PROCEDURE AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND MANUAL OF
INSTRUCTION
1. TYPES OF MASONRY WORKS
1. Brick Masonry
One of the most traditional forms of construction. It involves laying individual bricks
in a specific pattern and binding them together with mortar. Favored for its classic
appearance and the extensive range of colors and textures available.
Brick structures are known for their durability and fire resistance, making them a
preferred choice for residential and commercial buildings. However, the quality of the
brick and the mortar plays a significant role in the longevity and strength of the
construction.
2. Stone Masonry
This type uses cut or uncut stones to construct walls and other structures. It is one of
the oldest forms of masonry and is chosen for its natural appearance and exceptional
durability. Stone masonry can be laid in various styles, including rubble masonry and
ashlar masonry.
Rubble masonry utilizes rough, unhewn stones and is generally cheaper and less
uniform. Ashlar, on the other hand, uses carefully cut stones that fit together tightly
without much use of mortar, providing a more refined finish.
3. Concrete Block Masonry
This type is a modern alternative to bricks and stones. These blocks are larger, making
them quicker to lay than bricks. They are commonly used in the construction of load-
bearing walls and foundations due to their high structural capacity and cost-
effectiveness.
Concrete block masonry is adaptable, as the blocks can be manufactured to meet
specific technical properties for insulation or acoustic performance. They also offer
excellent fire resistance and energy efficiency.
4. Veneer Masonry
Veneer masonry is primarily used for aesthetic purposes rather than structural support.
It involves the application of a single layer of masonry units (such as bricks or stones)
over other materials like wood or metal framing. Veneer masonry offers the
appearance of full masonry construction at a reduced weight.
This type of masonry is perfect for enhancing curb appeal and can significantly
increase a building’s value. It also adds an extra layer of insulation, improving the
energy efficiency of a property.
5. Composite Masonry
Composite masonry combines two or more different types of building materials. This
method is often used to optimize the structural benefits of each material while
achieving a unique aesthetic. Common combinations include bricks and stones, or
concrete blocks and bricks.
Composite masonry is versatile and can be customized to meet specific architectural
and structural requirements. It is particularly useful in areas with complex design
specifications or where materials must be integrated for structural or visual impact.
2. MASONRY SIGNS AND SYMBOLS
1. Door- A movable, usually solid, barrier for opening and closing an area
entrance way, cupboard, cabinet, or the like, commonly turning on hinges
or sliding grooves.
2. Window- Is an opening, especially in the wall of a building, for admission
of light and air that is usually closed by casements or sashes containing
transparent material (such as glass) and capable of being opened and
shut.
3. Walls- a high, thick masonry structure forming a long rampart or an
Enclosure chiefly for defense.
4. Tile is a flat or curved piece of fired clay, stone, or concrete used
especially for roofs, floors, or walls, and often for ornamental work.
5. Sand- a loose granular material that results from the disintegration of
rocks, which consist of particles smaller than gravel but coarser than silt, and
It is used in mortar, glass, abrasives, and foundry molds.
6. Gravel is a loose, rounded fragment of rock.
7. Plywood is a structural material consisting of sheets of wood glued or
cemented together with the grains of adjacent layers arranged at right angles
angles or at a wide angle.
8. Stone- a concretion of earthy or mineral matter.
9. Roof- Is the cover of a building.
10. Blueprint- Is generally used to show how a building, object, or system
is to be constructed, implemented, modified, or repaired.
WORKPLACE SYMBOLS
3. SPECIFICATIONS IN THE WORK PLANS
3.1 DO_230_s2016
3.2 KEY MATERIALS AND SPECIFICATION
Cement: The article advocates for the use of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), typically
OPC-43 grade, with the option of approved blended cement (fly ash up to 25%). It
underscores the critical importance of pre-use testing to ascertain cement quality, strength,
setting time, and freedom from deterioration or contamination. Field tests (brand,
manufacturing date, fineness, hardness, floating test) and laboratory tests (soundness, setting
time) are recommended.
Sand: The article highlights the often-overlooked significance of sand quality, emphasizing
its impact on mortar strength, workability, and appearance. It specifies the need for clean,
dry, well-graded, coarse, hard, angular river sand, free from clay, dust, organic matter, and
harmful impurities (iron, pyrites, etc.). A maximum silt content of 7% is stipulated, and the
use of a screw-type sand washing machine is recommended if this limit is exceeded. The
article explicitly cautions against using sea sand or sand affected by tidal water.
Masonry Units
Bricks: Bricks should meet standards for size, shape, frog depth (10-20 mm), surface finish,
color, soundness, and crushing strength (minimum 35 kg/cm²). They must be well-burnt, free
from cracks and flaws, and made using potable water.
Cement Concrete (Solid) Blocks: The article specifies nominal dimensions and tolerances for
these blocks, requiring a minimum density of 1800 kg/m³ and compressive strength between
40-50 kg/sq.cm.
Lightweight Blocks (AAC Blocks): The article describes AAC blocks, specifying density
(650-800 kg/m³) and minimum compressive and bending strength (35 kg/sq.cm and 15
kg/sq.cm, respectively).
Stone-Rubble: Stones must be hard, durable, free from defects, and sourced from approved
quarries. Size limitations and dressing requirements are also detailed.
Additional Construction Materials:
Beyond the primary materials, these are the importance of supplementary materials includes:
- RCC Bands: Reinforced concrete runners for enhancing wall stability.
- Chicken Mesh: Used in plastering to prevent cracking.
- Holdfasts: Mild steel components for securing door and window frames.
- Scaffolding: Temporary structures for worker safety.
- Wooden Planks: Used for safe work platforms.
3.3Intent. Key points from standard specifications include:
Dimensions and Tolerances: Concrete hollow blocks and louver blocks must conform to
specified dimensions with a tolerance of ±3.20 mm from the plans.
Materials: Masonry units must be sound, dry, clean, and free from cracks when placed.
Proper units should be used for structural elements like windows, doors, bond beams, and
lintels, minimizing cutting. Mortar should be fresh and plastic, used within 2.5 hours of
mixing, and must not contain calcium chloride admixtures.
Mortar and Grout: Mortar mix proportions and standards (e.g., ASTM C270) are specified.
Mortar should be applied carefully to avoid stiffening before placement, especially in hot
weather. Grouting of reinforced masonry walls must follow the drawings and relevant
standards.
Workmanship: Masonry walls must be placed level and plumb, with sections built uniformly
to avoid stepping. Door and window frames, anchors, pipes, and conduits must be installed
neatly as masonry progresses. Cutting, fitting, and patching to accommodate other works
must be done by skilled workers. Unfinished work should be stepped back properly for future
joining; toothing is not allowed.
Reinforcement and Structural Integration: Reinforcing steel must conform to ASTM
standards, be properly placed, and secured with tie wires. Reinforcement details, including
horizontal and vertical bars in partitions, are specified along with grout filling requirements
for cells containing reinforcement.
Protection and Curing: Exposed walls not being worked on should be covered with
waterproof membranes. Adequate curing and protection from the weather are required to
ensure durability.
Inspection and Quality Control: Work must be inspected at critical stages such as layout,
reinforcement placement, and grouting. Licensed masons or practitioners should oversee
compliance with specifications and standards. Any defective materials or workmanship must
be corrected at the contractor’s expense.
Coordination and Site Requirements: Contractors must coordinate with other trades and
report any discrepancies or site conditions that do not conform to contract documents. Site
preparation must meet standards for soil bearing capacity and footing depths.
Documentation and Compliance: Specifications refer to applicable standards such as ASTM,
PNS, NZS, and DPWH standards. All masonry work must comply with these and the project
drawings.
References
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/sites/default/files/issuances/DO_230_s2016.pdf
https://premierbuildingrestoration.com/exploring-different-types-of-masonry-in-
construction/
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/masonry-construction-advantages-and-
disadvantages
