Other Skilled Trades Masonry 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard mortar joint thickness used in brick masonry construction?
- 1/4 inch
- 3/8 inch (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch
- 3/4 inch
Correct answer: 3/8 inch
3/8-inch mortar joints are the standard thickness for brick masonry as specified in ASTM standards and most US building codes.
Question 2: Which mortar type is the strongest and most commonly used for load-bearing masonry walls?
- Type N
- Type S
- Type M (Correct answer)
- Type O
Correct answer: Type M
Type M mortar has the highest compressive strength (2,500 psi minimum) and is used for below-grade, load-bearing, and high-stress masonry applications.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall?
- To allow for thermal expansion
- To drain moisture from behind the brick veneer (Correct answer)
- To provide ventilation for wall insulation
- To allow for inspection of the wall cavity
Correct answer: To drain moisture from behind the brick veneer
Weep holes are openings left at the bottom of brick veneer walls to allow water that penetrates behind the veneer to drain out, preventing moisture buildup.
Question 4: What is a 'header' course in brick masonry?
- The first course of brick at the foundation
- A course of bricks laid perpendicular to the wall face to tie wythes together (Correct answer)
- A decorative top course of brick
- A course of brick above a window or door opening
Correct answer: A course of bricks laid perpendicular to the wall face to tie wythes together
A header course consists of bricks laid crosswise (perpendicular to the wall face) so they span across multiple wythes, mechanically tying the wall together.
Question 5: What tool is used by masons to check that courses of brick are rising at a consistent, level height?
- Plumb bob
- Story pole (or gauge rod) (Correct answer)
- Mason's level
- Line pins
Correct answer: Story pole (or gauge rod)
A story pole (gauge rod) is a marked rod that shows the height of each course of brick, allowing the mason to quickly check that courses are rising correctly.
Question 6: Which type of masonry bond pattern uses only stretcher courses with no headers?
- English bond
- Flemish bond
- Running bond (Correct answer)
- Common bond
Correct answer: Running bond
Running bond uses only stretchers (bricks laid with their long face to the front) with no header courses, typically used for brick veneer over a structural backup.
Other Skilled Trades Masonry 1
What is the standard mortar joint thickness used in brick masonry construction?