how many course on cmu wall before putting grout

Is there a Pocket Guide to brick and CMU construction?

May 07, 2015 · I am putting together a set of construction specs for a new 15-foot high building with 8-inch CMU exterior load bearing walls, with vertical reinforcing every 32-inches C/C, and I would like to know how many courses high can the blocks be laid before the contractor has to stop and wait for the mortar to cure, before continuing on up.

How much Grout do I need for a cinder block wall?

C 1209: Terminology of Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units C 1262: Test Method for Evaluating the Freeze-Thaw Durability of Manufactured Concrete Masonry Units and Related Concrete C 1372: Specification for Segmental Retaining Wall Units C 1552: Practice for Capping Concrete Masonry Units, Related Units and Masonry Prisms for Compression ...

How to prepare the grout space before grouting?

Concrete block, also known as a concrete masonry unit and sometimes called a cinder block, typically has one or two holes or voids to reduce the weight of the block. To estimate how much grout is needed to fill those voids you need to find the volume of each void and multiply that by the number of voids in the wall.

Does filling all the cores of a CMU wall increase strength?

Most concrete masonry construction is mortared construction, i.e., units are bonded together with mortar. Varying the bond or joint pattern of a concrete masonry wall can create a wide variety of interesting and attractive appearances. In addition, the strength of the masonry can be influenced by the bond pattern.

How do you grout a CMU wall?

2:123:08How to Build a Block Wall (Hi-Res) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuick tree core fill grout core should be poured around the rebar. For masonry cores under 4 inchesMoreQuick tree core fill grout core should be poured around the rebar. For masonry cores under 4 inches wide quick recore fill grout fines should be used.

What is the minimum thickness of grout between masonry units and reinforcement?

The thickness of grout or mortar between masonry units and reinforcement shall be not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm), except that 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) bars shall be permitted to be laid in horizontal mortar joints not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) thick, and steel wire reinforcement shall be permitted to be laid in horizontal ...

What are two methods of placing grout in a CMU wall?

Historically, only two grout placement procedures have been in general use: (l) where the wall is constructed to pour heights up to 5 ft (1,520 mm) without cleanouts—generally termed “low lift grouting;” and (2) where the wall is constructed to a maximum pour height of 24 ft (7,320 mm) with required cleanouts and lifts ...

How much mortar should be between blocks?

3/8 inchLay out the block, making sure to leave a 3/8 inch gap between the blocks to allow for the vertical mortar joints (i.e., a typical 8x8x16 block is actually 15-5/8 inches long and 7-5/8 inches high to accommodate the mortar joint).

How much grout do I need for 8 CMU?

Fill Volume for Various Block Wall ThicknessesBlock Wall ThicknessBlocks Filled per Cubic YardConcrete/Grout per 100 Square Feet Wall Area6″120.93 yd38″1001.12 yd310″801.3 yd312″651.73 yd3

What is grout filled CMU?

QUIKRETE® Core-Fill Grout (No. 1585-07, 1585-08) is a properly proportioned mixture of portland cement, graded sand, and other ingredients designed to provide a flowable grout requiring only the addition of water. Meets and exceeds the performance requirements of ASTM C476 for masonry grouts.

Is grout stronger than concrete?

Grout strength can also vary widely, depending on its intended usage. Grout used in tiling commonly features somewhere between 2,500 and 5,000 PSI, while high-strength grout for use with pre-cast concrete and steel columns can reach 12500 PSI.

What is the minimum compressive strength of grout?

2,000 psiMinimum grout compressive strength equals or exceeds f 'AAC but not less than 2,000 psi (13.79 MPa). The compressive strength of grout shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C 1019.

What is grout cement?

Grout is generally a mixture of water, cement, and sand and is employed in pressure grouting, embedding rebar in masonry walls, connecting sections of pre-cast concrete, filling voids, and sealing joints such as those between tiles.Jun 22, 2018

How do you lay a CMU block?

1:323:10How to Build A Concrete Block Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne end of the block. And set it next to the corner block. Then press the block down into the mortarMoreOne end of the block. And set it next to the corner block. Then press the block down into the mortar bed. And against the previously laid block. So that the mortar joined is 3/8 inch wide adjust.

What is the mortar gap between bricks?

In masonry, mortar joints are the spaces between bricks, concrete blocks, or glass blocks, that are filled with mortar or grout. If the surface of the masonry remains unplastered, the joints contribute significantly to the appearance of the masonry.

How thick should mortar be for blocks?

For the bottom layer of blocks, spread a layer of mortar about 12–15mm thick and a little wider than your blocks onto the concrete foundations. Make lines in the mortar with your trowel — like this: Place a block onto the mortar and gently tap to get the height, position and level you need.

Step 1: Find the Volume of Each Block Void

Start by measuring the length, width, and height of the holes in the block in inches. Then multiply those dimensions together to find the volume in cubic inches. Use our volume calculator to simplify this process.

Step 2: Find the Number of Voids in the Wall

The next step is to find the number of voids in the wall. This can be done by counting the number of blocks in the wall. Use our concrete block calculator to find how many blocks are in your wall. If each block has two voids then multiply the number of blocks by 2 to get the number of voids in the wall.

Step 3: Find the Total Concrete Block Fill Volume

Now, multiply the number of voids by the volume of the void in cubic inches to find the total grout fill volume in cubic inches. Divide the final number by 46,656 to find the volume in cubic yards. A conversion calculator can make this easy.

Why is grout used in masonry?

Grout is used to fill masonry cores or wall cavities to improve the structural performance and/or fire resistance of masonry. Grout is most commonly used in reinforced construction, to structurally bond the steel reinforcing bars to the masonry, allowing the two elements to act as one unit in resisting loads.

How long should I mix mortar?

Specification for Masonry Structures (ref. 7) requires that these materials be mixed for 3 to 5 minutes. If the mortar is not mixed long enough, the mortar mixture may not attain the uniformity necessary for the desired performance. A longer mixing time can increase workability, water retention, and board life.

Why is concrete masonry used?

Concrete masonry is a popular building material because of its strength, durability, economy, and its resistance to fire, noise, and insects. To function as designed however, concrete masonry buildings must be constructed properly.

What are the constituent materials of masonry?

The constituent masonry materials: concrete block, mortar, grout, and steel, each contribute to the performance of a masonry structure. Concrete masonry units provide strength, durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and sound attenuation to a wall system. In addition, concrete masonry units are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, ...

What is mortar bonding?

Mortar bonds the individual masonry units together, allowing them to act as a composite structural assembly. In addition, mortar seals joints against moisture and air leakage and bonds to joint reinforcement, anchors, and ties to help ensure all elements perform as a unit.

How thick is mortar in a head?

Head and bed joints are typically ⅜ in. (10 mm) thick, except at foundations. Mortar should extend fully across bedding surfaces of hollow units for the thickness of the face shell, so that joints will be completely filled. Solid units are required to be fully bedded in mortar.

What is a shim?

Shims or ground units are used to maintain elevations. This construction method results in faster construction, and is less dependent on the skill of the laborer than mortared construction. In addition, the surface bonding coating provides excellent rain penetration resistance.

What is CMU in construction?

Concrete masonry units (CMU) have a significant percentage of the United States market for foundation walls in homes. CMU also has a long history of use in above-grade walls in Florida, Texas, Arizona and other parts of the southern United States. Strength, durability, fire-resistance, and energy conservation are a few of the benefits to CMU construction. However, there are often difficulties encountered by home builders converting from a traditional above-grade framing material to CMU walls. In most U.S. markets, wood is the predominant framing material and the understanding of CMU construction for above-grade walls is usually limited. Home builders attempting more comprehensive use of CMU have many questions about the feasibility and appropriate use of concrete masonry construction, particularly in relation to insulation placement and connection details.

How high should a masonry wall be?

Scaffolding will be required for any masonry wall above about four feet high, or chest height of a mason. Although establishing an efficient flow of materials on a jobsite is often very straightforward, the staging of masonry block and mortar on some sites requires additional consideration. For example, the construction of some two story concrete masonry walls may require either the use of a hydraulic lift, or significant manual hoisting and/or carrying of block. In any case, whenever laying block while working on a framed floor deck (as opposed to a slab), the weight and location of the block staged on this floor deck should be considered so as not to exceed the maximum allowable load for the deck.

Why does concrete crack?

Cracking can occur in concrete masonry walls due to tensile stresses associated with temperature and moisture change (expansion and shrinkage) or differential settlement of foundation soils. There are two methods of controlling cracking in masonry walls described below.

How does masonry affect the economy?

A major issue that affects the economics of masonry construction is the method of design used to provide compliance with the local building codes. All of the model building codes1 prescribe that masonry structures be designed using one of two methods, an engineered design or an empirical design. Engineered masonry design is based on an analysis of the structure to determine all of the forces acting on the various building components. It considers live and dead loads, lateral loads, as well as other forces to determine the size of the building components.

Where is MacGillivray's house?

MacGillivray Masonry and General Contractors constructed a concrete masonry house in Springfield, Ohio, which is located approximately 40 miles west of Columbus. The house is the first in a 36-unit development, which is planned to be completely made-up of concrete masonry homes. Although the development is expected to include a broad range of home sizes and prices, the MacGillivrays intend to market the case study home to entry-level buyers. The predominant exterior veneer in the surrounding area is vinyl siding, with a smaller number of homes clad in brick and/or masonry.

Who funded the Portland cement project?

This project was funded by the National Concrete Masonry Association, the Portland Cement Association, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the National Association of Home Builders.

What is thermal mass?

Thermal mass is the ability of a material to store heating and cooling energy, and masonry, because of its high density and specific heat, can provide effective thermal mass. Thermal mass slows the response time and moderates the indoor temperature fluctuations in a building, and can reduce heating and cooling loads.

CORE FILL GROUT (Coarse and Fine)

Fills Cells of Concrete Masonry Units and Horizontal Bond Beams#N#Coarse (CF-02) and Fine (CF-03)

AVAILABLE IN COLOR

In reinforced masonry, the SPEC MIX® Core Fill Grout is used to fill cells of concrete masonry units and horizontal bond beams as well as the cavities of composite masonry construction. Depending on the project specification, SPEC MIX Core Fill Grout is available in both Fine and Coarse mixtures.

PRODUCT FEATURES

Fills cells of concrete masonry units and horizontal bond beams as well as the cavities of composite masonry construction

Sizes and Equipment

SPEC MIX Core Fill Grout is available in 80 lb (36.2 kg) packages for easy hand loading as well as in 3,000 lb (1,360.7 kg) reusable bulk bags to be used with the various SPEC MIX silo systems.

SPEC MIX Core Fill Grout Mixing Instructions

WEAR IMPERVIOUS GLOVES, such as nitrile.#N#1. Use a mechanical batch mixer to ensure optimal workability and performance. Hand mixing grout should be permitted only with written approval by the specifier who should outline hand-mixing procedures.#N#2.

What is a hollow concrete block?

The vast majority of concrete block are hollow. When laid on their side and stacked in an offset manner they resemble, to a degree, a honeycomb made by a hive of bees. Bees fill the void spaces of the honeycomb with honey. Your contractor should have filled the hollow spaces in the block with pea gravel concrete and steel bars.

Why is it important to place steel bars in a block?

It's important the steel bars in the block are centered in the void spaces to ensure they're surrounded by concrete. In a retaining wall situation, it's important to place the steel so it's closer to the wall face that's not touching the earth.

Why did the block piers fall over?

The block piers toppled over because the connection between the mortar and the concrete block is not able to resist the force of being pulled apart. The ladder placed against the top of the pier converted the pier to a lever. The seemingly minimal force at the top of the ladder was multiplied at the base of the pier where it fractured.

How much tensile strength does steel have?

Steel, on the other hand, has fantastic tensile strength. For example, common one-half-inch reinforcing steel on a residential job site may be rated at 40,000 pounds of tensile strength. That means it fails or tears apart once you apply 40,000 pounds of pulling force to it. WOW!

Is mortar strong in compression?

The mortar in between each course of block is strong if you try to squeeze, or compress it. But if you try to bend or stretch it, that's tension, it's very weak. Most masonry products, including concrete, only have 10% of the strength in tension as they have in compression. CLICK HERE for FREE & FAST BIDS from local brick and block masons.

Can piers be incorporated into concrete?

Pilasters or wide piers can also be incorporated into long and tall concrete block walls to add more strength. Once again, it's best to have a structural engineer specify where and how these elements should incorporated into your design. The money you spend on getting the advice of a structural engineer is often the best spent money on a job.

Is concrete a good building material?

DEAR ALAN: Let's start out by reassuring you that concrete block is a great building material. It's strong, it can be used in any number of ways, and it is used in all sorts of residential, commercial and industrial applications. Stop second guessing yourself.