Masonry Design and Detailing for Architects and Contractors, Fifth Edition
Featuring insight on the complete range of masonry topics, this hands-on guide provides hundreds of illustrations to maximize your understanding of these critical issues.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Masonry Design and Detailing for Architects and Contractors, Fifth Edition
Chapter 15: Installation and Workmanship
Masons and bricklayers belong to one of the oldest crafts in history. The rich architectural heritage of many civilizations attests to the skill and workmanship of the trade, and the advent of modern technological methods and sophisticated engineering practices has not diminished the importance of this aspect of masonry construction. The best intentions of the architect or engineer will not produce a masterpiece unless the workmanship is of the highest order and the field practices are as exacting and competent as the detailing.
15.1 MOISTURE RESISTANCE
Workmanship has a greater effect on the moisture resistance of masonry than any other single factor. Key elements in the quality of workmanship include:
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Proper storage and protection of materials
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Consistent proportioning and mixing of mortar ingredients
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Full mortar joints
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Complete mortar-to-unit bond
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Continuity of flashing
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Unobstructed weep holes
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Tooled joint surfaces
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Protection of uncompleted walls
Among these elements, mortar placement ranks high in limiting the amount of moisture that penetrates through the wall face. Such leakage can usually be traced to either capillary passages at the mortar-to-unit interface, partially filled mortar head joints, or cracks caused by unaccommodated building movements. Virtually all masonry walls suffer some moisture penetration because of joint defects and other design, construction, or workmanship errors. It is for this reason that the installation of flashing and weep holes is critical in collecting and draining any water that does enter the wall. This backup drainage system provides redundancy in moisture control...
Copyright Christine Beall 2004 under license agreement with Books24x7
