Brick Masonry Workmanship Statistics

Abstract

The variations in mortar joint thickness and in head joint alignment of 30 mortar joints in brick masonry walls were measured in each of 24 buildings. Wall age ranged from 1 to 92 years. The median coefficient of variation in joint thickness was 18.8% for head joints and 13.6% for bed joints. The median deviation from vertical alignment of head joints was 0.19 in. (5 mm) over a 6-ft (1.83-m) wall height. Criteria for judging quality of craftsmanship with regard to these variables is established.