It also has a high self-weight, combined with low flexural strength, tensile strength and seismic resistance. Finally, stone masonry requires little maintenance and repairs, thanks to its durability.Ĭons: Stone walls are thick and heavy, reducing floor space.

One of the main advantages of stone is its aesthetic look, with a variety of colors, sizes and textures - the design possibilities are endless. Stone is recommended for buildings with high foot traffic, since it does not bend or dent. Pros: Stone masonry is the most durable, strong and weather resistant, thanks to the natural durability of the material. Plasterwork is required as finishing, which raises construction costs. Compared with stone and concrete blocks, bricks are also less strong and durable, and limited in sizes and colors. Openings for doors and windows are easily made with bricks, and costs are also reduced because the joints are thinner.Ĭons: Bricks have a low resistance against tension and torsion loads, making them more susceptible to seismic damage. Brick walls are thinner, and units can be adhered with different types of mortar, depending on structural requirements. Bricks are also lightweight (lower dead loads), easy to handle and transport, and cheaper that stones and concrete blocks. Pros: Brick masonry does not require highly skilled labor, since the shape and size of the masonry units is uniform. Types of Masonry Construction: Brick Masonry This article summarizes the pros and cons of masonry construction. However, like with any construction method, there are also limitations.

Masonry is a popular construction technique around the world, due to its many advantages. Brick, stone and concrete blocks are the most common materials used in masonry construction. Masonry consists of building structures from single units that are laid and bound together with mortar.

Timber and stone construction