DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
SPECIFICATION GUIDELINES 04 00 00
SECTION 04 00 00 – MASONRY
REVIEWS
The University of South Alabama Project Manager must approve masonry veneers and mortar selections. Contract
documents shall require contractor to erect a mock-up of masonry assemblies for review by the University of South
Alabama prior to commencement of exposed masonry work. The materials used in all mock-ups must be identical to
those to be used on the building.
All mock-ups should be constructed in same orientation as final building/structure whenever possible.
All mock-ups shall be completed 14 days prior to the scheduled commencement of masonry installation.
MASONRY
Color and blend of face brick shall generally be specified to match University standard. The current standard brick is
Carolina Ceramics, 9931 Two Notch Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29223, Rosewood VELOUR, modular size.
Consult the University Engineering Design and Construction Department regarding this requirement.
Treating of brick surface with stain or other surface treatment or simulation to obtain a color blend is prohibited.
Brick shall be laid with modular coursing, three courses to 8 inches, unless otherwise required to match existing
coursing.
Non standard brick is prohibited.
Face brick elevations shall include structural consideration for division of such elevations into panels to accomplish
structural support of the brick face and expansion joints for control of thermal expansion damage. Designs, which
include brick roof construction, shall not be used.
MORTAR
Mortar for laying masonry: May be ready-mixed or job mixed. Specify by types listed in ASTM C270. Do not specify
mortar which may corrode steel reinforcement or structure.
Pointing mortar for clay facing tile masonry shall be made with white silica sand and white Portland cement.
SUSTAINABILITY - LEED CREDIT
Masonry materials and products should be extracted, recovered and manufactured within 500 miles of the University
of South Alabama.
MASONRY CLEANING
MSDS information must be provided to the University of South Alabama Manager before any cleaning activities may
begin. Cleaning solution shall be tested on the mock-up prior to its use on the main structure.
The cleaning solution must be included in applicable sections of the Specifications.
approved by the Office of Engineering Design and Construction.
Type of solution shall be
Contractor shall be responsible for preventing the runoff from any cleaning operations from entering nearby storm
sewers or tributaries.
Treating of brick surface with stain or other surface treatment or simulation to obtain a color blend is prohibited.
SAMPLE PANEL
Before starting work, build one sample panel for inspection and approval. Build panel on a firm foundation, in location
indicated by the Associate. Panel shall be F-shaped, with long side a minimum of 5 feet 4 inches long by 3 feet 4
inches high, with one corner return at least 2 feet long and with one intersecting 6 inch thick concrete block wall 2 feet
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DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
SPECIFICATION GUIDELINES 04 00 00
long. Construct long side and return of 8 inch concrete block and face brick. Panel shall show color range and
texture of masonry units, bond, mortar joints, and workmanship. Completed masonry work in the building shall be
equal to that shown in the approved panel. Do not remove panel until masonry work is completed or until removal is
authorized.
MASONRY ACCESSORIES
Submit to the University Project Manager manufacturer’s certification that bricks show no efflorescence when tested
in accordance with ASTM Method C67.
Corrugated metal ties are not to be used on masonry veneers.
Anchors shall be made of corrosion-resistant materials, or stainless steel when anchoring natural stone or stone
veneers.
Only full coursing will be permitted at the head of any type of opening.
Construction where the masonry units are suspended using mechanical devices, or where the units extend beyond
lower courses and mechanical support devices are required, are not to be used. Buildings being renovated/restored,
which have such overhung structures, shall be examined for safety and a report of condition provided.
Use of ink marking pens on surfaces of any kind of material is prohibited. Experience has shown that such marks
bleed through paint and other finishes.
Wall ties for masonry veneer or facing to metal stud wall back-up may be anything comparable to AA Products No.
AA401CE with No. AA400 Flex-O-Lok and stainless steel bolts and nuts and stainless steel washers for attachment
to the metal studs Sheet metal screws and similar attachments are not acceptable.
Wire mesh type joint reinforcement is prohibited. Trussed type is preferred over ladder type.
Stamped aluminum louvered weep hole vents of size to fit head joints in brickwork are preferred over treated sash
cord or rope. If cord or rope is specified, specify that the material be left in place and cut off flush with the joint.
Plug anchorage by use of wood or plastic is prohibited.
CONCRETE UNIT MASONRY
Concrete block shall be used wherever feasible for interior wall finish. ASTM tests shall be indicated on all materials
used below per OBBC requirements.
Lightweight CMU's to be made with expanded shale aggregate and of standard size.
CINDER BLOCK
The use of cinder block is prohibited.
MARBLE
Marble shall be domestic. Edges of marble window stools shall be eased.
GRANITE
Granite shall be domestic. Granite may be specified for exterior stair treads when heavy traffic is anticipated.
MORTAR NET
Mesh designed to catch and hold mortar droppings in an irregular pattern shall be used. The mesh shall
not trap moisture or water and shall not support mold or fungus.
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DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
SPECIFICATION GUIDELINES 04 00 00
WEEPS
Weep tubes shall be installed or at all holes except at grade where weep ventilator are installed.
Keep weep holes and area above flashings free of mortar.
Install cavity mortar drainage net in cavity behind wicks.
Plastic or metal weep hole accessories shall have insect screens to prevent insects from entering the masonry cavity.
CERTIFICATION OF EXPERIENCE
Work shall be performed by experienced and skilled mechanics. The General Contractor shall furnish evidence that
the subcontractor for restoration work has been engaged in the business of masonry restoration for a period of at
least 10 consecutive years prior to the date of these specifications. Evidence or certification of experience shall be in
letter form which, in addition to statement of experience, shall contain a list of at least five projects of comparable size
and complexity which have been satisfactorily completed, a statement that proper equipment is available for use, and
a statement that the work will be under the direct supervision of skilled mechanics only.
RENOVATION WORK
Reuse of existing bricks and pavers is a goal of the typical project. If new bricks and/or pavers are required then they
should match the existing as close as possible.
The University of South Alabama Project Manager must approve mortar joint profiles, and mortar colors for any
renovation project.
BORIC ACID
All exterior walls and walls for animal holding are to have a medium dusting of boric acid powder put into the walls for
pest control purposes immediately prior to sealing of walls. This service is provided by the General Contractor with
documentation provided to the University.
CLEANING
Masonry Contractor to protect all windows and finished surfaces prior to cleaning.
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