PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF OFFICE & LEISURE DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT FOR GALLE FACE PROPERTIES LTD AT NO 27, 27A, 27B GALLE
FACE TERRACE, COLOMBO 03.

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MASONRY

BLOCK WORK

MS- Masonry Block Work

 CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 SCOPE.......................................................................................................................................... 3
3.0 PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................... 3
5.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY .................................................................................... 4
5.1 Sample mock-up......................................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Preparation .................................................................................................................................. 4
5.3 Survey and setting out .............................................................................................................. 4
5.4 Preparation of mortar ................................................................................................................ 5
5.5 Laying Blocks .............................................................................................................................. 5
5.6 Lintels and stiffeners.................................................................................................................. 7
5.7 Control joints .............................................................................................................................. 7
5.8 Curing .......................................................................................................................................... 8
6.0 ATTACHMENT ......................................................................................................................... 8

MS- Masonry Block Work

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Block work is most important work for the construction of buildings and masonry
cement blocks are very common building component that are used worldwide. There
is a wide variety of size and type used within the construction industry today. There
are two main types which are solid and hollow blocks and used for different purposes.
Blocks are produced in a range if shapes and sizes. The face side is usually 400 mm x
200mm and the thickness varies from 100mm to 200mm.

2.0 SCOPE

This method statement provides the control sequence of construction and methodology
that will be used for masonry block work activities in overall project site at Galle Face
Icon Tower.

3.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of the method statement is to explain and express the contractor’s work
methodology to the consultants for their review and approval.

4.0 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

 Measuring tape
 Survey instrument
 Line dory
 Wheel barrow
 Hand shovel
 Trowels and hand tools
 Long straight edge
 Sprit level
 Water level
 Plumb bob
 Mason square
 Table grinder for block cutting
 Spitting Rod for block cutting

MS- Masonry Block Work

5.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY

5.1 Sample mock-up

Sample mockup for each type of block work shall be constructed at suitable places for
engineer’s approvals before starting masonry work. The sample panels shall be 6 courses
high and 1200mm long. This mockup will serve as a benchmark for judging succeeding
block works.

5.2 Preparation

Before starting any block work, the shop drawing complying with architectural and
structural drawings shall be prepared and submitted for consultant approval. All work
shall be carried out according to approved shop drawings.

The floor area where block work to be started shall be cleaned and surface preparation
will be done.

All material required for work shall be readily available at the workplace and stored
properly from contamination. Cements shall be kept at higher elevation and kept away
from any reach of rain or other water.

All necessary platforms and scaffolding for work at height shall be erected in a safe
manner.

5.3 Survey and setting out

Surveyor will set out and mark out the layout of the block work and opening details using
survey equipment and line dory based on the latest approved shop drawings. He will
also mark all necessary off set for reference during the time of construction and inspection
purpose.

Survey inspection will be carried out with consultant prior to start any block works.

MS- Masonry Block Work

5.4 Preparation of mortar

Mortar shall be repaired with One part of ordinary Portland cement: Five parts of sand
(1:5). Lintels, sills, frames, etc., shall be bedded with the same mortar.

All material shall be obtained from approved source of supply or approved supplier.
Water shall be cleaned and free from any acids or deleterious matters.

The ingredients for cement mortar shall be measured in proper separate gauge boxes on
boarded platform and ingredients shall be added and mixed thoroughly and uniformly
in enough water to make mortar tightly ball in man’s hand and to lightly ooze through
fingers as the hand is closed.

Mixing quantity will be limited for the quantity required for next Two hours of work.
Mortar mixed before Two hours shall not be fit for work and it shall be discarded. No re-
tempering of mortar will be allowed.

All gauging, handling and mixing equipment shall be kept clean and free of deleterious
materials. Mortar boards and other absorbent surfaces shall be dampened with clean
water, and mortar not in use shall be covered in drying conditions.

At the end of the day, the workplace and mixing platform shall be cleaned thoroughly,
and no pointing of cementitious water allowed.

5.5 Laying Blocks

After setting out for the block work layout, the surface of the slab/beam/base which is
to receive block work shall be roughed enough to promote better bonding between base
and wall.

A layer of mortar shall be spread on full width over a suitable length of

beams/slab/lower course. Each block shall be properly bedded and set in position by
gentle tapping with the handle of a trowel or wooden mallet.

Inside faces of the set lock shall be buttered with mortar and the next block to be laid shall
be pressed against it.

MS- Masonry Block Work

All the blocks in every course shall be filled with mortar using the trowel. The thickness
of mortar joint shall not exceed 10mm.

Any part of the wall will not be built more than 1.5m height (or 7 rows of blocks) in a
single day. No parts of the wall shall be built higher than 1000mm than adjacent
unfinished work.

The courses shall be kept perfectly horizontal and verticality of the wall will be checked
and maintained at every 3 to 4 courses.

Figure: Raking out the course and perpend

Keep courses levelled and perpend vertically aligned. Plumb quoins and all faces as the
work proceeds. It is preferable to align vertically every fifth or sixth perpend and `even
out’ the size of Intermediate joints. Try to keep horizontal joints of uniform thickness.

Joints will be rake out as work proceeds, on all faces to be plastered or rendered. This will
provide a good key for the coating.

When plastering or pointing is not required to be done, the joints shall be struck flush and
finished at the time of laying. The face and top of courses of the block work shall be
cleaned thoroughly of all mortar droppings on the same day.

Block should be cut to provide continuous pattern and to fit adjoining construction or
provision for stiffener columns. Blocks shall be cut by the motor-driven saws or other
suitable means to provide clean, sharp, un-chipped edges. Full-size of block shall be used
where possible.

MS- Masonry Block Work

5.6 Lintels and stiffeners

All the block wall greater than 9m2 in one area and not latterly supported by means of
any concrete walls or columns, shall be provided with a reinforcing system of R.C.
stiffener columns and ties beams of a section of 200mm by a thickness, depending on the
thickness of the wall.

Lintels on top of opening shall be extended minimum of 400mm on either side of the door
jamb or opening.

All lintels and stiffener columns shall be reinforced and grade C20 (Cement: Sand: Course
aggregate -1:2:4) hand mixed in situ concrete. Reinforcement shall be as per typical details
for the stiffener column and tie beams.

Stiffener column shall be reinforced/form worked and concreted only after completion
of adjoining block work.

5.7 Control joints

Boundary wall shall be provided 200x200 R.C. columns at intervals of 3000mm with
reinforcement provided in typical details.

Boundary walls longer than 9000mm, then regardless of height, expansion joints shall be
introduced at 9000mm intervals. Expansion joint shall be composed of 10mm thick
expanded polystyrene sheet packing in between two R.C. columns as illustrated below.
Plaster work at expansion joints shall be filled with approved flexible sealant.

Figure: Movement joint in masonry boundary wall

MS- Masonry Block Work

 Block work, stiffer column and perimeter RC walls flushing with deflecting member
(beams and slab) shall be provided vertical movement joints as per the typical structural
detail for stiffeners and masonry walls.

Figure: Vertical movement joint detail under deflecting member

When block wall is built adjoining to other type of material or structure such as concrete,
Steel. Horizontal dowel bars shall be provided at 600mm intervals from adjoining
structure. Dowel bar shall be extended into block wall for minimum of 300mm.

5.8 Curing

Block work shall be kept constantly moist on all faces for minimum period of seven
days. Block work shall be protected from rain water and surface runoff when mortar is
green.

6.0 ATTACHMENT

 Risk assessment
 Inspection and Test Plan

MS- Masonry Block Work

        
Risk Assessment and Control Measure
Date of assessment: 06 Oct 2020 Location: Galle Face Iconic Tower Approved by: Projects Manager

Work activity: Masonry block Work Assessment team: HSE Dept

Task Risk Initial Risk/Impact Controls Residual risk

Who or

Consequence

Consequence
S. Description task what

Likelihood

Likelihood
Rating
Hazard description and effect Control measures / Mitigation
N. step/Activity might be

Rating
harmed?

Material shifting Falling objects cause serious head Workers, - Dedicated loading point
by hoist ` and other injuries and damages to visitors, - Barricading loading points
other equipment and material and - display sign boards
1 equipmen 5 2 10 - safety helmets and protective footwear for 3 1 3
t worker
- No storage under loading points
-
Manual handling Workers could suffer from back Workers - Limit 30kg for manual lifting per person
and lifting injury and long term pain if regularly - Use material hoist for shifting material
materials lift/carrying heavy or awkward from floor to floors
objects - Use wheelbarrow for moving material
2 3 3 9 within the floor 2 1 2
- Routing shift for material haulers
- Wear protective shoves and hard hand
gloves
-
        
Risk Assessment and Control Measure
Task Risk Initial Risk/Impact Controls Residual risk
Who or

Consequence

Consequence
S. Description task what

Likelihood

Likelihood
Rating
Hazard description and effect Control measures / Mitigation
N. step/Activity might be

Rating
harmed?

Falling block on legs Workers - Use wheel barrow to move blocks

- Maximum weight for block lifting is 30Kg
4 1 4 - wear safety shoes 2 1 2

Walk around the Slips and trips – Workers - Store blocks on even surface
site and - Good housekeeping maintain at all times
All workers may suffer sprains or visitors - Waste including block bands and pallets
fractures if they trip over waste 4 2 8 debris disposed of in skip. 3 1 3
including block bands - Providing safety footwear for all workers
- Safe route for workplace
3
Stepping on nail and sharp objects - Workers - Good housekeeping maintain at all times
Workers could suffer foot injuries and - Waste including block bands and pallets
visitors 3 1 3 debris disposed of in skip. 1 1 1
- Providing safety footwear for all workers
- Safe route for workplace

Cutting Blocks Hazard to eyes during cutting blocks Workers - Safety induction for workers
4 4 2 8 - Safety google to be born when cutting 2 1 2
blocks
- First aid includes emergency eyewash
        
Risk Assessment and Control Measure
Task Risk Initial Risk/Impact Controls Residual risk
Who or

Consequence

Consequence
S. Description task what

Likelihood

Likelihood
Rating
Hazard description and effect Control measures / Mitigation
N. step/Activity might be

Rating
harmed?

Dust exposure during cutting Workers - Use dust mask for all workers working with
and 2 4 8 block cutting 1 2 2
visitors - Wetting of block before cutting
- Use splitting rod instead of grinder
Workers using grinder/saw or Workers - Replace high noise equipment
working near people who may suffer and 3 3 9 - Wear hear plug who handing grinder/saw 1 1 1
hearing loss. visitors and near workers
- dedicated place for block cutting
Mixing mortar Hazardous substances, mortar – Workers - risk of dermatitis or cement burn and
and laying block precautions explained to all workers.
Direct skin contact with the mortar - direct skin contact to be avoided
5 could cause layer contact dermatitis 4 2 8 - Use PVC coated gloves when handling 2 1 2
and burns. mortar
- Good washing facilities on site with soap
- First aid includes emergency eyewash
Laying block and Falling from height – - Safety induction for workers and riggers
working at height - Proper erection of scaffolding
Serious injury or even fatal injury - Barricading openings
6 5 2 10 3 1 3
could occur if a worker falls. - Providing proper deck over opening area
- Bearing safety hardness
        
Risk Assessment and Control Measure
Risk Assessment Matrix

CATEGORY CONSEQUENCES

Catastrophic Major Moderate Minor Rare

LIKELIHOOD
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

Frequent 25 20 15 10 5
(5)
Likely 20 16 12 8 4
(4)
Occasional 15 12 9 6 3
(3)
Seldom 10 8 6 4 2
(2)
Unlikely 5 4 3 2 1
(1)

CONSEQUENCES How severely could it hurt someone / cause damage?

Death/disability or large number of critical injuries, environmental

Catastrophic
disaster, huge cost involvement
Serious injury/lost time, extensive injuries, severe environmental
Major
damage, major cost involvement
Medical treatment required, contained environmental impact, high cost
Moderate
involvement
First aid treatment required, some environmental and slight financial
Minor
impact

Insignificant No injuries, low financial/environmental impact

        
Risk Assessment and Control Measure

LIKELIHOOD How likely it can happen?

Frequent Expected to occur in most circumstances

Likely Will probably occur in most circumstances

Occasional Might possibly occur at some time

Seldom Could occur at some time

May occur only in exceptional circumstances (might happen only

Unlikely
rarely)

Risk Assessment Result / Ranking

Risk score Ranking What to do

Immediate attention and action required. Organizations should consider whether they should eliminate or
17 - 25 Extremely High modify these activities.
Action plan required, senior management attention needed.
Application of proactive risk management strategies to reduce the risk is advised.
10 – 16 High

Specific monitoring or procedures required, management responsibility must be specified.

Organization should consider what can be done to manage the risk to prevent any negative outcomes.
5-9 Moderate

Manage through routine procedures.

1 -4 Low Organization can proceed with these activities as planned.
 
 
   
 
 

Project: Proposed construction of office & leisure development project for Calle face properties ltd. at no 27, 27a, 27b Galle face terrace,
Colombo 03.
Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) - ITP No :
Date: 14.10.2020
Block work Revision : 0
ITP Inspection points Verifying/
Type of Reference Testing Requirement/ Acceptance
Clause Inspection Description Control Date
inspection Document Criteria Sanken CSEC
No. Forms
Project Sampling and testing of block for
1 Sampling and testing of blocks Civil W W
specification compressive strength by third-party.

2 Inspection on sample block work panel Civil - Confirming mockup panel W H

Approved
Survey inspection for setting out od block work Survey, Setting out according to approved shop
3 construction shop W H
layout Civil drawings for block work
drawing

4 Civil inspection prior to start laying of blocks. Civil - Visual inspection for surface preparation W H

Installation of rebar, formwork and

Inspection prior to start concrete work for lintels Typical structural
5 Civil cleaning according to the typical structural W H
and stiffener columns details
detail.

Inspection on control joint detailing and Typical structural Installation of control joints according to
6 Civil W H
application of sealants details the typical structural detail.

Legend: H: Hold point R- Review Documents only

Consultant: CSEC
W- Witness point P- Progressive inspection
Contractor: Sanken
S- Surveillance inspection

Prepared & Checked By: Review & Approved By:

QA/QC Engineer (Sanken) Consultant (CSEC)