MASONRY WALL SYSTEM

Sara Hernández A00369298

Miguel Lamadrid A00570566
INDEX
MASONRY WALL SYSTEM

MASONRY...............................................................................................................................................................1

USED MATERIALS.........................................................................................................................2

MASONRY WALL SYSTEMS.........................................................................................................3

DETAILS...................................................................................................................................................................4
MASONRY

Masonry consists of building structures from single units that are laid and bound together with mortar.
Brick, stone and concrete blocks are the most common materials used in masonry construction.

Advantages of Masonry Construction

• Masonry is non-combustible, so improves fire protection for the building and its occupants. Fireplaces are commonly made of
masonry for the same reason.
• Masonry offers a high resistance against rotting, pests, weather, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
• Masonry structures provide an attractive rustic or elegant look for a home or building.
• Being durable and resistant, mansory can withstand large amounts of compressive weight loads.
• Masonry units increase the thermal mass of a building.
• Masonry buildings have longer lifespans than any other building type.

Limitations of Masonry Construction

• Masonry construction involves heavy materials such as bricks, stone and concrete blocks. These cannot be transported in
conventional vehicles, and in some cases they must be ordered from special catalogs, especially stones.
• The stability of masonry structures depends completely on their foundation. If any settling of the foundation occurs, cracks are
likely and they must be repaired to prevent moisture infiltration and damage.
• Masonry activities cannot be done during heavy rain or freezing conditions, since mortar will be severely affected.
• Masonry construction requires a good amount of time and adequate project planning. Depending on the type or masonry,
specialized manpower may be necessary.

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Used materials: brick, stone and concrete blocks.

CONCRETE BLOCK
ADVANTAGES
• Concrete blocks are resistant against weather, pests, mold, and fire.
• Concrete blocks are available in many sizes, finishes and colors.
• These units can also be manufactured to meet any set project requirements, and some concrete blocks are made using recycled
materials.
• Concrete blocks have good insulating properties against heat, sound and moisture.

LIMITATIONS
• Large concrete blocks are heavy and difficult to handle, requiring more manpower.
• Concrete blocks also increase the amount of steel required in reinforced cement concrete structures.
• Plumbing issues are harder to solve when they occur in a concrete masonry structure, since they can cause internal flooding.

BRICK
ADVANTAGES
• Brick masonry does not require highly skilled labor, since the shape and size of the masonry units is uniform.
• Bricks are lightweight (lower dead loads), easy to handle and transport, and cheaper that stones and concrete blocks.
• Brick walls are thinner, and units can be adhered with different types of mortar, depending on structural requirements.

LIMITATIONS
• Bricks have a low resistance against tension and torsion loads, making them more susceptible to seismic damage.
• Compared with stone and concrete blocks, bricks are also less strong and durable, and limited in sizes and colors.
• Plasterwork is required as finishing, which raises construction costs.

STONE
ADVANTAGES
• Stone masonry is the most durable, strong and weather resistant, thanks to the natural durability of the material.
• Stone is recommended for buildings with high foot traffic, since it does not bend or dent.
• Aesthetic look, with a variety of colors, sizes and textures.
• Stone masonry requires little maintenance and repairs, thanks to its durability.

LIMITATIONS
• Stone walls are thick and heavy, reducing floor space.
• Has a high self-weight, combined with low flexural strength, tensile strength and seismic resistance.
• Stone masonry is time-consuming and it requires skilled workers, since it cannot be altered, repaired or relocate easily.

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MASONRY WALL SYSTEMS

CAVITY WALLS
• Brick Veneer / Reinforced Concrete Block (NEXT DETAILS)
• Concrete Block Veneer / Reinforced Conce te Block
• Stone Slab Veneer / Reinforced Concrete Block
• Brick Veneer / Steel Stud
• Brick Veneer / Wood Stud
• Concrete Block Veneer / Steel Stud
• Brick Veneer / Reinforced Cast in Place Concrete
• Concrete Block Veneer / Reinforced Cast in Place Concrete

SINGLE WYTHE AND BARRIER WALLS

• Reinforced Brick
• Reinforced Concrete Block
• Stone Veneer / Reinforced Concrete Block

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Brick Veneer / Reinforced Concrete Block

Designed to stand the test of time, this all-masonry wall system pairs a concrete
block structure with brick for a beautiful, durable, and maintenance-free façade.

RECOMMENDED BUILDING TYPES

• Schools, commercial and institutional buildings
• Buildings requiring a high fire rating
• Noisy environments
• Areas with frequent rainfall
• Buildings with a long expected life span. The concrete block structural backup
will not burn, rot, rust, mold or be eaten by termites.
• Buildings in climates with high humidity. Concrete block is not a food source
for mold.

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Brick Veneer / Reinforced Concrete Block

BENEFITS
• Tough, beautiful brick exterior over a structural concrete block backup system
• Extremely durable, long lasting wall system
• Minimal long-term maintenance
• Great design flexibility – use different colors, bond patterns, brick sizes, and
surface textures to spice up your design
• Concrete block backup acts as the structure, with vertical and horizontal
reinforcement grouted into place
• Cavity system inherently weatherproof – great for moist environments
• Excellent insulating value and heat capacity
• Fire proof with gs up to 4 hours
• Great for noisy environments – naturally absorbs sound
• One trade erects both the structural and skin layers of the wall

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Lower life cycle cost offsets higher initial investment
• This substantial wall system may require larger foundation

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