CONCRETE

MASONRY
Concrete, usually Portland cement
concrete, is a composite material
composed of fine and coarse aggregate
bonded together with a fluid cement that
hardens over time—most frequently a
lime-based cement binder, such as
Portland cement, but sometimes with
other hydraulic cements, such as a
calcium aluminate cement.
*Masonry is the building of structures from individual
units, which are often laid in and bound together by
mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units
themselves.
*The common materials of masonry construction are brick,
building stone such as marble, granite, and limestone, cast stone, concrete
block, glass block, and adobe. Masonry is generally a highly durable form
of construction. However, the materials used, the quality of the mortar
and workmanship, and the pattern in which the units are assembled can
substantially affect the durability of the overall masonry construction. A
person who constructs masonry is called a mason or bricklayer.
WHAT
IS
CONCRETE
MASONRY
UNIT?
*A concrete masonry unit (CMU) is a
Standard size rectangular block used in
building construction.

A pallet of “8-inch’’ CMU’s An interior wall of painted CMUs

*Concrete Masonry Units are one of the
most versatile products in the construction
industry.

*Concrete Masonry Walls used in a

single Wythe application can serve in
both a structural capacity and also be the
finished face of the wall.
• They can provide the thermal mass
necessary to help reduce heating and
cooling costs.

*Concrete Masonry Walls can

provide redundancy for
increased fire-safety in the event
sprinkler systems malfunction
during a fire.
*They also provide an
inordinate
amount of sound
control wherever used.
STRUCTURE
Using Reinforced Concrete
Masonry Units along with
hollow core concrete plank
as the structural frame
provides an economical
solution for many types of
buildings, particularly
those with repetitive floor
plans such as dormitories,
apartments, condos, hotels
and motels. Not only is a
CMU/hollow core plank
system a quick,
coordinated building
system but the finished
product can provide a high
degree of sound control
and fire safe walls between
units.
VEENEER

Split Face Ground Face Combination

• Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) can
be used as a veneer cladding system.
Veneer units are typically 4” wide x 8”
high x 16” long (nominal dimensions).
They are available in a multitude of
colors and textures including split-face,
ground face, polished face and glazed
face. Using a properly built CMU
veneer with an air space, appropriate
flashings, rigid continuous insulation
and a CMU backup provides a high
degree of water penetration resistance,
energy efficiency, and a reduction in
unwanted exterior sound.
 FIRE SAFETY
Concrete Masonry Walls do not burn.
Depending on the
thickness of the wall, the density of the
units
and the amount of grout used, concrete
masonry walls
can provide up to a four hour
fire rating.
Additionally, concrete masonry walls
pass the
hose stream test unlike other fire rated wall
systems.
SOUND CONTROL
Concrete Masonry Walls provide a high
level of
sound control.
This can be advantageous if used in either
interior walls between units such as
apartments or dormitories or even on exterior
walls as the
backup to control unwanted outside noise.
CMU walls can provide Sound Transmission
Class (STC) ratings up to 63 depending on the
wall thickness, density of the units and
whether
they are fully grouted or not.
MATERIALS OF CONCRETE MASONRY
The common materials of masonry
construction are brick,
building stone such as
marble, granite,
and limestone, cast stone,
concrete block,
glass block, and adobe.
Masonry is generally a
highly durable form of construction.
 Concrete blocks are made from cast concrete
(e.g. Portland cement and aggregate, usually sand and fine gravel,
for high-density blocks).
Lower density blocks may use industrial wastes, such as fly ash or
bottom ash,
as an aggregate. Recycled materials, such as post-consumer glass,
slag cement, or recycled aggregate,
are often used in the composition of the blocks.
Use of recycled materials within blocks can create different
appearances
in the block, such as a terrazzo
finish, and may help the finished
structure earn LEED certification. Lightweight blocks can also be
produced
using autoclaved aerated concrete.
 10 reasons why a
concrete masonry
building is your best
investment!

1. High Durability:
2. Savings on initial and life-cycle costs
3. Fire resistance:
4. Structural Integrity
5. Low Insurance Rates
6. Better insulated (R values)
7. Design Flexibility
8. Environmentally Safe:
9. Reduced Sound Transmission
10.Better Resale Value:
 TESTING
In Testing Concrete Masonry Unit Compression machines are
mostly used.