MCAA Masonry key terms

A bid format where the contractor quotes a fixed cost per unit of work, such as per square foot of wall, so the final contract amount depends on measured quantities actually installed.

A single fixed price offered to complete a defined scope of masonry work regardless of minor quantity variation, placing quantity risk largely on the contractor who submits it.

The systematic counting and measuring of materials and labor from drawings and specifications, producing the material quantities and hours used to price a masonry bid.

A written modification to bid documents issued before the bid deadline that changes drawings, specifications, or terms, and which every bidder must acknowledge in the proposal.

A surety guarantee submitted with a proposal that obligates the surety to pay the owner a stated penalty if the winning bidder refuses to sign the contract or furnish required bonds.

A surety instrument guaranteeing the owner that the contractor will complete the contracted masonry work according to the documents, or the surety will fund completion up to the bond amount.

A surety guarantee that protects the owner from mechanics liens by assuring subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers on the masonry project are paid for their furnished work and materials.

A percentage of each progress payment withheld by the owner until substantial or final completion, providing leverage to correct defective masonry work and close out the project.

A line-item breakdown of the contract sum allocating value to each portion of the masonry scope, used as the basis for reviewing and approving monthly progress payment applications.

A written agreement signed by owner and contractor that modifies the contract scope, price, or schedule, commonly used when masonry work differs from the original bid documents.

A formal written question submitted to the design team seeking clarification of drawings or specifications, with the answer issued to all bidders or all contractors to keep interpretation consistent.

A project-specific detail prepared by the masonry contractor showing dimensions, reinforcement, anchoring, and coursing, submitted to the designer for review before fabrication or installation begins.

The formal package of product data, samples, and drawings the contractor sends to the design professional to demonstrate that proposed materials and methods conform to the specifications.

A full-scale sample panel of masonry built on site or off site to establish workmanship standards, verify appearance, and test water penetration before production work begins.

The standard specification for loadbearing concrete masonry units, setting minimum compressive strength, absorption, and dimensional tolerances for block used in structural and veneer walls.

The standard specification for mortar for unit masonry, defining mortar types M, S, N, and O by proportions and properties, and stating which type suits which exposure and loading condition.

The standard specification for facing brick, classifying brick by durability grade and appearance type, and setting absorption and strength limits for exposed exterior masonry walls.

A high-bond cement-lime mortar commonly specified for masonry below grade, at parapets, and in other severe exposures, offering good tensile bond strength and moderate compressive strength.

A medium-strength cement-lime mortar widely used for above-grade exterior walls, balancing bond, flexibility, and compressive strength suited to normal exposed masonry conditions.

A hollow or solid block molded from portland cement, aggregates, and water, cured to specified strength and absorption limits, and the primary building block for reinforced masonry walls.

A high-slump cementitious mixture placed into reinforced block cores or collar joints to bond units, embed reinforcement, and increase wall strength and mass after curing.

Masonry construction in which steel reinforcement is embedded in grouted cores or bed joints so the assembly resists tensile and shear forces in addition to compression.

A deliberately detailed gap through the masonry wythe or wall that accommodates expansion, contraction, and differential movement, preventing random cracking and distress.

Impervious material installed at roof lines, sills, and wall bases to collect water entering the wall and direct it to weep holes and out of the assembly.

A small opening left in the mortar joint at the base of a cavity wall or above flashing that allows collected moisture to drain out of the wall cavity.

A white powdery salt deposit on the masonry surface caused by water carrying soluble salts to the face and evaporating, often signaling moisture entry rather than a structural defect.

A laboratory or field test of a small masonry assembly built from the project's units and mortar to verify that compressive strength meets the specified design value.

The maximum load a masonry unit, prism, or mortar can carry per unit area before crushing, a core specified property used in structural design and quality verification.

A written project document defining inspections, tests, submittals, and acceptance criteria the contractor will follow to confirm masonry work meets the specifications.

A mockup built at the project site using production materials and crews to set the visual and workmanship standard that all subsequent masonry installation must match.

The stage when the masonry work is sufficiently finished for the owner to use the project for its intended purpose, triggering warranty periods and release of most retainage.

A statutory claim filed against a property by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who were not paid for labor or materials furnished to improve it.

The unethical practice of disclosing one subcontractor's price to competitors to obtain a lower number, undermining fair competition and trust among bidders.

Work required by the contract documents but omitted from a bidder's price or assumed to be another trade's responsibility, a frequent source of disputes after award.

A percentage added to calculated material quantities to cover breakage, cutting, and offcut loss, applied during estimating so purchased units exceed theoretical takeoff amounts.

A temporary elevated platform and its supporting structure erected to give masons and laborers safe access to work areas above ground level.

Systems and practices, including guardrails, personal fall arrest, and safe work platforms, that prevent workers from falling from elevations such as scaffolds and wall tops.

An individual designated by the employer who, through training and experience, is authorized to identify hazards and take prompt corrective action at the masonry work site.

Employer-provided gear such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators worn by masonry workers to reduce exposure to struck-by, chemical, and dust hazards.

Inhalation of crystalline silica particles released when cutting, grinding, or sawing masonry, controlled through wet cutting, ventilation, and approved respiratory protection.