ARC 131 Building Construction: Masonry Works

Masonry Construction

• The primary material used in masonry is brick.
• The simplest and most ancient building technique is rubble masonry.

Historical Context

• The historical Sultan Hassan is located in Egypt.

Materials

• Stone is a durable, compression-resistant, and structurally effective material.

Ancient Architecture

• The King Zoser complex was built around 2650 BC.

Types of Masonry

• Rubble masonry is a type of masonry that is specifically mentioned in the text.

Mortar in Masonry

• The function of mortar in masonry construction is to bind bricks or blocks together.
• Type (M) mortar is suitable for masonry construction below grade and subject to high lateral or compressive loads.

Brick Formation

• The three major methods used for forming clay bricks are extrusion, pressing, and molding.
• Terracotta Clay Bricks are formed using the extrusion method.

Masonry Tools

• The measuring tape is used in masonry construction to take precise measurements.
• A Mason’s line is used to ensure that the masonry work is straight and level.
• A Plumb bob is a weight attached to a string used to ensure vertical alignment.

Bricks

• A Facing (Veneer) Brick has dimensions of 215 x 102.5 x 65 mm.

Mortar Types

• Type (O) mortar is distinguished from other mortar types by its high lime content.
• Type (S) mortar is distinguished from Type (N) mortar by its higher compressive strength.

Waterproofing

• The primary purpose of waterproofing in construction is to prevent water seepage.
• The surface must be cleaned and prepared before applying waterproofing materials.
• Bitumen is mentioned as an example of a waterproofing material.
• Expansion joints must be sealed during surface preparation for waterproofing.
• Water stops are used to prevent water seepage through joints.
• Waterproofing protects against water damage and structural degradation.
• Any leakage points must be addressed before starting the insulation process in waterproofing.

Building Insulation

• The primary purpose of building insulation is to reduce heat transfer.

Dampness in Buildings

• Common causes of dampness in buildings include poor waterproofing, inadequate drainage, and high groundwater levels.
• Dampness can cause structural damage and degradation of building materials.
• The orientation of a building in relation to the sun and wind can affect dampness.
• The rise of ground moisture around a building can be caused by poor site drainage.