Masonry is the practice of building with brick, concrete blocks, stone or other materials. It also includes the construction of reinforced or unreinforced concrete walls that can be load-bearing or non-load bearing.
Coursed rubble stone masonry (stones of different sizes and qualities laid in level courses) is a common form of masonry that is particularly well-suited to geographic regions with abundant stone resources.
History
Masonry is an ancient construction technique dating back to the earliest days of human civilization. Out of necessity, people began supplementing natural caves with manmade structures constructed from piles of stones and mud. These early masonry walls were used to store food, protect against predators and serve as a place to live. As civilization progressed, these masonry structures became more refined, using bricks and tin to create more permanent, structurally sound buildings.
Over time, the use of mortar to bind stone blocks together evolved. In the early days of masonry, the mortar was made from local ingredients such as lime and natural sand. The earliest masons used simple tools such as mallets (stone hammers), chisels and hard straight edges to shape the stones and create the building’s basic forms. In the Middle Ages, masonry became more specialized as craftsmen dedicated themselves to this specific field of architecture.
The first masonry building was probably built in Egypt some 7,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians sourced the materials for their bricks locally, including limestone, sandstone and alabaster. In the Middle Ages, Romans developed concrete from pozzolanic tuff, a volcanic rock that was mixed with water, lime and stone fragments to erect solid buildings.
As the Masonic fraternity grew, it became a social club where men could meet and share ideas. Masons promoted a civil religion that emphasized freedom, free enterprise and a limited role for the government. Masons such as George Washington embraced the philosophies of the fraternity and promoted its virtues in the United States.
Materials
Masonry is a durable form of construction, though the durability of masonry structures depends on the materials used and quality of workmanship. The strength of masonry depends on combining concrete and mortar in the right proportions. Concrete is made by combining an aggregate (usually rubble, broken stone or gravel), cement and water. The strength of concrete depends on how much water is added and whether the mix has been blended properly.
When mixed with water, cement makes a paste called mortar, which helps the masonry units stick together. It also provides a binding agent and helps to waterproof the walls. Masonry mortar is usually made with Portland cement, sand and lime. Some masonry mixes contain fly ash, which reduces the amount of Portland cement needed for the mix and can help improve the strength of the masonry.
Bricks, concrete blocks and stone are the most commonly used masonry units. The ancient Egyptians used a combination of natural stone and sun-dried bricks to build their temples. Modern brick masonry structures use a mixture of different sizes and types of clay bricks. Concrete block masonry units are larger than bricks, making them faster to lay for a given wall size. They often receive a stucco surface for decoration. They may also serve as the structural core of veneered brick masonry and in some cases have been used alone.
Techniques
Masonry is a type of construction that uses mortar to hold bricks and stones together. Expert masons can build structures that are both beautiful and durable. In addition, masonry is fire-resistant and provides sound control. It also helps to insulate buildings against daily fluctuations in temperature.
Bricks and concrete blocks are the most common types of masonry materials. However, masonry can also include stone, marble, granite, and glass block. Masonry is one of the oldest building techniques. It was used in the ancient world to create temples and other important buildings. It is also a common material for fireplaces and sidewalks.
There are several different tools and techniques used in masonry work. For example, a wire brush is used to clean the mortar of debris and dust from surfaces. A pointing trowel is used to smooth the joints of brick and stone construction. This tool is also useful in repairing mortar damage and filling voids in a wall.
When working with masonry, it is important to use the right tools for the job. For example, when drilling through brick and mortar, it is best to start with a small hole and gradually increase the size until the desired hole is reached. This method prevents the masonry from being damaged and allows you to complete the task quickly. For larger holes, a core drill or large rotary hammer drill should be used.
Applications
Masonry is an effective building technique with a variety of applications. It can be load-bearing or cladding and may be brick, stone or concrete block. Experienced masonry contractors can help determine the best materials for your project. They can also ensure that the construction process produces a finished product with consistent mortar application and accurate course alignment.
Modern masonry products can offer aesthetics, durability and energy efficiency. They have a wide range of colors, sizes and textures that offer architects a flexible design option for buildings of all styles. Masonry construction has a high thermal mass that can absorb and store heat, which helps to regulate indoor temperatures and save energy. It also has acoustic insulation properties that cancel out outdoor noises and contribute to more peaceful interior environments.
Masonry can also be used for decorative purposes, such as moldings and lintels over windows and doors. A special type of masonry known as shear wall is often used in concrete bridges to prevent buckling under tension. Shear walls are built in the same way as ordinary masonry but have steel reinforcement that increases the strength of the material and reduces the possibility of failure under shear.