Method Statement

BLOCK WORK

The purpose of this Work Method Statement for Block Works (Concrete Masonry
Units) is to outline and describe in detail the procedure such as setting and lay-
out plan on actual location, erection of scaffolding, mixing of cement mortar,
mounting/laying of blocks and all other related activity. Inform all concerned
supervisor including workers the value and importance of this activity prior to
implementation. This activity should be performed with strict compliance and
implementation of Safety Requirements & Procedure and project specifications
to complete the work both for exterior and interior masonry walls.
Project Name:
CONSTRUCTION OF NESMA VILLA B+G+2
Location of Site:
Al Waab Doha
Contractor:
Gulf Panel Contracting

Address:
Bin Al Sheikh Bldg. 2nd Floor Office No. 202, Grand Hamad
St. Doha – Qatar

Contact Names and Details:

Eng. Aly Hamdy – Project Manager

Introduction:

This method statement for blockworks/masonry describes the

process to be implemented during the entire activity. This
activity uses materials such as concrete masonry units, hollow
blocks, solid blocks, insulated blocks, lightweight blocks, glass
units, etc. Since every project has its own specifications, thus it
is imperative to base the process solely on the approved
specifications. The method that will be mentioned here deals
only with one specific example applicable to one project. It
should not be considered as the generic method but
nonetheless, it implies the common procedure for block work
construction. This data can be formatted to help the Technical
Department/QA Department prepares the required Method
Statement for Blockworks which is being submitted to
Consultant for review and approval as part of project’s QA
documentation.

Method Statement for Blockworks

I. Description of Works

1. Introduction

2. Definitions

3. Reference

4. Responsibilities

5. Interfacing with Other Operations

6. Duration, Phasing with the Subcontractors

7. List of Subcontractors

II. Resources

1. Plant and Equipment

2. Work Force

3. Light Tools

III. Materials

1. Aggregates

2. Cement (OPC)

3. Water

4. Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Blocks

5. Wall ties and metal lath for block wall stiffeners

6. Approved Mortar mix

8. Approved Concrete Mix for the Lintel Work

IV. Site Planning

1. Preparation

2. Site Clearance

3. Traffic Management

4. Pre-construction Safety Meetings

5. Operating Procedures

V. Methodology

1. General
 2. Concrete Lintel

3. Mortar, Grout

4. Masonry Blockwork

4.1 General

4.2 Blockwork Laying

4.3 Joints

4.4 Controlling Reducing Temperature of Constituent Materials

5. Sampling and Testing

X. Supervision and Monitoring Arrangements

Construction Manager

Site Foreman

HSE Engineer

Quantity Surveyor

XI. Environment and Quality Issues

1. Precautionary Measure

2. Disposal Requirements

3. Inspection, Test and Sampling

4. Quality Assurance Requirements Table

I. Description of Works

1. Introduction

This Method Statement defines the sequence and describes the control

procedures to be followed for Architectural Finishes – Blockworks for

Project (NESMA VILLA B+G+2). The purpose of this Method Statement is

to establish the rules to be applied during all the types of masonry block

works including, lintel/sill, stiffener for column in block work, horizontal

and
vertical expansion/movement joint. This method statement covers

different stages of construction like storage of materials, preparation of

mortar, workmanship of construction, testing of materials and execution,

preparation of trial panel, cleaning and curing, etc. to ensure that all the

masonry block work is properly executed in accordance with Project

Specification and applicable standards.

[Link]

• SE Site Engineer

• QC Quality Control Engineer

• SF Site Foreman

• PM Project Manager

• SA Site Agent representative from the Lab

• HSE Manager Health, Safety & Environmental Manager

• HSE Officer Health, Safety & Environmental Officer

• Project Management

• Supervising Consultant

• Main Contractor

• Project Specifications

• GIS Geographical Information System

• QCP Quality Control Plan

• HSE Plan Health, Safety and Environment Plan

• TSTI: Total Safety Task Instruction

Note: All dimensions are in mm unless specified. All temperature values

are in degree

centigrade unless specified.

3. References

Information sources may include, but not be limited to, verbal or written

and graphical instructions, signage, blockworks schedules/

drawings/specifications, work bulletins, charts

and hand sketches, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). All masonry

block works shall comply fully with the applicable laws, client’s

requirements and specification as per Project Specifications.

4. Responsibilities

The responsibility for inspection and testing of masonry blockworks rests

primarily with the Site Engineer and Discipline Foreman with assistance

from an audit by the Site Agent and Inspectors.

The Site Engineer and Discipline Foreman shall ensure that the required

Quality Control procedures and forms are available in place on a daily

basis. Similarly, they shall ensure that the needed drawings are of latest

revisions.

The HSE inspection shall take place before masonry blockworks start to

ensure that the work area is safe i.e. adequate access, adequate

illumination if working on night shift, checking the formwork and supports,

scaffold inspections, etc. if applicable.

Project Manager

Responsible for accomplishing the stated project objectives which

include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the

project requirements, and managing the constraints of the project

management triangle, which are cost, time, scope, and quality. The

Project Manager shall be responsible for the ensuring that the

Project Quality plan and the Inspection and Testing procedures, method

statement, HSE safety and all contractual documentation are maintained

up to date and accessible to all parties.

Site Supervisor

Supervise closely, the activities designated to them and ensure that

all instructions and safety procedure are followed and strictly adhered

to. Supervise the work to ensure that technical, quality, safety and
purchase order requirements are met; Attend daily site meeting and

communicate his daily report with the Project/Site Engineer; Participate in

training

and development of his subordinates; Organize with the Project/Site

Engineer to ensure the availability of plant, equipment and labor to his

designated work activities; Closely monitor the usage of consumables and

materials by his crew in order to minimize wastage; Assess craftsmanship

of subordinates under his control

Site Foreman

To liaise with the Site Engineer and Supervisor for the work execution.

H.S.E. Officer

Ensure enforcement of safety procedures in accordance with the

approved HSE Plan. Will be closely monitoring the site engineer’s strict

implementation of the MS and Risk Assessment, the use of proper tools

and equipment to maintain safety, certifications of equipment and their

adherence to safety regulations, reporting of any unsafe work or stopping

work that does not comply with ES&H procedures. Will advise on Health &

Safety requirements and monitor the Hazard controls implemented on site

as per the Method Statement/Risk assessment.

Surveyor

Carry out pre-construction survey to fix the locations and

corresponding elevations as per the approved shop drawings. Ensure the

quality and compliance during phases of surveying works and the regular

checking of the surveying equipment or periodic calibration from the third

party. Ensure validity and the serial number of calibration certificates is

available and posted in the survey equipment. Ensure proper safety

guarding of surveying equipment. To maintain the records of all surveying

equipment handled.

Equipment Operator

The only authorized person to operate any equipment to be used in

the project.

Rigger

The rigger assists in the movement of heavy equipment and loads to be

lifted. A rigger setups machinery and secures it in place and signal or

verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads, in order to

ensure the safety of workers and materials.

First Aider

The first aider responds promptly when requested, operate with

competence, know how to secure additional help when needed, reports

incidents and actions taken and comply with requirements for

certification.

Carpenter

A carpenter construct, erect, install and repair structures and fixtures

of wood, plywood, and wallboards using carpenter’s hand tools and

power tools.

Mason

A mason is a tradesman in building with units of various natural or

artificial mineral products, as stones, bricks, cinder blocks, hollow blocks

or tiles, usually with the use of mortar or cement as a bonding agent.

Helpers /Labors

5. Interfacing with Other Operations

Completion of RC column and wall concrete works with required

embedment.

6. Duration, Phasing with the Subcontractors

Refer to approved baseline schedule for the duration of block works.

II. Resources

1. Plant and Equipment

Transit Mixers and Accessories 1 Concreting lintel/lintel band

Air Compressor 1 Cleaning

Leica TS 15m Total Station 4 Setting Out for Construction

Leica NA2 Automatic Level 4 Levelling

Shoring/formwork material 1 lot Support Lintel concrete

Trailer / Truck 1 Transportation

Bagger Mixer 1 Concrete / Mortar Mixing

2. Light Tools

Description No of Units

Power Tools (Various) As per Site requirement

Hand Tools (Various) As per Site requirement

On Field testing and sampling

Equipment As per Site requirement

Bucket/pan and trowel to pour/place

Mortar As per Site requirement

Manual mortar placing and

Shifting Bucket/pan and trowel to pour/place

Mortar As per Site requirement

Manual mortar placing and

Shifting As per Site requirement

Wooden Float 1 lot Application Equipment

Steel or Plastic finishing Float 1 lot Application Equipment

Plumb line or plumb As per Site requirement

Cleaning Tools As per Site requirement

III. Materials

1. Aggregates

should meet the requirement mentioned in Project Specifications.

2. Cement (OPC)

Should meet the requirement mentioned in Project Specifications.

3. Water

should meet the requirement mentioned in Project Specifications.

4. Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU)

blocks shall be hollow CMU made with OPC as per the approved materials.

5. Blocks not exceeding 75 mm thickness shall be solid.

6. Wall ties and metal lath for block wall stiffener

shall incorporate sealants, flashings and other items necessary for

complete installation.

The contractor shall submit assembly instructions and installation

drawings as required.

To indicate methods of construction, location, and spacing of anchorage,

joinery, block wall stiffeners, finishes, sizes, shapes, the thickness of all

materials and relationship to the adjoining work.

1. Preparation

The Main contractor shall ensure that all gate passes, permits, tools,

materials for safety precautions, manpower and equipment are available

before commencement of work. The Site Team shall make sure that

access roads are always clear from any obstruction and site is always
accessible.

2. Site Clearance

Before commencing the work, the area shall be cleared of all debris, loose

materials or other obstructions. Required levels are to be confirmed and

verified by Site Engineer and QC Engineer before commencing the work.

It is the responsibility of the CM to ensure that any preceding activity

is completed. If the block work is required to be done on earlier concrete

work, it is the responsibility of the QC Engineer to approve that concrete

had hardened (%Strength) enough to withstand the load of manpower,

formwork, scaffolding, blockworks material dead load and concerning

operations.

3. Pre-construction Safety Meetings

The meeting shall be scheduled prior to the beginning of the work and

before any Subcontractor starts on the project. Safety awareness

meetings will be conducted every working day morning/every other day to

brief the workforce in the safety prevention measures. The

equipment check for safety shall be recorded/ documented during the

daily Safety Awareness Meeting. Working at height and fall protection will

be discussed to emphasize these meetings. Each worker will be instructed

to follow specific safety

requirements related to his trade. They will be required to follow installed

safety signs, observe barricades and use opens. Main Contractor Safety

will perform hazard risk analysis by identifying all steps, hazards identified

in those steps, with a focus on the relationship between the work task,

the tools and the work environment. After identifying uncontrolled

hazards; Main Contractor will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an

acceptable risk level. General contractual Safety, Health and

Environmental requirements. Roles of the contractor, subcontractors,

authority representatives and all project workers.

Accident reporting requirements.

Specific details of the work to be performed along with the use of personal

protective

equipment.

Emergency procedure.

V. Methodology

1. General

The materials and mortar mix design must be approved and available at

the site. Any change in source shall be reported to Engineer. Use

approved material and store in a dry place, away from the ground,

moisture, dirt, and other contaminants. The expired material shall be

removed from the site. Masonry units shall be carefully unloaded and

handled so as to prevent chipping and breakage.

Tipping of units is not allowed.

Packaged materials shall be stored in their original containers referring

to manufacturers guidelines.

Store cement and other cementitious materials away from moisture above

the ground.

Setting out of work shall be done by the surveyor for any activity including

formwork which confirms the shape, size, and level of block work.

This document applies to CMU block work wall and services through block

work where concreting is required.

The Site Engineer and the QA/QC Engineer will be responsible for

monitoring receipt of material and conduct the sampling and testing of

related materials according to the Quality Plan on site.

If any field test indicates that the concrete may be deficient, the QC will

report this to the

concerned Laboratory and PM/CM, immediately. PM/CM will review the test

results and will take the required action.

The Site Engineer and the QC will monitor the block work construction and

will notify the Site Agent of any unacceptable materials or operations for

action.

Approval of the Mockup Sample

Before any fair or plastered masonry work is commenced, the contractor

is to erect one sample panel, size 1800 mm long x 2000 mm high, of each

type of finish to be used and shall be retained on site for comparison. The

panel should incorporate typical opening detail and typical corner detail,

and a typical movement joint.

The quality of all subsequent blockworks shall match the approved

mockup.

Preliminary

Before commencing masonry works, all relevant approved shop drawings

shall be provided incorporating block wall partitioning, the sizes, and

locations of architectural and electrical/ mechanical services openings.

2. Concrete Lintel

a. Constituents of mortar and concrete (for lintel work) shall meet the

requirement of aggregate, cement and water.

b. The concreting operation for lintel work shall be carried out following

the approved “Method Statement for concrete work” including activities

like formwork, mixing, transportation placing and curing.

d. Required arrangements (scaffolding etc.) shall be made for concreting

of partial lintel or lintel band all across the length of the wall.
e. All concreting operation shall be done in strict accordance with

approved IFC drawings.

f. An open joint not less than 12 mm is to be left between the ends of

lintels and the blocks adjacent to these ends.

g. If possible, these open joints shall be filled during plastering or other

works required filling.

h. Partial Lintels are to have a minimum end bearing of 200 mm.

3. Mortar, Grout

a. The approved mortar mix related to work with an allowance of bulking

of sand and having no plasticizers shall be used.

b. Mortar shall be made on site by either portable batch mixer using weigh

batching or manual mix using volume batching. For larger quantities it can

be mixed in batch plant.

c. Cement grout shall be mixed in the relevant proportions indicated in

below table using the minimum quantity of water to ensure the necessary

fluidity and to render it capable of penetrating the work.

Nominal Mix by Mass

Class

Cement Sand PFA

G2 1 3 NA

5. Cement grout shall be used within one hour of mixing.

4 Masonry Blockworks

4.1 General

a. Tops of the walls shall be covered with waterproof covering during

discontinuation of work and while resuming work, loose mortar and

foreign material shall be cleaned.

b. Newly laid block work and brickwork shall be protected from the

harmful effects of sunshine, rain drying wind and surface water.

c. Immediately following setting, brush exposed surfaces free of mortar or

other foreign matter.

d. In the special situation where units are to be removed may be broken

and removed.

Mortar is to be carefully chiseled out and space should be cleaned. Before

placing new units, surround units and area shall be water sprayed and

allowed to surface dry. After buttering with mortar, new units can be

placed.

e. Unless otherwise specified, all block faces are to provide a satisfactory

bond for mortar, plastering or rendering.

4.2 Blockworks Laying

a. The average thickness of both vertical and horizontal mortar joints is to

be 10mm exclusive of any key in the joint surface of the unit.

b. All blocks and previous day’s work shall be wetted before

commencing/resuming new work.

c. Any block which is moved/laid after the mortar has stiffened (not

plastic) shall be removed and re-laid with fresh mortar.

d. Blocks walls are to be built from undamaged blocks in stretcher bond

unless otherwise specified. Half blocks and special blocks are to be used

as required to ensure correct bonding.

e. The work is to be carried out course by course not leaving any part

more than 800 mm lower than another.

f. Partitions shall be 10 mm thick unless otherwise noted. Partitions having

lavatories or other plumbing fixtures secured to them back to back (or

approximately so) are to be a minimum of 150 mm thick. Solid concrete

masonry units shall be built in where full units cannot be used or where

needed for the fixing of accessories. Bells or hubs of pipes must be

completely enclosed.

g. When pipes or conduits or both occur in plastered partitions, at least

one web of the hollow masonry units must be retained.

h. When new masonry partitions start on existing floors, the existing floor

finish material is to be cut down to the concrete surface.

i. Any joint on the surface of the face of block wall shall be tooled after the

mortar is thumbprint hard. Where cutting of blocks in fair face work is

unavoidable, this should be done using a mechanical saw.

j. Openings are to be square and the jambs, vertical and formed with the

uncut faces of the blocks. If the door and window frames are to be built-in

the approved drawings are to be referred to fixing details. The jamb

walling is to be built up against the frame all round as the work proceeds.

k. Walls and partitions are to be bonded or tied (ties=2×20 mm stainless

ties on external side and galvanized steel on internal side as approved)

referring to approved drawings. Ties shall be fully embedded in the

vertical spacing not exceeding 600 mm. The ends of the ties are to project

minimum 75 mm into each wall or partition.

l. All connections between block walls or partition and concrete or steel

columns are to be reinforced at maximum 400 mm centers by galvanized

metal or stiffeners for columns in block work except noted on approved

drawings.

m. Metal ties are to be a width that will allow 20mm clearance from each

face of the wall and to be embedded for a minimum distance of 200mm in

the mortar joint unless noted in the approved drawing.

n. Internal walls shall be built-up to leave 20mm joint between the top of

the wall grout or partition and the soffit of the slab. The joint should be

filled by Class M6 mortar. Where concrete slabs are supported on block

work. The top of block should be fully grouted or solid block shall be

provided to void any mortar slip between ceiling and top of the wall.

o. In the following situations, the cavities of hollow block walls are to be

filled solid with Class

p. Where walls are constructed of hollow blocks, the mechanical and

electrical services are to be run in the cavities of blocks wherever possible

as approved drawings.

q. All damp-proof courses are to be solidly bedded in the mortar. Joints

shall be lapped a

Minimum of 10 mm at all passing and sealed.

4.3 Joints

a. All joints/connections between masonry walls or partitions and concrete

columns or walls shall be made using propriety GI ties secured to fixing

channels or block wall stiffeners embedded in the concrete.

b. Movement joints to be 12 mm wide and formed where indicated or

where continuous runs of block walling exceed 8 meters in length.

c. The joints are to be straight and vertically formed with uncut faces of

blocks to each side and filled with an approved compressible material.

d. External joints are to be sealed with mastic compatible with the joint

filling material when the block walling is thoroughly clean and dry.

e. Joints between firewall top surface and the underside of the overlying

slab or desk shall be smoke-sealed with fire resisting compressible boards

complying with the fire strategy partition fire rating requirements as per

design.

f. Ducts, pipes, wires and conduits passing through firewalls shall be

protected by filling the space between the penetrating item and the fire

barrier with firestop compounds capable of maintaining the required fire

resistance and resisting the passage of smoke.

g. Seal and filler shall be applied by certified applicator from the approved

manufacturer.

4.4 Controlling/Reducing Temperature of Constituent Materials

a. Shading of aggregates in feed storage shall be implemented by the

Concrete Supplier to ensure consistency of aggregates used for concrete

in Hot Weather conditions.

b. Sprinkling the specified temperature of the fresh concrete cannot be

achieved by normal method, the use of an alternative method such as use

of liquid nitrogen should be assessed.

4.4.1 Water

The following measures shall be implemented by the concrete Supplier to

ensure consistency of water used for concrete in hot weather conditions.

Chilling of Water before use (temperature must not be less than 5

degrees) Use of flaked ice directly added to the concrete mixer to replace

part of chilled water.

4.4.2 Cement

The following measures shall be implemented by the Concrete Supplier to

ensure consistency of cement used for concrete in hot weather conditions.

The use of freshly ground cement at very high temperature shall not be

permitted;

The cement shall be kept below the temperature which there is tendency
of false set;

Under no conditions shall the temperature of the cement exceed 68

degrees when it enters the mixture.

5. Sampling and Testing

a. Samples of each type of masonry unit to be used shall be submitted to

Engineer for approval before use.

General item to be checked

1- Visual defects:
- No Lumps of mortar is to be seen in the finished work in the join etc.
- No Loose blocks or disturbed block or joints to be seen after work is
complete.
2- Verticality:
- Inner Face – for every one meter height + 3mm (not cumulative).
- Outer Face – for every one meter height + 5mm (not cumulative).
3- Plumb bonds:
For ordinary block work “plumb bond” shell be within + 5mm (not
cumulative but on the center line of the plumb).
4- Alignment Corners and angles:
No variation in the layout of the angles specified.
5- Adhesion:
All course must be truly filled in the joints with mortar (no holes partly or
through holes must be seen in the work).