What is masonry? Discover types and advantages for civil construction

Masonry is one of the most widely used techniques in civil construction, being essential for the structure and finish of buildings. Its use dates back thousands of years, constantly evolving to meet modern needs for strength, durability, and aesthetics. Composed of materials such as bricks, concrete blocks, stones, and mortar, masonry is used in the construction of walls, fences, facades, and even complete building structures. In this guide, you will learn about the different types of masonry, their applications and benefits, as well as the main materials used in this process.

What is masonry?

Masonry is the process of constructing walls and other structures using materials such as bricks, concrete blocks, stones, or other building materials, joined together by mortar. Masonry can be classified into different types depending on the materials used, such as brick masonry, concrete block masonry, structural masonry, among others.

This type of construction is widely used in civil works, such as houses, buildings, and walls, as it is a traditional, durable, and relatively economical method.

Masonry can be structural (when masonry elements are responsible for supporting the weight of the building) or just partition (when it serves only to divide spaces and does not carry significant weight from the construction).

Materials Used in Masonry

The choice of materials directly influences the quality, safety, and efficiency of the construction. The main materials used are:

• Ceramic bricks: Made of burnt clay, they are lightweight and have good thermal and acoustic properties.
• Concrete blocks: Provide greater strength and are widely used in structural and partition masonry.
• Natural stones: Used in stone masonry, they provide a rustic look and high durability.
• Mortar: Composed of cement, sand, lime, and water, it serves to join the masonry elements, ensuring stability and sealing.
• Coatings: Include plasters, roughcast, and finishes such as ceramics and painting, which protect and enhance the aesthetics of constructions.

Types of Masonry and Their Applications

Structural Masonry

Structural masonry is responsible for supporting the loads of the building, eliminating the need for reinforced concrete beams and columns. This method optimizes construction time and reduces material consumption, making it ideal for small and medium-sized buildings.

Examples:

1. Structural masonry buildings: In this type of construction, the masonry walls (made of concrete blocks or bricks) are responsible for supporting the weight of the structure, that is, the building itself and its floors.
2. Structural masonry houses: When the walls of bricks or concrete blocks are also used to support the weight of the slabs and the roof, instead of using concrete or steel columns and beams.
3. Retaining walls: These are walls built with blocks or bricks that serve to contain soil pressure and other external loads, being essential in sloped terrains or in areas at risk of landslides.

Partition Masonry

Used to fill existing structures, such as beams and columns, partition masonry does not have a structural function. Its main goal is to delimit the internal and external spaces of buildings, ensuring comfort and insulation.

Examples:

1. Internal walls of houses and apartments: Generally, internal walls are made of ceramic blocks or drywall, which do not support the weight of the structure, only dividing the rooms.
2. Boundary walls between properties: When the walls are made of bricks or blocks but do not support the building, serving only to delimit the property.
3. External walls (non-structural): In some cases, external masonry can also be partition, especially when the weight of the construction is supported by a metal or concrete structure, while the external walls only seal the projects.

Stone Masonry

This traditional technique uses natural stones to build walls and structures that require high strength. In addition to being durable and sustainable, stone masonry provides a rustic and sophisticated look, being widely used in historical constructions and unique architectural projects.

Examples:

1. Stone walls: Retaining walls or dividers built with stacked or mortared stones, used in sloped terrains or to delimit properties.

2. Construction of rural or country houses: Houses built with natural stones like granite, limestone, or sandstone, very common in rural or mountainous areas, due to durability and rustic aesthetics.

3. Stone masonry walls in historical buildings: Many old constructions, such as castles, churches, and fortresses, were made with stone masonry due to its weather resistance.

4. Stone slabs: stones in slab form, used as floor coverings or roof coverings, offering strength and aesthetics, like stone slab flooring in historical squares or natural stone flooring in old streets.

5. Stone monuments or sculptures: Stone masonry is also used in sculptures or monuments that require robust and decorative construction.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.