concrete masonry unit.
Concrete block is made from Portland Cement, aggregates and water. It is also known as a concrete masonry unit (CMU).
What is a CMU foundation wall?
Concrete masonry units (CMUs), still often and affectionately referred to as cinder blocks, are a common building construction material. They are economical and are often the best solution for structural elements like commercial building walls and elevator shafts.
Is CMU a brick?
They are identified by their depth – i.e. the thickness of the wall they create. For instance, a 6″ CMU is nominally 6″ deep while a 10″ CMU is nominally 10″ deep.
Concrete Block (CMU) Sizes.
| CMU SIZE | NOMINAL DIMENSIONS D X H X L (INCHES) | ACTUAL DIMENSIONS D X H X L (INCHES) |
|---|---|---|
| 12″ CMU Half-Block | 12″ x 8″ x 8″ | 11 5/8″ x 7 5/8″ x 7 5/8″ |
What is a CMU block wall?
CMU block means concrete masonry unit blocks which are environmentally friendly and versatile building products that can be used as part of attractive exterior design, as well as to add interest to interior walls.
What is a CMU house?
A concrete block is referred to as a concrete masonry unit, or CMU, in the construction industry. Concrete blocks can be solid or hollow, with two or three cores or voids. The blocks also come in a range of standard shapes.
How thick is a CMU block?
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, and 12 in. (102, 152, 203, 254, and 305 mm).
Which is stronger cinder block or concrete block?
Concrete block is far stronger than the cinder block. Cinder block is used in small places like garden walls or project walls. Concrete block is used in more substantial construction projects. Cinder blocks are depicted as old-fashioned because it wasn’t been massively produced in 50 years.
What are CMU blocks filled with?
There are no forms (like those required for poured concrete foundations) to configure and secure the blocks. CMU blocks may be reinforced with steel rebar and filled with mortar to create strong foundations.
What is the advantage of CMU over brick?
Because they do not rust, rot or burn, concrete masonry structures can easily last up to 100 years. Wood structures are more susceptible to damage over time, leaving your building weak and vulnerable.
What is CMU in masonry?
Concrete block is made from Portland Cement, aggregates and water. It is also known as a concrete masonry unit (CMU). As a building material, concrete offers several attractive characteristics to designers and builders, including the following: Durable. Easy to install.
Are CMU walls load bearing?
Concrete masonry units act as bearing wall supports for residential homes and buildings, supporting vertical loads such as floor joists, arches, vaults and roof rafters, and horizontal loads like wind and seismic activity.
What is exterior CMU?
CMU Wall Details (concrete masonry unit)
Also known as a concrete block or cinder block. Like brick, this is a durable and time tested material for an exterior finish. CMU is non-combustible, long lasting, can be reinforced to act as a structural element and does not require painting.
What is CMU when dealing with construction?
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.
Is a concrete block foundation good?
Prior to the 1970s, cinder block foundations were the norm. Nearly every house was built with a masonry foundation. While the poured wall wins for lateral strength, the cinder block wall built correctly beats out poured wall for compression strength. Meaning it can hold more weight on top of the foundation.
Is a concrete block house good?
Concrete block houses are energy-efficient, fire-resistant, noise-reducing, pest-resistant, low-maintenance, and healthy. Concrete homes are also a good investment.
How big are the holes in a concrete block?
Cinder blocks usually have two large holes in them with a 1-inch divider between holes. The actual measurements of the indented ends are 1 1/4-inch deep and can vary in width greatly from less than an inch to multiple inches.
Can you build a retaining wall with cinder blocks?
A cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it’s built on. For a 4-ft. tall wall, excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in.
What size should a foundation block be?
8 x 8 x 16 inches
Block foundations use cinder blocks (8 x 8 x 16 inches) that are stacked on each other and cemented in place with mortar. The process starts on the top of the footings with each row forming its own course.
Do you need rebar in a block wall?
Do you need rebar? Yes. Concrete and masonry do not withstand tension. Tension is absorbed by reinforcing.
Do you need a footing for a cinder block wall?
All concrete block walls—both structural and non-structural—require a solid, poured concrete footing. QUIKRETE 5000 is the recommended product for footing construction, due to its high cured strength and rapid strength gain. Poured concrete footings should be at least twice the width of the concrete blocks used.
Why do cinder blocks have holes?
The openings are called “cells” and one reason they are there is because they make the blocks lighter and easier for a mason to handle. But the primary purpose of the cells is that they align from top to bottom of the wall when laid, and enable a builder to fill some cells with grout/concrete to strengthen the wall.
