Key Construction Terms and Material Tests

Rigging (Brick Arrangement)

Rigging is the arrangement of bricks in walls. It considers the dimensions of the wall and corner connections to ensure the wall rises uniformly at all heights.

Soga (Stretcher)

Soga (Stretcher) refers to the sides of the wall formed by the longest face of the brick. This face is typically 1/2 foot (approx. 12 cm) thick and is often used on the visible facades of walls.

Tizón (Header)

Tizón (Header) refers to the end face of the brick. In brickwork, headers are often used to tie walls together and support structural loads. The visible face of a header is typically the width of the brick (e.g., 12.5 cm).

English Bond

English Bond is a brickwork pattern that alternates courses of stretchers (soga) and headers (tizón). This bond is commonly used in walls.

Tambourine Wall

In a Tambourine Wall, the thickness of the wall is equal to the thickness of the brick. This type of wall is typically not used as a load-bearing wall.

Palomero Wall (Perforated)

The arrangement of bricks in a Palomero Wall is similar to a Tambourine wall, but with empty spaces left between bricks. Its main function is to allow the passage of wind.

Aggregates Testing: Granulometry

Granulometry testing is performed to determine the distribution of particle sizes within a body of aggregates. It is typically done using test sieves.

Tiles: Flexural Strength Test

The Flexural Strength Test for tiles is performed to determine their maximum resistance to bending (flexion).

Tiles: Abrasion Resistance Test

The Abrasion Resistance Test involves subjecting the tile surface to the action of a metal disk while an abrasive material is applied.

Tiles: Surface Water Absorption Test

This test determines how much water the visible face of the tile can absorb.

Tiles: Total Water Absorption Test

This test determines the total moisture content the entire tile piece can absorb.

Tiles: Impact Resistance Test

This test involves dropping a 1 kg steel ball onto the face of the tile from heights ranging from 40 cm up to 100 cm.

Concrete Block Testing

The most important tests for concrete blocks are the Compression Test and the Water Absorption Test.

Concrete Block Placement Steps

1. Ground preparation
2. Rebar placement
3. Mortar preparation
4. Place one block at each end and level

Aggregates: Specific Gravity Test

The Specific Gravity Test for aggregates determines the weight of an aggregate sample in relation to its volume. The weight of the sample is divided by its volume to obtain the specific gravity value.

Aggregates: Water Absorption Test

This test determines the amount of water aggregates can absorb.