Red Seal Bricklayer Practice Exam

The purpose of a corner pole in masonry is primarily to ensure that corners are straight and aligned. This is essential for creating a structurally sound and visually appealing wall. When constructing a building, having precise corners is crucial, as they serve as reference points for the rest of the masonry work. Corner poles provide a vertical reference and are usually set at the corners of a building; they help bricklayers align the bricks accurately so that the walls are plumb and the corners form a perfect right angle.

When the corner poles are established correctly, they guide the bricklayer in laying the subsequent courses of brick, ensuring that the entire wall maintains uniformity and structural integrity. This is particularly important in larger projects where even minor misalignments can lead to significant issues down the line, such as uneven walls or compromised structural strength.

The other options, while related to masonry work, do not capture the primary function of a corner pole. For instance, supporting scaffolding and measuring the length of walls are tasks that can be accomplished using different tools and methods. Mixing mortar correctly is certainly crucial for masonry work, but it has no direct connection to the specific role of corner poles.