MASONRY AND CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Chemical Admixtures
Chemical admixtures are the ingredients in concrete other than portland cement, water, and
aggregate that are added to the mix immediately before or during mixing. Producers use
admixtures primarily to reduce the cost of concrete construction; to modify the properties of
hardened concrete; to ensure the quality of concrete during mixing, transporting, placing, and
curing; and to overcome certain emergencies during concrete operations.
Successful use of admixtures depends on the use of appropriate methods of batching and
concreting. Most admixtures are supplied in ready-to-use liquid form and are added to the
concrete at the plant or at the jobsite. Certain admixtures, such as pigments, expansive agents,
and pumping aids are used only in extremely small amounts and are usually batched by hand
from premeasured containers.
The effectiveness of an admixture depends on several factors including: type and amount of
cement, water content, mixing time, slump, and temperatures of the concrete and air.
Sometimes, effects similar to those achieved through the addition of admixtures can be
achieved by altering the concrete mixture-reducing the water-cement ratio, adding additional
cement, using a different type of cement, or changing the aggregate and aggregate gradation.
Five Functions
Admixtures are classed according to function. There are five distinct classes of chemical
admixtures: air-entraining, water-reducing, retarding, accelerating, and plasticizers
(superplasticizers). All other varieties of admixtures fall into the specialty category whose
functions include corrosion inhibition, shrinkage reduction, alkali-silica reactivity reduction,
workability enhancement, bonding, damp proofing, and coloring. Air-entraining admixtures,
which are used to purposely place microscopic air bubbles into the concrete, are discussed
more fully in Air-Entrained Concrete.
Water-reducing admixtures usually reduce the required water content for a concrete mixture
by about 5 to 10 percent. Consequently, concrete containing a water-reducing admixture needs
less water to reach a required slump than untreated concrete. The treated concrete can have a
lower water-cement ratio. This usually indicates that a higher strength concrete can be
produced without increasing the amount of cement. Recent advancements in admixture
technology have led to the development of mid-range water reducers. These admixtures reduce
water content by at least 8 percent and tend to be more stable over a wider range of
temperatures. Mid-range water reducers provide more consistent setting times than standard
water reducers.
Retarding admixtures, which slow the setting rate of concrete, are used to counteract the
accelerating effect of hot weather on concrete setting. High temperatures often cause an
increased rate of hardening which makes placing and finishing difficult. Retarders keep concrete
workable during placement and delay the initial set of concrete. Most retarders also function as
water reducers and may entrain some air in concrete.
Accelerating admixtures increase the rate of early strength development, reduce the time
required for proper curing and protection, and speed up the start of finishing operations.
Accelerating admixtures are especially useful for modifying the properties of concrete in cold
weather.
Superplasticizers, also known as plasticizers or high-range water reducers (HRWR), reduce
water content by 12 to 30 percent and can be added to concrete with a low-to-normal slump and
water-cement ratio to make high-slump flowing concrete. Flowing concrete is a highly fluid but
workable concrete that can be placed with little or no vibration or compaction. The effect of
superplasticizers lasts only 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the brand and dosage rate, and is
followed by a rapid loss in workability. As a result of the slump loss, superplasticizers are usually
added to concrete at the jobsite.
Corrosion-inhibiting admixtures fall into the specialty admixture category and are used to
slow corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete. Corrosion inhibitors can be used as a defensive
strategy for concrete structures, such as marine facilities, highway bridges, and parking
garages, that will be exposed to high concentrations of chloride. Other specialty admixtures
include shrinkage-reducing admixtures and alkali-silica reactivity inhibitors. The shrinkage
reducers are used to control drying shrinkage and minimize cracking, while ASR inhibitors
control durability problems associated with alkali-silica reactivity.

DEFECTS IN CONCRETE
BLEEDING in concrete is a phenomenon in which free water in the mix rises up to the surface
and forms a paste of cement on the surface known as “laitance”. It will be more frequent on the
surface of concrete, when water to cement ratio is higher. The type of cement used, quantity of
fine aggregate also plays a key role in rate of bleeding.

LAITANCE is a weak friable layer of fine particles that can form on the surface of concrete after
it has cured and is a common cause of floor failure. It is comprised of hydrated cement and fine
aggregates which rise to the surface with the addition of too much water.
HONEYCOMB is the rough pitted surface or voids in concrete formed due to improper
compaction or incomplete filling of the concrete. Honeycomb is mostly seen in columns and
beams and can easily be detected just after removing the formwork.

ALLIGATORING is cracks that form very closely together and in high prevalence are more
serious than the cracks repairable with sealant and fill. These cracks are usually caused by
inadequate strength or compaction of base and/or subgrade. Also, poor drainage can lead to
early development of alligatoring pavement.
STAINLESS STEEL LUGS
Our stainless steel cable lugs (or terminals) are designed for use in a wide range of industrial
applications, giving high performance in the most challenging indoor and outdoor environments.
They are ideal for use in corrosive conditions and are resistant to rust and acid. They are also
ideal for extreme temperature conditions, being heat resistant up to 400° C
Typical applications are:

 Marine environments and equipment

 Ovens
 Solar Farms
 Chemical works
 Plating shops
We manufacture and stock terminal lugs from 4mm² up to 240mm², with flared barrel entries for
ease of insertion of the cable or wire. They are also available with chamfered entry on request.

FLUTING can be eliminated or minimized depending on steel chemistry and processing

equipment capability. Production lines with high load temper rolling or stretcher/tension leveling
capabilities can produce a non-fluting material. However, the elimination of fluting is often only
temporary, and will re-appear as the steel ages.
Bolt fluting is becoming a more common sight too, usually in a helical spiraling pattern, but the
weight savings from that are negligible. The short length of the bolt and type of fluting make it
more of an aesthetic alteration, and when done well it is quite beautiful.
That is due in part to a stronger geometry, the
angular shape, but more importantly work
hardening. The hardening that comes from
bending the metal while its cold, also called cold
working, plays a much bigger role.
CONSTRUCTING AN ABUTMENT OR RETAINING WALL
Riprap, also known as rip rap, rip-rap, shot rock, rock armor or rubble, are man-
placed rock or other material used to armor shorelines, streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings
and other shoreline structures against scour and water or ice erosion. Common rock types used
include granite and limestone. Concrete rubble from building and paving demolition is
sometimes used.

Load-bearing wall or Bearing wall is a wall that is an active structural element of a building,
that is, it bears the weight of the elements above wall, resting upon it by conducting its weight to
a foundation structure. The materials most often used to construct load-bearing walls in large
buildings are concrete, block, or brick.

Shear Wall is a vertical element of a seismic force resisting system that is designed to resist in-
plane lateral forces, typically wind and seismic loads. In many jurisdictions, the International
Building Code and International Residential Code govern the design of shear walls.
Gabion Wall is a retaining wall made of stacked stone-filled gabions tied together with wire.
Gabion walls are usually battered (angled back towards the slope), or stepped back with the
slope, rather than stacked vertically.

BULLNOSE is a term used in building construction for rounded convex trim, particularly in
masonry and ceramic tile.

LINTEL is a horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or
window.
PILASTER is a rectangular column, especially one projecting from a wall.

SILL PLATE or sole plate in construction and architecture is the bottom horizontal member of a
wall or building to which vertical members are attached. The word plate is typically omitted in
America and carpenters speak simply of the "sill".

TECHNIQUE
SGRAFFITO is a technique either of wall decor, produced by applying layers of plaster tinted in
contrasting colours to a moistened surface, or in pottery, by applying to an unfired ceramic body
two successive layers of contrasting slip or glaze, and then in either case scratching so as to
reveal parts of the underlying layer. The Italian past participle "sgraffiato" is also used, especially
of pottery.
TROMPE-L'ŒIL is an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that
the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Forced perspective is a comparable illusion in
architecture.

Oeil-de-boeuf, also œil de bœuf, (French, "bull's eye"), and sometimes anglicized as ox-eye
window, is a relatively small oval window, typically for an upper storey, and sometimes set on a
roof slope as a dormer, or above a door to give light. Windows of this type are commonly found
in the grand architecture of Baroque France.

RUSTICATION is a range of masonry techniques giving visible surfaces a finish that contrasts
in texture with the smoothly finished, squared-block masonry surfaces called ashlar. The visible
face of each individual block is cut back around the edges to make its size and placing very
clear.
10 Most Popular Types Of Brick Bonds
August 7, 2018 Meghna Gupta

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So, what are Brick Bonds? In simplest terms, a brick bond is a pattern
in which the bricks are laid. Brick bonds don’t only apply to the walls
but also for brick paving for paths and patios and also for concrete
blocks and other kinds of masonry construction. Brick Bonds play a
huge role in maximizing the strength & durability of the structure,
bring in uniformity to the structure and composition, and enhance the
visual appeal. There are many types of brick bonds and each one has
its own unique look, challenges of installation, and structural
considerations in the case of walls, this blog discusses the most
popular ones.

Read: Simplifying The Brick Making Process In India

Brick Bonds & How Do They Work?

 Source

Brick masonry is made with bricks bonded together with the help of
mortar. Sometimes, mud mortar can be used to construct temporary
sheds but for permanent structures mortar made of cement or lime are
used.
Most of the brick bonds demand the same size or at least compatible
sizes bricks or other masonry units. Uniform size bricks or masonry
units create even, repeatable designs which can be applied over any
area size. There are many bond patterns which include some method
of interlocking each row of brick to the neighbouring courses. If bricks
are stacked up in single-file columns, the stacks can effortlessly
topple down. But if they are stacked in a way that joints are staggered,
or are offset, amid neighbouring courses, the bricks are basically
interlaced together. Basically, bonds are essential to add strength to
the construction and make a mortared wall even stronger.

Read: Seen Many Building Bricks In your lifetime? Now It’s Time to
Take A Closer Look At Them

10 Most Popular Types Of Wall Brick Bonds

Brick walls can be structural, like load-bearing walls, or they can also
be primarily decorative, like a brick-veneer wall. Structural walls
demand solid structural bonds, while decorative walls can use any
bond pattern. Let’s take a look at some of the most traditional and
popular brick bonds used for walls:

Source
1. Stretcher Bond / Running Bond
One of the most common brick bonds, also popularly called running
bonds. This bond is very easy to lay, in fact, is one of the simplest ones
used today. Stretcher bond is suitable when walls of half brick
thickness need to be constructed. Different types of wall construction
done using this kind of bond are:

 Sleeper walls

 Partition walls

 Division walls (internal dividers)

 Chimney stacks

Stretcher bonds are not very suitable for stand-alone structural walls,
but very useful for construction of walls with less thickness. Note, this
bond will fail if the thickness of the walls is more than half of the total
length of the brick used.
 Source
2. Header Bond
A header is the shorter face of the brick. In header bond brick masonry
all bricks are constructed in the header course. In this bond, the
overlap is performed corresponding to a half width of the bricks. The
three-quarter brickbats are utilized in alternative courses as quoins.
This bond is mainly used for the construction of one brick thick walls.

Source
3. English Bond
One of the most commonly utilized variations of brick bonds in
masonry works. This bond essentially comprises of alternating courses
of headers and stretchers. Headers are laid centred over the stretchers
in the course below and each alternate row is vertically aligned. To
break the continuousness of vertical joints, a quoin closer is used at
the start and end of a wall after the first header. A quoin close is a
brick that is cut lengthwise into 2 halves and used in the corners in
brick walls. This type of bond is mainly used to construct strong one
brick thickness walls.
 Source
4. Flemish Bond
For this type of bond, each course is made up of alternate headers and
stretchers. Each header is centered on a stretcher above and below
and every alternate course begins with a header in the corner. For
breaking the vertical joints in the successive courses, quoin closers
are introduced in alternate courses next to the header. This bond can
be significantly sub-divided into two diverse types:

 Single Flemish Bond – A combination of English bond and Flemish

Bond. The front exposed surface of the wall is composed of
Flemish bong and the back surface is composed of English bond
in every single course.

 Double Flemish Bond – This bond takes a similar appearance both

in the front and the back elevations.

Walls with Flemish Bond are complex to erect and demand greater
skills.

Source
5. Stack Bond
In a stack bond, all the bricks are plainly loaded on top of each other
and held with mortar where all bonds are perfectly aligned. Because of
its weak masonry structure and less strength, Stack bonds are perfect
for decorative purposes. This bond is a non-structural bond, hence not
suitable for walls which require to transfer loads.

Source
6. Dutch Bond
A modified form of the English cross bond which consists of alternate
courses of headers and stretchers. In this arrangement of the brick
bond, every single stretching course begins at a quoin with a 3-quarter
bat. Every alternate stretching course has a header set next to the 3-
quarter bat brick provided at the quoin. This bond is perfect to
construct strong corners along the wall which are subjected to excess
loads.

Source
7. Common Bond / American Bond
This bond is very similar to the English Bond, but this one has courses
of headers inserted in every five or six courses. Header courses are
centered with the previous header course. This header bond basically
acts as a tie brick between the fronting and the backing. To achieve
the sufficient offset in a standard common bond, queen closers are
inserted at both ends of the header courses. The common bond is
normally used in exterior load-bearing walls.
 Source
8. Facing Bond
This bond is primarily adopted for thick walls, where the facing and
backing are chosen to be constructed with bricks of diverse thickness.
Typically, this bond consists of heading and stretching courses
arranged in a manner that one heading course comes after quite a lot
of stretching courses. The load distribution of walls using this bond is
not uniform because of the difference between the facing and the total
number of joints in the backing. This can also lead to unequal
settlement of the 2 thickness of the wall.

Source
9. Diagonal Bond
Best suited for walls of two to four brick thickness. This bond is
normally introduced at every 5th or 7th course along the height of the
wall. Bricks in this bond are placed end to end in such a manner that
extreme corners of the sequence remain in contact with the
stretchers.
 Source
10. Rat Trap Bond
In this bond, bricks are laid on edge or placed in a vertical position
instead of the conventional horizontal position. This creates a cavity
(hollow space) within the wall. This feature helps in keeping enhanced
thermal comfort and keep the interiors cooler than the outside and
vice versa. This type of walls consumes a smaller number of materials
due to the internal cavity. The Rat Trap Bond looks very similar to the
Flemish Bond in appearance. Skilled labor and extra care are needed
to design this bond.

Few other brick bonds used for walls are Brick on edge bond, Raking
bond, Zigzag bond, Garden wall bond, Monk Bond, Sussex bond,
Dearne’s bond, Silverlock’s bond, and Herring-bone bond.

Common Paving Brick Bonds

 Source

As already mentioned above, brick bonds aren’t only for the walls. Yes,
they are also used for paving’s. Walls need to support itself and
sometimes loads from above, in contradict brick paving are entirely
supported by the underlying surface. Few of the most common paving
brick bonds are:

 Running bond – Same pattern as the wall brick, but these can be
done parallel, vertical, or diagonal to the length of a path or
patio.

 Herringbone bond – This is one universally attractive pattern. A

very simple zig-zag pattern where each brick is perpendicular to
its neighbours.

 Basketweave Bond – A square pattern with bricks placed side-by-

side in pairs, and each pair is perpendicular to its neighbours.
This is an easy pattern for areas that are rectangular or square in
shape.

 Stacked Bond – Also known as Jack-on-Jack paving. This is a

square grid of even rows with no staggering between courses.
Brick bonds for paving’s can be more decorative and flexible in design.

Types of joints

The form of the joint also influences the appearance of a facade. Of course the
height of the joint plays an important role, but the depth is also important. The
deeper the joint, the more it will end up in the background. This creates a
shadow play between the joint and the facing brick,which especially emphasises
the colour of the brick. There are various standard types of joints. The price
depends of course on the labour intensiveness.

Flush joint
Working method
The mortar is generously applied and levelled in a smooth way so that the mortar
is flush to the brickwork.

Effect
This form of pointing is often used with colouring on colouring joint mortars. The
even surface that is desired is emphasised this way.

Flush brushed joint

Working method
The mortar is generously applied but not levelled smoothly. Brushing the excess
mortar creates a more rough joint with more texture.

Effect
Here also this type of pointing creates an even surface when using colouring on
colouring mortar. In addition, the brushed effect creates facade with more
character.

Weather struck joint

Working method
The mortar is applied partially recessed in an angle of 45°.

Effect
This creates a shadow effect. The horizontal lines of the facade are emphasised.

Recessed joint

Working method
This is an extra raked joint. The mortar is applied 2 to 5 mm deeper than the
visible surface of the facade.

Effect
The emphasis is laid on the horizontal aspect of the facade, especially in
combination with full vertical head joints or even no vertical head joints at all.

Raked joint
This is also a very common type of pointing.

Working method
The mortar is pressed a bit inwards so that it is approximately 2 mm recessed
compared to the facing brick.

Effect
This creates more shadow between the joint and the brick and gives a very well-
cared-for appearance. Can be done smooth or brushed.

Convex joint

This is a type of joint that is less common because it requires more time and
expertise.

Working method
The mortar is generously applied but not levelled smoothly. Brushing the excess
mortar creates a more rough joint with more texture.

Effect
Here also this type of pointing creates an even surface when using colouring on
colouring mortar. In addition, the brushed effect creates facade with more
character.

Top 10 Need to Know Brick Masonry

Terms and more
Written by Jovan Tristan on 29 March 2016. Posted in Build

0 Comments

There are many specialized terms related to all aspects of brick

masonry building. For the DIY, just getting started to build a brick
mailbox, all the terms can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to
follow explanations if you don’t understand what they mean.

Here you will find definitions of the top 10, must know, brick
masonry terms that will get you on your way to understanding
what masons are talking about. You will also find detail pictures to
understand better the masonry terms. Also, locate the article on how
to build a brick mailbox that thoroughly explains all the steps to
construct one using all these masonry terms. You will be able to
follow the article entirely once you understand all these terms.

Brick Masonry Terms: The Basic Top 10

JOINT
The junction of two or more masonry pieces leaving a space
between the bricks or concrete masonry units that are filled
with mortar or grout. If the joint is parallel to the bed of masonry
pieces in a course, it is termed as bed joint. If the joint is
perpendicular, then the bed joints are termed vertical joints, side
joints, head joints, or just joints. You can find below the different
mortar joint types.
BED
The bed is the horizontal layer of mortar where brick or stone units
are laid.

FROG
A perforation or hole on the longer face of a brick made with the
object of forming an indentation for the mortar. This hollow
depression also reduces the weight and makes it easier to handle.
The depth of the frog is usually between 10 to 20 mm.
Frogged bricks should lay with the frog upward and fill up with
mortar. The reason is to obtain higher strength, stability, and sound
insulation.

HEADER SIDE
The shorter side or end face of a piece of brick that is exposed.

STRETCHER SIDE
The longer narrow side or face of a piece of brick that is exposed.

COURSE
A continuous horizontal layer of similar bricks or stones that are
bonded with mortar in a masonry structure and is one unit high.
Find below the different types of courses.
STRETCHER COURSE
A course of bricks or stones that lie with its longest side parallel to
the face of the work. The course of brickwork in which all the bricks
are laid as stretchers is known as stretcher course. In the example
below it is a course of bricks four stretchers long.
HEADER COURSE
The course of brickwork in which all the bricks are laid as headers is
referred to as header course. Three-quarter bats are used for the
corners. A header course requires twice as many bricks as a
stretcher course making it more time consuming and expensive to
build.

SOLDIER COURSE
Bricks that are set with the narrow side exposed are called soldiers.
Bricks laid vertically with its long narrow sides presented (Soldiers)
in a row is called a soldier course. Usually used to add visual interest
to a masonry structure.
Looking for step by step details
Building a Brick Mailbox Like a Top Professional

Brick Masonry Terms: The Advanced Terms

In here you will find the rest of the masonry terms that you could
run into if you start a masonry project.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

ANCHORS
Masonry anchors are a metal or strap usually made of brass,
stainless steel or galvanized steel. Anchors are used to tying a wall
(brick, block or stone) to another structure.

ARRIS
The sharp corner edges of a brick.
ASHLAR MASONRY
Masonry that is composed of variable size rectangular units that
have sawed, dressed, or squared bed surfaces, properly bonded and
laid in mortar. These masonry units are precisely cut on all faces
that are next to other masonry units and normally have very thin
joints.
BACK
The interior surface of a brick wall which is not exposed is named
the back. The material forming the back is called the backing.

BAT
The portion of brick that is cut across the width.
Three Quarter Bat
When the length of the bat is equal to three-quarters of the length of
the original brick.

Bevelled Bat
When a bat has its width bevelled.

Half Bat
When the length of a bat is equal to half of the length of the original
brick.

BEVEL
The incline of one surface that meets another of the same body with
the angle being anything but a 90-degree angle.
BOND
The method of arranging bricks in a pattern so that the individual
units are tied together. Bonding is crucial to eliminate consecutive
vertical joints both in the body as well as on the face of the wall, as
this will create a weak brick structure. It is also referred as the
adhesion between mortar and brick or stone units and when
attaching several types of masonry walls by overlapping masonry
units.

Stretching Bond
Course of bricks that are all laid as stretchers. It is also called a
running bond. If used as a structural bond it needs the proper
reinforcement.
Heading Bond
Course of bricks that are all laid as headers on the faces. A three-
quarter bat is used in every other course as quoins and to properly
overlap.
Flemish Bond
An alternate course of bricks that are composed of one header to
one stretcher. It can also have several stretches in a row. Many
times, the stretcher and headers will be of different color to create
patterns.
English Bond
Alternate courses of stretchers and headers. Considered the
strongest bond in brickwork. The second and the previous to last is a
queen closer for all the heading courses. Alternate color shades are
used for aesthetics.
Stack Bond
Pattern when all courses are perfectly aligned. This type of bond is
used for decorative purposes as it is a weak masonry structure with
no strength.
BULL NOSE
A bull nose brick is a type of brick that has one or some of its
corners rounded off. The are typically used to build soft and
attractive curved edges to steps, ledges, or in capping walls. There
are many types of bull nose bricks.

Single Bull Nose

One corner of the brick is rounded off.

Double Bull Nose

Two corners of the brick are rounded off.
Cow Nose
Alos called double bull nose; it has both corners of the brick rounded
off at one of the ends.

Single Bull Nose Header

Top header side corner of the brick is rounded off.

Single Bull Nose Stretcher

Top stretcher side corner of the brick is rounded off.
Bull Nose Double Stretcher
Both top stretcher side corners of the brick are rounded off.

BUTTERING
The act of placing mortar on one face of a masonry unit with a
trowel before is laid. You will want to put as much mortar as possible
on the end of the brick.

BRICK MASONRY
The construction of brick masonry units bonded together with
mortar to form walls.

BRICK TYPES
There are four main types of masonry bricks. Here are their
definitions.
Solid Brick
A solid masonry unit with no cavities, holes or indentations. A solid
brick has a maximum void area of 25 percent.

Frogged Brick
A masonry unit with a cavity on one of its bed faces with no more
than 20 percent of its volume hollow.

Cored Brick
A masonry unit that has holes or cores in its cross-sectional area
with no more than 20 percent of its volume hollow. These cores
reduce the weight of the brick and allow for faster firing of the brick.

Hollow Brick
A masonry unit that has more than 25 percent of its volume hollow.
They can have up to 60 percent of its volume empty.

BRICKWORK
Walls and other structures made from bricks.

CLOSER
The portion of the brick cut lengthwise in such a manner that its one
long face remains uncut. Usually used to end a brick course or
building beautiful corners.
Solid Brick
Your typical brick with no cavities or void spaces.

Queen Closer (Half)

The piece of brick taken by cutting a brick lengthwise into two parts.

Queen Closer (Quarter)

When the queen closer is cut in half, then it is called a queen closer
quarter.
Mitred Closer
These are bricks where one end is cut at an angle from 45 to 60
degrees.

King Closer
Brick that is obtained by cutting from the center of one header to
the center of the stretcher on the other side. They are used to finish
corners.

Bevelled Closer
Similar to king closer but wit the difference that the whole length of
the brick is beveled.

CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT

Aka "CMU", "Cinder Block”, “Concrete Block”, "Concrete Brick"; or
simply “Block”. A concrete masonry unit that is made from portland
cement, water, and any suitable aggregates. It may include other
materials.

EXPANSION JOINT
The vertical or horizontal joints that are used to separate masonry
into segments to control cracking.

FACE
The surface of a wall that is exposed or the surface of brick or stone
that is exposed in finished work.

GROUT
A very fluid form of mortar used to fill gaps. It is used in construction
to seal empty areas, and fill joints like the areas between tiles. It is a
mix of water, cement, sand, and usually, a color tint is added to
match the masonry unit.

HEARTING
The interior portion of a masonry structure wall between the facing
and the backing.

JOINT TYPES
There are eight types of mortar joints.
Concave
The most popular type of joint. It is formed in mortar by the use of a
concave jointer tool. It has a high level of water resistance due to its
recessed profile and the compacted mortar. It also highlights the
quality and face of the bricks.

Vee
This type of joint, also called "V", is formed by the use of a V-shaped
jointer or a trowel. The joint hides small irregularities and is water-
resistant because the mortar is compacted and its shape directs
water away from the seal.
Flush
This joint is used when the wall is intended to be plastered or when
you plan to paint the wall. Since the mortar is not compressed, it is
less water-resistant than some of the other joint types.

Raked
For this joint type, the mortar is raked out to a uniform depth using a
wheeled jointer or brick rake. It is usually left uncompressed, but if
compacted, it will have better water-resistance. It will still collect
water and be less efficient than the other joints.

Extruded
This joint is formed naturally by the excess mortar when bricks are
squeezed and does not need any special tooling. It is not
recommended for exterior walls and the extruded material will
weaken and erode over time.
Beaded
Formed by the use of a beaded jointer it produces a vintage, formal
look. These beaded joints create interesting shadows, but they are
not recommended for exterior use because of their exposed ledges
and the erosion over time leaves the joint weakened and untidy.

Struck
Mortar is recessed increasingly from the top to the bottom of the
joint, with the bottom end not going more than 3/8-inch into the
wall. It is a very poor insulator against water, as it will allow water to
collect on its bottom edge and therefore not recommended for
exterior building walls.
Weathered
Mortar is recessed increasingly, using a pointing trowel, from the
bottom to the top of the joint, with the top end not going more than
3/8-inch into the wall. This type of joint is highly decorative and can
be used on exterior walls but is not as water resistance as the
concave and V-joints.

MAILBOX FLAG
This is a mandatory carrier signal flag used to indicate, when up,
that there is outgoing mail that the carrier needs to pick up in the
mailbox. The preferred color by the USPS of the mailbox flag is
orange. Find the detail USPS mailbox flag regulations under section "3.7
Carrier Signal Flag".

MASON
One who builds or works with stone or brick.

MASONRY
The masonry definition The construction of building materials
bonded together with mortar. That which is constructed by a mason;
anything constructed of the materials used by masons, such as
stone, brick, tiles, etc.

MASONRY VENEER
A single construction material, usually brick, used on the exterior
walls of buildings for its appearance of solid masonry without the
weight and cost and providing a non-load bearing wall. The masonry
veneer is fastened to the building's structure, but is self-supporting,
and places no additional load on the building. Masonry veneer is
primarily used for its appearance and sometimes it is referred as
“curtain walls.

MITER
A joint formed by fitting together two masonry pieces beveled to an
angle, which usually is 45-degrees, to form a corner.

MORTAR
The material used in masonry construction to fill the gaps between
the bricks and blocks used in construction. It provides for full
bearing, and seals and bonds between masonry units. Mortar is a
mixture of sand and a binder like cement or lime. Water is then
applied to form a paste which then sets hard.

PARGING
The process of applying a fine coat of mortar to finish the surface of
a masonry wall. Also, the cement mortar coat itself.

PLINTH COURSE
It is a projecting course of stones at the base of a wall.

QUOIN
The masonry units used to accentuate a masonry structure corner
by adding bricks or stone units that would be different from the wall
masonry wall in size, color, or texture. Or simply put, the masonry
units used to accentuate the corners of walls in a masonry structure.

RACKING
When consecutive courses are stepped back from the face of the
wall. You would usually step back the ends of courses successively
from bottom to top in an unfinished wall to facilitate the resumption
of work or bonding with an intersecting wall.

REBAR
The horizontal or vertical reinforcing bars that are used to reinforce
any masonry structure.
STRING COURSE
A horizontal continuous projecting course of brick or stone that
provides an aesthetic appearance to a structure. It is also called a
band course.

TIE
A masonry tie is a wire or sheet metal device used to connect two or
more masonry single section brick walls. They are also used to
connect masonry veneers to a structural backing system.

TOOTHING
The temporary wall ends where alternate stretchers project out.
Projecting masonry units are called tooths.
WAYS TO LAY A BRICK
There are six ways that you can lay a brick and it is given different
names.

Stretcher
This is how you typically lay a brick, with the stretcher side being
the most visible side.

Header
Head side is the most visible face of the brick.

Rowlock Stretcher
When the thin stretcher sides are on bottom and top and head faces
on the sides.

Rowlock
The head is visible, and the long narrow sides are on bottom and
top.

Soldier
The stretcher side is visible and the heads are at the bottom and
top. It is usually used for decoration.

Sailor
The heads are on top and bottom, and the stretcher faces are on the
side. Mostly used for decoration.

TROWEL
A small handheld tool with a flat, pointed blade, used to apply and
spread mortar or plaster

WEEP HOLE
The openings that are placed in mortar joints of facing material at
the level of flashing to allow moisture to escape.

WET SAW
A power masonry saw that uses water to cool a diamond blade that
keeps the blade clean and cold to make quick work of cutting
masonry units. A wet saw also keeps dust at a minimum and cuts
faster than using a dry masonry saw.