Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify and describe common masonry tools.
• Explain the properties and uses of different mortar mixes.
• Describe the basic bricklaying process.
• Identify different types of brick bonds.
• Demonstrate how to mix mortar safely.

Lesson summary

Masonry and brickwork are fundamental skills in the construction industry. From building houses and schools to constructing walls and paving, these techniques are vital for creating the infrastructure that shapes our communities. In South Africa, with a growing need for affordable housing and infrastructure development, understanding masonry is not only a valuable skill but also a potentially empowering one. This week, we'll delve into the foundational aspects of masonry and brickwork. We will specifically focus on the tools, materials and basic construction techniques.

Lesson notes

2. 1.

Masonry Tools: Trowel: The trowel is the mason’s primary tool. It’s used for picking up and spreading mortar, cutting mortar beds, and tapping bricks into position. Different trowel sizes are available depending on the size of the brick or block.

Example:* A bricklayer working on a small garden wall would likely use a smaller trowel (around 10-11 inches) for better control, while one building a large wall might use a larger one.

Spirit Level: Used to ensure that bricks are laid horizontally (level) and vertically (plumb). It contains a bubble in a liquid that indicates whether a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical. The spirit level is used along both faces and along the top edge.

Why it matters:* Using a spirit level is crucial for stability and appearance. An uneven wall can be structurally unsound and aesthetically displeasing.

Plumb Bob: A pointed weight attached to a string. It's used to establish a vertical reference line (plumb line). Essential for ensuring walls are perfectly vertical.

How it's used:* Hang the plumb bob from a high point. Once the string stops swinging, the point of the bob indicates a point directly below the suspension point. This allows you to vertically align each course of bricks.

Brick Hammer: A hammer with a flat face for striking bricks and a chisel-like edge for cutting them. Used to break bricks cleanly and precisely.

Safety Tip:* Always wear safety glasses when using a brick hammer to protect your eyes from flying debris.

Bolster (Brick Set): A wide-bladed chisel used with a hammer to cut bricks neatly. It distributes the force of the hammer blow over a larger area, reducing the risk of shattering the brick.

Difference from Brick Hammer: While a brick hammer can be used to break bricks, a bolster provides a cleaner, more controlled cut, especially when precision is required.

Measuring Tape: Used for accurate measurements when laying out walls and ensuring correct spacing.

Line and Pins: A string stretched tightly between pins to provide a straight guideline for laying bricks. Ensures a consistent and straight course.

South African Context:* In many areas of South Africa, access to laser levels and advanced tools might be limited, making the line and pins method crucial for accuracy.

Jointing Tool (Pointer): Used to finish the mortar joints between bricks, creating a neat and weather-resistant seal. Several types are available to create different joint profiles (e.g., concave, flush). 2.

2. Mortar: Mortar is the binding agent that holds bricks together. It's typically a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Lime is sometimes added for increased workability and flexibility. The proportions of these ingredients determine the strength and workability of the mortar.

Types of Mortar Mixes: General Purpose Mortar (Mix Ratio 1:6): Mix consists of 1 part cement and 6 parts sand. Suitable for general bricklaying applications.

Strong Mortar (Mix Ratio 1:4): Mix consists of 1 part cement and 4 parts sand. Used for structural applications, where a higher strength mortar is required.

Lime Mortar (Mix Ratio 1:1:6): Mix consists of 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 6 parts sand. Lime mortar improves the workability of the mortar and provide greater flexibility.

Mixing Mortar: Safety First: Wear gloves and a dust mask to protect your skin and lungs from cement dust.

Measure Accurately: Use a bucket or measuring box to ensure accurate proportions of cement and sand.

Dry Mix: Thoroughly mix the cement and sand in a wheelbarrow or on a mixing platform before adding water. This ensures even distribution of the cement.

Add Water Gradually: Add water slowly, mixing continuously, until you achieve a workable consistency. The mortar should be plastic and hold its shape but not be too wet. It should stick to the trowel without dripping.

Allow to Slake (Optional): If using lime, allow the mortar to slake (sit) for about 15-30 minutes before using it. This improves its workability.

Importance of Correct Mortar: Using the correct mortar mix is crucial for the structural integrity and longevity of the brickwork. Too weak a mix will lead to crumbling joints, while too strong a mix can cause the bricks to crack due to differential expansion and contraction. 2.

3. Bricklaying Process: Foundation: Ensure a solid and level foundation. This is the base upon which the entire wall rests.

Setting Out: Accurately mark the position of the wall using string lines and pegs. Ensure the corners are square using the 3-4-5 rule (if one side of the triangle is 3 units, another 4 units, and the diagonal 5 units, then it is a right-angled triangle).

Mixing Mortar: Prepare the mortar according to the appropriate mix ratio.

Laying the First Course: Spread a bed of mortar along the foundation. Use a trowel to create a furrow in the middle of the mortar bed. Place the first brick, pressing it firmly into the mortar and aligning it with the string line. Check for level and plumb.