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Most concrete masonry construction is mortared construction, i.e., units are bonded together with mortar.
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Specifications governing material requirements are listed in Table 1.ĬONSTRUCTION METHODS Mortared Construction Reinforcement incorporated into concrete masonry structures increases strength and ductility, providing increased resistance to applied loads and, in the case of horizontal reinforcement, to shrinkage cracking. 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. Grout is used to fill masonry cores or wall cavities to improve the structural performance and/or fire resistance of masonry. 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. Mortar bonds the individual masonry units together, allowing them to act as a composite structural assembly. While mortar constitutes approximately 7% of a typical masonry wall area, its influence on the performance of a wall is significant. 4) illustrates a broad sampling of available units. The Concrete Masonry Shapes and Sizes Manual (ref. In addition, concrete masonry units are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and architectural finishes achieve any number of appearances and functions. Concrete masonry units provide strength, durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and sound attenuation to a wall system. The constituent masonry materials: concrete block, mortar, grout, and steel, each contribute to the performance of a masonry structure.