< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >

METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00

CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 1 of 18

>>> READ THIS FIRST <<<

Instructions on how to convert this ‘base’ method Statement into a ‘project
specific’ method statement:

 Headers : Replace the ‘BMS’ reference # with applicable project

reference numbering
Insert issue date (DD MMM YY format)
 Cover : In Revision History panel insert same date as Header & names
as applicable
 Insertions : Follow the instructions in this document (red text) to add
project specific details
Ensure that no conflict exists between this document and the
Specification which MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE
 Review : Check for completeness, sign cover sheet as ‘Prepared’
Pass to Quality & Safety Managers for their review and to sign
as ‘Checked’
Then pass to Project Manager to sign as ‘Authorised’
 Control : Distribute document as required via the Document
Controller to log distribution made
 And finally : Delete this and other instructions (red text)

METHOD STATEMENT
FOR
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
If, despite best endeavours, a conflict should arise between this Method Statement and the Project
Specification the requirements of the latter shall be observed and this document revised, accordingly.

Prepared Checked
Authorised
Issue Date Senior Site
HSE (PSM) Quality (PQM) (Project Manager)
Engineer

00 DD MMM YY
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 2 of 18

CONTENTS

CONTENTS................................................................................................................................ 2

1.0 SCOPE............................................................................................................................. 4

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................................................ 4

3.0 INTERFACING................................................................................................................. 4

4.0 SEQUENCING..................................................................................................................5

5.0 METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................. 5
5.1 Pre-Works.........................................................................................................................................................5

5.2 Works.................................................................................................................................................................5

5.3 Post-works.........................................................................................................................................................5

6.0 PLANT & EQUIPMENT....................................................................................................5

7.0 MATERIALS.....................................................................................................................5

8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................5

9.0 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................................6

10.0 ATTACHMENTS........................................................................................................... 6
Attachment 1: Key to Safety Symbols.........................................................................................................................8

Attachment 2: Risk Assessment...................................................................................................................................9

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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 3 of 18

Amendments History
Rev Clause Changes Made
00 Original issue of document
01
02
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 4 of 18

1.0 Scope
< INSERT DESCRIPTION OF WORKS TO BE COVERED >

Note: Emphasis of required safety measures will be inserted throughout, generally in the
following format, pictograms are to be found in Attachment 1:

2.0 Responsibilities
 Site Manager:

o The Site Manager shall be responsible for the overall implementation of this Method statement,
and for ensuring that Site and Section Engineers are well informed of its requirements.

 Senior Site Engineer:

o Assigning site engineers to specific task and ensuring that tasks are performed according to the
projects plans and specifications.

 Site Engineers:

 To ensure construction of the Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) block walls is carried out to the
required Contract Specifications and approved shop drawings.
 Notifying Quality Control Engineer when work is ready for inspection
 Ensuring that notification time to QCE is sufficient to meet notification times required by the
Engineer’s Representative through the Works Inspection Request Form.
 Liaison with Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing trades foremen for marking out and installation
of embedded items and cutting holes and chases for embedded items.

 Surveyors:

o In contact with Site Engineers to mark the locations of walls, partitions, corners and wall
openings.

 QC Manager:

 Reviewing all relevant documentation and test reports and prepare all handing over
reports.
 Clearing all non-conformances relevant to the activity.
 Ensuring that the Engineer’s Representative / Inspector clears all discipline activities
that must be inspected and tested.
 Organizing and allocation of inspection works to Quality Control Inspectors.
 Ensuring all inspection are performed and recorded as per project specifications.
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 5 of 18


Ensuring inspections are carried out in a timely manner and documented as per
project inspection plan
 QC Engineers:

 Informing Engineer’s Representative by works Inspection Request as and when his presence is
required to carry out inspections as per the approved project inspection plan.
 Inspect the work as per approved project inspection plan and approved shop drawings and
make sure the work is ready for Owner’s representative inspection if required.
 Accompanying Owner’s Representative / Inspector to carryout inspections and release hold
points.
 Preparing, Signing and obtain signatures from Owner’s Representative/ Inspector on the
relevant Check lists and ITP.

3.0 Sequencing
< INSERT DETAILS OF WORKS SEQUENCE OR INCLUDE PROGRAMME EXCERPT OR
CROSS-REFERENCE PROGRAMME CONCERNED >

4.0 Methodology
4.1 Pre-Works
 Verify the installation of the reinforcing steel dowels at the locations shown in the design.

4.2 Works

Concrete Masonry Units

 Block must be dry before placing. <This has to do with the Grout strength specification.
Because grout must flow for substantial distances through small core openings, it must be
placed at a very high slump of 200 to 250 mm. After placing, the water required to
increase the slump is then absorbed into the units to provide a concrete mix with a normal
water content - and higher final strength. Grout tested using standard non-absorptive
plastic or metal cylinders still contains the extra water, and develops correspondingly
lower strength results. ASTM C1019 test simulates the absorption conditions the grout
would experience in the wall. >

 Surveyor shall mark the location of wall, including locations of openings, movement joint,
and reference levels
 Select CMU from those having the least amount of chipped edges or other defects.
Cracked and defective units shall not be installed.
 Full CMU unit shall be used wherever possible
 CMU maybe cut wet or dry.
 Proportion and mix mortar as outlined in ASTM C270 and project specifications. <There are
different types of mortar stated in this standard. Type M has the highest proportion of portland
cement, with 4 parts portland cement, 1 part lime and 12 parts sand. Water is added until mix is
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 6 of 18

workable.Type M has a high compressive strength (at least 2500 psi) and is recommended
primarily for walls bearing heavy loads, but also, due to its durability, for masonry below grade or in
contact with the earth: foundations, retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways. Other types are S, N
and O. Testing lab can be hired to develop a mix.>
 The first course will usually be a cut block to ensure that the lintel above the door is
bearing on full height blocks.
 To form a layout, block shall be laid without mortar (as shown below):
o Mark the footing with a chalk line to align blocks accurately.
o Properly space blocks equal to the bond thickness using a piece of material 1 cm
thick.

 Replace the blocks with full mortar bed as shown in figure below. To be spread well with the
trowel ensuring plenty of mortar under the bottom edges of the first course.

 Place the first block, bedding it gently with the rubber mallet until it is level using the string
lines as a guide and salvage the excess mortar.
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 7 of 18

 Mortar is then applied on the sides of the blocks standing as shown below to provide the vertical
joints

 The joints are made 1 cm thick and blocks are placed in their final position by pushing the block
into the mortar bed. (See below for a well-tilled vertical mortar joint)

 Align the blocks accurately using a spirit level to check the alignment in each direction.
Care taken to ensure the blocks are true and plumb at this stage will result in fast accurate
erection of subsequent course. Maximum bedding thickness to be 10 mm.

 The level is then used to proper the verticality and grade of the block.
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 8 of 18

 Then four to five courses high are built at the corners of the wall; each course is stepped
back one-half a block.
 For the horizontal joint, mortar is put on the block previously laid and for the vertical joints,
both side of the blocks are buttered with mortar or one side of them.

 Blocks should be laid as close to their final alignment as possible and a rubber mallet used
to level and align the blocks.
 The level is also used for ensuring that all the block faces are in the same plane to provide
true, straight walls.

 The block is aligned and leveled using the trowel handle.

 A string is stretched from corner to corner to act as a guide before installing the
blocks remaining. Block should never be laid hard to the line, that is, against it, but
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 9 of 18

the top edge of the brick should come approximately 4mm behind it. "Crowding the
line" throws the line out of position, tending to make a bulging wall.
 The block is installed by tilting it towards you so that the edge of the new block is lowered exactly
on the edge of the block below.

 Last block installed to close the wall to that course is buttered with mortar from all
adjoining sides and its opening as well is filled with mortar from all adjoining sides

 Any mortar falling out will lead to an open joint so, if this is the case, the block is
removed and the procedure shall be repeated
 Over-spilled mortar is removed while it is still wet.
 The mortar joint, as said before, shall be 1 cm thick. The excess mortar is cut and
put back on the mortar board for rework (see below). The mortar fall on the floor or
scaffolding shall not be used for rework.

 Joint in all surfaces shall be tooled using a jointer

 Proper striking of the wall joints is then made. It is called tooling where the tool is used to form concave or
V-joints in the horizontal mortar joints then it is done in the vertical mortar joints. Remains from the tooling
are then removed by a soft bristle brush or a trowel to provide a clean surface. See below
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 10 of 18

 Pointing is then made to correct defective joints and filling any remaining holes. Pointing is
the process of inserting mortar in vertical and horizontal joints after the units are laid.
 Install masonry accessories as shown in the projects plans
 Bed joint reinforcement (galvanized steel ladder type) is placed in the first course and every other
course thereafter.

Steel ladder reinforcement

 Concrete masonry block walls shall be tied into existing concrete vertical elements and steel
members using galvanized steel dovetail ties at alternate courses

 As indicated on the Drawings walls at T junctions will be tied together using Z anchors at
alternate wythes.

 Anchor Door frames to the masonry walls while walls being constructed. Frame can also
be installed after the completion of the wall using drill in anchors.
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 11 of 18

 Place mesh where blocking of grout is needed (e.g. at bond beams)

 Reinforcing steel dowels should be placed while pouring the concrete elements at the positions
indicated on the drawings.
 Where dowels in the concrete elements are missing, subject locations will be drilled and reinforcing
bars shall grouted/epoxied in as shown on the drawings specifically at corners, end portions, T
junctions and both sides of movement joints.
 Cells containing reinforcing steel will be grouted. Reinforcement shall be placed prior to grouting.
 Reinforcement shall be cleaned of loose, flaky rust, scale, grease, mortar, grout, or other coating
which might destroy or reduce its bond prior to placing grout.
 Vertical bars shall be accurately placed within the cells at the positions indicated on the drawings. A
minimum clearance of 13 mm 1/2 inch shall be maintained between the bars and masonry units
 Vertical reinforcing may be held in place using bar positioners located near the ends of each bar
and at intermediate intervals of not more than 200 diameters of the reinforcement
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 12 of 18

 Grout shall confirm to ASTM C476 or as stated in the projects specifications.

 Grout shall not be placed in hollow unit masonry until mortar joints have set for at least 24 hours.
Grout shall be placed using a hand bucket, concrete hopper, or grout pump to completely fill the
grout spaces without segregation of the aggregates. Cleanout holes shall be provided at the bottom
of every pour in cores containing vertical reinforcement when the height of the grout pour exceeds
1.5m. <Common practice – place grout using a hand bucket and fill cells as you go, however there
is the risk that the wall may get dislodged due to the grout pressure at the joints.>

Cleanout at bottom of walls and cleanout transparent plastic closure

 Grout not in-place within 1 1/2 hours shall be discarded

 If units are moved after mortar takes initial set remove and replace with fresh mortar
 Cells containing reinforcing bars shall be filled with grout
 Door frames shall be adjusted for location and plumb and properly supported
 Door frames shall be furnished with three jamb anchors and one floor anchor each side
 Door frame shall be fully grouted.
 Control joints shall be provided as indicated
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 13 of 18

 The vertical mortar joint at control joint locations shall be continuous, including through all bond
beams. This shall be accomplished by utilizing half blocks in alternating courses on each side of
the joint. The control joint key shall be interrupted in courses containing continuous bond beam
steel.
 All electrical boxes will be saw cut in place and installed level.
 All batching of mortar and grout shall comply with the approved mix design.
 Mortar age: two and a half hours (ASTM C-270)
 Any missed sleeves in walls will be core drilled
 Sand will be screened before use.

TOLERANCES

Variation from the plumb in the lines and surfaces of columns, walls and arises
In adjacent masonry units = 3 mm
In 3 m = 6 mm
In 6 m = 10 mm
In 12 m or more = 13 mm
____________________________________________________________

Variations from the plumb for external corners, expansion joints, and other conspicuous
(noticeable) lines
In 6 m = 6 mm
In 12 m or more = 13 mm
____________________________________________________________

Variations from the level for exposed lintels, sills, parapets, horizontal grooves, and other
conspicuous lines
In 6 m = 6 mm
In 12 m or more = 13 mm
____________________________________________________________

Variation from level for bed joints and top

surfaces of bearing walls

In 3 m = 6 mm
In 12 m or more =13 mm
____________________________________________________________

Variations from horizontal lines

In 3 m = 6 mm
In 6 m = 10 mm
In 12 m or more = 13 mm

____________________________________________________________

Variations in cross sectional dimensions of

columns and in thickness of walls
Minus 6 mm
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 14 of 18

Plus 13 mm
Testing
 Test concrete masonry unit in accordance with ASTM C140. <This standard outlines procedures
to determine the net area of the unit and the methods of testing the units as a whole or sections
thereof.>
 To test mortar a layer of mortar 13 to 16 mm 1/2 to 5/8 inch thick shall be spread on the masonry
units and allowed to stand for one minute. The specimens, 2”x4” cylinders or 2” cubes, shall then
be prepared and tested for compressive strength in accordance with ASTM C 780.
 Test grout as outlined in ASTM C1019. ASTM C1019 test simulates the absorption
conditions the grout would experience in the wall. The specimen shall be cast between
four CMU blocks as shown below, cured, capped and tested in a compression testing
machine.

4.3 Post-works

< INSERT DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED POST WORKS ACTIVITIES REQUIRED, E.G.

CURING OF CONCRETE, PROTECTION OF FINISHED WORKS, ETC >

5.0 Plant & Equipment

Mortar mixer.
Power saw
Mechanical vibrator for grout
Water level
Plumb
straight edge
Joint tool
Measuring boxes for sand and lime
Rheomix 720M (lime substitute)
Snips for cutting ladder reinforcement for joints.
Drills for forming holes to the rebar anchor dowels.
Scaffold to permit safe working above first lift of block wall.
Total station to set out wall lines and levelling instrument for establishing correct datum points.
Spirit levels for establishing plumb and level of block walls at corners and piers.
String lines for maintaining horizontal alignment between corners and piers.
Mason trowels for applying and removing excess mortar.
Rubber mallets for bedding blocks.
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METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 15 of 18

6.0 Materials
40 x 20 x 20 cm CMU (Hollow block – Bond beam – 20× 20× 20cm) and 40 x 10 x 20 (4200-01)
Reinforcing steel
Compressible Filler
Cement , sand and steel RFT
Ladder type joint RFT
Joint filler
Accessories ( Anchor plate, dove tail– Z anchors )
Steel door frame
Potable water for mixing and curing
Jamb and floor anchors for Door frames
Concressive 1418 for anchoring RFT
Grout as stated in ASTM C476 or as per contract specifications <an option to consider is using
self-consolidating concrete (SCC). SCG is now more readily available for use by mason
contractors. SCG is a highly fluid and stable mix that is a viable and economical product for low-
lift and high-lift grouting of reinforced concrete masonry walls. SCG eliminates grout vibration
and consolidation procedures, thereby significantly reducing masonry wall grouting time and
contractor labor costs. Testing lab should be hired to develop the mix.>
7.0 Environmental Considerations
All as per OCI procedures:

 HSEP 01 - Evaluation of Environmental Aspects

 HSEP 02 - Environmental Programme

8.0 Special Considerations

< INSERT ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO YOUR PROJECT HERE,
IF NONE STATE ‘None.’ >

9.0 Attachments
o Key to Safety Symbols

o Risk Assessment
 < INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT Ref MBS-19 Rev 00
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS Date DD MMM YY Page 16 of 18

Attachment 1: Key to Safety Symbols

Use safety boots Use safety harness

Use hard hat Use lifejacket

Use protective clothing Use welding helmet

Use high visibility jacket Lift heavy objects correctly

Use eye protection Stack correctly

Use safety gloves Wash hands

Use ear protectors Use guard

Use face guard

Use face mask

Use respirators
 < INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
Ref BMS-?? Rev 00
METHOD STATEMENT: UNDERGROUND SERVICES INSTALLATION
Date DD MMM YY Page 17 of 18

Attachment 2: Risk Assessment

Unmitigated Mitigated
Persons at Risk Risk
Task Hazards Proposed Mitigation Measures
Risk
L S R L S R

Laying of Falling off scaffold workers 4 4 16 All scaffoldings, platforms, temporary accesses will be checked and inspected to 1 4 4
Blocks ensure safe conditions, especially against overloading of Concrete masonry
blocks. Green tags/Red tags will be used to indicate the condition of these

Mixing Cement burns, eye workers 4 3 12 Ensure MSDS information is available for controls, which include eye wash and 1 3 3
concrete irritation, skin irritation water to was affected areas, ensure glasses and gloves (Rubber) are worn at all
and times
grouting

Laying of Muscular skeleton
Blocks disorders, work related
upper limb disorders,
abrasions, puncture
wounds when placing over
re bar, nips, entrapment of
fingers, slips, trips and
falls
workers 4 3 12 Ensure personnel are physically capable and suited to the task. Job briefing to take 1 3 3
place explaining the hazards associated with the job, provide manual handling
training where needed. Where appropriate gloves i.e. leather reinforced. Ensure
area is cleared of obstructions to prevent falling on re bar. Ensure scaffold and
brick guards are provided in areas that exceed 1.8 meters

Cutting Eye damage, hearing Block cutter 3 4 12 Ensure cutter wears ear protection, face guard, gloves and in case of dry cutting 1 4 4
blocks damage, skin damage appropriate respirator.
 < INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
Ref BMS-?? Rev 00
METHOD STATEMENT: UNDERGROUND SERVICES INSTALLATION
Date DD MMM YY Page 18 of 18

Attachment 2: Risk Assessment

Unmitigated Mitigated
Persons at Risk Risk
Task Hazards Proposed Mitigation Measures
Risk

EXPAND TABLE AS NECESSARY

L (Likelihood) X S (Severity) = R (Risk) If MITIGATED RISK = UNMITIGATED RISK contact Safety Manager
1~5 X 1~5 = 1 ~ 25 Workforce to be briefed with findings before work