ADVANCED MASONRY WORKS TRAINING GUIDE
Comprehensive Illustrated Notes • OS & CU Aligned • CBET
Training Resource
Prepared for Advanced Masonry Training
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
This advanced training guide is designed for classroom delivery, practical demonstrations, and
assessment preparation.
It integrates:
• Occupational Standard (OS)
• Curriculum Unit (CU)
• CBET methodology
• Enhanced illustrations
• Practical examples
• Construction site best practices
• Detailed reinforcement notes
SECTION 2: BUILDING DRAWINGS (DETAILED)
Understanding drawings enables the mason to build accurately.
1. Common Symbols:
D – Door
W – Window
SC – Soffit Course
RC – Reinforced Concrete
2. Scale Reading:
Example: 1:100 means 1cm on paper = 100cm in real building.
3. Elevations:
Front elevation shows façade arrangement.
Side elevation shows wall heights, roof slope, lintel heights.
4. Building Sections:
A section cuts through the structure to show internal details:
• Wall thickness
• Slab layers
• Footing size
• Reinforcement
Illustration – Section Through Wall:
---------------- Roof ----------------
|||
| 200mm wall | 200mm wall |
|-----------------|------------------|
| DPC Layer (Black Sheet) |
|-------------------------------------|
| Compacted Hardcore & Slab |
---------------------------------------
SECTION 3: SETTING OUT (ADVANCED)
Setting out ensures the building is correctly positioned.
1. Tools:
• Theodolite
• Automatic level
• Steel tape
• Spirit level
• Line and pegs
2. 3-4-5 Method:
Used to achieve right angles.
Example:
3m² + 4m² = 5m² → right angle.
Illustration:
A ----3m---- B
\
\ 5m
\
C (4m)
3. Profile Boards:
Placed 1–2m outside excavation line.
ASCII Illustration:
Peg o------------------------o Peg
| Profile Board |
| String Line |
4. Levelling with Automatic Level:
• Set tripod
• Level instrument
• Take Back Sight (BS)
• Take Fore Sight (FS)
• Compute Reduced Levels:
RL = Height of Instrument – FS
5. Oversite Excavation:
• Depth depends on soil type
• Must follow SOPs
SECTION 4: FOUNDATION CONCRETE (DETAILED)
1. Materials:
• Cement (OPC)
• Sand
• Ballast
• Water
• Additives
2. Procedures:
• Excavate trenches
• Apply anti-termite chemicals
• Place blinding (1:4:8 mix)
• Mix foundation concrete (1:2:4)
• Compact using vibrator
• Level using straightedge
3. Example Calculation:
To mix 1m³ concrete (1:2:4):
Cement = 1/7 of total volume
Sand = 2/7
Ballast = 4/7
4. Curing:
• Keep surface wet for 7 days
• Prevent cracking
SECTION 5: FOUNDATION WALLS
Walling units include: solid blocks, hollow blocks, bricks.
Procedures:
1. Transfer measurements
2. Lay first course on mortar
3. Ensure plumb, line, level
4. Fill joints evenly (10mm)
Illustration – Stretcher Bond:
[|][|][|]
[|][|][|]
Backfilling:
• Use approved material
• Compact in layers (150mm)
SECTION 6: GROUND FLOOR SLAB (ADVANCED)
Layers:
1. Compacted hardcore (150–300mm)
2. Sand blinding (50mm)
3. DPM (1000 gauge)
4. Reinforcement mesh (A142/A193)
5. Concrete slab (1:2:4)
6. Curing
Illustration – Slab Build-Up:
--------------------------------
| Concrete Slab |
--------------------------------
| Reinforcement Mesh |
--------------------------------
| Damp Proof Membrane |
--------------------------------
| Blinding |
--------------------------------
| Hardcore |
--------------------------------
SECTION 7: REINFORCED CONCRETE (FULL)
Reinforced elements include:
• Columns
• Beams
• Ring beams
• Lintels
Column Illustration:
||
--||-- Longitudinal Bars
||
Ties: @150mm c/c
Beam Reinforcement:
--------------------------
| Top Bars |
|------------------------|
| Stirrups @ 150mm |
|------------------------|
| Bottom Bars |
--------------------------
SECTION 8: SUPERSTRUCTURE WALLING
Procedures:
• Lay DPC
• Mix mortar (1:4 or 1:5)
• Lay blocks in stretcher bond
• Maintain plumb and level
• Insert hoop iron every 3 courses
Lintel Types:
• Cast-in-situ
• Precast
• Steel angle lintel
SECTION 9: ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Includes:
• Written tests
• Practical tasks
• Observation checklist
• Oral questioning
• Portfolio evidence
Example Practical Assessment Task:
"Set out a 6m × 4m room using profile boards and squaring method."