Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define common masonry terms.
• Identify at least three types of brick bonds.
• Explain the purpose and composition of mortar.
• Demonstrate proper bricklaying techniques.
• Understand key safety precautions.

Lesson summary

Masonry and brickwork are fundamental skills in civil construction, essential for building durable and sustainable structures. From houses and schools to retaining walls and paving, understanding masonry principles is vital for creating the built environment around us. In South Africa, where housing shortages exist and infrastructure development is a priority, skilled masons are in high demand. This week, we will cover the basics of masonry and brickwork, providing you with a foundation for further study and practical application. Mastering these skills can open doors to various career paths and empower you to contribute to the development of your community.

Lesson notes

2.1 Introduction to Masonry Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by mortar. Common masonry materials include bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and tiles. We'll be focusing primarily on brickwork this week. 2.2 Bricks Bricks are rectangular blocks typically made from clay, hardened by firing in a kiln (oven). They come in various sizes and types, but the most common brick size in South Africa is the standard brick (approximately 222mm x 106mm x 73mm).

Types of Bricks: Clay Bricks: Most common type. Different firing temperatures and clay compositions result in different colours and strengths.

Engineering Bricks: Very strong and durable, used in situations where high load-bearing capacity is required (e.g., foundations, retaining walls). They have a higher compressive strength and lower water absorption.

Facing Bricks: Used for the exterior of buildings, chosen for their appearance and weather resistance.

Common Bricks: Used for internal walls and structures where appearance is not critical.

Cement Bricks: Made from cement and sand, they are typically cheaper than clay bricks but may not be as durable. 2.3 Mortar Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bind bricks together. It fills the gaps between bricks, providing a watertight seal and distributing loads evenly.

Composition: The proportions of cement, sand, and water are crucial. A common mix ratio for general brickwork is 1:4 (1 part cement to 4 parts sand). Stronger mixes (e.g., 1:3) are used for load-bearing walls.

Types of Mortar: Cement Mortar: Strong and durable, but can be less flexible than lime mortar.

Lime Mortar: More flexible and breathable, allowing moisture to escape from the wall. Often used in older buildings or where movement is expected.

Cement-Lime Mortar: A combination of cement and lime, offering a balance of strength and flexibility.

Mixing Mortar: Use a clean mixing surface. Add the cement and sand in the correct proportions and mix thoroughly while dry. Gradually add water until the mortar reaches a plastic consistency – it should be workable but not too wet or runny. Allow the mortar to stand for 10-15 minutes (slaking) before using it. Never add more water once slaking has occurred; instead, mix well. 2.4 Brick Bonds A brick bond is the pattern in which bricks are laid in a wall. Different bonds offer different levels of strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal.

Stretcher Bond: The simplest and most common bond. All bricks are laid lengthwise (as stretchers) with vertical joints (perpends) offset by half a brick in each course. It's easy to construct but not as strong as other bonds.

Header Bond: All bricks are laid with their short end facing outwards (as headers). Requires more bricks per course and is stronger than stretcher bond.

English Bond: Alternating courses of stretchers and headers. Considered one of the strongest bonds, but requires more skill to construct.

Flemish Bond: Each course consists of alternating stretchers and headers. Creates a decorative appearance and is also quite strong. 2.5 Bricklaying Techniques Preparing the Foundation: Ensure the foundation is level and clean.

Laying the First Course: This is the most important course. Use a spirit level to ensure it's perfectly level. Lay a bed of mortar evenly along the foundation.

Spreading Mortar: Use a trowel to spread an even layer of mortar onto the bricks.

Laying Bricks: Place the brick firmly onto the mortar bed, pressing down slightly to ensure good adhesion.

Maintaining Level and Plumb: Use a spirit level to check that each course is level and that the wall is plumb (vertical).

Pointing: After the mortar has partially set, use a pointing tool to create a neat and professional finish to the joints. 2.6 Safety Precautions Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and mortar splashes. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the abrasive nature of cement and sand. Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling cement dust. Wear safety boots with steel toe caps to protect your feet from falling bricks. Use caution when lifting heavy materials. Keep the work area clean and free of debris. Example Calculation (Mortar Mix) Let's say you need to mix mortar using a 1:4 ratio (cement to sand). You want to make enough mortar to fill a wheelbarrow, which holds approximately 0.1 cubic meters.

Determine the volume of cement and sand: Total parts = 1 (cement) + 4 (sand) = 5 parts Volume of cement = (1/5) 0.1 cubic meters = 0.02 cubic meters Volume of sand = (4/5) 0.1 cubic meters = 0.08 cubic meters Convert cubic meters to a more practical unit (e.g., liters): 1 cubic meter = 1000 liters Volume of cement = 0.02 cubic meters 1000 liters/cubic meter = 20 liters Volume of sand = 0.08 cubic meters 1000 liters/cubic meter = 80 liters Therefore, you would need approximately 20 liters of cement and 80 liters of sand to fill the wheelbarrow with a 1:4 mortar mix.