Hands on masonry at OSU

Students introducted to masonry tools and techniques

By Carl Lee

On February 5, 2015, the industry sponsored masonry engineering class at Oregon State University was treated to a hands on masonry session. Members from BAC local #1 traveled down to Corvallis, to demonstrate the knowledge and skills it takes, to change what is drawn on paper to an actual structure.

Students were first introduced to the tools that a mason uses out in the field, and then given a demonstration of the different techniques of mortar being applied to brick and concrete block. Each student was then given a trowel and a chance to practice what they had learned. After practice, demonstration areas were setup, in which students were given the chance to erect a CMU wall and place a brick cap on top. Keeping the wall straight and plumb seem to be the most challenging and most fun for the students.

The course instructor, Nathan Wallace from CH2M Hill, was not going to be left out, and grabbed a trowel to join in, much to his students delight. Toward the end of class, students were shown how to strike and finish the mortar joints and given a chance to build masonry prisms which were going to be tested during another class period.

Mutual Materials Company graciously donated the brick and CMU and the time and instruction given by BAC local #1 members was greatly appreciated.