Bricklaying Practice – Sliding each brick slightly and bedding by tapping with a hammer In brick masonry, the method in which each brick is slid a small horizontal distance into its final position and then pressed/bedded by light tapping with a brick hammer is called what?

Introduction / Context:
Good brickwork depends on proper manipulation of bricks in fresh mortar so that joints are fully filled, beds are even, and line and level are maintained. Site terminology distinguishes between the overall act of laying bricks and specific finishing or remedial operations like trowelling or grouting. This question focuses on the standard method by which a brick is positioned and bedded in the mortar joint.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Each brick is moved a small horizontal distance on its bed of mortar.
• The brick is then pressed into the bed by light tapping with a brick hammer.
• Objective is full contact and correct alignment without squeezing out too much mortar.

Concept / Approach:

The routine operation by which masons place a brick on a prepared mortar bed, adjust it by sliding to close the joint, and tap to bed it properly is part of the bricklaying process, commonly referred to simply as “laying”. Other terms describe different actions: trowelling refers to finishing/working mortar with a trowel; grouting is filling voids with fluid mortar; “placing” is too generic and not the trade term for this operation; raking refers to raking out mortar in joints for pointing later.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Practical masonry manuals describe “laying” with sliding and tapping to achieve full bedding and bond, differentiating it from grouting/trowelling.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Trowelling finishes or spreads mortar; grouting fills cavities; placing is non-specific; raking removes mortar for pointing, not bedding bricks.

Common Pitfalls:

Over-tapping leading to excessive squeeze-out; not sliding enough to close the joint; relying on dry joints without full bedding.

Final Answer:

Laying