Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify different types of bricks.
• Explain the function and components of mortar.
• Demonstrate proper bricklaying techniques.
• Calculate the number of bricks for a wall.
• Describe essential safety precautions.

Lesson summary

Masonry and brickwork are fundamental skills in the construction industry, particularly relevant in South Africa, where brick structures are prevalent in housing, infrastructure, and various other buildings. Understanding these basics is crucial not only for future career opportunities in construction trades but also for informed citizenship. Imagine understanding the construction of your own home or being able to identify potential structural issues within your community's buildings. This week focuses on equipping you with the foundational knowledge to appreciate and potentially participate in the construction process.

Lesson notes

2.1 Types of Bricks: Common Clay Bricks (Stock Bricks): These are the most widely used bricks in South Africa. They are made from locally available clay and fired in kilns. They are relatively inexpensive and suitable for general construction, like filling in walls. They are typically not as aesthetically pleasing as face bricks, hence the plaster finish in most cases.

Face Bricks: These are manufactured to a higher standard than stock bricks and are intended to be seen – no plastering required. They come in a variety of colours, textures, and sizes. Face bricks are used in exterior walls and decorative features. They are more expensive than stock bricks due to increased manufacturing costs and stricter quality control.

Different types include: Engineering Bricks:* Exceptionally strong and dense, resistant to moisture and chemicals. Often used in foundations and underground structures.

Clinker Bricks:* Over-fired bricks with a dark, often irregular surface. Highly durable and often used for paving or feature walls.

Concrete Bricks: Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregate. They are strong and durable and often used in foundations and load-bearing walls. They are generally cheaper than clay bricks.

Maxi Bricks: Larger than standard bricks, used to speed up construction and reduce mortar usage. The larger surface area provides a lower cost per square meter. 2.2 Mortar: Mortar is the bonding agent that holds bricks together. It fills the gaps between the bricks and provides a weatherproof seal. A good mortar mix is critical for the structural integrity of the wall.

Constituents: Cement: Provides the strength and binding properties. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is commonly used.

Sand: Acts as a filler and reduces shrinkage. Sand should be clean, sharp, and well-graded. Building sand is the best.

Lime (optional): Adds workability and plasticity to the mortar mix, making it easier to spread and adhere to the bricks. Hydrated lime is commonly used. It also improves water retention, ensuring the cement properly hydrates.

Water: Activates the cement and creates a workable consistency. Clean, potable water should be used.

Mortar Mix Ratios: The ratio of cement, sand, and lime (if used) will influence the strength and workability of the mortar.

Common ratios in South Africa include: 1:6 (Cement:Sand):* Used for non-load-bearing walls and general bricklaying. 1:1:6 (Cement:Lime:Sand):* A stronger mix suitable for load-bearing walls. 1:2:9 (Cement:Lime:Sand):* A more workable mix but with lower strength, often used for internal brickwork or repointing. 2.3 Bricklaying Techniques: Bonding: Refers to the pattern in which the bricks are laid. Proper bonding ensures the strength and stability of the wall by distributing the load evenly.

Stretcher Bond: The simplest bond, where all bricks are laid lengthwise (stretchers) along the wall. Suitable for single-skin walls or as a facing for cavity walls.

English Bond: Alternating courses of stretchers and headers (bricks laid with the short side facing outwards). One of the strongest bonds.

Flemish Bond: Each course consists of alternating stretchers and headers. Provides a more decorative appearance than English bond but is slightly weaker.

Laying Bricks: Preparing the Mortar Bed: Apply a layer of mortar approximately 10-15mm thick onto the course below.

Laying the Brick: Place the brick onto the mortar bed and gently tap it into position using a brick hammer. Ensure the brick is level and aligned with the string line.

Creating the Vertical Joint: Apply mortar to the end of the brick before placing it against the adjacent brick. The vertical joint should also be 10-15mm thick.

Removing Excess Mortar: Use a trowel to remove any excess mortar that squeezes out from the joints.

Using a Spirit Level: The spirit level is used to ensure that each course of bricks is laid horizontally and that the wall is vertically straight.

Maintaining Level and Plumb: Level: Use a spirit level to ensure each course of bricks is laid horizontally level.

Plumb: Use a plumb bob or spirit level to ensure the wall is vertically straight (plumb).

String Line: Use a string line stretched between two points to guide the laying of bricks in a straight line. 2.4 Calculating Brick Quantities: Estimating the number of bricks required is crucial for planning and costing a project.

Standard Brick Size (South Africa): 222mm (Length) x 106mm (Width) x 73mm (Height) This is a guide; actual sizes may vary slightly, so ALWAYS measure the brick you will be using.