Snecked Rubble WallingA step-by-step guide for stonemasons

Stonemasonry Department 2013

The aim of this presentation is to introduce you to the method of building snecked rubble

walling against a block backing. By the end of the lesson you should have developed an

understanding of the bonding arrangement and process for constructing this type of walling.

The first course is built using a repeating pattern of one riser followed by three levellers. You

should see that at the stop end of each of the returns the pattern is stopped but if the wall was

longer this pattern could repeat indefinately.

The second course consists of arrangements built between the risers of the first course. This

arrangement will continue throughout the remainder of the wall. Between each riser there is a

sneck, then a riser, then two levellers. Remember the minimum overlap is 100mm.

The third course is similar to the second. A sneck is followed by a riser and two levellers. You

may find that more cuts are required on this course as you need to ensure that the bonding

requirements are followed. Remember there are a maximum of three heads to a joint.

As you progress higher up the wall you should see that the pattern continues; sneck, riser,

leveller, leveller. By this stage of the construction you should be becoming more familiar with the

bonding arrangements and able to plan each course with the next course in mind.

The main challenge in maintaining a regular bonding arrangement is making sure the bond is

maintained at the returns. The external return in particular requires careful consideration as the

external arris must always be plumbed and minimum overlap adhered to.

As you approach the top of the wall you should see a pattern emerging where the position of

the risers form elongated diamond shapes. You should also notice that the courses alternate

between 1/3 height stones and 2/3 height stones.

On the second-to-last course the risers are levelled to finished building height. Have you noticed

that the risers have been arranged to form the external return? This is the simplest way of

forming the return as the stones are larger and easier to keep in alignment.

The top course is completed entirely of snecks (or levellers). These are intended to represent the

sneck, riser, leveller, leveller pattern as though they had been built and then cut to form the

finished building height. Once complete you should level the top course and point the wall.

Developed by The Stonemasonry DepartmentCity of Glasgow College

2013