Method Statement for Block Work

Scope

Method statement for block work is to explain the method of control for construction of block work (CMU) in order to achieve compliance with the contract specifications and drawings.

Work force

• Site Engineer
• Safety Officer
• Site Supervisor
• Masons
• Helpers

Tools & Equipment

• Mason trowel
• Plumb bob & Right angle
• Water & spirit level 
• Aluminum straight edge
• Mixer machine
• Measuring tape
• Cutting machine
• Chisel & Hammer
• Other hand operated tools

Personal Protective Equipment

• Hand gloves
• Ear plugs/Earmuffs
• Safety glasses
• Safety vest (high visibility)
• Hard hats and safety shoes

Responsibility

Site Engineer

The Site Engineer is ultimately responsible for work execution and quality/safety management. The Site Engineer serves as a liaison between the Client and the Contractor. The site engineer must also ensure that the Works are completed and maintained in accordance with the provided specifications and approved method statement. The Site Engineer is responsible for the establishment and promotion of process plans by managing all construction manpower and equipment, as well as resolving technical issues and providing support, preparation of an execution plan as well as a quality/safety plan. He must ensure schedule adherence in accordance with the process plan.

Safety Officer

The safety officer is responsible for developing an execution plan as well as a quality/safety plan. Also The safety officer monitors compliance with the safety measures in the schedule. He inspects the tools, tackles, and equipment used in the activities and ensures proper housekeeping before and after the activities. On a daily basis, the safety officer provides proper instructions to the workers in handling the job.

QC Engineer

The QC Engineer is responsible for reviewing and verifying the documentation for the Inspection Request (IR) submitted by the Site Engineer before submitting the same to the client for inspection. If the work doesn’t comply, he is allowed to reject it and submit an observation report. Engineer must liaise with the site engineer and client representative during daily inspections to ensure that the material is kept correctly and free of damage before it is unloaded.

Site Foreman

Site foreman is responsible for supervising the execution of the work at site and ensure that it is being done as per approved project drawings, specification & work procedure. He also Ensures that manpower and equipment are properly distributed. He coordinates with other construction team working adjacent to his location of work and also conducts job safety analysis(JSA) to ensure that each member of the crew is aware of the hazards. He is responsible for preparing and submitting the daily report.  

Method statement for block work

• Activities Before Block work Begins:
  1. Before commencing the block work, the area shall be cleared of all debris, loose materials or other obstructions
  2. Ascertain that the area to receive the block work is in accordance with the contract drawings and the approved finishing schedule.
  3. Ensure that the blocks are purchased from an authorized manufacturer/s. Unless otherwise specified in writing, all materials must be obtained from a single source.
  4. To demonstrate compliance with the contract specification, source certificates must be obtained for all raw materials.
  5. Concrete blocks shall be delivered to site and off-loaded near the point of use. Masonry units shall be carefully unloaded and handled so as to prevent chipping and breakage.
  6. Concrete blocks & associated materials should be stacked at clean hard surface free from contamination by mud or surface water. 
  7. Metal ties and straps should be stored under cover and protect them from damage and distortion.
  8. Plan for scaffolding material required for block work at heights. Plan for additional manpower for lifting concrete blocks at heights.
• Preparation of Mortar Mixes:
  1. Mortar shall be mixed by machine except for small quantities only (not containing plasticizer). Hand mixing (if permitted) may be done on a watertight platform.
  2. When mixed at site, batch boxes shall be used to ensure correct and consistent mix proportions.
  3. Use mortars (other than retarded mortars) within 2 hours of mixing or as specified.
• Building Block Walls:
  1. Build block work within permissible deviations as specified.
  2. Unless otherwise specified/permitted, lay blocks on a full bed of mortar and fill all joints. Keep courses levelled and perpend vertically aligned. Plumb quoins and all faces as the work proceeds. It is preferable to Align vertically every fifth or sixth perpend and `even out’ the size of Intermediate joints. Try to keep horizontal joints of uniform thickness.
  3. Do not carry one course more than the height specified in the contract specifications.
  4. Rake out joints as work proceeds, on all faces to be plastered or rendered. This will provide a good key for the coating.
  5. If pointing is specified, the mortar used for the pointing should not be stronger than that used when constructing the wall unless specified otherwise.
  6. All blockwork shall be bonded to adjacent reinforced concrete structures by means of galvanized mild steel cramps at specified spacing unless specified otherwise.
  7. Partitions shall be bonded to main walls by toothing as specified in the contract.

Read more; Method statement for concrete works