Workmanship and Quality Assurance

Brick masonry is usually classified as first, second and third class depending on the strength, characteristic and uniformity of shape of bricks and also the workmanship as well as the mortar used. 

Stone masonry is classified into various types depending on the preparation of stone pieces and labour involved. Random rubble masonry requires least amount of preparation of stone. Ashlar masonry involves maximum preparation of stone. Stones shall be laid on their bedding planes and dressed properly. 

In stone masonry bond stones or through stones which run through thickness of the wall are very important. The stones should be laid breaking joints and should overlap each other making it a homogeneous mass. 

Corner in a stone masonry like window door joints walls etc. are very important. Special type of stones called quoins should be used. 

In case of veneer work clamps and cramps should be used at proper intervals and shall be of the size and material specified. 

The following points shall be checked while supervising masonry construction. 

1. Brick shall be checked for strength, efflorescence, dimensional accuracy, water absorption and proper burning. Stones should be checked for uniformity of colour, strength texture compressive strength and water absorption. 
2. Grading and silt content of sand for mortar. 
3. In brick masonry thickness of joint shall not exceed 1 cm. 
4. The joints shall be filled up with mortar. 
5. Joints shall be staggered. 
6. In brick masonry face joints shall be raked to a depth of 15mm when the mortar is still green. 
7. Masonry should be plumb or in specified batter. 
8. Bricks and stones should be fully soaked in water and laid skin dry. 
9. Brick courses and ashlar masonry should be laid level. 
10. Mortar should be properly mixed on a hard platform. 
11. Strength of mortar can be checked by scratching with any sharp instrument. 
12. Joints between main and cross walls should be properly bonded. 
13. Curing should be proper and at least for seven days. 
14. General quality of works with respect to lines, levels, thickness and trueness of the joints. 
15. In brick masonry top courses in plinth, in window sill, below RCC slab and parapet shall be provided in brick on edge. 
16. Holes of scaffolding should be properly filled up. 
17. Specified reinforcement in half brick masonry and in corners etc. shall be provided. 
18. Required number of bond stones to be provided. 
19. Quality of dressing. 
20. In stone masonry thickness of joints should not be excessive. 
21. Cramps and dowels to be checked for materials size and number.
22. All pipe fittings and specials, spouts, hold fasts and other fixtures which are required to be built into the walls shall be embedded, as specified, in their correct positions as the masonry work proceeds. 
23. To facilitate taking service lines later without excessive cutting of completed work sleeves shall be provided where specified, while raising the masonry work. 
24. Outlets shall be provided wherever water is likely to accumulate.