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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. CODES AND STANDARDS .................................................................................................................................. 3

3. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................................ 5

4. DOCUMENT PRECEDENCE ................................................................................................................................ 6

5. SPECIFICATION DEVIATION/CONCESSION CONTROL .................................................................................. 6

6. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL.................................................................................................... 6

7. DOCUMENTATION............................................................................................................................................... 7

8. SUBCONTRACTORS/SUBVENDORS................................................................................................................. 7

9. HANDLING ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
9.1 PACKAGING AND SHIPPING ............................................................................................................................... 7
9.2 PRESERVATION AND STORAGE ......................................................................................................................... 7

10. MATERIALS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

11. MORTAR AND MASONRY GROUT ................................................................................................................. 7

11.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
11.2 MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................... 8
11.3 EXECUTION .................................................................................................................................................. 8

12. MASONRY ACCESSORIES.............................................................................................................................. 9

12.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
12.2 MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................... 9
12.3 EXECUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 10

13. UNIT MASONRY ............................................................................................................................................. 11

13.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................... 11
13.2 MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................. 11
13.3 EXECUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 12

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1. GENERAL

1.1 Introduction
This Design General Specification defines the technical requirements for the furnishing and
installation of all masonry and accessories.

1.2 Purpose
This Design General Specification is provides criteria for the furnishing of all materials, equipment
and installation of all masonry and accessories as outlined on the DRAWINGS, in the contract and
this specification.

1.3 Definitions
Where used in this specification, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below
unless otherwise clearly indicated by context of their use.
COMPANY: ABU DHABI GAS INDUSTRIES LTD. (GASCO).
CONCESSION REQUEST: A deviation requested by the CONTRACTOR or VENDOR, usually after
receiving the contract documents or purchase order. Often, it refers to an authorization to use,
repair, recondition, reclaim, or release materials, components or equipment already in progress or
completely manufactured but which does not meet or comply with the COMPANY requirements. A
CONCESSION REQUEST is subject to COMPANY approval.
PROJECT: To be defined.
CONTRACTOR: the party(s) which carries out all or part of the design, engineering, procurement,
construction, commissioning or management of the PROJECT.
MANUFACTURER/VENDOR/SUPPLIER: The party(s) which manufactures and/or supplies the
material/equipment, and provides technical documents/drawings and services to perform the duties
specified by COMPANY/CONTRACTOR.
SUBCONTRACTOR/SUBVENDOR: The party(s) which carries out all or part of the design,
procurement, installation and testing of the System(s) as specified by the
CONTRACTOR/VENDOR.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM (PMT): The COMPANY authorized party responsible for the
overall day-to-day execution of the Project. The PMT is to serve as the liaison between the
COMPANY and the CONTRACTOR(S) on the PROJECT.
SHALL: Indicates a mandatory requirement.
SHOULD: Indicates that the requirement is strongly recommended to be adhered to
DRAWINGS: Drawings provided by the CONTRACTOR.

2. CODES AND STANDARDS

The following codes and standards, to the extent specified herein, form a part of this specification.
When an edition date is not indicated for a Code or Standard, the latest edition and addendums in
force at time of contract award shall apply.
Where there are conflicts between the requirements of different Specifications, Codes and
Standards the most stringent criteria shall apply.

BRITISH STANDARDS (BS)

BS EN 197-1 Cement-Part-1: Composition, specification and conformity criteria for
common cements

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BS EN 12620 Aggregates for concrete

BS EN 459-1 Building lime. Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria
BS EN 13139 Aggregates for mortar
BS EN 13658-1 Metal lath and beads. Definitions, requirements and test methods. Internal
plastering
BS EN 13658-2 Metal lath and beads. Definitions, requirements and test methods.
External rendering
BS EN 1008 Mixing water for concrete. Specification for sampling, testing and
assessing the suitability of water, including water recovered from
processes in the concrete industry, as mixing water for concrete
BS 4027 Sulfate resisting PORTLAND Cement
BS 4551 Methods of testing mortars, screeds and plasters. Physical testing
BS EN 998-1 Specification for mortar for masonry. Rendering and plastering mortar
BS EN 998-2 Specification for mortar for masonry. Masonry mortar
BS EN 934-3 Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout. Admixtures for masonry
mortar. Definitions, requirements, conformity, marking and labelling
BS 6073-2 Precast Concrete Masonry Units Part 2: Guide for Specifying Precast
Concrete Masonry Units
BS PD 6678 Guide to the specification of masonry mortar
BS EN 771-3 Specification for masonry units. Aggregate concrete masonry units (dense
and light-weight aggregates)
BS EN 771-4 Specification for masonry units Part 4: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
masonry units
BS EN 772-1 Methods of test for masonry units Part 1: Determination of compressive
strength
BS 4449 Steel for the reinforcement of concrete. Weldable reinforcing steel. Bar,
coil and decoiled product. Specification
BS 5628-1 Code of practice for the use of masonry. Structural use of un-reinforced
masonry
BS 5628-2 Code of practice for the use of masonry. Structural use of reinforced and
pre-stressed masonry
BS 5628-3 Code of practice for the use of masonry. Materials and components,
design and workmanship

NATIONAL CONCRETE MASONRY ASSOCIATION (NCMA)

NCMA TEK 10-1A Crack Control in Concrete Masonry Walls
NCMA Manual for Concrete Masonry Design and Construction

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)

ASTM C207 Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes
ASTM C476 Specification for Grout for Masonry
ASTM A615/A615M Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for
Concrete Reinforcement

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ASTM A36/ A36M Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel

ASTM A82/ A82M Standard Specification for Steel Wire, Plain, for Concrete Reinforcement
ASTM A167 Standard Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium-Nickel
Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
ASTM A185/ A185M Standard Specification for Steel Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain, for
Concrete
ASTM A951/ A951M Standard Specification for Steel Wire for Masonry Joint Reinforcement
ASTM A1008/ 1008M Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural,
High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
Formability, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable
ASTM C55 Standard Specification for Concrete Building Brick
ASTM C90 Standard Specification for Load bearing Concrete masonry Units
ASTM C91 Standard Specification for Masonry Cement
ASTM C129 Standard Specification for Non-load bearing Concrete Masonry Units
ASTM C140 Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units
and Related Units
ASTM C144 Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar
ASTM C270 Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
ASTM C1019 Standard Test Method for Sampling and Testing Grout
ASTM C1072 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Masonry Flexural Bond
Strength
ASTM C1386 Standard Specification for Precast Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)
Wall Construction Units

INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC)

IBC Latest Edition

AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE (ACI)

ACI 530/530.1 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures
and Related Commentaries
ACI 216.1 Code Requirements for Determining Fire Resistance of Concrete and
Masonry Construction Assemblies

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION (ISO)

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems – Requirements
ISO 9004 Managing for the sustained success of an organization - A quality
management approach

3. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The following reference documents, to the extent specified herein, form a part of this specification.
When an edition date is not indicated for a document, the latest edition in force at the time of
contract award shall apply.

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Design General Specifications:

DGS 2020-004 Thermal and Moisture Protection
DGS 2020-003 Woods and Plastics
DGS 2020-005 Doors and Windows
DGS 2020-006 Architectural Finishes
DGS 6710-001 Preservation and Export Packing

4. DOCUMENT PRECEDENCE
It shall be the CONTRACTOR‘S responsibility to be, or to become, knowledgeable of the
requirements of the referenced Codes and Standards.
The CONTRACTOR shall notify the PMT of any apparent conflict between this specification, the
related data sheets, the Codes and Standards and any other Design General Specifications noted
herein. Resolution and/or interpretation precedence shall be obtained from the PMT in writing before
proceeding with the design / manufacture.
In case of conflict, the order of precedence shall be:
 Purchase Order or Contract including Project Drawings and Specifications
 Design General Specifications and Standards
 Industry Codes and Standards

5. SPECIFICATION DEVIATION/CONCESSION CONTROL

Deviations from this specification are only acceptable where the CONTRACTOR has listed in his
quotation the requirements he cannot, nor does not wish to comply with, and the COMPANY has
accepted in writing the deviations before the order is placed.
In the absence of a list of deviations, it will be assumed that the CONTRACTOR complies fully with
this specification.
Any technical deviations to the Purchase Order and its attachments including, but not limited to the
Design General Specifications, shall be sought by the CONTRACTOR only through CONCESSION
REQUEST format. CONCESSION REQUESTS require the PMT's review and approval, prior to the
proposed technical changes being implemented. Technical changes implemented prior to PMT
approval are subject to rejection.

6. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL

The CONTRACTOR shall have in effect at all times, a QA/QC program which clearly establishes the
authority and responsibility of those responsible for the quality system. Persons performing quality
functions shall have sufficient and well defined authority to enforce quality requirements that initiate,
identify, recommend and provide solutions to quality problems and verify the effectiveness of the
corrective action.
CONTRACTOR‘s Quality Management Systems shall comply with all the requirements of ISO 9001
―Quality Management Systems – Requirements‖ and ISO 9004 ―Managing for the sustained
success of an organization — A quality management approach‖.
A copy of the CONTRACTOR‘s QA/QC program shall be submitted to the COMPANY with its
quotation for review and concurrence prior to award. If CONTRACTOR‘s QA/QC program is ISO
9000 certified, then only a copy of the ISO 9000 certificate is required. In addition, if VENDOR‘S
facility is ISO certified, QA audit requirements will be waived in favor of ISO 9000 registrar audits,
unless the COMPANY‘s trend analysis program indicates areas of concern.

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The CONTRACTOR shall identify in documents to its VENDOR‘s and SUBCONTRACTOR‘s all
applicable QA/QC requirements imposed by the COMPANY, and shall ensure compliance.
On request, CONTRACTOR shall provide objective evidence of its vendor and subcontractor
QA/QC activities.

7. DOCUMENTATION
The construction drawings shall be issued by CONTRACTOR (or a SUBCONTRACTOR) and
―approved for CONSTRUCTION‖ before the work commence.
The procedures for title block, issuing of the documentation shall be strictly followed.

8. SUBCONTRACTORS/SUBVENDORS
The CONTRACTOR shall assume unit responsibility and overall guarantee for the works.
It is the CONTRACTOR‘s responsibility to enforce all Purchase Order and Design General
Specification requirements on its SUBCONTRACTORS /VENDORS.
The CONTRACTOR shall submit all relevant SUBCONTRACTORS / VENDORS
engineering/design data to the COMPANY.
The CONTRACTOR shall obtain and transmit all SUBCONTRACTORS / VENDORS warranties to
the COMPANY.

9. HANDLING

9.1 Packaging And Shipping

All materials shall be delivered at site under CONTRACTOR‘s/SUBCONTRACTOR‘s (for
construction) responsibility, with application of relevant codes and/or procedures.

9.2 Preservation And Storage

All materials shall be stored in accordance with DGS 6710-001 ‗Preservation and Export Packing‘,
relevant codes and procedures.

10. MATERIALS
The CONTRACTOR shall submit an ―Affidavit of Compliance‖ before beginning construction. The
Affidavit shall confirm that all material meets the requirements of this specification.

11. MORTAR AND MASONRY GROUT

11.1 General

11.1.1 Scope of Work

Under this Section, the CONTRACTOR shall furnish all labor, equipment and materials required to
complete the mortar work and grouting required in connection with the unit masonry work.

11.1.2 Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

 Masonry Accessories, See Section 12, herein
 Unit Masonry, See Section 13, herein

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11.2 Materials

11.2.1 Materials shall be as follows:

Materials shall conform to the requirements of the BS recommendations indicated and/or such other
requirements as are stated in the following detailed listing:
Portland Cement: Type I meeting the requirements of BS EN 197-1 and type V meeting
the requirements of BS 4027 for mortar below ground or mortar
cement conforming to ASTM C91 as applicable.
Hydrated Lime: Shall meet the requirements of BS EN 459-1
Sand for Mortar: Clean, sharp, mason‘s sand, meeting the requirements of BS EN
13139 or ASTM C144
Water: To be clean, potable and free from Sulphates, chlorides and soluble
organic matter, tested to BS EN 1008

Aggregate for Grout: BS EN 12620, coarse aggregate size No. 8 and fine aggregate size No. 1.
All cement shall be the product of a single manufacturer.

11.3 Execution

11.3.1 Required Mix

Mortar of all unit masonry shall conform to ASTM C270. Mortar shall be Type ―S‖ mortar with a
2
minimum compressive strength of 12.4 N/mm .
For prescribed mortar the mix proportions by volume or by weight of all the constituents (consisting
of portland cement, hydrated lime and sand) shall be submitted by the CONTRACTOR for
COMPANY approval.
Where joints reinforcements are necessary, lime shall be replaced by a mortar plasticiser meeting
the requirements of BS EN 934-3.
All mortar shall contain the recommended amount of integral water-repellent admixture for mortar
for water repellency and to assure proper bond strength. The required amount of admixture per bag
of cement shall be per MANUFACTURER‘s instructions. Mortar preparation and composition shall
comply with ASTM C207, Type S.
See Unit Masonry Section 13.0 herein for a list of acceptable admixture manufacturers.
All exterior block walls shall be laid with full mortar coverage on horizontal and vertical face shells,
and mortar shall contain the integral mortar admix as per label instructions. All joints shall be well
tooled. No raked joints shall be permitted. Attention shall be given to NCMA TEK 10-1A for joint and
crack control.
2
Grout for all unit masonry work shall attain a minimum compressive strength of 13.8 N/mm and
shall conform to ASTM C476 and for prescribed mortar the mix proportions by volume or by weight
of all the constituents (consisting of Portland cement, hydrated lime, sand and coarse aggregate)
shall be submitted by the CONTRACTOR for COMPANY approval. The compressive strength of
grout shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C1019.

11.3.2 Batching, Mixing, and Retempering

Methods of measuring shall be used, such that specified proportioning can be accurately controlled
and maintained.
All mortar shall be machine-mixed in a mechanically operated drum type batch mixer in which
quantity of water can be accurately controlled. Care shall be taken in adding final water to the mix
to avoid over-wetting. Mixing shall continue for not less than four minutes after all materials are in
the mixer. Mixer shall be completely empty and cleaned out before it is recharged.

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When conditions are such as to cause drying of the mortar, batch size shall be such that all
materials will be used within two hours.
Mortar on the board shall be kept well tempered with water, so long as its cementing material has
not started to set, so that it will be soft and workable when placed in the wall. No retempering of
mortar will be permitted. All mixers, mortar boxes, etc., shall be cleaned out at noon and at night.

11.3.3 Grouting
Place reinforcement before grouting. Place before or after laying masonry units, as required by job
conditions.
Prior to grouting, inspect and clean grout spaces. Remove dust, dirt, mortar droppings, loose pieces
of masonry and other foreign materials from grout spaces. After final cleaning and inspection, close
cleanout holes and brace closures to resist grout pressures.
Do not place grout until entire height of masonry to be grouted has attained sufficient strength to
resist displacement of masonry units and breaking of mortar bond. Install shores and bracing, if
required, before starting grouting operations.
Limit grout pours to sections that can be completed in one working day with not more than one hour
interruption of pouring operation. Place grout in lifts that do not exceed 1500 mm. Allow not less
than 30 minutes, nor more than one hour between lifts of a given pour. Rod or vibrate each grout lift
during pouring operation. When more than one pour is required to complete a given section of
masonry, extend reinforcement beyond masonry as required for splicing. Pour grout to within 40
mm of top course of first pour. After grouting masonry is cured, lay masonry units and place
reinforcement for second pour section before grouting. Repeat sequence if more pours are
required.

12. MASONRY ACCESSORIES

12.1 General

12.1.1 Scope of Work

Under this Section, the CONTRACTOR shall furnish all labor, equipment and materials required to
complete the following items of work: provide and install all masonry reinforcing, anchors, flashings
and control joints required in connection with the laid-up masonry work.

12.1.2 Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

 Mortar and Masonry Grout, See Section 11, herein.
 Unit Masonry, See Section 13, herein.
 Specification for Thermal and Moisture Protection No DGS 2020-004. See Section 15 for Joint
Sealants and Section 14 for Flashing and Sheet Metal.

12.1.3 Manufacturers
Local manufacturers (precast vendors) in UAE shall be approved by COMPANY for the proposed
application.

12.2 Materials
The references of codes and standards, materials, manufacturers or suppliers specified in this
section are intended to establish a standard of quality or a level of performance and are not
intended to prevent the use of equivalent or superior products. Other references of materials,
manufacturers or suppliers are acceptable only after the approval from COMPANY for the proposed
application. Material approval shall be obtained prior to the procurement/construction.

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12.2.1 Joint Sealants

Masonry control joints shall be sealed with acrylic or low modulus silicone joints such as Fosroc‘s
―Nitoseal 105‖ or ―Nitoseal 125‖ or approved equivalent.

12.2.2 Reinforcement
Masonry horizontal reinforcement shall consist of welded steel wire, truss type, with 5mm diameter
(minimum) deformed side rods connected with 4mm diameter (minimum) diagonal cross rods.
Prefabricated corner pieces shall be used at all corners. Reinforcement shall be properly sized for
the type of construction and thickness of wall. Joint reinforcement shall comply with ASTM
A951/A951M.
Steel reinforcing bars and rods for use as vertical reinforcement and in bond beams and lintels shall
conform to type 2, Grade 460 in accordance with BS 4449 or ASTM A615/A615M Grade 60.
Details of reinforcement including placement and protection shall conform to Building Code
Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530/ASCE 5).

12.2.3 Anchors, ties and accessories:

Masonry elements shall be anchored to adjacent concrete walls and columns in accordance with
Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530/ASCE 5). The anchoring details shall
be prepared by the CONTRACTOR and submitted for COMPANY approval prior to purchasing of
materials.
The material of anchors, ties and accessories shall conform to the following standards:
ASTM A36/A36M for plate and bent bar anchors, ASTM A82/A82M for wire ties and anchors, ASTM
A185/A185M for wire mesh ties, and ASTM A 1008/A1008M for sheet metal anchors and ties.

12.3 Execution

12.3.1 Control Joints

Install control joints in the locations shown on the DRAWINGS and/or in accordance with the
manufacturer‘s standard details using concrete jamb block. Joints shall not be filled with mortar, but
shall be caulked as specified in Joint Sealants section.

12.3.2 Masonry Reinforcements

In all masonry walls, provide continuous horizontal reinforcing every second course in the mortar.
Reinforcing shall be discontinued at all control joints.
Reinforcing shall be lapped a minimum of 150 mm at all splices of truss type joint reinforcing and a
minimum of 900 mm at all splices of reinforcing bars.
Care shall be taken to keep reinforcing clean of all greases, oil or other foreign materials which
might affect its bonding properties with mortar. Storage and handling shall be done carefully and in a
manner to prevent the bending of wires.
Walls shall be vertically reinforced as required, vertical reinforcing bar shall be continuous from floor
to top of wall. Vertical reinforcement shall be secured to dowels at bottom of wall and at intervals as
necessary to hold the reinforcement in proper position. Cells with vertical reinforcement shall be
filled solid with grout.
Provide vertically reinforced and grouted cells also on each side of door openings.

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13. UNIT MASONRY

13.1 General

13.1.1 Scope of Work

Under this Specification the CONTRACTOR shall furnish all labor, equipment and materials
required to complete the following items of work: provide and install all unit masonry required in
connection with laid-up masonry work; install all accessories furnished under other Specifications
and built into the masonry.

13.1.2 Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

 Mortar and Masonry Grout. See Section 11, herein.
 Masonry Accessories. See Section 12, herein.
 Specification for Thermal and Moisture Protection No DGS-2020-004. See Section 12.

13.1.3 Quality Assurance

CONTRACTOR shall construct a sample masonry panel onsite approximately 2000 mm long by
1200 mm high to establish a standard for quality. The sample may be constructed in place and
incorporated into the work if approved by the COMPANY. Approval of sample shall be obtained
before proceeding with remainder of work.
CONTRACTOR shall meet the requirements of IBC, as well as all local code requirements, in the
installation of all masonry and accessories.

13.1.4 Design
The design of Masonry Units shall be in accordance with Specification DGS-1882-001, Structural
Design Basis.

13.2 Materials

13.2.1 Concrete Masonry Units

All concrete block units shall be 400 mm x 200 mm face size, normal weight with a minimum
2
compressive strength of 13.1 N/mm on the net area and conform to the BS EN 771-3 and BS 6073
Part 2 or ASTM C90 / ASTM C55 as applicable or as shown on the contract drawings. Block width
shall be as shown on the drawings. Solid concrete block type shall be used unless other type is
indicated on the drawings.
The compressive strength of concrete masonry units shall be determined in accordance with BS EN
772-1 or ASTMC140.
Masonry design and work shall be in accordance with ACI 530/530.1 and IBC Chapter 21 or BS
5628 as applicable.
The fire resistance / rating of concrete masonry units shall be as per the building‘s fire rating
indicated in the buildings schedule and it shall be determined in accordance with ACI 216.1.
The Aggregate for the manufacture of Blocks shall be as follows:
The maximum permitted total chloride ion content expressed as percentage by weight of dry
aggregate shall be as follows:
 Coarse aggregate: 0.08%
 Fine aggregate: 0.10%

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Concrete block used to construct the exterior walls shall be smooth masonry units.
All concrete masonry units shall have a uniform texture and be smooth faced, as required.
Special shapes shall be supplied as required by the DRAWINGS.
All exterior concrete block, including precast lintels, shall contain the recommended amount of
integral water-repellent admixture.
Acceptable manufacturers for integral water-repellent admixtures shall be considered for approval
upon review of information submitted to the COMPANY.
No other admixtures or additives should be used unless written approval is given by the integral
water-repellent admixture MANUFACTURER.
Obtain Concrete Masonry Units from one Manufacturer throughout job, uniform in texture and color,
and cured by one process.

13.2.2 Autoclaved Aerated (AAC) Blocks

Autoclaved Aerated (AAC) type solid blocks shall be used where sound or/and thermal insulation is
required, or where it is indicated on the drawings. The blocks shall be 550 mm x 200 mm face size
with a minimum compressive strength of 6.0 N/mm2 on the net area and conform to ASTM C1386
or BS EN 771-4.

13.2.3 Manufacturers
Acceptable manufacturers or suppliers shall be approved by CONTRACTOR and COMPANY.

13.3 Execution

13.3.1 Installation
All walls shall be built true to dimensions, plumb, and square. All work shall be laid to line, in level
courses and all individual face units shall be kept ―in plane.‖
All unit masonry shall be laid using running bond. Joints shall run straight and plumb. Block cores
shall be reinforced as indicated on the DRAWINGS.
All masonry units shall be laid in a full bed of mortar with full head joints. All such mortar shall
contain the recommended amount of integral water-repellent admixture mortar admix for water
repellency and to assure proper bond strength.
All required cutting of masonry units shall be done with power equipment which will produce true
edges free of chipping and undamaged surfaces.
Where fresh masonry joins masonry that is partially or totally set, the exposed surface of the set
masonry shall be cleaned and wet lightly so as to obtain the best possible bond with the new work.
All loose masonry and mortar shall be removed. If it is necessary to ―stop off‖ a run of masonry, this
shall be done by raking back one-half unit length of each course. No toothing will be permitted.
Joints in all exposed masonry work shall be firmly and neatly tooled, when mortar is thumbprint
hard, to a slightly concave profile, unless indicated otherwise. All concealed joints shall be cut off
flush and surplus mortar shall be brushed off as work progresses.
a. Brick work/block work shall be carried up in a uniform manner with no one portion being raised
more than 1.0 M above another at any time unless special circumstances render this
impracticable.
b. The maximum height which is to be built in one day is 1.5 M. In the case of walls built using
retarder mortars, the maximum height which is to be built in one day shall be 1.0 M.
c. Walls built using retarder mortar shall be adequately cured for a period of not less than 24 hours
before any further work on the wall can take place.

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d. The mortar beds and vertical joints shall be 10 MM nominal thickness and shall not exceed 15
MM.
Other trades shall be consulted and provisions made to permit installation of their work in a manner
which will avoid cutting and patching as the work progresses.
Tapping of units shall not be permitted after mortar has taken its initial set. Irregular work shall be
replaced with fresh mortar.
Masonry wall intersections shall be bonded with joint reinforcing, except at control joints.
Masonry joints shown to be caulked shall be raked back 12 mm. Sides of caulking recess shall be
free of mortar.
All loose lintels (steel, precast concrete, etc.) shall be installed by the SUBCONTRACTOR.
All bond beams shall be built in as indicated on the DRAWINGS. They shall be reinforced and filled
as detailed.
All masonry reinforcement, control joints, and flashings shall be installed as specified in Masonry
Accessories section.

13.3.2 Protection
All masonry work shall be properly protected from staining, the elements, and from damage at all
times. Top of all walls shall be covered at end of each workday.

13.3.3 Cleaning and Pointing Masonry Work

All surplus mortar, splatter, drippings, etc. shall be removed as work progresses.
At end of each working day all masonry work that is to be exposed shall be cleaned and pointed.
Holes resulting from removal of line pins must be filled.
Final cleaning of all masonry work shall be with water and fiber brushes, without acid, at the
completion of the work as an entirety. Stains shall be removed.
Any defective mortar joints shall be cutout, filled solidly with mortar, and tooled to match adjacent
work.
No cleaning acid shall be used on masonry without special permission of the COMPANY.

13.3.4 Cleaning Up
Upon completion of the work all surplus materials, debris, tools, and equipment shall be removed
from the site.

DGS 2020-001 REV 2