Masonry Walls and the Importance of Mockups
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In Practice: Importance of Mockups
Masonry allows for unlimited architectural expression. The shapes,
sizes, colors, textures, and finishes of the units and joints can
be combined in endless variations. Minor fluctuations in shade and
texture impart depth and character to masonry structures. And each
wall is unique. But within that context, there has to be some uniformity.
 Mockups
are sample panels made using the same materials, techniques, and
personnel that will be used on the project. Constructed ahead of
time, they help all involved parties understand what can be built
and how it will appear. Serving as a tool of comparison to judge
finished work, they may be stand-alone panels that will be removed
at project completion or they may be part of the structure, preferably
in a less-visible location. The second option saves time and money.
Key Steps
Achieving acceptable appearance of mortar joints on a project requires
three key steps:
- initial agreement between the owner or his representative and
the contractor or mason on what constitutes desired appearance
- an understanding by both of the inherent limitations of the
system
- careful control of influencing variables by the contractor
and mason.
General Guidelines
 Construct
the panel in a safe area. Retain for future reference if necessary.
View the masonry together. This assures that purchaser (owner)
and provider (mason) are examining the masonry under the same lighting
and environment.
Optimize the viewing environment. View under strong but indirect
sunlight if possible.
Evaluate as a whole. Consider the overall appearance of the masonry
as basis for evaluation. Usually this entails observation from a
distance of approximately 20 ft to 30 ft (6 m to 9 m).
When questions arise, examine the mockup closely. The cause for
differences in appearance observed from a distance can often be
determined by close inspection of the masonry.
Talk about it together. Evaluation of appearance is truly subjective,
but most people can agree on the general aspects of what they like
and don’t like.
Establishing Agreement
The masonry sample panel or mockup is an important means of establishing
agreement between purchaser and provider on what is expected and
what is achievable. Depending on the complexity of the project,
the role of a masonry sample panel or mockup can go beyond providing
a means for evaluating the appearance of masonry.
However, establishing appearance criteria for the project is certainly
one of the basic reasons for constructing, approving, and retaining
sample panels or mockups. In addition to following the general guidelines
for evaluating the appearance of masonry previously mentioned, the
mason contractor should be certain that the panel is indeed representative
of what can be achieved on the project. The materials, batching
and mixing procedures, level of workmanship, curing, and cleaning
procedures used to construct the sample panel should be consistent
with what will be provided in construction of the project. This
requires planning on the part of both the owner and the mason contractor,
to provide adequate time for the mortar to cure, for the panel to
be cleaned, and for it to dry prior to evaluation of its appearance.
Honest discussion between the owner or his representative and the
mason contractor is required to assure that a clear understanding
is reached on what appearance criteria are reasonable to expect
in the completed masonry. For example, the mason may need to explain
how the combination of the masonry unit‘s suction characteristics,
sand quality, mortar type, and tooling requirements being used on
a specific project affect consistency of texture and shade of mortar
joints. The owner or the owner‘s representative may wish to
emphasize concern that precautions such as covering units and walls
are taken during construction to minimize variability in the appearance
of mortar joints.
For more information, see: (Click on title)
Trowel Tips:
Cleaning Masonry (IS244)
Trowel Tips: Workmanship
Part I, Preparing for Quality (IS245)
Trowel Tips: Workmanship
Part II, Imparting Quality to Masonry (IS246)
Trowel Tips: Mortar
Color (IS247)
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