6.3 Masonry measurement rules and sample descriptions
The measurement rules for masonry are outlined in Section 12 of the ANZSMM. The “Information to be Included” table within this section contains both preamble notes and preamble items relevant to masonry works. The preamble notes direct tenderers to refer the Introduction, General Rules, and Recommendations section of the ANZSMM, along with relevant specification sections detailing the requirements for masonry work. The preamble items refer to provisions for samples, sample panels, and the conduct of tests. According to the standard, the unit of measurement for masonry walls is m². Wall measurements include the closing of cavities at the ends of hollow walls, jambs of openings, and wall ties in solid walls with two or more skins.
When writing descriptions, it is important to specify the masonry type, quality of materials, mortar composition, bonding method, and pointing or jointing techniques in the description.
When measuring masonry walls, deductions must be made for features such as string courses, sills, lintels, corbels, and other similar elements. However, according to Rule 3.4 in the Introduction, General Rules and Recommendations section of the ANZSMM, no deductions are required for openings with an area less than 1 m². For example, if there is an opening in a masonry wall measuring 1 m long and 0.5 m wide, this area (1 m × 0.5 m = 0.5 m²) is less than 1 m² and therefore does not need to be deducted from the quantity of masonry measured.
Masonry work should be classified according to the type of bricks or blocks used, their sizes, colours, textures, bonding patterns, and finishes. Furthermore, masonry work should be classified by levels, and where consecutive floors have identical layouts, they may be grouped together by identifying the levels accordingly.
As per the standard, when measuring facing walls, it is necessary to measure two full courses below the finished ground level, unless otherwise specified in the contract documents.
Table 6.3 provides sample descriptions for various types of masonry walls.
| Type of Wall | Description | |
| 1 | 110 mm facing brick veneer wall | 110 mm thick facing brick wall comprising 230 × 110 × 76 mm face bricks to AS4455, laid in stretcher bond pattern using (1:1:6) cement lime sand mortar, pointing to one side with weathered joint fixed to timber frame stud work. |
| 2 | 90 mm block wall | 90 mm thick block wall comprising of 390 × 90 × 190 mm blocks to AS4455, laid in stretcher bond pattern using (1:1:6) cement lime sand mortar sand mortar. |
| 3 | 230 mm common brick wall | 230 mm thick brick wall comprising of 230 × 110 × 76 mm common bricks to AS4455, laid in English bond pattern using (1:1:6) cement lime sand mortar. |
| 4 | 110 mm skins of brick cavity wall | 110 mm thick skins of cavity wall constructed with common brick wall comprising of 230 × 110 × 76 mm face bricks to AS4455, laid in stretcher bond pattern using (1:1:6) cement lime sand mortar. |
According to ANZSMM, there are two types of piers: attached and isolated.
- Attached piers are measured in m². Only the projecting portion is measured, with the thickness stated in the description.
- Isolated piers are measured in linear metres (m), and their cross-sectional dimensions must be clearly described in the description.
| Type of Pier | Description | |
| 1 | Attached | 110 mm thick facing brick pier comprising 230 × 110 × 76 mm face bricks to AS4455, laid in stretcher bond pattern using (1:1:6) cement lime sand mortar, pointing to one side with weathered joint. |
| 2 | Isolated | 390 mm × 390 mm sized isolated piers comprising 230 × 110 × 76 mm face bricks to AS4455, laid in stretcher bond pattern using (1:1:6) cement lime sand mortar, pointing to one side with weathered joint. |
DPC and flashings are measured in m² when the girth exceeds 1 m. If the girth is less than 1 m, the unit of measurement is linear metres (m). The girth must be specified in 250 mm stages, such as:
- Less than 250 mm
- 250–500 mm
- 500–750 mm
- 750 mm to 1 m.
It is also essential to indicate the orientation and location, such as whether the item is horizontal, vertical, or located in a jamb, head, sill, or similar item.
The following is a sample description of a DPC:
“0.2 mm gauge polythene damp proofing course to walls, horizontal, lapped 150 mm joints sealed with pressure sensitive tape.”
For a comprehensive understanding of the applicable measurement procedures and pricing considerations, readers are advised to refer to Section 12 of the ANZSMM.
