Masonry is a type of building material that includes brick, concrete blocks or structural clay tile held together with mortar. It is typically reinforced to increase strength and ductility, and it can be built in various shapes and sizes.
Masonry offers several sustainable properties such as energy efficiency, fire resistance and acoustic insulation. It also helps prevent pests and resists the damage of high winds and blistering heat.
Strength
Masonry is one of the most reliable building techniques in construction. It’s not prone to rot or other forms of damage, and is not a fire hazard. It also offers superior thermal performance, which can save on energy costs and create a comfortable environment for building occupants. However, it is important to keep in mind that masonry requires a large amount of time and patience during construction. The bricks must dry and cure properly, which can slow the overall construction process.
The strength of masonry is highly dependent on the mortar, which must be strong enough to support the bricks. When the mortar fails, the bricks will be exposed to water damage, which can cause cracking and deterioration. It’s crucial that the correct cement-to-water ratio is used when mixing the mortar.
A well-known evaluation formula for the compression strength of heterogeneous masonry walls is the Hilsdorf formula. This formula is based on a mathematical relationship between the compressive-tensile biaxial stress states and the distribution of the blocks in the wall. However, this formula is often incorrect because the mortar stress ratio depends on a number of variables that are not included in the evaluation.
Another factor that can impact the strength of a masonry building is the head or bed joint thickness. A good mason will construct these joints within tolerances, which ensures the integrity of the brickwork and minimizes potential failures.
Durability
Masonry is an incredibly durable material, and it can be used to make walls that will last for generations. Masonry construction is not only attractive, but it also adds value to the home or business. It can be made from a variety of materials, including brick, stone, and concrete. It can withstand many types of weather conditions and can resist pests. Additionally, it can reduce noise and improve air quality.
Masonary walls have a long lifespan and are highly resistant to fires, rot, and insects. They can be molded to achieve different architectural styles, and they can enhance the look of any home or building. In addition, masonry is non-combustible, which improves fire safety and saves money on insurance costs.
While mortar only accounts for about 7% of the surface area of a wall, it is crucial to its overall structure. Mortar bonds individual masonry blocks, marbles, stones, and bricks together to create a composite structural assembly. It also seals the joints against moisture and air leakage, and it bonds to joint reinforcement, anchors, and ties.
Historic masonry structures are often geometry-based, and small changes in their geometry can have significant consequences for the stability of an entire structure. Therefore, full-scale in situ dynamic testing is an essential tool for the evaluation of their behavior. The results from such tests provide valuable information for structural health monitoring, restoration, and rehabilitation.
Aesthetics
Masonry is a versatile building material, allowing the architect to create structures that incorporate modern styles as well as traditional ones. Aesthetics is an important factor in masonry design, as it influences how people perceive the structure. It can also be influenced by the structure’s size and shape, color, texture and layout.
The Roman architect Vitruvius identified Firmitas (Strength), Utilitas (Functionality) and Venustas (Beauty) as the three most important aspects of architecture. Although he did not specifically address aesthetics, many of his concepts can be applied to masonry design.
Aesthetics in masonry structures is most commonly addressed through the use of color and texture, unit sizes, surface finishes and masonry bond patterns. These features can evoke feelings of strength, modernity, tradition or even whimsy in the structure. Aesthetics can be enhanced further with the use of specialized lighting fixtures that diffuse, reflect, partially block or shade light from directly impinging on the wall assembly.
Concrete masonry units are available in an almost limitless array of colors, textures and finishes. This flexibility allows architects to create striking, unique designs. Aesthetics can be further enhanced by the use of contrasting mortar color and profile as shown in the photo below. In addition, the masonry bond pattern and mortar joint finish can be used to achieve an aesthetic effect. For example, banding of concrete masonry with clay brick veneer can produce an attractive architectural appearance.
Budget
Masonry has significant budget implications for the overall structure of your building. Whether used as the structural frame, a sturdy backing for many types of veneer systems or even being the veneer system itself, it is an important and cost-effective part of any construction project. In the wake of the recent lumber crisis, masonry has gained popularity as an affordable alternative to wood framing. It yields a much more secure, stronger and more sturdy building that can cost less over time to build and insure.
As a bonus, masonry is also energy efficient. It has a high thermal mass, keeping the interior of buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer, thereby saving energy costs. It also reduces noise transmission and provides a quiet atmosphere for occupants.
Additionally, masonry walls do not rust or rot and require little to no maintenance over their lifetime. They are a long-term investment, making them an excellent choice for both commercial and residential projects.
It’s important to write a Scope of Work that ensures your Masonry Contractor provides an all-inclusive bid for the masonry work on your project. This will help to avoid any unexpected expenses during the project. It’s also wise to select a Masonry Contractor that is experienced with the specific type of masonry you need for your project. This will ensure that the work is done correctly the first time around, avoiding costly repair down the road.