Build Masonry Superstructures Using Hollow Units Training

Objectives:
• Understand the scope of masonry construction with hollow units.
• Identify different types of hollow units and their properties.
• Explain the role of standards and regulations in masonry work.
• Recognise safety requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Topics:
• Overview of masonry industry in South Africa.
• Types of hollow units: concrete blocks, clay bricks, etc.
• Material properties: strength, density, water absorption.
• Relevant SANS and SABS standards.
• Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements.
• PPE selection and use.
• Site safety induction and hazard identification.
• Introduction to tools and equipment.

Objectives:
• Differentiate between mortar types and their applications.
• Calculate and mix mortar to specified proportions.
• Demonstrate correct mortar consistency and workability.
• Identify common bonding patterns for hollow unit walls.

Topics:
• Mortar constituents: cement, lime, sand, water.
• Mortar types (M, S, N) and their strengths.
• Mixing methods: manual and mechanical.
• Testing mortar: flow, water retention.
• Bonding patterns: stretcher, header, English, Flemish.
• Importance of bond for wall strength.
• Mortar joints: thickness, tooling.
• Practical: mixing and testing mortar.

Objectives:
• Interpret construction drawings and set out walls.
• Prepare foundations and ensure level base.
• Establish corners and profiles for accurate alignment.
• Apply damp-proof course (DPC) correctly.

Topics:
• Reading building plans: dimensions, elevations.
• Setting out: profiles, strings, pegs.
• Checking squareness using 3-4-5 method.
• Foundation types and requirements.
• Levelling and compacting base.
• Installing DPC: materials and positioning.
• Establishing corner leads.
• Practical: setting out a wall line.

Objectives:
• Demonstrate correct handling and laying of hollow units.
• Apply mortar evenly and maintain consistent bed joints.
• Build straight walls to plumb and level.
• Cut hollow units safely and accurately.

Topics:
• Laying techniques: buttering, placing, tapping.
• Maintaining plumb: spirit level use.
• Levelling: straightedge and level.
• Joint thickness control.
• Cutting blocks: using block splitter, saw.
• Safety in cutting: eye protection, dust control.
• Building a straight wall section.
• Practical: laying a course of blocks.

Objectives:
• Construct square corners and T-junctions.
• Build cavity walls and ensure proper ties.
• Form openings for doors and windows.
• Install lintels over openings.

Topics:
• Corner construction: lead building.
• T-junctions: toothing and bonding.
• Cavity walls: wall ties, weep holes.
• Openings: reveals, jambs, sills.
• Lintel types: concrete, steel.
• Lintel installation: bearing, level.
• Practical: building a corner and opening.
• Quality checks: squareness, alignment.

Objectives:
• Understand reinforcement requirements for hollow unit walls.
• Install horizontal and vertical reinforcement.
• Construct columns and bond beams.
• Apply grouting procedures correctly.

Topics:
• Reinforcement types: rebar, mesh.
• Horizontal reinforcement: bond beams.
• Vertical reinforcement: cores.
• Grouting: mix, placement, consolidation.
• Columns: formwork, pouring.
• Ties and anchors for stability.
• Practical: installing reinforcement.
• Testing: slump, cube samples.

Objectives:
• Build curved walls using special units.
• Construct intersecting walls at angles.
• Incorporate movement joints.
• Manage complex wall configurations.

Topics:
• Curved walls: radial layout, cutting.
• Special units: quoins, half blocks.
• Intersecting walls: bonding at angles.
• Movement joints: location, installation.
• Control joints vs expansion joints.
• Sealants and backer rods.
• Practical: building a curved section.
• Problem-solving for complex layouts.

Objectives:
• Identify common defects in masonry construction.
• Apply quality control measures during and after construction.
• Perform remedial actions for defects.
• Understand testing methods for compliance.

Topics:
• Common defects: cracking, efflorescence, spalling.
• Causes: moisture, movement, materials.
• Quality control: checks during laying.
• Testing: prism testing, bond strength.
• Remedial techniques: repointing, stitching.
• Waterproofing and protection.
• Documentation and reporting.
• Practical: inspecting and repairing a wall.

Objectives:
• Construct a complete masonry structure integrating all skills.
• Demonstrate adherence to specifications and safety.
• Complete a written assessment on theory.
• Receive feedback and certification guidance.

Topics:
• Integrated project: building a wall with openings and reinforcement.
• Time management and team coordination.
• Final inspection: plumb, level, alignment.
• Written test on unit standard outcomes.
• Portfolio of evidence compilation.
• Feedback session and improvement areas.
• Certification process and next steps.
• Course evaluation.