Sequencing activities in Primavera P6 is one of the most critical steps in building a reliable and realistic project schedule. It defines the logical flow of work, the order in which tasks must be performed, and how delays or changes can impact the overall timeline. However, what many planners discover early on is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The way activities are sequenced can vary widely depending on the nature of the project, the contractual requirements, and the level of detail available at the planning stage.

This article is dedicated to helping planners better understand activities in Primavera P6. We will explore the fundamentals of activity sequencing and highlight different real-world scenarios that affect how the same activity may be managed differently from one project to another.

Masonry in Residential Projects

1.       Definition of Masonry in Construction

Masonry in construction refers to the building of structures using individual units that are laid and bound together with mortar. These units can be made of materials such as brick, stone, concrete blocks, or clay tiles, and are stacked in specific patterns to form walls, columns, partitions, and other structural or non-structural elements.

Figure 1: a common type of masonry.

2.       Common Types of Masonry Units:

·         Brick masonry: made from burnt clay or concrete bricks.

·         Stone masonry: made from natural stones like granite, sandstone, or limestone.

·         Concrete block masonry: uses hollow or solid concrete blocks.

·         Glass block masonry: for decorative or light-transmitting purposes.

3.       Properties of Masonry:

·         Strength: Especially in compressive load-bearing situations, masonry can support significant weight, making it ideal for load-bearing walls.

·         Fire Resistance: Materials like brick and concrete are inherently fire-resistant, offering increased safety.

·         Low Maintenance: Compared to other construction materials, masonry requires minimal upkeep over its lifespan.

4.       Why Masonry Is Used in Construction:

·         Structural Strength: It provides excellent compressive strength, making it suitable for structural applications.

·         Aesthetic Appeal: Masonry adds texture, color, and architectural interest to buildings.

·         Availability & Cost-Effectiveness: Masonry materials are often locally available and cost-effective for small to medium-scale projects.

Sequence in Primavera P6

1.       Shop Drawing Phase

Why is it needed?

·         Detailed representation: Shop drawings provide a more detailed version of the design drawings, customized for construction. They include dimensions, material specifications, wall openings, joint locations, and any embedded elements like conduits or supports.

·         Coordination: They help coordinate with other trades (electrical, plumbing, structural) to avoid clashes, especially in areas with services or tight tolerances.

·         Approval process: Shop drawings are submitted to consultants for review and approval before construction, ensuring that what will be built aligns with the project’s design requirements.

Example: A shop drawing for a masonry wall will show the location of weep holes, control joints, and reinforcement, which are often not detailed in the design drawings.

2.       Method Statement Phase

Why is it needed?

·         Execution plan: The method statement outlines how the masonry wall will be built, step by step. It includes labor requirements, tools, mixing of mortar, sequence of work, scaffolding, curing, and safety precautions.

·         Quality control: It ensures that the correct procedures are followed to achieve consistent workmanship and compliance with standards and specifications.

·         Risk management: Identifies potential risks (e.g., working at height, material handling) and provides mitigation measures to protect workers and the structure.

Example: The method statement will specify how to lay bricks in a pattern, control vertical alignment, and ensure mortar joints are filled and tooled properly. Check our method statement article here.

3.       Procurement Phase

Why is it needed?

·         Material planning: Determines the exact quantity, type, and timing of materials (e.g., bricks, blocks, mortar, reinforcement mesh, wall ties) needed for the masonry wall.

·         Lead time management: Ensures that materials are ordered and delivered on time to avoid delays, especially if specialized or imported items are required.

·         Vendor coordination: Confirms that the materials supplied match the approved samples and specifications from the shop drawings and project requirements.

Example: Procurement planning helps ensure that the correct color and size of facing bricks are delivered and stored properly on site before masonry work begins.

4.       Construction Phase

Masonry is usually the successor activity to the concrete works of the floor. As can be seen, the slab above should be completed. So, predecessors of the masonry are concrete slabs and columns.

 

As for successors for the masonry activity. If this wall does not include any MEP works (Plumbing, electrical, etc.), then we can plaster this wall.

If it includes MEP works, we will first start the first fix of the MEP works (Conduits, water pipes, etc.)

And then we will plaster over the MEP works.

 

Summary

First scenario:

Second scenario:

More about Planning

In the next article, we will be talking about the plastering activity.

To learn more about Advanced topics in Primavera P6, you can enroll in our Professional Planning Engineer (PPE) course.

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