how long is one concrete masonry unit course

What is a concrete masonry unit?

If a long course is to be laid, a trig may be placed at one or more points along the line to keep the line from sagging. Before work begins, the mason should check to see that the line is level, tight, and will not pull out. ... Thus a wall specified to be constructed of 8 in. (203 mm) concrete masonry units should not be rejected because it is ...

What is the standard size of concrete masonry?

ASTM C90 includes minimum face shell and web thicknesses for the different sizes of concrete masonry units as listed in Table 1. Overall unit dimensions (width, height, and length) are permitted to vary by ± 3/8 in. (3.2 mm) from the specified dimensions. ... producing two 8 in. (203 mm) long units, which are typically used adjacent to ...

How do you lay a long course of masonry?

Concrete Masonry Courses. CMU Level 1 Programs Level 1 programs are intended to provide basic education on materials and systems for concrete masonry. ... Level 2 programs contain a higher level of technical information intended to expand knowledge of concrete masonry units and systems, as well as provide information on code requirements and ...

What are the components of masonry construction?

Length of course in feet x rule 3/4 = number of CMU per course . Using the 3/2 rule (three full block per 2 feet in height), multiply the height of the wall by 1.5. For example, the height of the retaining wall is 10 feet. Multiply (10) by the rule 3/2 (1.5) which will equal 15 block high (courses high). See the following formula:

What is a unit in masonry?

A concrete masonry unit (CMU) is a standard-size rectangular block used in building construction. CMUs are some of the most versatile building products available because of the wide variety of appearances that can be achieved using them.

What is the standard size of concrete masonry units?

UNIT SIZES Typically, concrete masonry units have nominal face dimensions of 8 in. (203 mm) by 16 in. (406 mm), available in nominal thicknesses of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 in. (102, 152, 203, 254, 305, 356, and 406 mm).

What is a course of masonry?

A course is a layer of the same unit running horizontally in a wall. It can also be defined as a continuous row of any masonry unit such as bricks, concrete masonry units (CMU), stone, shingles, tiles, etc.

How do you calculate concrete masonry units?

The most direct means of determining the number of concrete masonry units needed for any project is to simply determine the total square footage of each wall and divide by the surface area provided by a single unit specified for the project. For conventional units having nominal heights of 8 in.

How tall is a CMU?

Concrete Block (CMU) SizesCMU SIZENOMINAL DIMENSIONS D X H X L (INCHES)ACTUAL DIMENSIONS D X H X L (INCHES)10" CMU Half-Block10" x 8" x 8"9 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 7 5/8"12" CMU Full Block12" x 8" x 16"11 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 15 5/8"12" CMU Half-Block12" x 8" x 8"11 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 7 5/8"7 more rows•May 16, 2021

What are the different types of masonry units?

(A) Types of Masonry Based On Material Used For MasonryStone Masonry. No any other construction material is as durable, strong, or weather resistant as stone. ... Brick Masonry. ... Block Masonry. ... Veneer Masonary. ... Gabion Masonry. ... Composite Masonry. ... Reinforced Masonry. ... Bagged Concrete Masonry.Dec 18, 2018

How much is the thickness of course?

Course: A course is a horizontal layer of masonry unit. In stone masonry, the thickness of a course will be equal to the height of the stones plus thickness of one mortar joint. Similarly, in brick masonry, the thickness of course will be equal to the thickness of modular brick plus thickness of one mortar joint.Jun 21, 2012

How tall is a brick course?

A single standard brick course is 86mm (76mm of brick and 10mm of mortar).

How tall is a course of block?

Standard concrete blocks are 15 5/8 inches by 7 5/8 inches and there is usually 3/8 inches of mortar between them so in the wall it is safe to say that a block and mortar on two sides is approximately 16 inches by 8 inches.

How do I quote a Masonic job?

You'll want to factor in a small portion of your expenses into every job. If you think the masonry job will take three days, calculate three days' worth of your operating expenses by dividing the month's budget by 31 (or 30, for the number of days), then adding three days' worth.Dec 19, 2018

How many yards of concrete do I need for a 24x24 slab?

7.11 yardsFor example, for a concrete slab that is 24' X 24' X 4”, simply enter 4 in the Thickness/Depth field, 24 in the Width field, and 24 in the Length field. Click “Calculate”. Your answer should be 7.11 yards. Note: The Concrete Volume Calculator can also be used to determine yardage for aggregate products.

How many blocks is a 8x8x16 cube?

90Concrete Block Size and WeightW x H x LDescriptionUnits per Cube8x8x168” Concrete Line Block (Window Corner/Jam mixed in cube)908x8x168” Concrete Solid Top Block608x8x168” Concrete Open Bottom Bond Beam908x8x168” Concrete Double End Corner Block9041 more rows

What are nominal dimensions for a concrete masonry unit?

Typically, concrete masonry units have nominal face dimensions of 8 in. (203 mm) by 16 in. (406 mm), available in nominal thicknesses of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 in. (102, 152, 203, 254, 305, 356, and 406 mm). Nominal dimensions refer to the module size for planning bond patterns and modular layout with respect to door and window openings. Specified 3 dimensions of concrete masonry units are typically 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) less than nominal dimensions, so that a 4 or 8 in. (102 3 or 203 mm) module is maintained with 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) mortar joints. Figure 1 illustrates nominal and specified dimensions for a nominal 8 x 8 x 16 in. (203 x 203 x 406 mm) concrete masonry unit. In addition to these standard sizes, other unit heights, lengths, and thicknesses may be available from local concrete masonry producers.

What is concrete masonry?

Concrete masonry is one of the most versatile building products available because of the wide variety of appearances that can be achieved using concrete masonry units. Concrete masonry units are manufactured in different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures to achieve a number of finishes and functions. In addition, because of its modular nature, different concrete masonry units can be combined within the same wall to achieve variations in texture, pattern, and color.

How long is a CMU block?

In the US, CMU blocks are nominally 16 in (410 mm) long and 8 in (200 mm) wide.

What is a CMU?

A building constructed with concrete masonry blocks. A concrete masonry unit ( CMU) is a standard size rectangular block used in building construction. CMUs are some of the most versatile building products available because of the wide variety of appearances that can be achieved using them. Those that use cinders ( fly ash or bottom ash) ...

Why are concrete blocks hollow?

Concrete blocks may be produced with hollow centers (cores) to reduce weight, improve insulation and provide an interconnected void into which concrete can be poured to solidify the entire wall after it is built.

What is cinder block?

Those that use cinders ( fly ash or bottom ash) as an aggregate material are called cinder blocks in the United States, breeze blocks ( breeze is a synonym of ash) in the United Kingdom, and hollow blocks in the Philippines. In New Zealand and Canada they are known as concrete blocks (a name common in the United States also).

What is a crawl space foundation?

One of the common foundation types for American suburban houses is the "crawl space foundation" which consists of a concrete block wall around the perimeter on which dimensional lumber floor joists are supported.

What are recycled materials?

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.

Can concrete be grouted?

Concrete masonry walls may be ungrouted, partially grouted, or fully grouted, the latter two enhancing their structural strength. Additionally, steel reinforcement bars ( rebar) can be used both vertically and horizontally inside a CMU wall to maximize its structural performance.

How to store masonry materials?

Store masonry materials in a shaded area. Use a water barrel as water hoses exposed to direct sunlight can result in water with highly elevated temperatures. The barrel may be filled with water from a hose, but the hot water resulting from hose inactivity should be flushed and discarded first.

What type of cement should I use for cold weather masonry?

Cement. During cold weather masonry construction, Type III, high- early strength portland cement should be considered in lieu of Type I portland cement in mortar or grout to accelerate setting. The acceleration not only reduces the curing time but generates more heat which is beneficial in cold weather.

What temperature does mortar need to be to be hydrated?

Hydration and strength development in mortar and grout generally occurs at temperatures above 40°F (4.4°C) and only when sufficient water is available. However, masonry construction may proceed when temperatures are below 40°F (4.4°C) provided cold weather construction and protection requirements of reference 3 are followed.

How should construction materials be protected from water?

Construction materials should be protected from water by covering. Bagged materials and masonry units should be protected from precipitation and ground water by storage on pallets or other acceptable means.

Can mortar freeze?

2). This disruptive effect increases as the water content increases. Therefore, mortar should not be allowed to freeze until the mortar water content is reduced from the initial 11% to 16% range to a value below 6%. Dry concrete masonry units have a demonstrated capacity to achieve this moisture reduction in a relatively short time. It is for this reason that the specification requires protection from freezing of mortar for only the first 24 hours (ref. 3).

What are the effects of wind on construction?

In addition to the effects of wind on hot and cold weather construction, the danger of excessive wind resulting in structural failure of newly constructed masonry prior to the development of strength or before the installation of supports must be considered.

Can masonry be used in hot weather?

Masonry construction can continue during hot, cold, and wet weather conditions. The ability to continue masonry construction in adverse weather conditions requires consideration of how environmental conditions may affect the quality of the finished masonry. In some cases, environmental conditions may warrant the use of special construction ...

Stretcher Courses

Stretcher courses are courses of bricks or stones that lie with the longest side parallel to the face of the work. A stretcher is a unit laid horizontally so the unit’s longest end is parallel to the wall face.

Header Courses

Header courses are made up of units laid on the widest edge, leaving their longest end so that it is parallel to face outside the wall. Three-quarter bats are used for the corners. A header course requires twice as many bricks as a stretcher course making it more time consuming and expensive to build.

Soldier Courses

Soldier courses consist of bricks laid vertically with their long narrow sides presented. Bricks that are set with the narrow side exposed are called soldiers. The soldiers stand on their shortest end, leaving the narrowest edge to face the outside of the wall. Soldier courses are commonly used for window lintels as well as the tops of walls.

What is grouting without cleanouts?

While the term is not found in codes or standards, it is common industry language to describe the process of constructing walls in shorter segments, without the requirements for cleanout openings, special concrete block shapes or equipment.

What is grout used for?

Grout is used to give added strength to both reinforced and unreinforced concrete masonry walls by grouting either some or all of the cores. It is also used to fill bond beams and occasionally to fill the collar joint of a multi-wythe wall.

Overview

Sizes and structure

The use of blockwork allows structures to be built in the traditional masonry style with layers (or courses) of staggered blocks. Concrete blocks may be produced with hollow centers (cores) to reduce weight, improve insulationand provide an interconnected void into which concrete can be poured to solidify the entire wall after it is built. Blocks come in modular sizes, with the most popular typically referred to (by their thickness) as "4-inch", "6-inch", "8-inch", and "12-inch". In t…

Composition

General information

See also

Sources

External links