Masonry is a construction method using bricks, stones or concrete blocks bound together with mortar. It’s used to build structures of all kinds, from residential buildings to concrete driveways.
Pros: Brick masonry is easy to handle, transport and install. It’s also less expensive than stone or concrete block. However, it’s technically less durable and offers fewer sizes and colors to choose from.
Improved material optimization
Masonry construction has been around for thousands of years, but recent technological innovations have brought new efficiencies to the trade. The latest advances in concrete masonry units (CMUs) and mortar have made it easier for masons to build more complex structures and increase productivity. In addition, the latest materials have increased the load-bearing capacity of masonry walls.
Bricks are manufactured from various clays, baked at different temperatures, and have varying properties. They come in a variety of colors, textures and densities, and each type absorbs water at a different rate. A brick with a low initial rate of absorption (IRA) will swim or float when placed in an overly moist mortar, causing problems during installation. In addition, the mason must wait extended periods of time for the mortar to cure, which slows productivity.
A new method for optimization of perforation geometry uses the determined material laws of a brick body to improve its compressive and shear load-bearing capacities. It involves testing small specimens to determine the material laws of a brick body and then using a finite element model to simulate its fracture behaviour. The test results are then used to optimize the perforation geometry of the brick body.
The overall desirability of the manufactured masonry veneers is obtained by transforming the responses predicted by the model of each mechanical property into a set of dimensionless values named “desirability individuals”. This experimental design includes three factors and 15 treatments with three replies, producing 45 combinations of manufactured masonry veneers.
Unmatched accuracy
Masonry construction is a versatile building technique that can be used to create a wide variety of structures. It is a good choice for buildings that need to meet strict fire safety requirements, and it can also help to reduce energy costs. In addition, masonry construction can add a visual appeal to a structure and provide a unique aesthetic that can be tailored to the design.
Several types of masonry materials are available, including clay bricks, concrete blocks (cinder blocks or breezeblocks), acoustic brick units, and stone units. These units are arranged together to form walls, partitions, and other load-bearing structures. These structures can resist lateral and gravity loads, but they may need to be reinforced. Masonry structures also have a tendency to crack when subjected to stress. To prevent cracking, it is important to specify the right mortar mix and use proper techniques during construction.
Masonry is an ideal construction material for projects in limited-access areas, such as airports and hospitals. This construction technique has a long history and offers many benefits, including unmatched accuracy and the ability to be customized to meet specific project requirements. A good masonry contractor will work with the client to determine the project requirements and develop architectural and structural plans. They will then review the construction site to ensure it is prepared for masonry work and that the foundation is strong enough to support the structure.
Time-saving features
The construction industry has witnessed a rapid shift towards automation and robotics, leading to increased efficiency, better safety, and significant cost savings. Masonry is no exception. In fact, the use of high-tech solutions like concrete planers has enabled masons to achieve accurate and consistent results in less time. Consequently, this saves the cost of manual labor and allows projects to be completed on schedule.
Additionally, masonry structures feature a high thermal mass that regulates indoor temperatures effectively, thus cutting down on energy costs. This sustainable building method also provides acoustic insulation, canceling out outdoor noise and creating a peaceful environment within buildings. Furthermore, masonry is non-combustible, making it the preferred choice for buildings requiring fire safety.
Masonry is an ideal construction material for commercial, government/institutional, and multi-family housing projects due to its durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Its structural integrity allows for flexible floor plans without the need for load-bearing walls. This flexibility is especially important for buildings that serve multiple purposes, like CL Warehouses by VAGA.
Moreover, eco-friendly materials like green concrete are used in masonry construction, reducing carbon footprint and boosting productivity. These innovative materials replace traditional concrete with industrial by-products, minimizing waste and limiting the demand for fresh resources. Using recycled and reclaimed materials also reduces environmental impacts, including air pollution and water waste. This sustainable approach is a great example of how masonry can integrate new technology to benefit the world around us.
Cost-effectiveness
Masonry construction offers cost-effectiveness in several ways. Firstly, it reduces building costs by increasing occupant safety. It also minimizes maintenance costs and reduces insurance premiums due to its durability and energy efficiency. In addition, masonry is fire resistant and can withstand high temperatures, saving on the installation of additional fire-safety systems.
Another way that masonry construction saves money is through its superior insulation. The concrete block’s thermal mass stores and releases heat throughout the day, reducing heating and cooling costs. In addition, masonry buildings are less likely to have air leakage, which reduces the need for additional ductwork.
Moreover, masonry is made of recycled materials, making it friendlier to the environment. In fact, many of the raw materials that make up masonry are recycled waste products from power plants, steel mills and other manufacturing sites. Its use of modular blocks allows for highly organized construction sites and reduced material waste.
Finally, masonry is cheaper than other construction materials. A recent study comparing the up-front costs of masonry structures against glass, metal panels, and heavy-duty insulated finish systems found that concrete wall costs were similar to – and often lower than – other materials. It also saves on recurring costs by eliminating the need for frequent staining, painting and refinishing. This allows a masonry structure to maintain its appearance longer and increase its value over time.