GFS SUPPLY & SERVICES Co. W.L.

METHOD STATEMENT FOR BLOCKWORKS

Contents
1. SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................................. 3
3. MATERIALS ........................................................................................................................................... 3
4. PROCEDURE (WORK METHODOLOGY).................................................................................................. 3
5. QUALITY ASSURANCE/ QUALITY CONTROL ........................................................................................... 5
6. SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................... 5
1. SCOPE

This Method Statement provides the control sequence of construction and methodology that will
be used for block works activity in order to achieve compliance with the contract specifications
and drawings.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Manager and Construction Manager shall be responsible for the overall implementation
of the construction procedures. Responsible for the implementation of method statement and ensure
that his team of engineers and foremen are aware of this.
The Engineer-in-charge shall be responsible for the works execution.. Construction Engineer shall
inform all parties concerned for any kind of inspection and time schedule. Engineer shall be
responsible for the efficient use of all resources to execute the work in accordance with the
construction drawings.
Land surveyor shall do marking, setting out and all survey works at site.
The QA/QC shall be responsible for conducting surveillance and inspection in accordance with the
specification. He shall review relevant document material certificates and non-conformance report;
receive internal request of inspection from Construction Engineer/s and prepare request for
inspection as per schedule required.
The Safety Officer shall provide safety precautions such as warning tapes, signs to be positioned as
deemed necessary. Provide all necessary PPE, use right tools and equipment for the jobs. Comply
with all safety rules and safety signage’s instructions. All relevant permissions are available for the
works.

3. MATERIALS

All materials shall be as per approved materials noted by the consultant. See annexures for the
attached approved material submittals.
Concrete Blocks
Portland Cement
Sand (Aggregate)
Masonry accessories

4. PROCEDURE (WORK METHODOLOGY)

Concrete blocks will be laid in accordance with the Project Specifications.

All 100 mm thick masonry work will be built with solid blocks.
150 mm and 200 mm thick internal masonry works will be built with hollow blocks.. Single layer 200
mm thick block works in external walls of the proposed buildings shall be built in insulated blocks.
Clean all area for any material or concrete debris obstructing laying out.

The hollow blocks and Solid blocks to be used will have a minimum compressive strength at 28th
days of 7.0 N/mm2 and 15.0 N/mm2 or as specified in Project Specifications. Provide setting-
out/survey report to be submitted to consultant prior to proceed with the block laying.
Block wall layout will be marked on the casted slab as shown on the Architectural drawings.
Reference drawings shall be provided (key plan, detail and related approved drawings shall be kept
at the site locations for reference).
Blocks will be laid out in advance for accurate spacing of stretcher pattern with uniform joint widths (1
0 mm) and the possible requirement of stiffener column and bond beam as per shop drawing.
Starter blocks will be laid on full mortar bedding on casted slab.
The succeeding courses will be laid in full mortar coverage on horizontal and vertical face shells.
Blocks will be laid in running (stretcher) bond pattern with vertical joint in each course centred on
units in courses above and below.
Corners will be bonded and interlocked at each course of each leaf.
Wherever inevitable to lay cut piece, concrete blocks will be cut using motor driven saw. Cut piece
less than 100 mm will be avoided at corners and jambs locations. No damaged block works will be
used.
Each block is to be adjusted to its final position in the wall whilst mortar is still plastic. Any block which
is moved after the mortar has been stiffened shall be removed and re-laid with fresh mortar. Grout
and mortar shall be prepared in a manner that will satisfy the specifications.
Joints on the wall’s face will be left to stiffen slightly (thumbprint hard) and then be firmly compacted
with a jointing tool and struck off flushed to the wall line.
Wherever required, the frequency and details of bond beams and stiffener columns will be as shown
on the approved block works connection
Ties for bonding concrete blocks walls and concrete columns to be galvanized steel 3 mm thick and
30 mm wide, L – shaped with minimum 150 mm leg for embedment in mortar joints and 50 mm short
leg with pre-drilled hole for fixing to concrete column with post-installed cartridge-powered corrosion-
resistant anchors of matching diameter and sufficient length. One row of ties to be installed for each
end of wall spaced at each second course of blocks.
Expanded mesh lath reinforcement to be galvanized, the width of expanded mesh will allow at least
20 mm clearances from each face of wall, Block Thickness Reinforcement Width (mm)

Block Thickness (mm) Reinforcement Width (mm)

100 50

150 60

200 110

Vertical bar to be inserted in the concrete top of the slab, minimum diameter 12 mm, the
distance between vertical bars not more than 80 bar diameter, the distance between block edge
and vertical bars 12 mm.
Use mechanical/chemical anchors and methods recommended by the block manufacturer for
the service pipe fixation and other fixings on the masonry wall.
Horizontal, vertical stiffeners and opening reinforcements will be as per approved drawing.
Check for any openings such as doors or windows opening shall be at the right locations.
When resuming work, exposed surfaces of set masonry will be cleaned and loosed masonry
unit and mortar will be removed prior laying of fresh masonry.
Anchor masonry to structural member will follow as per Project Specifications.
Movement joints to be 12 mm wide and formed where indicated or where continuous runs of
block walling exceed 8 metres in length.
Cement, sand mortar will be used, mortar class M 6 (155 kg Cement, 710 kg Sand) will be used.
Metal, precast or cast in-situ lintels will be used at site; lintels are to be having a minimum end
bearing of 200 mm.
The constructed masonry wall will be cured by keeping wet for at least 3 days.

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE/ QUALITY CONTROL

Concrete blocks samples to be tested as per Project Specification.

Significant Stages of Work shall be ensured by Project Engineer/ Site Engineer/ Quality Control
Engineer in compliance with the specified requirements of the contract documents including:
Use of approved drawings and approved materials.
Mockup to be approved before commencing the work.
The layout of the work before commencing installation shall be done. Setting out from surveyor.
Cleaning out debris and dust.
Setting out of block work
Laying of starter blocks
Laying of succeeding courses
Provision of stiffener columns and bond beams wherever required.
QC Engineers shall monitor all these stages and Inspection Request (IR) shall be submitted to
Consultant after laying of starter blocks prior continuing subsequent courses.

6. SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT

Hazards and risk assessment are carried out and are reviewed by the HSE Officer to ensure
that all the hazards have been identified and adequate control measures are in place. Provide
enough lighting to proceed the works at site.
All personnel shall wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, designated by their
foreman, or as good safety practice.
All accidents/incidents, injuries, and/or property damage, no matter how slight, must be reported
immediately.
Report any unsafe condition and/or practice to your foreman or safety representative. All tools
and equipment for the task shall be in a safe condition and fit for its purpose.