Masonry

From ArticleWorld

Masonry is the term used to define the craft of a mason or define structures built by a mason of stone or brick normally bonded together with mortar to form a wall. Masonry may also mean any construction method using units such as stone, brick, and concrete blocks which are usually joined with a binding agent such as mortar. Mortar is the term used for a mixture of lime and cement with very fine sand and water. Thus, all construction made from brick, cement block, or stone, which along with providing structural support also imparts a decorative finish, may be termed masonry. Masonry usually lasts a very long time.

History

Materials required for masonry work include brick, natural stone, and the more recently invented concrete block. Together these substances have shaped history for thousands of years. Their use throughout time has been as dramatic as the Egyptian pyramids and as commonplace as a neighborhood store house.

About 4,000 BC, the first masonry arch of sun-baked brick was constructed in the ancient city of Ur, located in what was then Mesopotamia. Stonehenge of Britain is probably one of the greatest of all masonry achievement of all times. The Great Wall of China is another example of masonry feats with a great impact on history. This wall, a symbol of durability and resilience, that protected generations of Chinese was made of the humble brick.

Advantages

The main advantage of masonry lies in its ability to withstand fires. The historical fire of London in the 1600’s and the great fire of Chicago taught our ancestors to depend on masonry more than lumber. Although masonry has always been considered attractive and sturdy, its least recognized feature is that it is earth friendly and energy efficient. In fact masonry materials are considered ‘green’ throughout their life.

Different uses masonry

Of the many kinds of uses of masonry, a few important ones are:

1. Veneer masonry;
2. Solid masonry;
3. Bricks and
4. Concrete block.