Structural masonry is a construction model that guarantees the isolation and support of the entire building. This system has been used for centuries by mankind, characterized mainly by the use of clay bricks, stones and masonry as the main basis of the project.
Unlike conventional construction, whose purpose is to guarantee the "closure" of the areas, delimiting the different environments and facades, the structural masonry still works as the central structure for building stability. For example, conventional construction uses column beams that ensure this support, while that in the structural construction the masonry itself (also called the “carrying wall”) exerts this occupation.
Structural masonry can be divided into three types: reinforced structural masonry (when the blocks are filled with microconcrete that involves steel bars); unreinforced structural masonry (the walls are made without iron bars, and the reinforcements consist of lintels or counter lintels fixed between the walls); and
partially reinforced structural masonry (when some walls receive iron bars and others don't).Advantages and disadvantages
A project based on structural masonry, if well planned, can achieve high rates of rationalization, that is, less wastage of materials and the guarantee of works with less debris and dirt.
Furthermore, with structural masonry there is a reduction in the consumption of wood and steel, for example, compared to conventional construction. With this system, the architect still has greater freedom to make the layout from the project
Reducing construction time is also another advantage of structural masonry, making it the most common choice for most civil engineering projects.
On the other hand, as the entire structure of the building consists of the walls themselves, an architect's evaluation is always necessary. qualified when it is necessary to make any change to the building, since the removal of a wall can represent the fall of the entire construction.
Learn more about the meaning of Masonry.