Masonry Inspection

In accordance with EN 1996-2 Section 3 and DIN EN 1996-1-1/NA, masonry units must comply with EN 771 (clay bricks, calcium silicate, concrete blocks or natural stone). Mortar must comply with EN 998-2 — prescribed mortar (by volume/mass) or performance mortar (by compressive strength, e.g. M5, M10, M15). The mortar class must match the design specification.

1. Check masonry units for CE marking and conformity with the relevant part of EN 771

2. Verify unit compressive strength against design requirements

3. Check mortar class (M2.5, M5, M10, M15) against specification

4. For prescribed mortar, verify mix proportions (cement:lime:sand ratios)

5. For performance mortar, check compressive strength test results

- Incorrect unit type or strength class delivered

- Mortar too weak — incorrect mix proportions or excess water

- Units not adequately wetted before laying (high water absorption units)

- Factory-mixed mortar expired or incorrectly prepared on site

In accordance with EN 1996-2 Section 3.6 and DIN EN 1996-1-1/NA, walls must be constructed with proper bonding pattern, with perpend and bed joints fully filled in load-bearing walls, and within plumbness tolerances. Wall ties in cavity masonry per EN 845-1 must be installed at the specified spacing (typically at least 2.5 per m2). Bed joint thickness is typically 10-15 mm (1-3 mm for thin-layer mortar).

1. Check wall plumbness with plumb bob — tolerance per EN 1996-2 (typically +/-20 mm per storey)

2. Verify correct bonding pattern — staggered perpend joints per course

3. Check bed joint thickness for consistency (10-15 mm typical)

4. Verify perpend joints are fully filled in load-bearing walls

5. Check wall ties in cavity walls for correct spacing and outward slope

- Walls not plumb or out of alignment

- Unfilled perpend joints reduce wall load-bearing capacity

- Bed joints too thick or uneven — reduced compressive strength

- Missing or incorrectly spaced wall ties in cavity masonry

In accordance with EN 1996-2 and DIN EN 1996-1-1/NA, movement joints must be provided to accommodate thermal and moisture-related movements. Typical spacing: 12 m for clay brick masonry, 6 m for concrete and calcium silicate blocks. Damp proof courses (horizontal waterproofing) must be installed per EN 1996-2 Section 3.4 and DIN 18195 (or DIN 18533) at a minimum of 150 mm above ground level.

1. Check movement joint spacing for correctness for the respective unit type

2. Verify joints are continuous through the full wall thickness

3. Check damp proof course for correct height (>=150 mm above ground)

4. Inspect waterproofing material for damage and correct overlaps

5. Check cavity trays above openings and at level changes

- Missing movement joints lead to cracking in long walls

- Damp proof course bridged by mortar droppings or render

- Cavity trays missing or do not extend to weep holes

- Movement joints filled with rigid mortar instead of flexible sealant