VOID MORTAR JOINTS - BANE OF BRICK MASONRY

The adverse effects of void mortar joints on the performance of masonr y are enumerated. Unfilled mortar joints in brick masonry weaken walls , increase leakage, breach a contract, violate the law, and break trad ition. The brick-layers union, masonry contractors, architectural and engineering professionals, and materials researchers all agree that un filled mortar joints should not be permitted At least since 1890 the l iterature on masonry has been replete with admonitions on the necessit y for filling mortar joints. Masonry may turn out unintentionally bad, but it will never be accidentally good. Inspection of masonry under c onstruction is now required by building codes and specifications promu lgated by The Masonry Society, the American Society of Civil Engineers , and the American Concrete Institute (''Specifications'' 1988). A met hod for measuring void joints is described. The unaided human eye is a satisfactory instrument for judging mortar joint solidity. Photograph s of typical unfilled joints are shown. The pervasive lack of concern for poor masonry workmanship can lead to undesirable legal consequence s.