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WHAT TYPES OF MASONRY ARE USED IN CONSTRUCTION?

WHAT TYPES OF MASONRY ARE USED IN CONSTRUCTION?

In this article, we want to talk about the types of masonry that are used in construction. But firstly, we would like you to know that masonry is one of the oldest construction methods known to humans. There are unique or historical structures scattered around the world that still persists over time thanks to the way they are built. This construction system is essential in some buildings to ensure resistance and durability. 

The technique used for this system is to overlap materials such as bricks, concrete blocks, sheets, or rocks when building a wall, parameter, or division. To adhere one material to another, it is necessary to use a mixture of water, lime, or cement to finally obtain a solid structure. Currently, there are different types of masonry. 

Each one differs by the materials used and some other aspects. For example, wedges are often used in masonry to adjust and level the stones or blocks of masonry during the construction process. Now that we know what masonry construction is and how it works, we will proceed to know, in the following section, the types of masonry that exist.

TYPES OF MASONRY

ORDINARY MASONRY

This masonry system is based on the use of lime or cement mortars, assuming that the stones must adapt to each other as much as possible to leave the smallest space of gaps or rat-holes to be filled with mortar.

DRY MASONRY 

In this type of masonry, no mortar is used, so it is considered a type of masonry without reinforcement. The technique of this traditional construction consists of the manual placement of materials or elements that are superimposed without any type of filling, coating, or sealing. The small gaps that are left free are usually filled with very small stones called ripios.

 It is highly valued, thanks to the fact that its decorative character comes from the use of already worked stones (polished, cut and varnished). In fact, we can enjoy this type of masonry in parks or large avenues. 

STONE MASONRY

 Stone masonry consists of creating walls or pillars using natural stones that may be previously treated or chamfered. In fact, one of the difficulties to consider in the construction with stone masonry is the irregularity in shape and dimension of the natural stone. But on the other hand, it is this fact that gives it its characteristic and valued appearance today.

CONFINED MASONRY

In this type of masonry, the walls are built with bricks and fixed with mortar formed in columns, which are reinforced from the ground with beams fixed and filled with concrete.

This type of masonry is used especially in constructions that have quite high heights and also to support roofs. On the outside, it can resist horizontal walls on top of it and has the capacity to withstand wind shocks.

RUBBLE MASONRY

It is a masonry in which the construction elements are placed in a polygonal way, keeping their faces together at all times. For a correct appearance the exterior pieces must be placed preserving the polygonal aspect. 

In order to achieve the effect of rubble masonry, it is necessary that the contact surfaces are flat and equal, thus achieving a pattern that combines square and rectangular looking masonry.

This technique stands out as one of the most elegant and refined masonry solutions. The type of mortar that is usually used to join the pieces together is cement, allowing the space between each piece to be effectively covered.

ADVANTAGES OF MASONRY

Taking stock of all the characteristics offered by the masonry technique, we would highlight, without any doubt, its great durability and good resistance. For this reason, mainly, this technique has become over the years one of the most used in construction works. Even so, it is normal for it to suffer some pathologies due to the passage of time, excessive overloads, changes in humidity, deformations, and sometimes fissures and cracks, which will have to be repaired.

We hope you have enjoyed this first contact with the world of masonry construction, its types and some examples. 

And remember, you can contact us for any questions or doubts you may have.

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Last modified on: May 18, 2023

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