**Construction Specification 735 - Concrete Block and Brick Masonry**

**1. Scope**

The work shall consist of furnishing all required materials and
constructing the concrete block and/or brick masonry structures shown on
the drawings. Concrete floors, slabs, footings, beams, or similar
structural components of composite structures are not included.

**2. Materials**

Masonry stone shall meet the requirements of the latest edition of the
Alabama Department of Transportation, Standard Specifications for
Highway Construction, Section 812, Masonry Stone.

Masonry cement shall meet the requirements of the latest edition of the
Alabama Department of Transportation, Standard Specifications for
Highway Construction, Section 815, Cement.

Portland cement shall meet the requirements of the latest edition of the
Alabama Department of Transportation, Standard Specifications for
Highway Construction, Section 815, Cement.

Aggregate for masonry mortar shall meet the gradation requirements of
ASTM Specification C‑144.

Mortar shall be made by mixing, by volume, one part masonry cement, one
part portland cement, five parts mortar aggregate (in damp loose
condition), and sufficient water to provide a workable consistency.
Mortar that is not used within 2-1/2 hours after mixing shall be
discarded.

On-site storage facilities will be such that cements and concrete blocks
will be stored and maintained in an air-dry condition.

Written material certifications will not be required unless requested by
the Engineer due to reasonable doubt concerning the quality of
materials.

**3. Laying**

The footing surface shall be cleaned of all unsatisfactory concrete,
laitance, coatings, stains, or debris by dry scrubbing with a wire brush
or broom, by compressed air, or other methods approved by the Engineer
prior to laying the first course of blocks or bricks.

Concrete blocks and brick shall be air dry at the time of placement.
Cracked, broken, or chipped blocks or brick shall not be used.

Mortar joints shall be of the thickness required to provide the overall
dimensions shown on the drawings. Joints shall be tooled after initial
setting and all excess mortar removed to present a finished appearance.

Unless otherwise specified, cores in the stretcher blocks shall be
filled after laying with concrete or mortar. The filler shall be
thoroughly hand tamped with a steel rod or similar tool to remove air
pockets and voids.

**4. Items of work and construction details**

The item of work to be performed in conformation with this specification
and construction details are:

[Work or Material Item, Concrete Block]{.underline}

\(1\) This item shall consist of furnishing and installing the 8 in. x 8
in. x 16 in., 8 in. x 8 in. x 8 in. and the 4in. x 8 in. x 16 in.
concrete blocks for the 48 in. drop inlets as shown on the drawings.

\(2\) Cutting or shaping the blocks to fit the design shall be done by
sawing or other methods acceptable to the Engineer.

\(3\) All visible corners or edges of the block inlets will be
constructed with corner blocks that have smooth flat end surfaces.

\(4\) The first course of blocks and steel reinforcing bars will be
installed before the footing slab concrete sets up.