Masonry Inspection

In accordance with EN 1996-2 Section 3, masonry units must comply with EN 771 (clay, calcium silicate, concrete or natural stone). Mortar must comply with EN 998-2 — prescribed (by volume/weight) or designed (by compressive strength, e.g. M5, M10, M15). The mortar class must match the project specification. CTE DB SE-F establishes supplementary requirements for masonry works in Spain.

1. Check that masonry units bear CE marking and comply with the relevant part of EN 771

2. Verify that unit compressive strength meets design requirements

3. Check that the mortar class (M2.5, M5, M10, M15) matches the specification

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

5. For designed mortar, check compressive strength test results

- Incorrect unit type or strength class supplied

- Mortar too weak — incorrect mix proportions or excess water

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

- Pre-mixed mortar expired or incorrectly mixed on site

In accordance with EN 1996-2 Section 3.6, walls must be built with proper bonding pattern, perpend and bed joints fully filled (for structural walls), and within plumbness tolerances. Cavity wall ties per EN 845-1 at specified spacing (typically minimum 2.5/m2). Typical bed joint thickness is 10-15 mm.

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 between courses

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

4. Verify perpend joints are filled in structural walls

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

- Walls out of plumb or misaligned

- Unfilled perpend joints reducing wall strength

- Bed joints too thick or variable — reduced compressive strength

- Cavity wall ties missing or incorrectly spaced

In accordance with EN 1996-2, movement joints must be provided to absorb thermal and moisture movements. Typical spacing: 12 m for clay brick, 6 m for concrete/calcium silicate. Damp proof courses (DPC) must be installed per EN 1996-2 Section 3.4 at a minimum of 150 mm above external ground level. CTE DB HS 1 establishes additional moisture protection requirements.

1. Check movement joint spacing for the unit type

2. Verify joints are continuous through full wall thickness

3. Check damp proof course is at correct level (>=150 mm above ground)

4. Verify barrier material is intact and overlaps are sealed

5. Inspect cavity trays above openings and at level changes

- Missing movement joints causing cracking in long walls

- Damp proof course bridged by mortar droppings or render

- Cavity trays missing or not extending to weep holes

- Movement joints filled with rigid mortar instead of flexible sealant