Masonry Assembly and Workmanship: Laying, Bonding, Anchorage, and Tolerances
Laying and bonding
TMS 602 governs workmanship. Use full bed and head joints; nominal thickness is 3/8 in., with the code tolerance typically from 1/4 to 1/2 in. Running bond is standard; stack bond requires the design's reinforcement and anchorage. Keep units clean and aligned, and tool joints as specified.
Anchorage and tolerances
Bond intersections and tie masonry to structural elements. Check flashing, weep holes, and drainage. TMS 602 tolerances include plumb and level within 1/4 in. in 10 ft and 1/2 in. overall; verify against the project specification.
Worked example
A wall is 10 ft high and out of plumb by 1/2 in. The 1/4-in.-in-10-ft tolerance is exceeded; the inspector documents it. If the wall is later grouted and reinforced, the eccentricity can reduce capacity and may require correction or engineering review.
Traps
- Filling only the face of head joints.
- Using stack bond without the specified reinforcement.
- Ignoring cold-weather protection below 40 degrees F.