NEW ERA UNIVERISTY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
LABORATORY NO. 4
CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Masonry Works for a 3x3 CHB Wall with Mortar Plaster Finish
DATE PERFORMED:
02/07-14/2025
GROUP MEMBERS:
• Bangawan, Kaysel
• Bachoco, Ethan
• Clemen, Jericho
• De Jesus, Bejay
• Forbile, Ria Angela
• Jasmin, Cristine Angel
• Junio, Aljhon
• Marcelino, Aaron
• Necosia, JM
INSTRUCTOR: Engr. Charmween Jade Constantino
1. OBJECTIVES
At the end of this laboratory activity, students should be able to:
1. Understand the proper method of laying Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB) for small-scale
wall construction.
2. Properly mix and apply mortar for bonding CHBs and plastering.
3. Ensure correct alignment, leveling, and bonding of CHB walls.
4. Apply a mortar plaster finish for a smooth and durable surface.
2. MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Materials:
• Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB) – 4" or 6" thickness
• Cement (Portland)
• Sand (Fine Aggregate)
• Water
• Mortar (1:3 cement-sand mix)
• Reinforcing Bars (if required, e.g., 10mm Ø for vertical reinforcement)
• Tie Wire (for securing rebar)
Tools:
• Mason’s Trowel
• Plumb Bob
• Leveling Tool (Spirit Level)
• Measuring Tape
• String Line
• Shovel
• Mixing Box or Concrete Mixer
• Wheelbarrow
• Rubber Mallet
• Steel Brush (for cleaning blocks)
3. ESTIMATION OF MATERIALS
Wall Dimensions (3x3 CHB Configuration)
Assuming standard CHB size (0.40m x 0.20m):
• Width = 3 blocks × 0.40m = 1.2m
• Height = 3 blocks × 0.20m = 0.6m
CHB Requirement:
Since the total blocks needed is 3 (width) × 3 (height) = 9 CHBs, we add a 10% allowance for
breakage, giving us:
• Total CHBs = 10 blocks
Mortar Requirement (1:3 Cement-Sand Mix)
Mortar consumption is 0.025 m³ per square meter of wall.
Wall Area=1.2m×0.6m=0.72m2
Mortar Volume=0.72×0.025=0.018m3
Using a 1:3 mix ratio:
• Cement = (1/4) × 0.018 = 0.0045 m³ ≈ 0.18 bags
• Sand = (3/4) × 0.018 = 0.0135 m³ ≈ 0.54 wheelbarrows
Plastering Mortar Requirement (1:3 Cement-Sand Mix)
Plaster thickness = 12mm (0.012m) per side
Plaster Area=2×(1.2m×0.6m)=1.44m2
Plaster Volume=1.44×0.012=0.0173 m3
Using a 1:3 mix ratio:
• Cement = (1/4) × 0.0173 = 0.0043 m³ ≈ 0.17 bags
• Sand = (3/4) × 0.0173 = 0.0130 m³ ≈ 0.52 wheelbarrows
4. METHODOLOGY
4.1 Preparation
1. Site Clearing: Remove debris and level the area.
2. Layout Marking: Use string lines and chalk to outline the small-scale wall.
3. Reinforcement Placement (if applicable): Install vertical rebars at corners.
4.2 CHB Laying
1. Mix the mortar (1:3 cement-sand ratio) to a workable consistency.
2. Apply the first mortar layer on the base to set the first row of CHBs.
3. Lay CHBs in a staggered pattern (running bond), ensuring proper alignment.
4. Check for levelness using a spirit level after every row.
5. Continue laying until all three rows (3x3 CHBs) are complete.
4.3 Plastering
1. Prepare the wall surface by wetting it to prevent rapid drying.
2. Apply a scratch coat (first plaster layer) using a 1:3 cement-sand mix.
3. Level the surface with a straight edge to remove excess mortar.
4. Apply the second coat (finishing layer) for a smooth surface.
5. Cure the plaster for at least 7 days by keeping it moist.
5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1. Was the small-scale CHB wall aligned, level, and structurally stable? The small-scale
CHB wall was stable and well-aligned because of both the leveling tool and string line.
Each block row was straight and even, and ensuring the alignment after installation made
errors easy to correct mistakes. The structure stayed stable because of the precise placement
of blocks and the uniformly poured mortar. To increase stability, the wall was properly
cured by keeping it moist for many days to prevent cracks and parts that might break easily.
Overall, the wall's solidity was achieved by careful planning and implementation.
2. Did the mortar mix achieve the proper consistency and bonding strength? The mortar
mix had the proper consistency and bonding strength. It was constructed using a 1:3
cement-to-sand ratio, which made it both durable and easy to apply. The mixture was
neither too dry nor too wet, allowing it to stick well to the blocks and keep them in place.
If the mortar was excessively moist, it would leak and not hold the blocks securely. If it
was too dry, it would crumble, making the connection between the blocks weak. The same
mixture was used to plaster the wall, and it was applied smoothly to ensure level coverage.
Proper mixing and ratio were important for ensuring longevity and a good finish.
3. Were there any challenges in CHB laying and plaster application? There were several
difficulties with CHB laying and plaster application. One challenge was maintaining a
uniform thickness of mortar joints, since too much or too little mortar affected the
alignment. If too much mortar was placed, it squeezed out between the blocks and had to
be cleaned to keep the finish clean. Another issue was properly situating the blocks before
the mortar hardened, as altering them afterward proved impossible. In plastering, getting a
completely smooth surface was difficult, especially in areas where the mortar dried fast.
Some areas of the wall absorbed water more quickly than others, making it difficult to
distribute the plaster uniformly. Uneven plastering might lead to uneven areas that required
further labor to repair.
4. What improvements can be made in future masonry work? Applying mortar more
uniformly and ensuring alignment on a regular basis are significant ways to enhance future
masonry work. Mixing fewer amounts of mortar at a time prevents it from drying out too
rapidly, keeping it simple to work with. Wetting the CHBs before adding mortar improves
consistency and prevents the blocks from absorbing too much water from the mixture.
When plastering, use a straight edge more frequently to keep a consistent surface. Keeping
the equipment clean and ready for use will also help the operation run smoothly. In
addition, appropriate curing must be done for at least seven days by spraying the wall with
water on a regular basis. This will prevent cracking and increase the overall strength of the
masonry construction. Maintaining a clean and organized worksite will help avoid delays
and ensure a more efficient workflow.
5. CONCLUSION
This laboratory project gave valuable information regarding masonry work. One of the
most important procedures is to ensure that the CHB wall is properly aligned and well-
connected. A straight, well-positioned wall is stronger and more durable. Another
significant point to remember is to properly mix and apply mortar. The precise ratio and
uniformity allow the blocks to stay together properly and maintain the construction's
sturdiness. Plastering is also a crucial part of the procedure. It smooths the wall and
provides it a stronger, longer-lasting gloss. This project also demonstrated how weather
could affect masonry work. If the weather is excessively hot, the cement and plaster will
dry out too quickly, resulting in cracks and weak areas. Keeping the wall wet during curing
helps to avoid this problem. Teamwork helps to make masonry work easier and more
efficient. Material mixing, block placement, and plaster application all require good
coordination. Working together speeds up the process and improves the results.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
To make CHB laying faster and easier, maintain the mortar layer at the same thickness and
check the blocks' straightness frequently. This helps to prevent errors and keeps the wall
even. When putting plaster, spread it uniformly and keep the wall moist to provide a smooth
and firm finish. Using a straight tool to remove excess mortar can also assist in maintaining
the surface level. Mixing mortar in a small amount is an effective approach to prevent it
from drying before usage. Maintaining materials in proper condition is also essential. Sand
should be covered to keep it dry, and cement should be stored correctly to prevent it from
becoming wet. Clean tools allow for faster and more precise work; thus, they should be
washed and maintained on a regular basis. Safety should always come first. Gloves, safety
glasses, and a dust mask can help protect against cement dust and other hazards. Following
these guidelines will make CHB laying and plastering easier, faster, and safer.
