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Masonry
Masonry
Masonry involves the construction of buildings and other structures using units such as bricks, concrete blocks, and stones, typically bonded together with mortar. In the Industrial Arts curriculum, students are taught:
Material handling and selection, learning the differences between types of bricks, cement, aggregates, and tools.
Laying techniques, such as brick bonding patterns, leveling, and alignment.
Mixing mortar to the correct consistency for durable construction.
Reading simple construction plans for small walls, paths, and other masonry features.
Masonry enhances a student's understanding of construction science and the importance of durability, design, and safety in the built environment. It also prepares them for careers in civil and structural construction.
Basic Types of Masonry Work:
Basic Types of Masonry Work:
Brickwork – using bricks and mortar to build walls and other structures.
Blockwork – using larger concrete blocks for faster construction.
Stone masonry – using shaped or natural stones for walls, fences, or facades.
Tile setting – placing tiles for flooring or wall decoration.
Importance of Masonry in Construction:
Importance of Masonry in Construction:
Durability – masonry structures are strong and long-lasting.
Fire Resistance – materials like bricks and blocks don’t burn easily.
Thermal Insulation – masonry helps keep buildings cool or warm.
Aesthetic Appeal – provides beautiful finishes and textures.
Why Codes and Standards Are Important in Masonry:
Why Codes and Standards Are Important in Masonry:
Codes and standards in masonry are official guidelines and technical requirements used to ensure that masonry structures—like walls, buildings, pavements, and fences—are strong, safe, and long-lasting. These standards provide rules for design, materials, construction methods, and testing.
Safety – They ensure buildings can withstand loads, weather, and natural disasters like earthquakes.
Quality Control – They require proper materials and workmanship for durable construction.
Consistency – They guide masons and engineers to follow uniform methods.
Legal Compliance – Projects must follow local and national codes to get permits and approval.
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD - AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD - AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING
PNS - ASTM
PNS - ASTM
PNS ASTM stands for Philippine National Standard - American Society for Testing and Materials.
PNS refers to standards adopted or developed by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines. These are official standards used to ensure product quality, safety, and reliability in the country.
ASTM is a globally recognized international standards organization (ASTM International) that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
When you see PNS ASTM, it means that the Philippines has adopted an ASTM standard as part of its official Philippine National Standards. These adopted standards may be used as-is or with slight modifications to suit local requirements.
PNS - ASTM
PNS - ASTM
PNS ASTM stands for Philippine National Standard - American Society for Testing and Materials.
PNS refers to standards adopted or developed by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines. These are official standards used to ensure product quality, safety, and reliability in the country.
ASTM is a globally recognized international standards organization (ASTM International) that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
When you see PNS ASTM, it means that the Philippines has adopted an ASTM standard as part of its official Philippine National Standards. These adopted standards may be used as-is or with slight modifications to suit local requirements.
DTI-BPS Adopts International Standards on Masonry Units
DTI-BPS Adopts International Standards on Masonry Units
In response to concerns about the quality of hollow blocks and their impact on structural integrity, especially after recent earthquakes, President Rodrigo Duterte directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to include hollow blocks in the list of products requiring mandatory certification.
Following this directive, the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) adopted the following international standards as Philippine National Standards (PNS):
These standards replace the previous PNS 16:1984 Specification for Concrete Hollow Blocks, providing updated requirements and test methods for both loadbearing and nonloadbearing units. This move aims to enhance the quality of concrete masonry units (CMUs) in the Philippines, contributing to safer and more resilient construction practices.
The adoption of these standards also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly:
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
It sets the technical requirements for loadbearing concrete masonry units commonly used in walls, foundations, and other structural applications in buildings.
Key Features:
Key Features:
Purpose: Establishes minimum specifications for concrete blocks used as structural elements, capable of supporting building loads (e.g., walls, columns, piers).
Types of Units: Hollow or solid units made of hydraulic cement, water, and suitable aggregates (sand, gravel, or crushed stone).
Compressive Strength: Minimum average compressive strength:
13.8 MPa (2000 psi) for individual units.
Tested as per ASTM C140/C140M procedures.
Density Classification:
Lightweight: < 1680 kg/m³
Medium weight: 1680 to 2000 kg/m³
Normal weight: > 2000 kg/m³
Dimensional Tolerances: Length, width, and height variations must not exceed allowable tolerances to ensure consistency in construction.
Absorption Requirements: Water absorption limits are set based on the unit’s density class to ensure durability and moisture control.
Finish and Appearance: Units must be free from cracks, chips, or defects that interfere with placement or reduce strength and serviceability.
Use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials: Allows the inclusion of pozzolans or fly ash for sustainability and performance enhancement.
Importance:
Importance:
Ensures structural integrity and uniform performance in loadbearing applications.
Provides engineers, architects, and builders with a reliable standard for selecting quality concrete blocks.
Promotes compliance with both local regulations and international construction practices.
Key Features:
Purpose: Covers the design, production, and testing of nonloadbearing hollow and solid concrete blocks used in masonry walls where the blocks do not support structural loads.
Application: Used in partitions, interior walls, and veneer walls without bearing loads (such as roofs or floor
Material Requirements: Specifies the type of concrete, minimum compressive strength, absorption rates, and dimensional tolerances.
Dimensional Tolerances: Sets limits on variation in block dimensions to ensure uniformity and easy installation.
Finish and Appearance: Addresses requirements for smoothness, texture, and absence of cracks or defects.
Testing Methods: Refers to ASTM C140 for testing sampling procedures, compressive strength, absorption, and other properties.
Importance:
Ensures safety, quality, and performance of nonloadbearing blocks used in Philippine construction.
Helps manufacturers meet a unified national standard aligned with global best practices.
Fig. 1 Measurement of Web and Face Shell Thickness
Fig. 2 - Units With Unsupported Projections
Fig. 3 - Units With Reduced Webs
Fig. 4 Coupon Requirements
Fig. 5 Compression Testing of Concrete Brick
Fig. 6 Linear Drying Shrinkage Specimens
PNS ASTM C140/C140M:2019 is the Philippine National Standard that mirrors the internationally recognized ASTM C140/C140M, which outlines how to properly test and evaluate concrete masonry units (CMUs) and similar products like pavers, blocks, and retaining wall units. It is crucial for ensuring that the materials used in construction are strong, durable, and up to standard.
What Does It Cover?
What Does It Cover?
This standard focuses on how to test the quality and performance of concrete masonry units. Here's a breakdown of its sections with added clarity:
1. Sampling Procedures
1. Sampling Procedures
Ensures that test samples are randomly selected and represent the batch accurately.
This avoids bias and gives a true picture of the quality of the production run.
2. Dimensional Measurements
2. Dimensional Measurements
Measures the exact size of the units—length, width, height.
Checks for face shell thickness, web thickness, and corner sharpness.
Accurate dimensions are critical for ensuring easy installation, stability, and uniformity in structures.
3. Compressive Strength Test
3. Compressive Strength Test
Tests how much pressure the unit can withstand before breaking.
This is done using a compression machine that pushes down on the block until it breaks.
Ensures that loadbearing units are safe and reliable for use in buildings.
4. Absorption and Moisture Content
4. Absorption and Moisture Content
Measures how much water the unit can absorb.
Important for buildings in areas exposed to rain or moisture—excess water absorption can weaken the block over time.
Also determines the initial moisture content, which affects curing and installation.
5. Density or Unit Weight
5. Density or Unit Weight
Calculates the mass per unit volume of a concrete block.
Important for determining whether a unit is lightweight, medium-weight, or normal-weight.
Affects thermal performance, ease of handling, and structural behavior.
6. Net and Gross Area Calculations
6. Net and Gross Area Calculations
Used in computing compressive strength per area.
Helps determine if the block meets the minimum strength requirement for its intended application.
7. Reporting and Documentation
7. Reporting and Documentation
Test labs must provide detailed reports with:
Date of testing
Number of units tested
Type of unit (loadbearing or non-loadbearing)
Source/manufacturer
Test results and any anomalies
For complete information, kindly refer to the source listed below.
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