Masonry Construction
Walls built from individual units like block, brick, or stone, bonded with mortar.
Quick Answer
Masonry construction builds walls and other elements by laying individual units, such as concrete masonry units (CMU), clay brick, or stone, in courses bonded with mortar. Walls can be load-bearing or serve as veneer, and reinforcement and grout can be added to resist loads.
The Full Picture
Masonry is among the oldest building methods and remains common for walls, cores, fire-rated enclosures, and facades. Units are laid in courses with mortar joints, and the arrangement, called the bond pattern, affects both appearance and structural behavior. Common materials include concrete masonry units, clay brick, and natural or manufactured stone.
Masonry can serve several roles. Load-bearing walls carry gravity and lateral loads, often with steel reinforcement placed in cells that are filled with grout. Veneer walls use a masonry layer as an exterior finish supported by a structural backup. Masonry is also used for fire-rated shafts and partitions because of its inherent fire resistance and durability.
Performance depends on workmanship, materials, and detailing. Mortar type, grout placement, reinforcement, flashing, weeps, and control joints all affect durability and water resistance. Masonry design standards are developed by industry groups such as The Masonry Society and referenced by the building code, and trade associations like the National Concrete Masonry Association and the Brick Industry Association publish technical guidance.
On a project, masonry is labor-intensive and sensitive to weather, since mortar and grout need suitable temperature and moisture conditions. Scheduling follows the pace of mason crews, scaffolding, and material staging, and coordination with other trades is needed for openings, embeds, anchors, and flashing details.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: All masonry walls are structural.
Actually: Many masonry walls are veneer, carrying only their own weight and relying on a structural backup behind them.
People assume: Masonry is maintenance-free.
Actually: Masonry is durable, but joints, sealants, flashing, and drainage details need attention. Water intrusion at poorly detailed locations is a common failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is masonry construction?
Building walls and other elements from individual units such as CMU, brick, or stone bonded together with mortar, sometimes reinforced with steel and grout.
What is the difference between CMU and brick?
CMU are concrete blocks, typically larger and used in structural walls and backup, while brick is usually fired clay in smaller units, often used for exposed facades.
What is reinforced masonry?
Masonry with steel reinforcing bars placed in grouted cells or joints so the wall can resist higher loads, including seismic and wind forces.
What is a masonry veneer?
A non-structural masonry facing attached to a structural backup wall, which provides appearance and weather protection.
Which standards cover masonry?
The Masonry Society and related committees develop design and construction standards, which are adopted by reference in the International Building Code.