Block H – Additional Masonry

Trends

Stone and brick are increasingly being used for decorative accents such as house numbers and accents for brick fronts. There is an increase in the use of accent arches over windows and doors in most jurisdictions.

Related Components (including, but not limited to)

Masonry units, specialized and regular mortars, caulking compounds, different aggregates, wire reinforcement, concrete, electrical components, mechanical components, spacers, tracks, expansion strips, anchoring systems, membranes, pigments, fasteners, fastening agents, insulation tape, adhesives, adjustable veneer ties, rigid insulation, stickclips, additives, epoxies and resins, bonding agents, lumber, plastic spacers, weepers, cleaning agents, insulation, backer rod, wire mesh, cement board, expansion and control joints, soft joints, air barriers, flashing, air ventilation accessories, draining systems, lateral support systems, lintel supports, sills, water repellents, shelf angles, fire stop materials.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 20 Installs glass blocks.

Context

Glass blocks are manufactured in various shapes (square, rectangular, corner), sizes, colours, fire ratings and clarities. They have insulating and light transmission properties. They are used for aesthetics, for security and privacy, and as waterproof partitions such as showers.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types, shapes and sizes of glass blocks
• K 2 types of mortars and associated additives
• K 3 types of reinforcement and anchors
• K 4 uses of expansion strips
• K 5 installation procedures and methods for glass blocks

Sub-task H-20.01 Prepares work area.

Key Competencies

• H-20.01.01 determine the size of the opening or dimension of wall for laying up glass blocks
• H-20.01.02 verify and adjust the base surface to ensure that it is level
• H-20.01.03 prepare a sill surface according to manufacturers’ specifications
• H-20.01.04 install track to set glass block according to manufacturers’ specifications

Sub-task H-20.02 Lays glass blocks.

Key Competencies

• H-20.02.01 maintain mortar consistency as glass blocks do not absorb moisture
• H-20.02.02 install spacers and expansion strips in a uniform manner to keep the mortar joints consistent
• H-20.02.03 lay up glass blocks to pattern and design to create a level and plumb finished product
• H-20.02.04 insert joint reinforcing and anchors to ensure structural integrity
• H-20.02.05 joint glass blocks to create an aesthetically pleasing product
• H-20.02.06 clean glass blocks to remove excess mortar and dust while not scratching or damaging the surface

Task 21 Installs ornamental and sculpted masonry.

Context

Ornamental and sculpted masonry can be made from, or designed with, many types of materials such as brick, manufactured or sculpted stone. They are used as decorative additions to buildings. They are assembled into structures such as columns, sound reduction fences, cornices and hand rails.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 materials such as stone, tile, brick and block
• K 2 types of bonds and patterns such as running, stack, herringbone and basket weave
• K 3 types of mortars
• K 4 factors affecting durability such as weather, expansion joints, flashing and capping
• K 5 unique anchoring systems associated with ornamental and sculpted units

Sub-task H-21.01 Prepares for installation of ornamental and sculpted masonry.

Key Competencies

• H-21.01.01 determine placement of unit or pattern according to drawings
• H-21.01.02 verify the size, shape and weight of units
• H-21.01.03 prepare the surface area to receive the unit to ensure proper anchoring and good fit
• H-21.01.04 determine the size of the opening or dimension of wall for laying up ornamental patterns

Sub-task H-21.02 Installs ornamental and sculpted masonry units.

Key Competencies

• H-21.02.01 select mortar according to job specifications
• H-21.02.02 match mortar to material for an aesthetically pleasing finished product
• H-21.02.03 lay up units according to bonding and patterns in the drawing
• H-21.02.04 finish joints to complete installation

Task 22 Builds arches.

Context

Arches can be built for ornamental and structural purposes. They are built in various styles such as gothic, roman, segmental or jack arch. Arches are built to span areas and distribute the loads above them.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 materials for arch such as brick, stone and block
• K 2 types, styles and sizes of arches
• K 3 template materials such as wood and steel
• K 4 geometric and arch mathematical concepts
• K 5 construction techniques for templates
• K 6 mortar setting times
• K 7 tray and step flashing

Sub-task H-22.01 Prepares location.

Key Competencies

• H-22.01.01 determine location of arch by referring to drawing
• H-22.01.02 lay up wall to abutment height (spring line) to receive the arch
• H-22.01.03 determine and install reinforcing in surrounding masonry buttresses, columns, piers and abutments
• H-22.01.04 build support system for template to accept the weight of the arch

Sub-task H-22.02 Builds template.

Key Competencies

• H-22.02.01 determine type, location, span, rise and depth of arch template by referring to architectural drawing
• H-22.02.02 determine structural strength requirements for template to ensure it will hold the arch while mortar sets
• H-22.02.03 lay out and cut template according to specifications
• H-22.02.04 assemble the template using various materials such as wood or steel

Sub-task H-22.03 Places template.

Key Competencies

• H-22.03.01 position template on support system
• H-22.03.02 adjust and shim template to achieve required degree of level and plumb
• H-22.03.03 shore template to temporarily secure it while arch is being built

Sub-task H-22.04 Installs arch masonry units.

Key Competencies

• H-22.04.01 verify centre of arch to determine material lay-up requirements and keystone location
• H-22.04.02 calculate and cut skewback according to type of arch
• H-22.04.03 calculate the spacing to determine lay out of masonry unit
• H-22.04.04 calculate number, size and shape of voussoirs when building a gauged arch
• H-22.04.05 shape masonry voussoirs by cutting material to fit gauged arch
• H-22.04.06 lay arch masonry units according to calculations
• H-22.04.07 cut creepers while laying up materials to create a uniform extrados
• H-22.04.08 install tray and step flashings according to specifications

Sub-task H-22.05 Removes template.

Key Competencies

• H-22.05.01 verify the mortar has cured sufficiently and has enough strength to hold once template has been removed
• H-22.05.02 remove any shoring materials and shims to release template
• H-22.05.03 remove template without damaging arch material
• H-22.05.04 clean and point joints in arch soffit to finish arch