Delivery, Storage and Handling

Handle blocks carefully to avoid breakage and damage to the finished surface.

Project Site Conditions

Protection of Work: Cover walls, including open tops, each day after installation to
keep open walls protected and dry. After units are installed, they should be
protected from damage by other trades performing operations that can stain or
otherwise damage the finished surfaces by covering walls with plastic.

Do not, under any circumstance, install a damaged unit that does not conform to
the requirements of ASTM C90. If units have been damaged during transit, reject
them.

Laying Masonry Walls

Draw blocks from more than one pallet at a time during installation. All exterior
mortar shall include the appropriate dosage rates for mortar type (M, S or N) per
manufacturer's instructions.

Lay units using the best concrete masonry practices. Install only quality units;
reject all defective units as defined by ASTM C90. Lay blocks with the faces
level, plumb and true to the line strung horizontally at the ground face. Units shall
have uniform, 15mm-wide joints both horizontally and vertically on the finished
side of the wall. Tool joints neatly after they are finger-hard to make them straight
and uniform. Size and place cut pieces appropriately to maintain consistency and
bond. Complete masonry construction using procedures and workmanship
consistent with the best masonry practices.

1. Dry-lay the first course of blocks, leaving space for mortar. Check for level
and set a string line for proper position.

2. Remove the blocks and spread a full bed of mortar. It is important to have
plenty of mortar along the bottom edges of the block for the first course.

3. When handling block, always tip it slightly toward you so that can see the
edge of the course below.
 4. Ensure that mortar is applied the head or vertical face before installing the
next block.

5. Push each block down into the mortar bed ad against previously laid block.

6. After three or four blocks have been laid, use a level to check for plumbness
and correct alignment. Make any adjustments by tapping the block with the
trowel handle, and then complete the first course. Make all adjustments
while the mortar is still soft. Any attempt to move block after the mortar has
stiffened will break the bond, weakening the wall and allowing moisture to
penetrate.

Laying the Remaining Courses:

1. With the remaining courses, mortar is applied to the horizontal face shells of
each block; for the vertical joints, mortar either the previously laid block or
the block to be placed, but not both. As each block is laid, cut off excess
mortar with a trowel.

2. As each course is laid, check for plumbness, alignment, and horizontal

spacing of the blocks.

3. After three courses of block have been laid, fill interior voids with approved
grout mix, and vibrate to ensure all voids are filled.

4. When placing course block all edges of the opening and all four vertical
edges of the closure block should be buttered with mortar.
5. Cutting: Make all unit cuts, including those for bonding, holes, boxes, etc.,
with motor driven masonry saws, using either an abrasive or diamond blade.
Cut neatly and locate for best appearance.

6. Work the joints after each section of the wall has been laid, and mortar has
partially hardened. Proper tooling procedures for uniform joints with sharp,
clean lines. Tool the horizontal joints first, and then work the vertical joints
with the proper jointing tool.

7. Allowable tolerances:

15mm bed and head joints, with tolerances equal (ACI 530).

Bed: +/- 3.2mm = 12.8mm - 18.2mm.

Head: -6.4mm or +9.5mm = 8.6mm - 24.5mm.