Masonry is a type of construction work which involves putting together building units and sticking them together using a binding material to form a structure.

The materials commonly used in masonry include stone, clay bricks, concrete masonry units which have varying degrees of resistance to frost, moisture penetration, and weathering resistance and come in varieties of sizes.

Masonry can be used in the construction of many elements of building or structure such as pyramids, walls, columns and towers, beams or lintels, arches, vaults, and domes.

Common Masonry Designs

There are many types of masonry used by masons to achieve certain objectives in a building. These types include:

Single-wythe walls that are used in both load bearing and non-load bearing applications.

Solid and composite walls which are made of two or more closely spaced wythes joined by metal ties and which can be reinforced.

Cavity walls that are usually about two inches apart and are good for thermal insulation.

Veneer walls that are non-load bearing but are anchored to a structural backup wall and usually done for decorative purposes.

Masons usually add more value to these designs by use of various modifications. Reinforcement by putting reinforcement in the walls to help it to withstand tension and compression forces.

Composite by constructing with two or more units such as stones or bricks and hollow bricks. Post-tensioning by fixing post-tensioning rods into the foundation.

Merits Of Masonry Designs

There are several benefits of using masonry designs including:

Fire resistance ability which comes from the type of aggregate used, and the solid thickness of the masonry units.

Structural durability as it provides solidity, permanence and a real sense of substance especially if reinforced.

Sound control as it is a perfect sound barrier, providing reduced sound transmission depending on the size of the wall.

Energy efficiency as it is capable of storing energy and delaying the passage of heat.

This is the ‘thermal mass effect’ that allows masonry buildings to be designed with less additional insulation, hence cutting costs and energy consumption and improving the comfort of the living space.

Cost-effectiveness. You can save a lot of money in construction using masonry as there is no formwork needed. It is also very low maintenance and durable which provides additional savings.

Demerits Of Masonry Design

The downside of masonry is that it does not withstand tension loads well and is very susceptible to damage caused by earthquakes.

It tends to be heavy and must be built upon a strong foundation to avoid settling and cracking. It requires skilled labor and is time-consuming to build with making construction a bit slow.

It can be degraded by extreme weather conditions due to expansion and contraction forces. It also has a low tolerance for oscillation as compared to other materials such as reinforced concrete, plastics, wood, or metals.

Superiority Of Masonry Design

Considering its many qualities such as aesthetic appeal, durability, cost-effectiveness and thermal insulation, etc., masonry is the perfect solution to your construction needs.

Many masonry design companies are available. Pick one qualified company that will handle all your construction issues at affordable rates and give you peace of mind.