1. Measuring Masonry Work
Chapter 6
Measuring Masonry Work

2. Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
Explain how masonry work and associated items are measured in a takeoff
Explain how masonry items are classified in the takeoff process
Measure masonry items from drawings and specifications

3. Objectives (cont’d.)
Use conversion factors to calculate quantities of bricks, blocks, and masonry mortar
Complete a manual takeoff of masonry work and associated items
Complete a computer takeoff of masonry work using Excel spreadsheets

4. Masonry Work Generally
Includes construction with:
Clay bricks
Concrete bricks and blocks
Clay tiles
Natural and artificial stone
Typically performed by subcontractors

5. Measuring Masonry Work
Measure “net in place”
Calculating masonry units:
Two-stage process
Area of masonry is measured
Standard factor is applied to determine number of masonry units
A number of other units are measured
Detailed in drawings or described in specifications

6. Brick Masonry Bricks: Influential factors: Made of different materials
Manufactured by different methods
Used in many ways
Influential factors:
Price of masonry
Measurement: sizes and pattern

7. Concrete Blocks Variables to consider: Bond beams Sizes
Thickness of joints
Bond beams
Measured as “extra over” blockwork
Figure 6.1
Typical Concrete Block Sizes (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

8. Figure 6.2 Nominal and Actual Block Thicknesses
(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

9. Conversion Factors The Building Estimator’s Reference Book
States number of “standard bricks” per square foot of wall for different:
Wall thicknesses
Joint thicknesses
Various bonds

10. Measuring Notes—Masonry
Generally:
Measure quantities “net in place”
Separately measure circular masonry work
Include scaffolding and hoisting
Measure separately by category
Measure and enumerate several additional items (listed on page 144)

11. Measuring Notes—Masonry (cont’d.)
Some additional considerations:
Brick masonry
Measure in units of bricks
Separately measure facing bricks
Concrete block masonry
Enumerate units stating type and size of blocks
Separately enumerate special units
Measure in cubic yards or cubic meters

12. Examples Masonry work—house (brick facings alternative)
Takeoff shown as Figure 6.3a
Masonry work—office/warehouse building
Takeoff shown as Figure 6.4

13. Figure 6.3a
House Example—Masonry Work (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

14. Figure 6.3b
Brick Facings Alternative—Details (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

15. Figure 6.3c Brick Facing—Detail at Foot of Facings (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

16. Figure 6.4 Office/Warehouse Example—Masonry Work (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

17. Figure 6.4 (Continued)

18. Summary
Masonry work
Includes construction with clay bricks and tiles, concrete bricks and blocks, etc.
Typically performed by subcontractors
Several items are measured during takeoff
Quantities of masonry units are measured net in place
Classified by types of units and use