ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODS
IN MASONRY WORKS build this giant edifice. Stronger but lighter
HISTORY
Ever since the time that the Egyptian Pyramids,
the Colosseum in Rome, and the Great Wall of
China were built, masonry has been the number
one choice for many architects and builders. The
way we build and the materials we use have
evolved over the centuries, but masonry still
remains of high quality through and through.
Bricks have been used over the last 6,000 years,
although the techniques to make and use them
have changed for the better. In the past, sun-baked
clay bricks were used, while chopped straw and
grass were added to the clay in order to prevent
cracking.
The bricks used today, however, are a combination
of cement, sand, and crushed stone or light
aggregate. They are more sophisticated than in
years past thanks in large part to block plant
automation. Despite the fact that we are in the
digital age where it seems like everything is
automated, the artistry, craftsmanship, and skill
required of a mason can never be duplicated or
replaced by machines.
Masonry has always been a top choice for a
reason. It is resistant to fire, earthquakes, and
sound. Its materials come together to create an
artistically durable structure that withstands
centuries of normal wear and tear. They say
history repeats itself. In this case, that is a
wonderful thing.
STRUCTURES
 Egyptian Pyramids – Egyptian Pyramids are
ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures
located in Egypt. The whole of the Great
Pyramid was originally covered with a coat of
polished limestone blocks, which would have
given the aspect of Giza a smooth and perfect
finish. The faces of these blocks have butting
surfaces cut to within 1/100 of an inch of
mathematical perfection.
 Colosseum Rome – Materials used in the
construction of the Colosseum were chosen
carefully. In the base of the building, heavier
materials such as tuff and lime were used,
which was known as grading. Roman builders
know and discovered different techniques to
mortar, bricks, and volcanic stone were used
by them. Some of the materials used in the
Colosseum are; concrete, bricks, marble,
mortar, and stone.
 India’s Taj Mahal – The Taj Mahal is a
perfectly symmetrical planned building, with
an emphasis on bilateral symmetry along a
central axis on which the main features are
placed. The building material used is brick-in-
lime mortar veneered with red sandstone and
marble and inlay work of precious/semi-
precious stones.
 The Great Wall of China – The Ming Dynasty
Great Wall was mostly built with bricks. To
build a strong wall with bricks, they used lime
mortar. Workers built brick and cement
factories with local materials near the wall.
TYPES OF MASONRY
 Brick Masonry Construction
 Stone Masonry Construction
 Concrete Masonry Construction
 Veneer Masonry Construction
 Gabion Masonry Construction
ADVANCE SPECIALIZED TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENTS
1. Masonry Saw - A powerful saw used for
cutting through bricks, stones, and other
masonry materials.
2. Mortar Mixer - A machine used to mix mortar
and concrete quickly and efficiently.
3. Masonry Drill - A specialized drill designed
for drilling through brick, stone, and other
masonry materials.
4. Brick Tongs - A tool used for lifting and
carrying bricks and other masonry materials.
5. Masonry Level - A tool used to ensure that
masonry work is level and straight.
6. Masonry Chisel - A tool used for cutting and
shaping bricks and stones.
7. Brick Hammer - A hammer used for chipping
and shaping bricks and stones.
8. Masonry Jointer - A tool used to shape and
finish the joints between bricks and other
masonry materials.
9. Masonry Brush - A brush used for applying
mortar and cleaning masonry surfaces.
10. Mortar Gun - A tool used for applying mortar
quickly and efficiently.
ADVANTAGES
 Durability
 Low maintenance
 Aesthetics
 Energy Efficiency
DISADVANTAGES
 Cost
 Time-consuming
 Limited flexibility
 Moisture-related issues
TECHNIQUES IN MASONRY
 Planning and Estimating
 Construction Preparation
 Mixing Mortar
 Unit Masonry Construction
 Stone Masonry Construction
 Grouting Masonry
 Protections
 Cleaning Masonry
 Clear Water Repellents