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Construction Masonry – Block

Entry Level Assessment Blueprint

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:

Safety 

  • Identify and use PPEs (personal protective equipment) 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of workplace/jobsite safety procedures, including lock-out/tag-out 
  • Exhibit understanding of OSHA safety standards and MSDS 
  • Erect and use scaffolds safely 
  • Display understanding of ladder safety 

    

Craft Knowledge 

  • Explain the history of the craft 
  • Identify job opportunities in the masonry industry 
  • Identify craft terminology 

 

Hand and Power Tools 

  • Identify, use, and properly care for hand tools 
  • Identify, use, and properly care for power tools 

 

Materials

  • Identify and select materials, including synthetic stone and brick products
  • Identify various mortars (M, S, N, O) and cements (Type I, II, III) and their uses
  • Identify material sizes 

 

Blueprints and Specifications

  • Read and interpret written specifications 
  • Identify and interpret lines and symbols 
  • Read and interpret drawings and plans  

 

Project Layout

  • Square a building, use of 3-4-5/Pythagorean theory 
  • Install a corner/story pole and determine heights  
  • Install a metal door/window frame
  • Layout and construct control joints
  • Identify and install anchor bolts and masonry fasteners 

 

Block 

  • Job site set-up 
  • Lay block to the line  
  • Tool off/join units
  • Build block leads and corners 
  • Calculate cuts for various block corners
  • Reinforce walls; horizontally and vertically
  • Identify various types of specialty block
  • Identify and install wall ties and accessories
  • Identify and position various types of lintels

 

Flashing, Weeps, Insulation

  • Install flashing correctly  
  • Install weep holes correctly  
  • Install insulation correctly 

 

Math and Measurements 

  • Exhibit comprehension of construction masonry-related mathematics 
  • Exhibit understanding of measurements and conversions 
  • Estimate/calculate materials needed 

Masonry Structure Maintenance 

  • Restore and repoint masonry units
  • Select and use masonry cleaning agents

 

Professionalism 

  • Exhibit understanding of communication/leadership skills
  • Display understanding of professional ethics and behavior 

 

Written Assessment: 

Administration Time: 3 hours 

Number of Questions: 153

 

Areas Covered:

Safety: 12%

Craft Knowledge: 9%

Hand and Power Tools: 6%

Materials: 8%

Blueprints and Specifications: 6%

Project Layout: 12%

Block: 22%

Flashing, Weeps, and Insulation: 6%

Math and Measurements: 10%

Masonry Structure Maintenance: 5%

Professionalism: 4%

 

Sample Questions:

To avoid accidents, ladders must be kept away from 

  1. walkways and traffic lanes  
  2. a level floor 
  3. the boiler room 
  4. carpeting 

 

A piece of metal used for securing line at both ends of course height is a 

  1. brick tie 
  2. line block 
  3. line pin 
  4. brick set 

 

Which of the following is made to resemble a stone?  

  1. scored block 
  2. sound block 
  3. split-faced block 
  4. open-end block 

 

Expansion and control joints are used to 

  1. provide strength 
  2. improve appearance 
  3. allow for movement 
  4. eliminate movement 

 

A material used to strengthen masonry block cells is called 

  1. grout 
  2. wythe 
  3. keel 
  4. thinset 

 

Performance Assessment:

Administration Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes 

Number of Jobs: 3

 

Areas Covered:

20% Job Layout 

Selection and safe use of tools, project length measured according to drawing specifications, squared the project, and time to complete Job 1.  

 

63% Construct a Block Wall/Pier in Stretcher/Running Bond 

Level top course; plumb points A, B, C, D, E, and F; corner and wall are square and in range; stayed on coursing dimensions; fullness of joints; maintained proper half-bond; and time to complete Job 2.  

 

17% Project Jointing

Jointing, overall project appearance, and time to complete Job 3.  

Sample Job:

Job Layout 

Maximum Time: 15 minutes 

Participant Activity: The participant, using appropriate tools, will measure project size according to drawing specification.  Snap a chalk line, dry bond the first course using 3/8 inch mortar joints. Mark off dimensions for the project, and square the project.