Masonry Works

Building Technology · Level 6  ·  7 Chapters

Compiled by: Harun Maina

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What Masonry Works covers

In this unit, you will be able to confidently read and interpret construction drawings, accurately measure and mark out building sites, and prepare foundations with precision and care. You will master the use of essential tools and safety equipment, ensuring every step of your masonry work meets professional standards. By the end, you’ll be ready to contribute to building strong, safe structures with skill and confidence.

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Careers after Masonry Works

Working with drawings, measurements and safe practices is the backbone of every building you’ll see around Kenya - from the modest homes in Kitui to the high-rise apartments in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Mastering these masonry skills means you can turn a blank plot into a sturdy, lasting structure, and you’ll be the person who makes those transformations happen.

  • Residential and townhouse projects in peri-urban towns (e.g., Kiambu, Thika, Nakuru) - Contractors need workers who can read symbols, set out reference points and lay foundation walls accurately, ensuring each house stands firm against the climate and soil conditions.
  • Commercial complexes and shopping centres in major cities (e.g., Westlands, Upper Hill, Mombasa’s Nyali) - Large developers rely on masons who can interpret elevations, sections and international measurement standards to keep tight tolerances on multi-storey foundations and podiums.
  • County-run schools, health clinics and community centres - County construction teams look for people who can safely excavate, treat termite-prone trenches and apply blinding before concrete pours, guaranteeing safe, long-lasting public facilities.
  • Tourism and resort developments along the coast and in the Rift Valley - Resorts need precise profile boards and level lines for swimming pools, spa pavilions and guest-house foundations, where any error can delay opening seasons.
  • Industrial and agro-processing plants in industrial parks (e.g., Athi River, Eldoret) - Engineers depend on masons who can transfer measurements from drawings to the ground, check squareness and backfill correctly to support heavy machinery foundations.
  • Self-employed masonry services in informal settlements and small-scale housing schemes - With the ability to read basic working drawings and apply proper PPE, you can start a solo or family-run business offering foundation digging, termite treatment and wall-laying services, charging per square metre or per project.
  • Renovation and retro-fit contracts for existing structures - Property owners upgrading older homes need skilled masons who can identify building sections, mark profile lines and ensure new additions match the original design and safety standards.
  • Construction-training centres and apprenticeships - Your competence in interpreting drawings and handling tools makes you a valuable trainer or mentor for the next generation of masons, opening pathways into teaching or supervisory roles.

Every block you lay, every line you mark, builds not just a structure but your reputation as a reliable, safety-conscious professional. Keep sharpening these skills - they are the tickets to steady work, higher earnings and the pride of shaping Kenya’s built environment.

Chapters

What Masonry Works covers: 36 main topics in 7 chapters

1. Interpret building drawings

  1. 1.1 Symbols and abbreviation
  2. 1.2 Measurements
  3. 1.3 Building elevations
  4. 1.4 Building sections

2. Set-out building

  1. 2.1 PPEs
  2. 2.2 Setting out tools and equipment's
  3. 2.3 Setting out methods
  4. 2.4 Profiling
  5. 2.5 Levelling
  6. 2.6 Transferring measurements to the ground
  7. 2.7 Setting out tools and equipment are maintained and stored based on manufacturer's instructions
  8. 2.8 Over site excavation is carried out as per SOPs

3. Lay building foundation concrete

  1. 3.1 PPEs
  2. 3.2 Materials and tools
  3. 3.3 Excavation of trenches
  4. 3.4 Foundation trenches
  5. 3.5 Foundation treatment
  6. 3.6 Foundation blinding

4. Construct foundation walls

  1. 4.1 Measurement transfer
  2. 4.2 Foundation walling units
  3. 4.3 Backfilling

5. Construct ground floor slab

  1. 5.1 PPEs
  2. 5.2 Hardcore
  3. 5.3 Murram blinding
  4. 5.4 Formwork
  5. 5.5 Damp proofing
  6. 5.6 Concrete casting
  7. 5.7 Curing

6. Construct reinforced concrete elements

  1. 6.1 PPEs
  2. 6.2 Column concrete kicker
  3. 6.3 Concrete elements
  4. 6.4 Curing

7. Construct superstructure walls

  1. 7.1 PPEs
  2. 7.2 Damp Proof Course
  3. 7.3 Masonry wall units
  4. 7.4 Bridging of walls

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Beyond the syllabus

Other units in Module I