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Mortar testing =
On the job, the freshness and spreadability of the
mortar can be quickly tested with the trowel.
Using the point of the trowel, pull the mortar into
small, sharp ridges. If the ridges hold, the mix (in
terms of the amount of water) is well
proportioned. If there is too much water, the
ridges will run down and slump. If there is not
enough water, the ridges will break and crumble.
Good mortar has the consistency of soft mud.
Muriatic acid =
Acid solution used for cleaning masonry work. A
solution of hydrochloric acid.
Nominal dimension =
The size of a building unit in place with mortar,
as opposed to the actual, measured size of the
unit.
Opus quadratum =
Masonry of squared
stones in regular ashlar
courses.
Opus reticulatum =
A decorative Roman
wall facing, backed by a
concrete core, formed of
small pyramidal stones
with
their
points
embedded in the wall,
their exposed square bases set diagonally,
forming a net -like pattern
Overhand work =
Laying of brick from inside a wall.