The document provides instructions for laying brickwork below ground level and up to the damp proof course (DPC) level on strip foundations. It describes setting out the building corners using ranging lines to indicate the quoin positions. These lines must be accurate as they may have moved during excavation. It also details building the corner brickwork, laying foundation blocks a few courses below ground, and constructing stepped foundations by dry bonding to full courses to avoid cutting bricks.

1. Building Methods &
Construction Technology
Brickwork Below Ground Level

2. Tutor Copy

3. Brickwork up to DPC Level on
Strip Foundations
After the foundations have been concreted,
the bricklayer has to set out the position of
the main corners of the building. The corner
profiles used to set out the building before
the foundations were dug need the ranging
lines re attaching. This will provide the
bricklayer with the relevant positions of the
new walls.

4. These ranging lines will cross at the corners of the
building to indicate the position of each
brickwork/blockwork quoin. At this stage the lines
must be checked for accuracy. This is essential as
the profiles may have been disturbed during the
excavation/concreting stages.
Width of Wall Width of trench
Mortar screed spread out and marked with a trowel to show the
position of the walls using a spirit level to range down from the lines

5. Building Corner Brickwork
DPC Corner is built and raked back until
the correct height is reached
Don’t forget to dry bond between corners to prevent
broken bond. Make sure the corners work brick
courses between DPC and concrete footing, to
avoid timely cutting and waste.
Datum peg

6. Foundation Blocks
Change to brickwork
at approx 2 to 3
course below ground
level
DPC level
Foundation
Blocks

7. Stepped Foundations
Work should always start from the lowest level.
Dry bonding is also very important to avoid
broken bond.
Height of step 3
courses 225mm
Height of step 2
courses 150mm
Steps should be
constructed to
brickwork gauge to
avoid cutting.