Transcript
Today, let's take a quick look at how a typical load bearing masonry structure is built. If you build the bricks on the completed blinding layer in a step pattern, you'll get a step strip footing. Then, we tie the rebar for the bond beam and tie columns on top of the step strip footing. Install the formwork. Now, we can pour the concrete. Once the concrete is poured and the forms are removed, the strip footing is complete. Next, lay down a damp proof membrane to prevent moisture from rising through the foundation. Then, backfill the soil. Start laying the interior and exterior masonry walls, leaving openings for doors and windows as you go. Next, install the tie column rebar and formwork. Pour the concrete. Next, set the formwork for the bond beams and stairs. After tying the rebar, pour the concrete, and that completes the first level. Then, we repeat the same process for the second and third levels. And that's how a typical masonry house is built. Since the masonry walls carry the structural loads, if you want to knock down a masonry wall to change the layout, you could risk a partial or even complete collapse. So, you can't just knock down load bearing masonry walls.