Chapter 6

Measuring Masonry Work

Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
Explain how masonry work and associated items are measured in a takeoff Explain how masonry items are classified in the takeoff process Measure masonry items from drawings and specifications

Objectives (contd.)
Use conversion factors to calculate quantities of bricks, blocks, and masonry mortar Complete a manual takeoff of masonry work and associated items Complete a computer takeoff of masonry work using Excel spreadsheets

Masonry Work Generally

Includes construction with:
Clay bricks Concrete bricks and blocks Clay tiles Natural and artificial stone

Typically performed by subcontractors

Measuring Masonry Work

Measure net in place Calculating masonry units:
Two-stage process
Area of masonry is measured Standard factor is applied to determine number of masonry units

A number of other units are measured

Detailed in drawings or described in specifications

Brick Masonry
Bricks:
Made of different materials Manufactured by different methods Used in many ways

Influential factors:
Price of masonry Measurement: sizes and pattern

Concrete Blocks
Variables to consider:
Sizes Thickness of joints

Bond beams
Measured as extra over blockwork
Figure 6.1 Typical Concrete Block Sizes
(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 6.2 Nominal and Actual Block Thicknesses

(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Conversion Factors
The Building Estimators Reference Book
States number of standard bricks per square foot of wall for different:
Wall thicknesses Joint thicknesses Various bonds

Measuring NotesMasonry
Generally:
Measure quantities net in place Separately measure circular masonry work Include scaffolding and hoisting Measure separately by category Measure and enumerate several additional items (listed on page 144)

 Some additional considerations:

Brick masonry
Measure in units of bricks Separately measure facing bricks

Measuring NotesMasonry (contd.)

Concrete block masonry

Enumerate units stating type and size of blocks Separately enumerate special units Measure in cubic yards or cubic meters

Examples
Masonry workhouse (brick facings alternative)
Takeoff shown as Figure 6.3a

Masonry workoffice/warehouse building

Takeoff shown as Figure 6.4

Figure 6.3a House Example Masonry Work

(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 6.3b Brick Facings AlternativeDetails

(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 6.3c Brick FacingDetail at Foot of Facings (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 6.4 Office/Warehouse ExampleMasonry Work (Delmar/Cengage

Learning)

Figure 6.4 (Continued)

Summary
Masonry work
Includes construction with clay bricks and tiles, concrete bricks and blocks, etc. Typically performed by subcontractors Several items are measured during takeoff Quantities of masonry units are measured net in place Classified by types of units and use