Summary: MASONRY

 Masonry is a construction technique that combines masonry units (stone, blocks, or bricks) with
mortar.
 Examples of ancient masonry structures include the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China,
and Greek and Roman ruins.
 Bricks became commonly used in Europe in the 13th century and in the United States around
1600.
 Masonry units can be classified as concrete masonry units, clay bricks, structural clay tiles, glass
blocks, and stone.
 Concrete masonry units can be solid or hollow, while clay bricks, glass blocks, and stone are
typically solid.
 Masonry units are manufactured in different densities: lightweight, medium-weight, and normal-
weight units.
 Concrete masonry units are manufactured using a dry concrete mixture with aggregates, water,
and admixtures.
 Clay bricks are made of fired clay and vary in composition. They have moderate insulating
properties and are durable and fire-resistant.
 Mortar is a mixture of cementitious material, aggregate, and water used for bonding masonry
units, leveling and seating the units, and providing aesthetic quality.
 Mortar is manufactured in types M, S, N, and O, and its strength and properties are evaluated in
the laboratory and in the field.
 Grout is a high-slump concrete used to fill cores or voids in hollow masonry units.
 Plaster is a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water used for finishing masonry or framed walls.
 Important details:
 Masonry is one of the oldest construction materials.
 Bricks have been used in constructing sewers, bridge piers, tunnel linings, and multistory
buildings.
 Concrete masonry units are classified as load-bearing and non-load-bearing.
 Clay bricks have properties such as compressive strength, water absorption, and saturation
coefficient for different weathering conditions.
 Mortar is the weakest part of a masonry wall, and thin layers generally produce stronger walls.
 The tensile bond strength of mortar is important for bonding masonry units.
 Grout is used to fill cores or voids in hollow masonry units.
 Plaster is used for finishing walls, and stucco is used for exterior walls.

 Abundance of raw materials: Masonry is typically made from abundant natural resources such as
clay, sand, and stone. These materials are widely available in many regions, making masonry a
viable option for construction.
 Efficient use of raw materials: Masonry construction techniques allow for precise sizing and
shaping of materials, minimizing waste. Additionally, masonry structures can have a long
lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacement and conserving resources.

 Use of recycled materials: While masonry does not inherently incorporate recycled materials,
some masonry products can include recycled content, such as bricks made from recycled
concrete or glass. The use of such recycled materials in masonry contributes to sustainability
efforts.

 Sustainable measures in acquisition or manufacture: The production of masonry materials can

be carried out using environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing energy consumption
and minimizing emissions. Sustainable manufacturing processes can further enhance the
environmental performance of masonry as a building material.

 Use of regionally available materials: Masonry materials are often sourced locally, reducing
transportation distances and associated carbon emissions. Using locally available materials also
supports local economies and reduces dependence on long-distance supply chains.

 Regional manufacture or fabrication: Similarly, the production of masonry materials can be

localized, leading to reduced energy consumption and emissions from transportation. Local
manufacturing can also create job opportunities and support the regional economy.

 Recyclable: Masonry materials, such as bricks and concrete blocks, can be recycled and reused at
the end of their lifespan. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves
resources by extending the life cycle of the materials.

 Salvageable: In the event of demolition or renovation, masonry structures can be dismantled

and the materials salvaged for reuse. This reduces waste and promotes resource conservation.

 Durable: Masonry is known for its durability and long lifespan. Buildings constructed with
masonry can withstand harsh weather conditions and have low maintenance requirements. This
longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources in the long run.

 Non-toxic: Masonry materials are generally non-toxic and do not release harmful substances into
the environment. This contributes to indoor air quality and human health.
 Avoidance of construction waste: Masonry construction techniques, such as bricklaying and
block laying, can minimize construction waste by utilizing precise measurements and reducing
errors. Proper planning and execution can further reduce waste generation during the
construction process.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the purpose of mortar in masonry construction?
A. To provide insulation
B. To add color to the masonry
C. To bond masonry units together
D. To add strength to the masonry
2. When were bricks first commonly used in the United States?
A. 13th century
B. 16th century
C. 17th century
D. 18th century
3. What are some types of masonry units?
A. Concrete masonry units
B. Clay bricks
C. Structural clay tiles
D. All of the above
4. What is the difference between solid and hollow concrete masonry units?
A. Solid units are heavier than hollow units
B. Solid units are more insulating than hollow units
C. Solid units have a core that is filled with grout
D. Solid units are used for non-load-bearing walls
5. What is grout used for in masonry construction?
A. To fill cores or voids in hollow masonry units
B. To bond masonry units together
C. To provide insulation to the masonry
D. To add strength to the masonry
6. What is plaster used for in masonry construction?
A. To fill cores or voids in hollow masonry units
B. To bond masonry units together
C. To finish masonry or framed walls
D. To provide insulation to the masonry
7. What is the weakest part of a masonry wall?
A. The masonry units
B. The mortar
C. The grout
D. The plaster
 8. What is the purpose of stucco in masonry construction?
A. To provide insulation to the masonry
B. To finish exterior walls
C. To fill cores or voids in hollow masonry units
D. To add strength to the masonry
9. What is the difference between load-bearing and non-load-bearing concrete masonry units?
A. Load-bearing units are stronger than non-load-bearing units
B. Load-bearing units have a core that is filled with grout
C. Non-load-bearing units are used for exterior walls
D. Non-load-bearing units are not used for structural purposes

10. What is the tensile bond strength of mortar important for in masonry construction?
A. Bonding masonry units together
B. Providing insulation to the masonry
C. Adding color to the masonry
D. Providing strength to the masonry

Enumeration Questions:
1. Name three types of masonry units.
2. Name two types of mortar.
3. Name two materials that are used to make plaster.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the purpose of mortar in masonry construction?

Answer: C. To bond masonry units together

2. When were bricks first commonly used in the United States?

Answer: C. 17th century

3. What are some types of masonry units?

Answer: D. All of the above

4. What is the difference between solid and hollow concrete masonry units?

Answer: C. Solid units have a core that is filled with grout

5. What is grout used for in masonry construction?

Answer: A. To fill cores or voids in hollow masonry units

6. What is plaster used for in masonry construction?

Answer: C. To finish masonry or framed walls

 7. What is the weakest part of a masonry wall?

Answer: B. The mortar

8. What is the purpose of stucco in masonry construction?

Answer: B. To finish exterior walls

9. What is the difference between load-bearing and non-load-bearing concrete masonry units?
Answer: B. Load-bearing units have a core that is filled with grout

10. What is the tensile bond strength of mortar important for in masonry construction?

Answer: A. Bonding masonry units together

Enumeration Questions:

1. Name three types of masonry units. Answer: Concrete masonry units, clay bricks, and stone.

2. Name two types of mortar. Answer: Types M and S.

3. Name two materials that are used to make plaster. Answer: Cement and lime.
 Sapat na mga hilaw na materyales: Karaniwang gawa ang mga istrukturang pambaryo mula sa
sapat na likas na mga sangkap tulad ng luad, buhangin, at bato. Ang mga sangkap na ito ay
malawakang matatagpuan sa maraming rehiyon, na ginagawang isang praktikal na pagpipilian
para sa konstruksiyon.

 Epektibong paggamit ng mga hilaw na materyales: Ang mga pamamaraan sa pagtatayo ng mga
istrukturang pambaryo ay nagpapahintulot ng eksaktong sukat at pagsasaayos ng mga
materyales, na nagmiminsala ng basura. Bukod dito, ang mga istrukturang pambaryo ay
maaaring magtagal ng mahabang panahon, na nagpapabawas ng pangangailangan sa madalas na
pagpapalit at nag-iingat ng mga sangkap.

 Paggamit ng mga recycled na materyales: Bagaman hindi direkta itinatampok ang paggamit ng
mga recycled na materyales sa mga istrukturang pambaryo, ilang mga produkto ng istrukturang
pambaryo ay maaaring maglaman ng recycled na nilalaman, tulad ng mga bato na gawa sa
recycled na kongkreto o salamin. Ang paggamit ng ganitong mga recycled na materyales sa mga
istrukturang pambaryo ay naglalayong makatulong sa mga pagsisikap sa pagiging matatag na
pangkapaligiran.

 Sustenableng mga hakbang sa pagkuha o paggawa: Ang produksyon ng mga materyales ng

istrukturang pambaryo ay maaaring isagawa gamit ang mga praktikang hindi nakakasira sa
kapaligiran, tulad ng pagbawas ng paggamit ng enerhiya at pagkaunti ng mga emisyon. Ang mga
sustenableng proseso sa pagmamanupaktura ay maaaring magdagdag pa sa pagpapabuti ng
pangkapaligirang pagganap ng mga istrukturang pambaryo bilang materyal sa pagtatayo.

 Paggamit ng mga materyales na magagamit sa rehiyon: Karaniwan nang makuha sa lokal na mga
lugar ang mga materyales ng istrukturang pambaryo, na nagbawas ng distansya ng
transportasyon at kaugnay na mga emisyon ng karbon. Ang paggamit ng mga lokal na magagamit
na materyales ay nagtataguyod din sa lokal na ekonomiya at nagbawas ng dependensiya sa
pangmalayong mga supply chain.
 Lokal na pagmamanupaktura o pagbabakal: Katulad rin nito, ang produksyon ng mga materyales