Will AI Replace Brickmasons and Blockmasons?

Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Remove burned or damaged brick or mortar, using sledgehammer, crowbar, chipping gun, or chisel.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Lay and align bricks, blocks, or tiles to build or repair structures or high temperature equipment, such as cupola, kilns, ovens, or furnaces.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Spray or spread refractory material over brickwork to protect against deterioration.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.