Build Masonry Superstructures Using Solid Units Training

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and outcomes of the unit standard.
• Identify relevant safety legislation and personal protective equipment.
• Recognise different types of solid masonry units and their properties.
• Explain the importance of site preparation and basic setting out.

Topics:
• Overview of unit standard 119067 and learning outcomes.
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requirements.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for masonry work.
• Types of solid units: clay bricks, concrete blocks, and calcium silicate bricks.
• Properties of solid units: compressive strength, water absorption, durability.
• Site safety: hazards, housekeeping, and emergency procedures.
• Basic setting out: establishing lines and levels.
• Storage and handling of materials on site.

Objectives:
• Identify and use hand tools and power tools correctly.
• Select appropriate mortar types and mix proportions.
• Demonstrate proper mortar mixing techniques.
• Apply quality control checks for mortar consistency.

Topics:
• Hand tools: trowels, levels, jointers, hammers, and bolsters.
• Power tools: mixers, cut-off saws, and grinders.
• Mortar types: cement-lime, cement, and pre-mixed.
• Mix proportions: volumetric and batch mixing.
• Mixing procedure: dry mixing, adding water, and achieving workability.
• Testing mortar: slump test and spread test.
• Mortar retempering and usage within time limits.
• Tool maintenance and cleaning.

Objectives:
• Demonstrate correct laying techniques for solid units.
• Apply mortar bed and perpend joints consistently.
• Maintain plumb, level, and alignment.
• Understand bond patterns and their structural function.

Topics:
• Setting out the first course: dry bond and positioning.
• Applying mortar: bedding, buttering, and furrowing.
• Laying bricks: tapping, leveling, and plumbing.
• Cutting units: methods for accurate cutting.
• Bond patterns: stretcher bond, English bond, and Flemish bond.
• Maintaining joint thickness: 10mm standard.
• Checking alignment with line and pins.
• Common laying defects and correction.

Objectives:
• Construct solid walls with correct bonding and movement joints.
• Distinguish between solid and cavity wall construction.
• Install wall ties and damp-proof courses correctly.
• Apply principles of load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.

Topics:
• Solid wall construction: thickness, bonding, and stability.
• Cavity wall construction: inner and outer leaves.
• Wall ties: types, spacing, and installation.
• Damp-proof courses (DPC): materials and positioning.
• Movement joints: expansion and contraction.
• Load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing walls.
• Openings: lintels and arches.
• Quality checks: straightness, verticality, and joint finish.

Objectives:
• Construct isolated and attached piers.
• Build columns with correct bonding and reinforcement.
• Form quoins and corners accurately.
• Understand structural requirements for piers and columns.

Topics:
• Types of piers: isolated, attached, and engaged.
• Pier construction: bonding patterns and reinforcement.
• Column construction: square, rectangular, and circular.
• Reinforcement: steel bars and grouting.
• Quoins: purpose and construction techniques.
• Forming corners: racking back and toothing.
• Plumb and alignment for vertical elements.
• Tying piers and columns to walls.

Objectives:
• Construct simple arches (segmental and semi-circular).
• Install pre-cast and in-situ lintels.
• Form openings with correct support and detailing.
• Apply principles of arch thrust and load distribution.

Topics:
• Arch types: segmental, semi-circular, and flat.
• Arch construction: centering, voussoirs, and keystone.
• Lintel types: pre-cast concrete, steel, and reinforced masonry.
• Lintel installation: bearing and positioning.
• Window and door openings: reveals and sills.
• Support systems: props and temporary works.
• Arch thrust: understanding and accommodating.
• Finishing arches: joints and pointing.

Objectives:
• Apply different joint profiles and finishes.
• Execute pointing on new and existing work.
• Clean brickwork and protect finished surfaces.
• Demonstrate weatherproofing techniques.

Topics:
• Joint profiles: flush, struck, recessed, and weather struck.
• Pointing: raking out, mixing mortar, and filling.
• Tooling joints: using jointers and irons.
• Cleaning brickwork: brushing, washing, and acid cleaning.
• Protecting finished work: covers and curing.
• Weatherproofing: sealants and coatings.
• Colour matching and mortar consistency.
• Defects in joints and rectification.

Objectives:
• Inspect masonry work against specifications.
• Identify and rectify common defects.
• Apply sampling and testing procedures.
• Understand relevant SANS standards and building regulations.

Topics:
• Quality control checklist: dimensions, alignment, and joints.
• Common defects: cracks, efflorescence, and staining.
• Rectification methods for defects.
• Sampling: cube testing for mortar and unit strength.
• SANS 10400: building regulations compliance.
• SANS 1200: standard specifications for masonry.
• Documentation: site reports and non-conformance reports.
• Handover procedures and client expectations.

Objectives:
• Construct a complete masonry structure integrating all skills.
• Demonstrate safe work practices throughout.
• Complete a final assessment task.
• Reflect on learning and identify areas for improvement.

Topics:
• Practical project: build a wall with openings, pier, and DPC.
• Time management and sequencing of tasks.
• Safety during practical: PPE and site organisation.
• Assessment: observed practical and oral questioning.
• Self-evaluation and peer feedback.
• Review of unit standard outcomes.
• Certification requirements.
• Course closure and resources for further learning.