Blocklaying: Step by step

C&G Blocklaying: Step by step

1. PowerPoint presentation Blocklaying : Step by step Unit 103: Carrying out blocklaying activities

2. Step 1 Setting out blockwork should always be the first step when building a block wall. Always set out two courses dry and mark their positions. When the blockwork has been marked on the concrete, make sure that you do not cover your marking with mortar.

3. Step 2 You can now start to build the blockwork against the markings. At this stage, the end blocks can be positioned, ensuring that they can be levelled against each other. Use a straight edge and spirit level to do this. Ensure the straight edge is long enough; if not, set up level station points.

4. Step 3 At the same time as setting out, you can also extend the corner (quoin) and form a 90° right-angled quoin using a builder’s square. The quoin has the 100mm cuts fixed every other course to help maintain the bond. Don’t forget : the number of plumbing points increase when forming a quoin.

5. Step 4 This illustration shows just where to plumb with this type of wall. Check for square upon completion of each course.

6. Step 5 As the blockwork courses increase, the ranging must be undertaken. The dotted line in this illustration shows the angle at which to hold your level or straight edge. Ranging ensures that the wall has a flat surface on the face of the blockwork . Ranging for the racking back is the same as for brickwork – see Unit 104.

7. Step 6 When building a quoin in blockwork , always ensure that the stepped (racking back) is plumbed. This has to be undertaken at each course. The dotted line shows the ranging position.

8. Step 7 Building blockwork course by course requires the bricklayer to gauge the courses. Each course equals 213mm plus a bed joint: 215 + 10 = 225mm.

9. Step 8 Each course at both sides of a wall must be level with each other. Each step in the courses can be levelled using a straight edge and level.

10. Step 9 Maintaining level courses in blockwork can be difficult. The best way to do this is to use a line and corner blocks arrangement.

11. Step 10 As the wall proceeds in height, perping becomes important. To maintain a full and complete perp , stand the block on end and lay the perp as you would a bed joint. Perp joint

12. Step 11 Finishing a joint flush can be achieved with a laying trowel. Remember to always push the trowel with the joint and never lift the excess up the face.

13. Step 12 Achieving a half-round finish to a joint can be done using a half-round jointer. Always joint the perps first, then the bed joints. This will prevent leaving any half-round jointer marks in the bed joints.

14. Any questions?