Method Statement for Brickwork

1.0 Scope & Objectives

• This Method Statement details the standardized construction procedure for executing quality Brickwork.

3.0 References

• Project Technical Specifications
• Approved Civil Drawings
• Indian Standard (IS) Codes:
  • IS 1077:1992 – Common burnt clay building bricks – Specification
  • IS 2117:1991 – Guide for manufacture of hand-made common burnt clay building bricks
  • IS 2119:1980 – Code of practice for construction of brick-cum-concrete composite floor/roof
  • IS 2180:1988 – Specification for heavy duty burnt clay building bricks
  • IS 2212:1991 – Code of practice for brick works
  • IS 2222:1991 – Specification for burnt clay perforated building bricks
  • IS 2691:1988 – Specification for burnt clay facing bricks
  • IS 3068:1986 – Specification for broken brick coarse aggregates for lime concrete
  • IS 3182:1986 – Specification for broken brick fine aggregates for lime mortar
  • IS 3495 (Parts 1–4):1992 – Methods of tests of burnt clay building bricks (Compressive strength, Water absorption, Efflorescence, Warpage)
  • IS 3952:1988 – Specification for burnt clay hollow bricks for walls/partitions
  • IS 4139:1989 – Specification for calcium silicate bricks
  • IS 4860:1968 – Specification for acid-resistant bricks
  • IS 4885:1988 – Specification for sewer bricks
  • IS 5454:1978 – Methods of sampling of clay building bricks
  • IS 5766:1970 – Code of practice for laying burnt clay brick flooring
  • IS 5779:1986 – Specification for burnt clay soling bricks
  • IS 6165:1992 – Dimensions for special shapes of clay bricks
  • IS 12894:2002 – Specification for pulverized fuel ash lime bricks

4.0 Definitions & Terminology

Abbreviations

• MS: Method Statement
• QCP: Quality Control Procedure
• ITP: Inspection & Test Plan

Brickwork Terminology

• Bull Header: A rowlock brick laid with its longest dimension perpendicular to the face of the wall.
• Bull Stretcher: A rowlock brick laid with its longest dimension parallel to the face of the wall.
• Course: A continuous horizontal row of masonry units bonded together.
• Header: A brick laid flat with its longest dimension perpendicular to the face of the wall to tie wythes together.
• Rowlock: A brick laid on its face or edge.
• Soldier: A brick laid on its end so its longest dimension is parallel to the vertical axis of the wall.
• Stretcher: A brick laid flat with its longest dimension parallel to the face of the wall.
• Wythe: A continuous vertical section/thickness of masonry (4" or greater).

Types of Masonry Bonds

• Running Bond: Simplest pattern consisting only of stretchers; requires reinforcing ties.
• Common (American) Bond: Variation of running bond with courses of full-length headers at regular intervals.
• Flemish Bond: Alternating stretchers and headers in each course, centered over the course below.
• English Bond: Alternating courses of stretchers and headers with aligned vertical joints for stretchers.
• English Cross (Dutch) Bond: Variation of English bond where vertical joints in alternate stretcher courses are offset.
• Stack (Block) Bond: Decorative pattern with all vertical joints aligned; non-structural unless reinforced.

5.0 Health & Safety Hazards

Specific safety measures must be followed as applicable on-site. All site personnel must strictly adhere to the provisions established in the main Project Safety Plan.

6.0 Responsibilities

Role	Key Responsibilities
Project Engineer	Ensures brickwork conforms to specifications/drawings, manages schedules/equipment, coordinates with Clients/Consultants, and enforces safety and quality compliance.
Site Engineer	Distributes tasks, monitors daily work progress against schedules, coordinates with QA/Safety/Surveyors, and delivers revised site info to foremen.
QA Engineer	Ensures compliance with QCP/specifications, inspects finished work prior to client approval, and maintains inspection and testing records.
Safety Engineer	Implements the HSE plan, conducts site risk assessments, delivers safety training, prevents hazards, and maintains site cleanliness.
Foreman	Manages daily labor allocation, provides daily site progress reports, assists the site surveyor, and directly executes quality/safety directives.
Surveyor	Establishes benchmarks, marks setting-out lines/levels, and conducts periodic checks to verify horizontal and vertical alignment.

7.0 Procedure / Method to be Employed

7.1 Site Selection & Preparation

• Select site locations on firm ground with effective drainage, avoiding proximity to large tree roots.
• Construct concrete footers or foundations and allow a minimum curing period of 2 days before laying bricks.
• Stack bricks systematically across the job site and pre-dampen/hose them down a few hours prior to laying to prevent absorption of mortar water.
• Snap chalk guidelines from foundation edges to maintain true alignment.

7.2 Mortar Preparation & Brick Laying

• Mix mortar to a smooth, plastic-like consistency.
• Conduct a dry run by laying stretchers along chalk lines (allowing a ½" head joint) to verify alignment before applying mortar.
• Apply mortar roughly 1" thick, 1 brick wide, and 3 to 4 bricks long, furrowing slightly with the tip of the trowel.
• Lay the first course firmly into place; check alignment, height, and level using a spirit level. Tap gently to adjust—never pull set bricks.
• Construct end and corner leads (5 courses high) utilizing cut half/quarter bricks for bond staggering. Verify square corners using the 3-4-5 rule or a carpenter's square.
• String a mason's line 1/16" off the brick face between leads and complete the interior courses working toward the center.

7.3 Finishing Mortar Joints

• Concave & V-Joints: Preferred for structural durability and high resistance to water penetration.
• Weathered Joints: Highly watertight and strong.
• Flush Joints: Simple, flat finish cut off by trowel (moderate strength/weather resistance).
• Raked / Struck / Extruded: Decorative; not recommended in high-rainfall or freezing climates.

7.4 Pillars, Posts & Edging

• Pillars: Cast firm concrete footings. Install vertical reinforcement steel or electrical conduits prior to pouring, check vertical plumb constantly, and top with sloped concrete or stone caps to shed water.
• Brick Edging: Excavate a trench (4" deep, 8" wide), tamp soil smooth, lay mortar mix, set bricks firmly, and trim excess mortar.

8.0 Materials & Equipment Requirements

• Bricks & Mortar/Mason Mix
• Chalk Line & Mason's Line
• Line Blocks & Mortarboard
• Water Hose & Wheelbarrow
• Brick Trowel & Concave Jointer
• Spirit Level & Carpenter's Square
• Measuring Tape
• Brick Set & Mason's Hammer
• Safety Goggles / Personal Protective Equipment

9.0 Health & Safety Provisions

• Erect safety barriers, warning signs, and warning tape around active construction zones.
• Provide working platforms and edge protection when brickwork is carried out at elevated heights.
• Enforce additional safety checks during formwork or platform stripping operations.

10.0 Quality Control Approvals

Prior to commencing work, the following documents must be submitted and approved:

• Quality Control Procedure (QCP) for Brickwork
• Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) for Brickwork
• Project Field Quality Plan
• Brickwork Checklist Forms

11.0 Supporting Documentation

• Contract Specifications & Approved Drawings
• QCP and ITP for Brickwork
• Method Statement (MS) for Brickwork
• Project Quality Plan & Project HSE Plan

12.0 Distribution List

Issued to: Management Representative | Project Manager | Project Engineer | Site Engineer | HSE Engineer | QA/QC Engineer