry units together and to coor-
dinate the integration of masonry elements with the size and dimen-
sions of other systems such as concrete slabs or foundations and
wood framing.

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