Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Identify different types of bricks used in South Africa.
• Prepare mortar mix to the correct consistency.
• Explain the basic principles of bricklaying.
• Describe Stretcher and English brickwork bonds.
• Calculate the number of bricks required for a wall.

Lesson summary

Masonry and brickwork are fundamental skills in the construction industry. From building houses and schools to creating infrastructure like retaining walls, brickwork provides strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal to structures. In South Africa, with its growing need for housing and infrastructure development, skilled masons are always in demand. Understanding the basics of masonry not only equips you with a valuable practical skill but also provides a solid foundation for further studies in Civil Technology and related fields. It's also vital for small-scale construction projects within communities, contributing to economic development and self-sufficiency.

Lesson notes

2. 1.

Types of Bricks: In South Africa, the most common type of brick is the clay brick. Clay bricks are manufactured by firing clay in a kiln. The firing process gives the bricks their strength and durability. Other brick types exist, but clay bricks are overwhelmingly dominant.

We'll primarily focus on clay bricks: Common (Stock)

Bricks: These are general-purpose bricks used for internal and external walls where aesthetics are not a primary concern. They are generally cheaper.

Facing Bricks: These bricks are selected for their appearance and are used where the brickwork will be visible. They come in a variety of colours, textures, and finishes and are more expensive than common bricks.

Engineering Bricks: These are high-strength bricks designed for use in load-bearing structures, such as foundations and retaining walls. They have a high compressive strength and low water absorption. These bricks are manufactured to be incredibly strong. 2.

2. Mortar: Mortar is a crucial component in brickwork. It binds the bricks together, providing stability and preventing water penetration.

Mortar is typically a mixture of: Cement: Provides the binding strength. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is commonly used.

Sand: Acts as a filler and provides workability. The sand should be clean and free from organic matter.

Lime (optional): Adds plasticity and improves workability. Hydrated lime is typically used.

Water: Activates the cement and creates a workable paste.

Mixing Mortar: A common mortar mix ratio is 1:1:6 (Cement: Lime: Sand) or 1:3 (Cement: Sand) if lime isn't used.

Procedure: Measure the correct proportions of cement, lime (if using), and sand. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is uniform in colour. Gradually add water while mixing, until the mortar reaches a plastic, workable consistency. It should be stiff enough to hold its shape but pliable enough to spread easily. The consistency of peanut butter is often used as an example. Allow the mortar to stand for 5-10 minutes (slaking), then remix before use. Discard any mortar after two hours. 2.

3. Bricklaying Principles: Laying to a Line and Level: This ensures that the wall is straight and level. A string line is stretched tightly between two points (e.g., corner profiles) to guide the placement of each brick. A spirit level is used to ensure that each brick is level horizontally and vertically.

Bonding: Bonding refers to the arrangement of bricks in a wall. The purpose of bonding is to distribute the load evenly throughout the wall and to prevent continuous vertical joints, which would weaken the structure.

Bed Joint: The horizontal mortar joint between two courses of bricks.

Perpend Joint: The vertical mortar joint between two bricks in the same course.

Frog: The indentation on the top surface of a brick. The frog should face upwards when the brick is laid, and it should be filled with mortar to provide a good bond. 2.

4. Common Brickwork Bonds: Stretcher Bond: This is the simplest and most common bond. All the bricks are laid with their long faces (stretchers) facing outwards. It is suitable for non-load-bearing walls or cavity walls.

Characteristics: Simple to construct, economical, and creates a uniform appearance.

English Bond: This bond consists of alternating courses of stretchers and headers (bricks laid with their short faces facing outwards).

Characteristics: Stronger than stretcher bond, suitable for load-bearing walls. This bond is generally preferred for solid walls. It also requires a "closer" (a brick cut to a smaller size) after the queen header in each header course to prevent continuous vertical joints. 2.

5. Calculating Brick Quantities: To estimate the number of bricks required for a wall, you need to calculate the wall area and consider the size of the bricks and the mortar joints.

Standard Brick Size: Approximately 222mm (length) x 110mm (width) x 73mm (height). With a 10mm mortar joint, the effective brick size becomes 232mm x 83mm (height). This can be taken as 230 x 80mm for approximate calculations.

Example: Calculate the number of bricks required for a wall that is 5 meters long and 2 meters high using a stretcher bond.

Wall Area: 5m x 2m = 10 m² Brick Area (including mortar): 0.23m x 0.08m = 0.0184 m² Number of Bricks: 10 m² / 0.0184 m² per brick ≈ 543 bricks Important

Note: This calculation is an estimate. You should always order a few extra bricks to account for wastage due to cutting and breakage. Consider also wall thickness which will determine the total amount needed. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name three different types of bricks commonly used in South African construction and briefly describe their typical use.

Solution: Common (Stock)

Bricks: Used for internal and external walls where appearance is not critical.

Facing Bricks: Used for external walls where appearance is important. Available in different colours and textures.