1 - MS For Block Work - R00
1 - MS For Block Work - R00
DG-PIN-456-0000-AWJ-MTS-CE-000001_ [Status]
20 - July - 2024
2 Scope of Work
The scope of this method statement is for concrete work but is not limited to:
This method statement outlines a systematic approach to ensure that block masonry and
plastering work is carried out in accordance with the contract, project specification and
drawings.
The contractor must continuously monitor and supervise the work activities to verify they
are conducted in line with the method statement.
This method statement outlines the working procedures for block and plastering work
associated activities. This will cover the storage of materials, the layout of block work, the
laying of blocks, and the curing process.
2.1 References to be used
MS - Method Statement
ITP – Inspection and test plan.
HSE – Health Safety and Environment.
RA – Risk Assessment
COSHH - Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
MSDS – Material safety data sheet
PMC - Project Management Consultant (Saudi Arabian Parsons)
CSC - Construction Supervision Consultant (Dorsch Holding Gmbh)
DC - Diriyah Company
Contractor - ABCC & WETICO Joint Venture
IFC – Issued for Construction
MIR – Material Inspection Request
WIR – Work Inspection Request
MAR – Material Approval Request
CEMP - Construction Environmental Management Plans
CM - Construction manager
PM - Project manager
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
SBS - Styrene - Butadiene - Styrene
CMU - Concrete Masonry Unit
2.3 Responsibility
2.3.1 Project Manager
The Project manager Shall be responsible for overall project execution, he will coordinate
with the client and head office, progress monitoring, attending review meetings, and
resource management, overall, he will be responsible for the timely completion of the
project by all contractual requirements.
He is responsible for ensuring the work is executed on time and by contract specifications
and production drawings. Ensures that the content of this method statement is
understood and implemented at all times.
Coordinate with the Construction Manager to ensure that the necessary resources to
implement the approved Method Statement have been allocated to the task.
Determine all the requirements needed to comply with quality and safety standards and
regulations as required.
2.3.2 Construction Manager
Oversee and direct construction activities from conception to completion. Review the
activities in-depth to schedule deliverables and estimate time. Oversee all onsite and
The HSE Manager is responsible for establishing an effective HSE management plan.
Ensures the HSE management system requirements are established, implemented, and
maintained.
Coordinates with the Site HSE team and the Construction Management team to ensure
effective implementation of the Procedures. Assist the risk assessment team in formulating
Method Statements and Risk Assessments for specific construction activities
To lead the entire team, maintaining HSE awareness and creating a safe culture and
working environment through innovative ideas. Planning and coordinating the HSE
Training for the project.
Issue necessary directives to the Safety Officer / Supervisor and render advice to the
Project Manager, as required. Prepare and submit reports on HSE issues to, Safety
Executives whenever required.
Carry out HSE inspections at construction sites concerning all HSE issues. Liaise with
Client’s and Consultants’ HSE Departments. Take part in incident investigation and
reporting of all Incidents. Monitor and assess HSE measures on visits to sites.
2.3.4 HSE Engineer/Officer
Will ensure that all relevant notifications and signs have been posted before the
commencement of the work.
Will ensure that all the activities related to the specified task are being followed safely and
all workers are wearing PPE.
Identify and take control measures for the risks associated with the hazard. Will identify
and predict hazards in the surroundings or working conditions and take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate or correct them.
Has the authority to stop work immediately if an unacceptable impact on the environment
is occurring or is likely to occur. Responsible for ensuring the preparation of site-specific
environmental and regulatory documentation and for regular review and improvement of
such documentation, as appropriate.
Where a control measure used to limit environmental harm is found to be inadequate, or a
potential incident is likely, he may request remedial works to be carried out. Ensure that
Will ensure that the concrete activities are conducted according to the approved Method
Statement and project contract documents. Will be responsible for the implementation of
this procedure.
Will ensure that the materials being delivered and used are to the project specifications.
Will be responsible for the inspection, preparation of all documents, and compiling them
for inclusion in the final documentation package.
2.3.6 QC Inspector
QC personnel will ensure that all activities about the concrete works are conducted in strict
adherence to the project specification and approved drawings.
The necessary inspections and testing will be coordinated with the consultant as per the
ITP. The QC personnel is responsible for maintaining and keeping records of all quality
control documents.
The kickoff meeting should be scheduled on-site before or during the construction phase.
This meeting should include all personnel involved in the concrete work, including the
construction management staff.
Ensure the effective implementation of a Quality System and consistently monitor the
overall quality of the work. Perform inspections and oversee testing procedures. Identify
and document any instances of non-conformance, along with suggested corrective
measures.
It is important to inform all staff members about the quality standards that need to be met.
Perform surveillance and inspection tasks at different stages to verify adherence to the
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan.
2.3.7 Site Engineer
It will be ensured at all times that the earthworks will be carried out under the control of a
competent works supervisor and the assigned supervisor will have extensive experience in
construction works undertaken.
Pre-task briefing to be provided by the relevant site Engineer/Supervisor before the start
of the work activity and to be recorded.
Will explain the Method Statement to his subordinates and be responsible for executing
the works by the method statement.
To ascertain that the work is being carried out as per the instructions of the site engineer
Inspect arriving materials to ensure they meet the required requirements and perform on-
site testing if needed.
Supervise the storage and management of materials to prevent any harm or deterioration.
Conduct an investigation and resolve any material-related issues or nonconformance
raised during the construction process.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to other construction personnel, contractors,
and engineers in the selection and usage of materials. Ensure precise documentation of
material testing outcomes and inspections.
Engage in concluding inspections and verify that all materials adhere to contractual
specifications. Review of the concrete mix design calculation and participation in batch
plant trials.
Address concrete-related challenges. Review of the material and submission to the client.
Advice for the quality team if the material fails to satisfy the specifications. Choosing the
most suitable materials for specific applications by considering their properties.
2.3.9 Environmental Engineer
Has the authority to stop work immediately if an unacceptable impact on the environment
is occurring or is likely to occur.
Responsible for ensuring the preparation of site-specific environmental and regulatory
documentation and for regular review and improvement of such documentation, as
appropriate.
Where a control measure used to limit environmental harm is found to be inadequate, or a
potential incident is likely, he may request remedial works to be carried out. Ensure that
the material and information for environmental induction, training, and toolbox talks are
timely prepared and delivered.
Ensure materials being used on the site are environmentally friendly and safe. Responsible
for ensuring that appropriate levels of environmental resources are available to conduct
environmental management functions.
2.3.10 Civil Supervisor
Directing the movement of vehicles on a work site. Recommending and laying out safe, on-
site traffic systems. Providing clear, correct, and safe directions to equipment operators.
Communicating with drivers and equipment operators verbally or by radio and/or industry-
standard hand signals.
Understanding risks (e.g. blind spots) and how to manage these effectively. Managing
traffic to avoid excessive queuing. Minimizing possible risks to personnel and equipment.
2.3.12 Safety Officer
Safety officer will ensure that all workers and workplaces are safe. All personnel must
adhere to the safety rules and regulations at the site.
A works permit has been issued before commencing the Excavation and Backfilling works.
A hazard identification and control measure has been implemented.
Safety officer will be available in the work area until the work is completed. PPE shall be
worn at all times.
Method statements for all activities shall be in place and discussed with workers. Suitable
access roads for equipment shall be provided by ABCC-Wetico JV.
Before the commencement of any activity, the workforce will receive a safety induction
and toolbox talk on the project site safety requirements.
Suitable access roads for equipment shall be defined and marked with caution boards and
warning signs.
Safety officer and direct supervisor will ensure that PPE (Safety Shoe, Hard Hat, Hand
Gloves, Reflective Waist, Safety Goggles, and Mask) are worn by site personnel at all times
during this activity.
2.4 Supervision Arrangements
The site engineers are responsible for supervising the concrete activities of the subcontractor full-
time to ensure the execution of activities is carried out as per the method statement and
conforms to the project specification requirements where applicable.
The Construction Manager has the overarching responsibility and accountability for the site works
related to the concrete work operations. The CM will ensure the well-being of the operators,
workers, and other members of his team. Also, the full functionality and maintenance of the
machinery should be ensured.
The CM should make sure that all technical and supervisory staff working under him shall be
working with only the approved IFC drawings. The Construction team members are responsible
and should be undertaking the responsibility to follow this method statement's written
regulations and requirements.
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All the contractor's project site team including the quality control inspectors/engineers are all
together to be responsible for providing full compliance to the work/output and the expected
results should be provided to the client/client representative through MIRs and WIRs for their
review and approval.
All required test results and inspection checklists (where required) are to be attached to the
relevant MIR/WIR for the Consultant’s review and approval.
For ready-mix applications(Factory made product, follow the approved material and the
manufacturer's recommendations for detailed application instructions. The ready-mix
materials must be stored appropriately to safeguard them against moisture.
Mortar will be produced at the construction site using either a portable batch mixer with
weigh batching or a manual mix with volume batching. For greater amounts, it can be
blended in batch facilities.
Utilize mortars, excluding retarded mortars, within a time frame of 2 hours after mixing or
as indicated.
The mortar mix ratio for CMU solid blocks is 1:6 OPC to sand, while for thermal/hollow
blocks it is 1:4 OPC to sand, or as otherwise specified in spec.
Material must be stored and utilized according to the manufacturer's instructions. Blocks
and accessories will be transported to the construction site in a stacked manner on a pallet
and unloaded as close as possible to the intended location.
The unloading area should be a clean and solid surface, without any mud or water. Cement
must be stored above ground level, in a dry place, and used in the order it was delivered.
Ensure that metal ties and straps are stored in a covered area to safeguard them from
harm and deformation.
The QA/QC Engineer will be responsible for supervising the receipt of CMU blocks and
conducting the sampling and testing of CMU blocks to ensure they meet project
specifications.
Plaster stopper, coil lath, and other plaster accessories must be stored in pallets to avoid
any harm or damage to the material. Work must not utilize material that is bent or
distorted.
Plaster, cementitious materials, must be supplied and stored in a dry space inside the
building. If they are kept outside, they should be covered with a polythene sheet.
3.4 CMU Blocks Wall (Hollow and solid block)
A mock-up of a typical block masonry will be constructed for each type of external and
internal location to demonstrate the proper fixing of accessories, the quality of materials,
and the execution of work.
Written approval will be obtained through the WIR before proceeding with any further
actual work at the site. The mock-up may become a permanent fixture at the site.
Construct block work within specified tolerances as per specification and approved
drawing.
The surveyor will mark out the arrangement for the block work based on the approved
layout drawings.
When working in a dry and hot climate, it is advisable to moisten masonry units before
laying them down. This helps to prevent the rapid drying and shrinking of cement-based
mortars.
Ensure that the first layer of the block is composed of solid blocks if using hollow blocks
and that it is completely laid out with perfect alignment.
The blocks should be positioned appropriately on a bed of mortar that is filled. Joints are
properly filled and the mortar's joint thickness will vary between 8 and 12 millimeters.
All necessary masonry cutting must be performed using power tools that will provide
precise edges without any chipping or damage to the surfaces.
Maintain openings by the drawing and cut units to allow frames, conduit, fixtures, recesses,
and other pieces of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work within the wall block work.
3.4.3 Doors in Block Wall
As the project progresses, proceed with the installation of metal door frames, fabricated
metal frames, window frames anchor bolts, plates, conduits, pipelines, and other fixed
objects into the construction.
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It is necessary to securely attach all frameworks to both sides of the opening and ensure
that it is perfectly vertical and aligned. The blockwork should be constructed according to
the specified dimensions, thickness, and height indicated on the drawing.
3.4.4 Blockwork cleaning
As the job progresses, it is advised to clean mortar droplets from masonry surfaces and
surfaces that are adjacent to them with great care. Following the completion of every
portion of the wall block work, surfaces should be cleaned and remedial measures should
be taken where necessary.
3.4.5 Steel lintel
Steel lintels should be installed with a minimum end bearing of 150mm or as per drawing
requirements, bedded on mortar, and leveled along its length and across its width in a
precise and meticulous manner. The masonry above the lintel should be built according to
the shop drawing.
Raise both the inner and outer leaves at the same time to prevent any uneven loading,
ensuring that the height difference does not exceed 225mm or as per the shop
drawing.Remember to lay the masonry on a mortar bed and fill all perpendicular joints.
When installing concrete floor units or other heavy components above a lintel, it is
important to handle them with care and avoid dragging them into position to prevent any
potential damage or shock loading. The masonry above the lintel should be given time to
properly cure.
It is not recommended to place point loads directly on the flanges of a lintel. It is important
to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of masonry, at least 150mm high, between the
flange and the application level of any form of loading when using steel lintels.
It is important to ensure that the external lintel flange extends beyond the window/door
frame. To ensure a proper seal, it is recommended to use a flexible sealing compound
between the underside of the lintel flange and the frame.
Testing for Concrete Block
Ensure compliance with ASTMC-90 and C-129 standards regarding block compressive
strength, weight classification, and water absorption.
3.5 CMU block plastering
3.5.1 Preparation
All loose materials will be thoroughly removed and scraped off from the surface, including
any old plaster.
Surfaces should be thoroughly wet with spraying water to ensure a clean and stain-free
finish.
Water should not be added to the mortar once the mixture has been prepared. It is
recommended to cover the mortar with a polyethylene sheet to prevent moisture
A mixture of one part by volume Portland cement to three parts fine sand, along with 3
parts clean water, should be mixed to a mushy-paste consistency. ASTM C270 can be used
for the mix ratio of a dash coat.
3.5.4 Area of usage & fixing of metal lath, angle & corner beads
Metal lath is required for all joints between the block and concrete columns and beams. In
addition, it is important to use metal laths above the MEP services to effectively control
cracks. Fasteners are utilized to affix the metal lath to the concrete surface. The choice of
fastener will depend on the substrate type, the weight of the metal lath, and the thickness
and weight of any other materials involved.
For the creation of a professional finish, it is important to prepare solid plaster bases that
are smooth or lack suction capability. This can be achieved by installing accessories like
A. Corner beads, which serve as reinforcements for outside corners.
B. The required angle beads will be installed on all vertical and horizontal edges as per the
approved drawing. Apply angle beads to all external angles, both horizontal and vertical. The
angle bead should be a single piece with a maximum length of 3000mm. The beads should be
properly secured with a maximum spacing of 300mm center to center.
Curing shall be started 24 hours after finishing the plasterwork. Ensure that the plaster
remains adequately moist by regularly spraying water, at least twice a day for at least
three days
3.5.7 PATCHING AND CLEANING
Cracks and trimming areas should be inspected after the curing period. Whenever patching
work is completed, it should be executed with precision to seamlessly blend with the
surrounding area in terms of texture and finish. The final result should be of the highest
quality, ready for painting or wall covering.
The plaster must be thoroughly cleaned of any dust, dirt, or other contaminants before the
work is submitted for approval. After finishing the job, ensure that any debris caused by
the plasterwork is promptly cleared.
Potable Water
Curing compound
Burlap/ cotton mats, rugs
Concrete Masonry unit
Dry Mix Mortar for Masonry
Block Work Accessories like Masonry Reinforcement Ladder/Mesh, Steel lintel, and block
angle
Cement
Dry sand
Plaster work accessories like Metal Lath, angle beads, and special pieces for internal angles
and corners.
4.2 Logistics
Nail Gun
Scaffolding Platforms
Line dory
Hand tools
Mixer machine
Mason square
Water level
Site Engineer
QC Engineers
Surveyor
Civil foreman
Carpenters
Steel fixers
Mason
Scaffolders
Safety officers
Flagmen
First Aider
Laborers
Block Work Mason
Familiarize yourself with the Site Emergency contact list, which is posted in various
locations throughout the site.
An Emergency Vehicle must be present on-site at all times during work activities.
There should be a designated First Aider available at the location of work to provide
immediate assistance in case of any medical emergencies.
Trained personnel should be present on-site to handle and manage emergencies
effectively.
Conduct task-oriented toolbox talks for each shift, covering various activities, to ensure
that workers are aware of potential hazards and safety measures.
Strictly enforce the policy of not allowing unauthorized individuals or visitors to enter the
work site without proper induction and personal protective equipment (PPE).
All personnel must receive training on working at heights, handling chemicals, using
respirators, and utilizing special PPE in addition to general safety training.
The work supervisor, area safety personnel, and permit receiver should continually
monitor the health condition of the workforce.
Ensure that access and exit points are never blocked, allowing for safe and efficient
movement throughout the site.
Encourage regular breaks and implement a heat stress program to prevent heat-related
illnesses.
Continuously monitor temperature and humidity levels to assess potential risks and take
appropriate measures to mitigate them.
By adhering to these protocols and guidelines, we can maintain a safe working
environment and effectively respond to any emergencies that may arise.
6 Emergency Preparedness
We have to ensure compliance with the following emergency protocols and guidelines.
Familiarize yourself with the Site Emergency contact list, which is posted in various
locations throughout the site.
An Emergency Vehicle must be present on-site at all times during work activities.
There should be a designated First Aider available at the location of work to provide
immediate assistance in case of any medical emergencies.
Trained personnel should be present on-site to handle and manage emergencies
effectively.
The disposal options for concrete and inert debris are the following.
Propose the material to NCEC/MWAN for reuse in Riyadh regional environmental projects
Propose the material to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) for reuse in Riyadh
regional road projects
Sell the material to the excavation contractor for reuse in local projects (e.g. fill, road base,
aggregates)
Dispose in municipal dumping areas
Sites that will accept material from the Diriyah Gate project are the following
RCRC Projects
NCEC will confirm the preferred site disposal areas
The authorized disposal sites by Amana are the following.
Al Mahdi Dumping area; south Riyadh.
Wadi Laban Dumping area; South Riyadh
CDW – Dugham
Al Sulai Landfill
Al Nadhim Landfill
Wadi Laban Landfill
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An additional option is the airport dumping area in North Riyadh currently under
investigation.
7.2 Hazardous Substance Management
The concrete wash water will be contained and evaporated in these pits/ containers and the
remaining hardened solids can be removed and sent for recycling/ disposal, according to the
Construction Waste Management Plan. (refer to section 8.3 of CEMP).
8 Security Arrangements
Gate permits will be obtained by the prequalified subcontractor for the necessary staff. The
people working on the STP project will be able to acquire vehicle registration and gate pass
services.
9 Document Records
9.1 Risk Assessment
Refer to Appendix A
11 Document Record
APPENDICES
11.1 Appendix A - Risk Assessment (RA)