Chapter #4

BLOCK MASONRY WORK

INTRODUCTION
Blocks of cinder concrete (cinder blocks or breezeblocks), ordinary concrete (concrete blocks),
or hollow tile are generically known as Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs). They usually are much
larger than ordinary bricks and so are much faster to lay for a wall of a given size. Furthermore,
cinder and concrete blocks typically have much lower water absorption rates than brick. They
often are used as the structural core for veneered brick masonry, or are used alone for the walls
of factories, garages and other industrial-style buildings where such appearance is acceptable or
desirable. Such blocks often receive a stucco surface for decoration. Surface-bonding cement,
which contains synthetic fibers for reinforcement, is sometimes used in this application and can
impart extra strength to a block wall. Surface-bonding cement is often pre-coloured and can be
stained or painted thus resulting in a finished stucco-like surface.
The primary structural advantage of concrete blocks in comparison to smaller clay-based bricks
is that a CMU wall can be reinforced by filling the block voids with concrete with or without
steel rebar. Generally, certain voids are designated for filling and reinforcement, particularly at
corners, wall-ends, and openings while other voids are left empty. This increases wall strength
and stability more economically than filling and reinforcing all voids. Typically, structures made
of CMUs will have the top course of blocks in the walls filled with concrete and tied together
with steel reinforcement to form a bond beam. Bond beams are often a requirement of
modern building codes and controls. Another type of steel reinforcement, referred to as ladder-
reinforcement, can also be embedded in horizontal mortar joints of concrete block walls. The
introduction of steel reinforcement generally results in a CMU wall having much greater lateral
and tensile strength than unreinforced walls.
"Architectural masonry is the evolvement of standard concrete masonry blocks into aesthetically
pleasing concrete masonry units (CMUs)."[citation needed] CMUs can be manufactured to provide a
variety of surface appearances. They can be colored during manufacturing or stained or painted
after installation. They can be split as part of the manufacturing process, giving the blocks a
rough face replicating the appearance of natural stone, such as brownstone. CMUs may also be
scored, ribbed, sandblasted, polished, striated (raked or brushed), include decorative aggregates,
be allowed to slump in a controlled fashion during curing, or include several of these techniques
in their manufacture to provide a decorative appearance.[1]
"Glazed concrete masonry units are manufactured by bonding a permanent colored facing
(typically composed of polyester resins, silica sand and various other chemicals) to a concrete
masonry unit, providing a smooth impervious surface
Concrete is a fluid mixture of cement, aggregates, and water which can be formed into different
shapes and cures to a hard and durable construction material. Masonry is construction of natural
building stone or manufactured...
Concrete hollow bricks:
Concrete block is a large rectangular brick used in construction Portland cement and aggregate,
usually sand and fine gravel for high-density blocks. Size -12x8x4 inch
Description:
Have one or more hollow cores.
• In general, a hollow-core concrete block is more than 50 % solid.
• Standard hollow concrete blocks come in full and half sizes.
• Full-size blocks are rectangular and have two cores.
• Half size blocks are cubical and have one core.
Raw material:
 1) Cement
2) Sand
3) Gravels
4) Water
Why use?
• Highly Durable: The good concrete compacted by high pressure and vibration gives substantial
strength to the block Proper curing increase compressive strength of the blocks.
• Low Maintenance
• Fire Resistant
• Provide thermal and sound insulation
• Economical
• Environment Friendly
Size of hollow concrete blocks:
i) 39 x 19 x 30 cm
ii) 39 x 19 x 20 cm

Structural advantages:
•Reducing the vulnerability (exposed to damage) of disastrous damage to the structure/building,
during the natural hazards.
•Provide and offer better resistance under dynamic loading
Constructional advantages:
•No additional formwork or any special construction machinery is required for reinforcing the
hollow block masonry.
• Only semi-skilled labor is required for this type of construction.
• It is a faster and easier construction system, when compared to the other conventional
construction systems.
• It is also found to be a cost-effective disaster resistant construction system.

CONSIDRATION FOR USES OF CONCRETE BLOCK

Hollow concrete block are getting popularity in building construction. These are many reason for
it. These blocks are made by machine with efficiency and no size difference. They can be
customized in size. They help ion sound control and prevent building from weather affects.
Block are comparatively bigger then bricks in size. Thereby incurring less joint and mortar
despite, it incurs speed in work due to bigger size. Hollow blocks do not cause additional
increase in building load.
Hollow bricks are a good construction material. Nowadays, it is used at various construction
buildings and compound wall. It is very cheap in cost, strong and available at all local
construction material shop. Many people used this hollow bricks because it reduces heat and
make the building in cool.

LAYENG OF BLOCKS
Drop plumb bobs from the corner string and at a point three feet from the corner. Mark the
location of the corner block on the footing base and then spread the mortar in the marked area
about one inch deep and eight inches wide. Extend this mortar by three blocks in one direction
and put a furrow in the center of the mortar with a trowel. This furrow will force the mortar to
the edge of the block when it is laid.
Lay the corner concrete block first and make sure you’re using the correct finished end.
Thoroughly check the starting corner block and take the time to position it correctly. All other
blocks will align with this starter block, so it's very important that it is set right. Follow the same
procedure for all remaining corners, laying about two or three blocks of the first course in each
direction. Tie a line between two bricks and stretch it between the corner blocks on the first
course.
Continue to lay the base mortar as the course continues, and apply mortar to the ends of the
blocks with a trowel before placing them in the correct position also. Make sure to keep all
mortar joints about 3/8 of an inch. Use a masonry chisel if you must cut a block. Mark a line on
both sides where the cut is to be made and then strike the chisel with a hammer. It’s tricky, but
you’ll get the hang of it.
Once several concrete blocks have been laid, use a long level to verify the alignment. Check both
the tops of the blocks and the outside edge. Tap the blocks to correct the alignment while the
mortar is still wet. Never attempt to move a block after the concrete begins to set.
Continue to build the corners first and keep them higher than other runs until you finish the job.
Also, keep the guidelines between the corners at all times. They will help you keep the blocks
level at all points in each course and keep the guidelines tight. Correct any misalignments as you
go.

Use a trowel to remove surplus mortar and dispose of it onto the mortarboard. Keep turning the
mortar with your trowel throughout the project so small portions will not harden. Use a 3/4-inch
ply board or the bed of a wheelbarrow as a mortarboard. Always wet the board or the
wheelbarrow bed before placing the mortar while laying the concrete block.
Do not mix more mortar than you can use in 90-120 minutes, and on hot days, keep it covered
with a piece of plastic to retain moisture while you’re working. Also, to keep it workable, use as
much water as the mortar will absorb while retaining its elasticity.
Stagger the blocks from the corners and build the wall to the desired height. Take time to level
the blocks after each course, using a level at least three feet long. The thicker end of each block
should face up. Also, keep a leveling string at the top of each course on each run of the block.
Measure not only the length, but also the height every three runs, and hold your level diagonally
along the block corners to check for accuracy. If the blocks are being laid right, then the corners
will strike evenly along a level held in this position.
Once all the concrete blocks have been laid, while the mortar is still pliable, use a jointer to
finish the joints. Keep the jointer wet at this time. Reinforcing rods may also be necessary for
walls that are built high. Lay 1/4-inch reinforcing with the ends overlapped two to three inches.
Mortar can be placed directly over the rods as well.
If wood framing will be attached to the top run, set an anchor bolt every three feet in the last run.
If a load-bearing wall intersects with the exterior wall, use metal tie-bars to secure it to the main
wall. Set the bars at least every other run. Non-load-bearing walls that are connected to main
walls can be tied with a 16-inch strip of 1/2-inch mesh galvanized hardware cloth directly over
the block. A strip of this cloth should be used for every other course at the tie-in point.
If the concrete blocks are being laid as a fence or barrier, the top course should be finished by
filling the holes with fresh concrete. For a neater and more enduring finish, use patio blocks, as
they are very attractive with the added benefit of being waterproof.
Now that your concrete block wall is finished, you can add some personality! If you would like
to paint your new wall, read this article to learn how.
Solid masonry:
Space are usually filled with concrete while building column with concrete blocks. Steel bar may
be used in order to further strength then the column against buckling. Space are also filled with
concrete if there is more load expected on the walls, thereby making solid walls.

MANUFECTURING OF CONCRETE BLOCKS

i) 60% of fine aggregate & 40% of coarse aggregate are used with in concrete block
manufacturing
ii) Gravel of size 6-12mm is used
iii) FM at meeting of aggregate should be 2.9 to 3.6
iv) Ratio is (1:6) will be used
v) Hollows in block kept vertically
vi) Blocks after filling must be kept in mold for at least 24hours
vii) Curing should be done for block after 24 hours of their manufacture then they should be
taken out the mold and kept in water for at least 7 days
viii) Concrete should be compacted appropriately in moulds
ix) Block should pose strength of 30 kg/cm2
x) Blocks may be manufacture in machine for the quality and better finishing.
xi) Thickness of concrete should be at least 5cm in block
xii) At least 60% of cross-sectional area of the blocks should contain on concrete

SURFACE FINISHING OF CONCRETE BLOCKS

Many method used for surface finishing of concrete blocks like
a) Ordinary finish:
For this types of finishing the ratio will be used by the material which is consider as fine or
course but the fine aggregate should be smooth in surface while the curse will be rough in
surface
b) Colored finish:
Pigment is included into concrete during block manufacturing in order to turn them colored.
c) Glazed finish:
Concrete block are glazed to make surface of block clean and glazed. For this purpose silica,
polyester and other chemical may be used.
d) Special finish:
Marble tiles or ceramic tile are furnished over concrete blocks in order to give them special
finishing moreover concrete block may be painted.
e) Compound wall:
The compound wall is simple contemporary design which breaks two point on either site of the
side to form horizontal opening that give a glimpse of the screen landscape within. A compound
wall serves to demarcate the site protects one property. Ensure privacy and enhance asthetic
appeal.

STONE MASONRY
Stone masonry is a type of building masonry construction that uses stones and mortar. This
construction technique is used for building foundations, floors, retaining walls, arches, walls and
columns. The stones used for masonry construction are natural rocks. These natural rocks are cut
and dressed into proper shape in order to use it in masonry construction. Stones are one of the
most durable and strong building materials.
Materials Used for Stone Masonry
The materials used for stone masonry are:
1. Stones
2. Mortar
1. Stones
The stones used for masonry construction must be hard, tough and free from cracks, sand holes,
and cavities. The selection of stone for particular work is dependent on the availability of the
stone and the importance of the structure. The common stones used for masonry construction are
limestone, sandstone, granite, marble, laterite, etc.
2. Mortar
The binding material used for masonry construction is the mortar. Cement or lime with sand and
water form the mix for masonry mortar. The mix formed is uniform in nature. The two main
factors affecting the selection of mortar for masonry are:
 Strength required
 Colour of the stone
 The loads coming on the structure

Classification of Stone Masonry

The two main classifications of Stone Masonry are:

1. Rubble Masonry
2. Ashlar Masonry

RUBBLE MASONRY
This is the stone masonry type where stones employed are either undressed or
roughly dressed. These masonry constructions do not have a uniform thickness.
The strength of the rubble masonry is dependent on the:
1) Quality of Mortar Used
2) Use of Long through stones
3) Proper filling of mortar between the stone spaces and joints
Rubble masonry can be again classified into
a. Coursed Rubble Masonry
b. Uncoursed Rubble Masonry
c. Dry Rubble Masonry
d. Polygonal Masonry
e. Flint Masonry
a. Coursed Rubble Masonry
In coursed rubble masonry construction, the stones in a particular course are in equal heights.
The stones hence used possess different sizes. In this type, all the courses do not have same
height. This type is commonly employed in the construction of public buildings, abutments,
residential buildings and piers of ordinary bridges.

b. Un coursed Rubble Masonry

An un coursed rubble masonry is the cheapest and roughest form of stone masonry construction.
These constructions use stones of varied shape and size. The stones are directly taken from the
quarry called as undressed stone blocks. The course is not maintained regularly in this method of
construction. Initially larger stones are laid first. The spaces between them are filled with spalls
or sneaks. This is divided into two types:
 Random Un coursed Rubble Masonry
 Square Un coursed Rubble Masonry
Random Un coursed Rubble Masonry: In this type, the weak corners and edges of the stone are
removed with the help of a mason’s hammer. At the quoins and jambs, bigger stones are
employed in order to increase the strength of the masonry.
Square Un coursed Rubble Masonry: Here, the stones are made roughly square
shape and used in construction. The facing stones are provided a hammer-
dressed finish. Larger stones are used as quoins. Chips are not used as bedding.

c. Polygonal Rubble Masonry

Here, the stones for masonry are roughly shaped into irregular polygons. The stones are then
arranged in such a way that it avoids vertical joints in the face work. Break the joints as possible.
Use of stone chips to support the stones

d. Flint Rubble Masonry

In areas where flint is available plenty, a flint rubble masonry is employed. Flints are irregularly
shaped nodules of silica. They are extremely hard but brittle in nature. The thickness of the
flintstones varies from 8 to 15cm. Their length varies from 15 to 30cm.

e. Dry Rubble Masonry

These are rubble masonry construction performed without the use of mortar. Small spaces are
filled with smaller stone pieces. It is used in pitching the earthen dams and the canal slopes.
ASHLER MASNORY
Ashlar masonry is constructed using accurately dressed stones that possess uniform and fine
joints. The thickness of the joints ranges about 3mm which is arranged in various patterns. The
size of the stone blocks must be in proportion with the thickness of the walls.
The various types of ashlar masonry are:

1. Ashlar Fine Masonry

2. Ashlar Block in Course
3. Ashlar Chamfered Masonry
4. Ashlar Rough Tooled Masonry
5. Rock or Quarry Faced Masonry

1. Ashlar Fine Masonry

In ashlar fine masonry construction, each stone is cut into uniform size and shape, almost
rectangular in shape. This shape hence provides perfect horizontal and vertical joints with the
adjacent stones. An ashlar fine masonry construction is very costly.

2. Ashlar Rough Masonry

This type has stones whose sides are finely chisel -dressed. The face of the stones is made rough
by means of tools. Around the perimeter of the rough dressed face of each stone, a strip of 25mm
width is provided.
3. Rock and Quarry Faced
This masonry type has a 25 mm wide strip made by a chisel placed around the perimeter of every
stone. The remaining portion of the face is left in the same form as it is received.

4. Ashlar Block in Course Masonry

This type is a combination of ashlar masonry and rubble masonry. The faces work of the
masonry stones is either rough tooled or hammer dressed stones. The backing of the wall may be
done in rubble masonry.

5. Ashlar Chamfered Masonry

A strip is provided as shown in the figure below. But the sides are chamfered or beveled at an
angle of 45 degrees by means of a chisel at a depth of 25mm.

LAYING OF STONE
Stone shall be laid on their natural bed and shall be solidly bedded full in mortar with close
joints, chips of stone spalls be wedged into the work wherever necessary. No dry work or hollow
spaces shall be allowed and every stone whether large or small shall be carefully selected to fit
snugly the interstices between the large stones. Masonry shall be built breaking joints in all the
three directions. Bond stone and headers shall be properly laid into the work and shall be marked
by the contractor with white lead paint. The bond stones shall be provided
as specified in para. The masonry work in wall shall be carried up true to plumb or to specified
batter. Random rubble masonry shall be brought to the level courses at plinth, window sills, lintel
and roof levels. Leveling shall be done with concrete comprising of one part of the mortar as
used for masonry and two parts of graded stone aggregate of 20 mm nominal size. The masonry
in structure shall be carried uniformly. Where the masonry of one part is to be delayed, the work
shall be raked back at an angle not steeper than 45°

TECHNICAL TERMS
Following technical terms used in stone masonry:
1. Header:
It is a full stone which is laid with its length perpendicular to the face of the wall.

2. Stretcher:
It is a full stone in which is laid its length parallel to the face of the wall.

3. Bond:
It is a term applied to the overlapping of stones in a wall in alternate courses, to bind the whole
wall together.

4. Course:
A horizontal layer of stones is termed as course.

5. Header Course:
It is a course of brickwork entirely composed of headers.

6. Stretcher Course:
It is a course of brickwork in which all the stone are laid as stretchers.

7. Face:
The surface of a wall exposed to weather is termed as face.

8. Facing:
The material used in the face of the wall is known as facing.

9. Back:
The inner surface of the wall which is not exposed to the weather is termed as back.

10. Bedding plane

The plane along which the stone can be separated into different layer
11. Grouting
Spreading mortar layer on the stone surface is called grouting

12. Through stone

The stone extended through the entire thickness of a wall to increase its lateral stability

13. Template
Stone peace placed under beam edge are called template

14. Moulding
Moulding is to give fantastic size and shape to building part

15. Drip stone

A projecting dressed stone having its under surface throated is called drip stone

16. Corbel
A short stone cantilever jutting from the face of a wall to form a bearing

17. Cornice
A projection which crowns a wall, any horizontal division of a wall or an architectural feature
TOOLS USED IN STONE MASONRY

1. Bevel
2. Pick Axe
3. Crow Bar
4. Chise
5. Wood Handled Chisel
6. Drafting Chisel
7. Tooth Chisel
8. Boaster
9. Spalling Hammer
10. Mash Hammer
11. Mallet (Wooden Hammer)
12. Dummy (Iron Hammer)
13. Scabbling Hammer
14. Waller’s Hammer
15. Club Hammer
16. Pitching Tool
17. Gauge
18. Punch
19. Point
20. Claw tool
21. Nicker (Broad Tool)
22. Jumper
23. Wedge and Feathers
24. Gad
25. Drag
26. Hand Saw
27. Circular Saw
28. Cross-cut-saw
29. Frame Saw
 \COMPARISON B/W BRICK MASNORY & STONE MASNORY

1. Generally brick masonry is cheaper than stone masonry and can be easily constructed.
2. The minimum, thickness of wall in stone masonry can be 35 cm whereas, in brick
masonry, walls of 10 cm thickness can be constructed.
3. The brick masonry construction proceeds very quickly whereas the stone masonry
construction proceeds vary slowly, as the bricks are handy whereas stones are not.
4. Skilled masons are required for stone masonry construction, whereas unskilled laymen
can do the brick masonry work.
5. Brick masonry requires less mortar whereas stone masonry requires more mortar which
cannot be easily estimated.
6. Stone masonry is stronger and more  durable brick masonry.
7. It is not essential to plaster the stone masonry walls whereas brick walls have to be
plastered or painted, when exposed to the open atmosphere.
8. Bricks are of an absorbent nature and no absorbing moisture make the buildings damp,
but stones are less adsorbent, and hence stone masonry walls or buildings are more damp
proof.
9. Brick masonry work cannot be allowed to come in contact with urine, sewage etc.,
without protecting them, whereas this is not the case with stone masonry.
10. Brick masonry is more fire-resistant than stone masonry.
11. Good ornamental work can be cheaply and easily done in plaster in case of brick
masonry, but it is not possible in stone masonry.
12. Being uniform and regular in shape, proper bond can be easily obtained in case of bricks
as compared with stones. Similarly, obtuse and acute angle joints can be easily provided with
brick in masonry than stone masonry.
13. Brick absorbs less quantity of heat than stone, therefore in not climates, during nights,
stone walls emit mere quantity of heat and make sitting in the room uncomfortable.

PRINCIPLE OF STONE MASNORY

The principle of stone masonry are given below
• The stone used shall be hard, durable and tough.
• All stones should be laid on its natural bed.
• The pressure acting on the stones should not act parallel to the bedding planes to avoid splitting
of stones.
• Sufficient through stones should be used and they should form ¼th of the area in elevation.
• The bond stones and headers should not be of dumb-bell shape.

SPECIFICATION OF STONE MASONRY

Specifications of stone masonry are as follow

1) Specification of random rubble masonry

 The stones shall be hard, sound and durable of approved quarry.
 Stone shall be hammer dressed to secure closed joint so that the stones when laid will come
into close proximity.
 Stones shall be fairly, equal in size and every stone shall be fitted to the adjacent stones.
 No stone shall be less than 15 cm in size.
 Stones with round surface shall not be used.
 Face stone shall be comparatively larger and uniform in size and color to give a good
appearance and breadth of face stones shall be greater than the height.
 Face stone should tail into wall to a sufficient depth to bond well.
 Stones shall be laid with broader face downward to give a good bedding.
 Face joints shall be broken and face of wall shall be truly in plumb.
 Corner stones of quoins should be a good stone and dressed to correct angle and laid as
headers and stretchers.
 Mortar shall be as specified, may be of cement mortar 1:3 to 1:6 or lime mortar 1:2 to 1:3.
 Materials or mortar shall be of standard specifications.
 Mortar shall be first dry mixed to have the required proportion and then mixed with water
by adding water slowly and gradually and mixed thoroughly to get a uniform mortar of
workable consistency.
 Fresh mixed mortar shall be used.
 Joints shall not be thicker than 2 cm, face joints shall be thinner.
 Interstices, if any, may be filled with pieces or spalls of stones embedded in mortar.
 Not more than 60 cm height of masonry shall be constructed at a time.
 Through bond stones of one piece shall be provided, one every 0.5 sq.m. of face and should
extend to the full thickness of wall.
 For wall thicker than 75 cm, bond stones may be of two pieces placed side by side
overlapping at least 15 cm.
  Breadth of bond stone shall not be less than 1 ½ times the height.
 All stones shall be thoroughly wetted before laying.
 At the end of day’s work, the masonry shall be flooded with 2.5 cm water at the upper
surface.
 The masonry shall be kept moist for a period of at least 10 days and shall be protected from
sun, rain, frost and other weather effect.

2) Specification of coursed square rubble masonry

Squared rubble masonry coursed (first sort):- Face stone shall be hammer dressed on all beds
and joints so as to give them approximately rectangular shape. These shall be square on all
joints and beds. The bed joints shall be chisel drafted for at least 8 cm back from the face and
for the side joints at least 4 cm.

3) Specification of un coursed square rubble masonry

 The stone to be used for the work are directly obtain from the quarry after merely knocking
off weak corner and edge with the mason’s hammer the stone are carefully laid so as to
break joint as much as possible
 Small stone are used in order to discontinue the joint overlapping in layers.
 At least one through stone should be provided in square meter for extra strength
 It has all other characterized are coursed square rubble masonry

4) Specification of dry rubble masonry

 Stone are dressed in such a manner that they stay firm without support and mason
simultaneously across width of the wall
 Use through stone in each layer as much as possible
 In order to build wall taller than 6 meter it is important to construct 3 layer of coursed
square rubble with cement or lime mortar after each 3 meter

5) Specification of ashlar masonry

 Ashlar masonry is done with relevant mortar on regular layer no lower than 30 cm
 Each layer has similar height unless to have different instruction
 This masonry must have horizontal and vertical joints are really horizontal and vertical and
they must be covered thoroughly in mortar
 Stone must properly be cured before use
 Alternate stone on outer surface should bond in stretcher and then header manner
 Through stone should be provided in layer in suitable number to ensure strength
 Entire wall should be constructed layer by layer
 The plumb bob should be used to check the vertically of erected wall
 Mortar should be limited to joints only in walls if then plastering is not required
 Prevent cement or lime masonry from rain.

Placing of Stone Masonry 

1) Stone used in masonry should properly be cleaned before placing and is approved by the
Engineer.
2) Stone should not be placed during rains sufficiently heavy or prolonged to wash the mortar
from the masonry.  Mortar already spread which becomes diluted by rain is removed and
replaced before continuing with the work.  Loads are not allowed on the stone before it is
fully set.
3) Stone to be used in masonry with mortar joints is moistened with water from three to four
hours before they are used, or by a method which should ensure that each stone is thoroughly
and uniformly wetted.
4) Stone masonry are placed on properly prepared and firm foundations and in accordance with
the Drawings or directions of the Engineer Foundations used is approved by the Engineer
before placing the masonry.
5) Walls should un coursed but include a bond stone of at least 0.3 m2 area showing on the
exposed face and continuous through the wall for every m2 of the projected face.
6) Full mortar coverage is provided on all non-exposed stone faces.
7) Stone masonry constructed for a waterway are of the best standards of workmanship and
objectionable matters in the masonry surface is removed by and at the expense of the
Contractor.  The smoothest practicable finished surface of the masonry is required whenever
it is a part of a waterway, if not otherwise directed by the Engineer.
EXERCISE
MCQS

1) Size of hollow block of concrete is _______cm

a) 39x19x30
b) 39x18x10
c) 39x15x20
d) None of these
2) In hollow block masonry the thickness of mortar should be
a) 6-20cm
b) 5-10cm
c) 5-20cm
d) None of these
3) Max strength of concrete block should be _________ kg/cm2
a) 50
b) 40
c) 30
d) 20
4) Hollow concrete block masonry is suitable due to
a) Heat proof
b) Sound proof
c) Light weight
d) All of these
5) Masonry suitable for multi-story building
a) Hollow blocks
b) Solid concrete blocks
c) Bricks
d) Stone
6) Thickness of mortar of block masonry
a) 5-20mm
b) 20-25mm
c) 25-30mm
d) 30-40mm
7) Solid layer is provided in this position
a) Top
b) Sides
c) Bottom & sides
d) Bottom
8) In concrete block masonry sill at the opening is extended from the length of _____cm
a) 10
b) 15
c) 20
d) 30
9) Size of aggregate in manufacturing of concrete is ____to ____mm
a) 6-12
b) 8-14
 c) 5-10
d) 4-8
10) _________area of gross block section should be of concrete
a) 40%
b) 60%
c) 70%
d) 80%
11) Thickness of expansion joint in hollow block masonry _____cm
a) 5-15
b) 5-10
c) 4-8
d) 7-14
12) Ratio of fine aggregate to course in hollow block masonry
a) 1:1
b) 1:1.5
c) 2:3
d) 2:5
13) Min wall thickness of hollow concrete block masonry
a) 2cm
b) 4cm
c) 5cm
d) 10cm
14) The shape of block use at the top of opening in concrete block
a) Hollow
b) Channel
c) Ell
d) Tee
15) Spacing of expansion joint in hollow block masonry
a) 2-4mm
b) 5-10mm
c) 10-20mm
d) 20-25mm
SHORT QUESTION+ ANSWER

Q1) Write short note on hollow concrete block?

ANS)
Concrete block is a large rectangular brick used in construction Portland cement and aggregate,
usually sand and fine gravel for high-density blocks. Size -12x8x4 inch
Description:
Have one or more hollow cores.
• In general, a hollow-core concrete block is more than 50 % solid.
• Standard hollow concrete blocks come in full and half sizes.
• Full-size blocks are rectangular and have two cores.
• Half size blocks are cubical and have one core.
Raw material:
5) Cement
6) Sand
7) Gravels
8) Water

Q2) Why concrete block are use?

ANS)
Why use?
• Highly Durable: The good concrete compacted by high pressure and vibration gives substantial
strength to the block Proper curing increase compressive strength of the blocks.
• Low Maintenance
• Fire Resistant
• Provide thermal and sound insulation
• Economical
• Environment Friendly

Q3) What is the size of concrete block?

ANS)
Size of hollow concrete blocks:
i) 39 x 19 x 30 cm
ii) 39 x 19 x 20 cm

Q4) Write the structural advantages of concrete block?

ANS)
•Reducing the vulnerability (exposed to damage) of disastrous damage to the structure/building,
during the natural hazards.
•Provide and offer better resistance under dynamic loading
Constructional advantages:
•No additional formwork or any special construction machinery is required for reinforcing the
hollow block masonry.
• Only semi-skilled labor is required for this type of construction.
• It is a faster and easier construction system, when compared to the other conventional
construction systems.
• It is also found to be a cost-effective disaster resistant construction system.

Q5) Define compound wall?

ANS)
The compound wall is simple contemporary design which breaks two point on either site of the
side to form horizontal opening that give a glimpse of the screen landscape within. A compound
wall serves to demarcate the site protects one property. Ensure privacy and enhance asthetic
appeal.

Q6) draw a sketch of concrete block?

ANS)

Q7) Define stone masonry?

ANS)
Stone masonry is a type of building masonry construction that uses stones and mortar. This
construction technique is used for building foundations, floors, retaining walls, arches, walls and
columns. The stones used for masonry construction are natural rocks. These natural rocks are cut
and dressed into proper shape in order to use it in masonry construction. Stones are one of the
most durable and strong building materials.

Q8) Enlist the tool used in stone masonry?

ANS)
1. Bevel
2. Pick Axe
3. Crow Bar
4. Chise
5. Wood Handled Chisel
6. Drafting Chisel
7. Tooth Chisel
8. Boaster
 9. Spalling Hammer
10. Mash Hammer
11. Mallet (Wooden Hammer)
12. Dummy (Iron Hammer)
13. Scabbling Hammer
14. Waller’s Hammer
15. Club Hammer
16. Pitching Tool
17. Gauge
18. Punch
19. Point
20. Claw tool
21. Nicker (Broad Tool)
22. Jumper
23. Wedge and Feathers
24. Gad
25. Drag
26. Hand Saw
27. Circular Saw
28. Cross-cut-saw
29. Frame Saw

Q9) Enlist types of stone masonry?

ANS)
1) Rubble masonry
2) Ashlar masonry

Q10) Enlist types of ashlar masonry?

ANS)
1) Fine ashlar
2) Rough face ashlar
3) Chamfered ashlar
4) Ashlar facing

Q11) enlist types of rubble masonry?

ANS)
1) Random rubble
2) Coursed rubble
3) Square rubble
4) Dry rubble

Q12) define drip stone?

ANS)
A projecting dressed stone having its under surface throated is called drip stone

Q13) what is meant by through stone?

ANS)
The stone extended through the entire thickness of a wall to increase its lateral stability

Q13) define corbel and cornice?

ANS)
Corbel
A short stone cantilever jutting from the face of a wall to form a bearing

Cornice
A projection which crowns a wall, any horizontal division of a wall or an architectural feature

Q14) define template?

ANS)
Stone peace placed under beam edge are called template

**************************************************