Brick Masonry: Laying Bricks Flashcards
1
Q
What does the brick laying process require? (2)
A
- requires extreme care and considerable experience
- speed is essential for the economy of masonry construction
2
Q
What are vertical supports of bricks over openings?
A
lintels
3
Q
How does mortar joint size vary? (2)
A
- vary from 1/4” to 1/2” in thickness
- standard thickness is 3/8”
- thin joints work for bricks with very small tolerances
- thick joints require a thick mortar joint that is hard to work
4
Q
What is joint tooling? (3)
A
- typically done 1-2 hours after laying as the mortar begins to set
- tooling compacts joint surface, making it durable and water-resistant and neat in appearance
- the concave and vee joints shed water most effectively and are the most resistant to freeze-thaw cycles
5
Q
Describe the final cleaning of the brick. (2)
A
- wall is swept with a soft broom to remove dry mortar crumbs
- final cleaning with muriatic acid to remove mortar stains
6
Q
How is brick masonry reinforced?
A
steel reinforcing and grout are added to the masonry wall to increase its strength
7
Q
What is low-lift grouting? (3)
A
- wall is constructed no more than four feet in height
- vertical reinforcing is installed and left extended 30 bar diameters above wall
- cavity is filled with grout
8
Q
What is high-lift grouting? (3)
A
- wall is grouted a story at a time
- some bricks on lowest course are temporarily omitted to create cleanout holes
- cavity is flushed periodically to remove debris
9
Q
Describe the brick laying process. (4)
A
- corner leads are constructed ahead of the rest of the wall
- leads establish the wall planes and course heights
- next, bricks between the leads are laid
- levels and string lines are used to keep the wall straight and true
10
Q
When are thick vs. thin joints used in brick laying? (2)
A
- thin joints work for bricks with very small tolerances
- thick joints require a thick mortar joint that is hard to work
