Masonry Materials-II

(Concrete Masonry Units,

Natural Stone, and Glass
Masonry Units)

HAPTER OUTLINE
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS-SIZES AND 25.6 NATURAL STONE
SHAPES
25.7 FROM BLOCKS TO FINISHED STONE
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS-
MANUFACTURING AND SPECIFICATIONS 25.8 STONE SELECTION

5.3 CONSTRUCTION OF A (MU WALL 25.9 BOND PATTERNS IN STONE MASONRY WALLS

5.4 SHRINKAGE CONTROL IN CMU WALLS 25.10 GLASS MASONRY UNITS

GROUT 25.11 FIRE RESISTANCE OF MASONRY WALLS

· chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter and deals with masonry materials not
vered there-concrete masonry units, natural stone, and glass masonry units. Because
int reinforcement and grout are an integral part of most concrete masonry walls, these are
discussed in this chapter.
Steel reinforcement, used in reinforced masonry, is the same as that used in reinforced
ncrete construction and was covered in Chapter 21 . Masonry construction systems are
' sed in Chapters 26 and 28.

5.1 CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS-

IZES AND SHAPES .
ncrete masonry units (CMUs), also called concrete blocks, are more versatile and more
plex than clay bricks. A much larger number of surface finishes and colors can be
'ned in CMU than in brick.
Additionally, a CMU is a much larger unit than a brick. A typical CMU occupies
times the space of a modular brick. Thus, laying one CMU is equivalent co laying
bricks, which reduces the labor cost in erecting a wall. Because of its much larger
a CM U contains large voids. . .
shown later in this chapter, che voids in a CMU _wall are con~muou~ through Its
t: This arrangement allows the voids co be filled_wah grout (which 1s h~e concre~e)
reinforced vertically-a requirement for load-bearing walls and walls requued co resist

573
 ,.:i!Jl iJ 0
M ATIJR IALS ANl\ S\'STI MS
01' CPN>I lll!C1lnN

Wa'o
Faoe ehell Cel 0ECTION A·A 0ECTION e.
5

D D -;t
Web 8 In.
nominal

A 1>5 Wldthofuhlt
.Ai v1rlo1 101
4 In., e 111
1..--1-------- 81
10 In, or 12 lh h,,
11omln1I ·
l>e
10 111. nominal
PLAN OF UNIT

FIGURE 25.1 Sizes of CMUs.

Modular brick .. ,•
lateral loads. Unlike clay bricks, which are gene~all~ used in face veneers, CMu,
are used in both structural and face veneer applications. ·
8-in.-wide

-•·
CMU
StzEs OF CMUs

CMUs are available in several different sizes. The shape of a typical unit .
.,:-·.
--~
~ti··_'•.
. ~--«"',
.r<t'

..-v
shown in Figure 25.1. The leng\h_ and he_ight of all unit~ are gener~lly the sa :;
length = 16 in. nominal (15ii m. spec1~ed) and_ height_ = _B in, nominal
111
:;_· ...
(7i
in. specified). The width varies from~ m. to 12 m. nommal in steps_of2 in.,
that is, width = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 m. Because the length and height of a
CMU are generally fixed, a CMU's size is generally specified by its width. An
Relative sizes of CMU and bricks. 8-in.-wide unit is most commonly used.
Volume of I CMU = volume of 12 modular bricks The face shells and the webs of a unit are generally flared at the top of the unit
as laid in the wall. Thus, a unit has a top and a bottom. The taper helps the mason
in lifting and placing the unit in a wall. ASTM specifications provide a minimum
thickness of face shells and webs for CMUs of different sizes, For example, an
t 15-5/8 in. (15.625.in.) t 8-in. CMU must have a minimum face shell thickness of 1t in. at the thinnest
1.5 in. 1.5 in. 1.5 in. point and a 1-in. minimum thickness for the webs.
5.56 in. 5.56 in The voids in a CMU are called cells. Most manufacturers make a two-cell
CMU. The longitudinal walls of a CMU are called face shells, and the trans-
verse walls are called webs. Thus, a two-cell unit has three webs. In an 8-in.
unit, the cells are approximately 23 in. 2-a space that is large enough for rein-
forcing and grout (see Section 25.5 for a discussion of grout).

SCORED, BULLNOSE, AND SASH UNITS,

Assuming that the average thickness of face AND UNITS WITH PROJECTING FACE SHELLS
shells and webs is I .75 in. and 1.5 in., Various shapes of CMUs are available to serve different functions in a wall. A
respectively, the cells in a typical 8-in. unit
are 4.13 in. X 5.56 in.= 23 in.2 typical manufacturer may make 20 or more different shapes and several different
finishes. When all sizes, shapes, surface finishes, and colors are considered, a
CMU manufacturer may have hundreds of different products. ..
Although the unit shape of Figure 25.1 constitutes the bulk of a CMU wall, a half-unlt is
required at the end of a wall, Figure 25.2, and is generally provided as a standard unit by the
manufacturers. Where an odd-dimension unit is needed, a full-size unit may be sawed at the
site. The sawing of units is time and labor intensive and raises the cost of construction.
Figure 25.3 shows a bullnose unit and a scored unit. Bullnose units are used where asharp
wall corner is to be avoided. When scored units are used, the wall has the appearance of a
stack-bond wall but the strength of a running-bond wall, Figure 25.4 (see also Figure 2s.z3).
The units shown in Figure 25.5 (top) have projecting face shells at one or both eocls,
They are generally used interchangeably with the flush-end units of Figure 25.1. However,
as described later, a CMU is generally mortared on face shells only. The projecting face
shells make i~ more con_v~nient to ~ortar the head joints. Units with projecting face she~
are also used m control )Otnts (see Figure 25.25 and Figure 9.18). Control joints can also
made with sash units, Figure 25 .5 (bottom) .

574
 CHA PTE R 25
M ASON RY M ATE RIAI.S-ll
(C ONCRETE MASONR Y
U NITS, NATURAL STONE,
AND GLASS MASONRY UNITS)

Cutting CMU, ae shown here, le

to be avoided ae much ae
poeelble to reduce construction
coet and lncreaee efficiency.

6ULLNOSE UNIT

Half-CMU are available as standard unite.

Note that a half-unit cannot be obtained
by sawing a full-size unit because sawing
halves the thickness of the center web.
SCORED UNIT
FIGURE 25.2 Hali-units and their use in a wall.
FIGURE 25.3 Bullnose
and scored units.

LINTEL UNIT
Alined unit is U-shaped, Figure 25.6. When grouted and reinforced horizontally, several
lined units in the same course function like a concrete beam that can be used to span an open-
ing. For a large opening requiring a deeper lintel, some manufacturers make a 16-in.-high
((',l'O-COurse-high) unit.
A16-in.-deep lintel-can also be constructed by using an 8-in.-high lintel unit and
fullygrouting the lintel course and the course immediately above it. Similarly, a 24-in.-deep

Joint

UNITS WITH PROJECTING FACE SHELLS

~e SASH UNITS

FIGURE 25.5 CMUs with projecting face shells

and sash units. CMUs with projecting face shells
on one or both ends can be substituted for the
plain-end units (Figure 25.1) and can also be
ll(;lltE 2 . . .
S,4 The use of scored units in a wal l. used in control joints (see Figure 25.25).

57 5
 16.1n.•hl9h lintel
unit• grouted
,nd r,lnforoed

16-ln.•hleh
&-ln.·hleh nnul unit
lintel unit

The •pan !Imitation

of an 8-ln.·deep
llntelbum le
nea~6ft.

lnetead of uelne 16·1n.·hl9h lintel unite. 8-ln.•hlgh lintel unite.

followed by one couree of fully grouted regular unite, may aleo
be uNCII to create a 16·1n.·deep lintel 1,eam. If a 24-ln.•deep
lintel bum le needed for lone •pan• or heavy loadlng, two
c:ourNS of fully grouted regular unite can l:le ueed allow the
8-ln.·hlgh lintel unite. If the lintel l:leam requires l:loth top and
l:lottom reinforcement. the regular unite may lie replaced by
open·l:lottom l:lond bum unite (see Figure 25.8).

FIGURE 25.6 Concrete masonry lintels.

lintel can be obtained by grouting two courses of masonry above the standard B-in,.
high lintel. .
Lintels in a CMU wall may also be made of steel, precast concrete, or s1te•cast concrcit
Concrete masonry lintels have the advantage of maintaining the bond pattern, color, and
surface texture of the wall.

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Arching Action in Masonry Walls
Masonry walls are generally built in running bond, English bond, It is because of the arching action thats
Flemish bond, and so on. In all of these bond patterns, the head created in an existing masonry wall without
joints are staggered so that aconcentrated collapse. The practical consequence of arch
gravity load, as it travels down toward the t a lintel beam (or simply a lintel) sp1nnlng an
foundation, is distributed over an increas- recei-., all of the load placed directly
ingly larger number of masonry units, height of rr14sonry above the lintel
Figure 1. In other words, a vertical load . '

placed on a wall is directed downward at a

45° angle on either side of the load, Figure 2.
FIGURE 1 The 45° flaring of the load in masonry
walls is referred to as the archins action

ffi
because the phenomenon is similar to the
behavior of an arch, which transfers the
gravity loads placed on it to side abutments.
Arching action occurs in all masonry walls
in which the head joints in one course are
(sufficiently) staggered from those in the
FIGURE2 upper and lower courses. Arching action
is altogether absent In a dry-stacked, stack- FIGURE 3 A load placed on the tep.olJ
bond wall. In a mortared stack-bond wall, directed downward, flaring at 45• (lioA\M
some arching action occurs due to vertical shear transfer from o~er the opening, therefore, ...,_
one unit to the other through mortar joints, but it is ignored. triangular (highlighted) ill'eil only.

576
 EXP ANO YOU R KN OWLED GE (Con ti nued)
Masonry Walls (Continued::-")_ _ _ _ _ "
~ ~<;ttonu•
Distributed floor or roof load on either side cA the opening are sufficiently thick to absorb the
lateral thrust ~used by the arching action. .
If the wall ln Figure 4 carries a distributed superimposed
12 in. •k,ad (due to an overlying Aoor or rooO, it is not carried by the .
min. lintel but by the wall on either side of the opening. Because this
condition occurs commonly, the lintels over openings in masonry
walls need only a small amount of steel reinforcement.
However, a concentrated load directly above the opening
Lintel shpuld be considered a concentrated load on the lintel.
In the absence of arching action, the lintel must be designed
for the rectangular load of the wall plus any distributed and con•
centrated superimposed load above the lintel opening, Figure 5.

,_,. --c11-~----=--·-1-.-. .
RE 4 The lintel is designeq to carry this triangul I d
This part of the (distributed)
superimposed load on the
flG~sonry plus the self-load of the lintel. The distribu~ oa wall is carried by the lintel.
of111 rirnPosed (floor or rooO load on the top of the wall is not )
su~ed by the lintel. However, a concentrated load O th
carrt f the wall, lying
· d·,reelIboy a ve the opening, mustne be
top ~dered a distributed load on the lintel.
cons1
apening (to enable a 45° triangle to be formed with·
of the II) the load carried by the lintel is only the load of t,hn
.i.,, wa , 50 . I F. e
u.. I)' within the 4 tnang e, 1gure 4.
111~practice, a 12-in. depth of ma~onry a~~t the apex of a
45' triangle i~ needed_ to assume a triangular load on the lintel. In
words, ,f the height of ma~onry above the lintel is half th -t": '-------.. . . --------___.
,
span plus 12 in., arching action is assumed and the linter ' . :,f!GURE S In the ab$el'\Ce of arching action, the lintel must
' ~~igned for tria~gular loading p~usthe :self-load qf the !intet · _, '. · I).~ designed to ~rry this rectan~ul~r load of masonl)'. plus the
additional requirerne!'t foE,,~fCh!.~& 3:~ o'J:1~..t~afab,utnients ,'. i,,;;J,iilelf-l~ad of the hntel and ~ny (distributed and c~ncentrated)
An • _ ·" _ ,; , , , \ f• ,•--' · '"' <,; .: '" '}W,ltt·.t·":r::. 1 _ ·; supenmposed wall load directly above the opening.

A-UNIT, H-UNIT, AND BOND BEAM UNIT NOTE

An A-unit is used in a reinforced concrete masonry wall, Fig-
ure 25.7. The use of an A-unit eliminates the need to place Pilasten,. l and Piers
(min~ the unit over the reinforcement or electrical conduit. An Pi'aste~r?lu However, f.
H-unit is used where every cell is reinforced. Because the cells in column refers ndeoende load-bear-
aconcrete masonry wall are 8 in. on center, reinforcing each cell ing masonry or nonmasonry • term · r is er-
implies that the reinforcement in the wall is 8 in. on centers. A ally used fP,r' a masonry col
concrete masonry wall with reinforcement at 8 in. on centers is a general!Y.
underlimg,,i
fullygrouted wall (no ungrouted cells) . Note that a reinforced Api/.
concrete masonry wall can have reinforcement only at 8 in., amaSQI\I')'.
16 in,, 24 in., 32 in., and so on, on centers. the wall.
Some other commonly used CMUs are bond beam units and m
pilaster units, Figure 25.8. The use of bond beam units is illus-
trated later in this chapter (Section 25.4).
Pilaster
~COUSTICAL UNITS
w
An ac~ustical unit is commonly used where a concrete masonry
wall with sound-absorptive properties is needed. It has fiberglass
embedded behind open slits.

SURFACE TEXTURES-SPLIT-FACE UNIT AND RIBBED UNIT

t~U
;ough
y
can be provi~ed wi~h su~face textures ot~er t~an the (standar~) smoot~ tex~ur~. A
texture 1s obtained ma split-face unit, Figure 25.9. A split-face un1t a m1m1cs
;ough. ' st0 nelike texture and is produced by fracturing a fully hardened double CMU with
: illoune, which produces rwo split-face units. Split-face units are available with rough
~:: on one face or on two adjacent faces (co~ner u~it). Half-units ar~ also_ availa~le.
u- . 1her lughly textured unit is the ribbed unit, which has several vemcal ribs. A ribbed
ntt 15 also available as a split-face unit so that the ribs are not smooth. When ribbed units Acoustical unit

577
 H-unrte are ueed in a CMU
wall that is reinforud 8
ln.oncent.er

Joint
Reinforcing euet 6--- relnfo,Url'lllnt

If regular unite are used in a reini\

0
CMU wall, the unite must be etru f'Ced
shown here, whloh is extreme~· c ng as
'J U111berso
"1e,
A CMU wall relnforud :32
In. on center. Note the UH of A-units
around the reinforcing bars.

FIGURE 25.7 The use of A-units and H-units in a reinforced CMU wall. (Photo courtesy of Brick Industry Association)

are laid in a running-bond pattern, the ribs align to produce continuous veni . i
Figure 25.10. cal hn~.

SURFACE FINISHES-BURNISHED UNIT AND GLAZED UNIT

~he e~posed surface of a ~MU can be ground smooth. to reveal the aggregate, y .
t10ns 1n aggregate color, stze, and type and the us_e of mtegral pigments can rodl!Ja.
a surface that resembles a smooth-surfaced gramte. Ground-face CMUs arepcall¾

i __...c;;:.,_ Masonry wall

...- 3... ' PIiaster unit
,• ·

PILASTER PROJECTS ON
BOTH SIDES OF THE WALL

··· Maeonry
wall

.,•·· ·· Two-part
pilaster unit

PILASTER PROJECTS ON PILASTER PROJECTS ON

BOTH SIDES OF THE WALL ONE SIDE OF THE WALL

FIGURE 25.8 Bond beam unit and pilaster units.

578
 Guillotine that
fracturee (with
an Impact) a
double CMU Into
two epllt-face
CMUe

5pllt·faae
aorner unit

uRE 25, 9 Split-face units are made by impact fracturing a double CMU through the middle into two units.
flG

.I. d 1111 its and are often used in interiors where no additional finish is required .
11.,,rit d.10 . II fi
../111 . ,•can a• lso be . use an extenor wa , o ten as accent bands in a wall made with
1he) nits Figure 25.11.
I.11 (:ice u ' . f I .
ip • lazed unit ha~ a facm? a g_azm_g mat~rial bonded to one or more faces of the u~it.
Ag .1 approximately To m. thick, 1s applied after the block has been made. The facmg
fhe;~: :fitde beyond the_ ~MU f~ce on all si_des, Figure 25.12. .
ei:rei I d CMU surface 1s impervious to moisture and dust collection and 1s easy to clean,
aze itary. Glazed CMUs, which are available in various colors, are often used in hos-
so ir ,_s san_ rs public kitchens, and so on-wherever surface cleanliness is important. The
. inteno , . b . . c
P". l 0 f glazed CMUs on exteriors must e verified with the manuracturer to ensure
suirabfaiicy ss and resistance to delamination by freeze-thaw action.
color stne

, Ribbed spllt•faae unit

. t Architect: Paul Rudolph. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Jay Henry)

.. ' New Haven, Connect1cu .
FIGURE 25.1 o Ribbed units in Crawford Housing, 579
 eurnlth~
CMU

Glazed nu;ln0

Glazed facing
that extande
ellghtly i,eyond
the corner

FIGURE ') -
i 1C - ,~.11 l 1, ' l
' l:' CMU \\,1 ll. -~ nt ,um i,lwd un·1h •1'. ,Kcenl b,mds in a splil- FIGURE 25.12 A glazed concrete masonry unit.

25.2 CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS-MANUFACTURINc

AND SPECIFICATIONS
CMUs are made from concrete. Therefore, a CMU-manufacturing plant has concre
making equipment in addition to the equipment required to manufacture_th~ units. Briet
CMU manufacturing involves casting fairly dry (zero-slump) concrete mix m molds of {
desired shape and compacting the concrete. t e
Because of the zero-slump concrete, a fresh-cast (green) CMU has adequate strength
be removed from the mold immediately. A CMU _casting and compacting machine w:~
generally produce three to four units in one pass, Figure 25.13. The green units travel on
rollers to be stacked on a multistack cart. As the cart, generally mounted on wheel
filled, it is moved to a curing chamber, where the units undergo accelerated curing b/' gets
(approximately l 50°F), supersaturated air, Figure 25.14. warm

Fresh-cast (green) CMUs travel on roll .

them lo the curing chamber (Figure 2S. l 4)_ ers to be stacked on a cart that delivers

,so
 C 11 i1 1'1' HU ,.1'i
CMUe belno oured M ,\\I INIII' M .\ 11•111.\ 1,, Ii
In thne ohambert (( 11 N• 111111, MA>illNIII
l IN ! " · N.\ I 11 11 .\ 1 S l'll NI,,
.\N il l ilA." M.\ SII NII\ II NII S)

URE 25.14 Curing chambers for accelerated rnring of CMUs. OhsP,w 1lw w,Hm s,11ur,11i-d.,11r
uds. (The photograph was taken on a cold day; on .i really warm rl,1y, clouds ma y 1101ht• vlslhlt.>.)

The units are cured (typically for IO hours) and then unloaded from rhe mulrisrnck cart
wooden palettes, strapped into cubes, and stored in rhe yard for shipping ro the con-
ction site. Because the manufacturers do not want a large inventory in thdr sroragc
ds, it is possible that a unit may be sent to the construction site within a clay or two of
·ng manufactured.

ECIFICATIONS FOR CMUs

rcually all shapes of CM Us can be made from lightwt;ight or normal-weight concrete. A
htweight CMU is made from lightweight coarse aggregate, and normal-weight units are
de from normal-weight coarse aggregate. The weight classification is based on the fol-
wing concrete densities:

• Lightweight CMU-dry concrete density< 105 lb/ft3

• Normal-weight CMU-dry concrete density~ 125 lb/ft 3
A medium-weight unit is also made by some manufacturers, with a dry concrete density of
3
105 to 125 lb/ft . A typical-8 in. (two-cell) lightweight unit weighs approximately 28 lb, and
! normal-weight unit weighs approximately 38 lb. Lightweight units are preferred because
cy reduce the dead load on a structure, and they are easier to work with. The masons may

I
arge less for laying them. However, because lightweight aggregate costs more (see Chapter
), lightweight units are generally more expensive than normal-weight units.
Lightweight units have the necessary strength for most situations. Where high unit
ength i_s needed, normal-weight u~its should ~e consi~ere~. !1~ :111y case, _the minimum
mpress1ve strength of a CMU used m load-bearing applications 1s 1,900 psi (based on the
net bearing area of the unit).

PRACTI CE Q uIz
question has only one correct answer. Select the choice tha\ best 4. The nominal width (through-wall thickness) of a typical CMU 11
the question. a. 18 In. b. Hi In.
e voids in CMUs are called c. 12 In. d. 8 In.
voids. b. cores. e. vtrlable,
cells.
..... d. frogs. 5. A typical CMU has
a. oneweb,
c. three webs.
b, two webs.
nominal length of a typical CMU Is d. four webs.
18 in. b. 16 In. e. nve webs.
12 in. d. 8 In. 6. A typical CMU has
a. one face shell. b. two face shells.
nominal height of a typica l CMU Is c. three face shells. d. four face snells.
18 in. b. 16 in. e. five face shells.
d. 8 in.
(Cont/11ued)

5!!1
 ____P_RAC!_~~-~-- g -~_IZ~(C::_on~t!!}_in~ue~d1_!_)~ ~ - ~ - · - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ - - - - - - . . _ _
7 13. If a CMU wall is vertically reinforced at 16 in. o? centers,
• Which of the following CMU shapes is used to simulate a stack- the following units will you recommend for use rn the waij;"IChOf
bond wall, although the wall is, in fact, made with a running- A ·t b. H-unit ·
bo d a. -um
a. nLintel
pattern? c. Standard unit with three webs d. Sash unit
b• Bullnose unit e. Bond beam unit
c. Sash unit 14. If a CMU waif is vertically reinforced at 8 in. on _centers, wliic
d. Unit with projecting face shells the following units will you recommend for rn the Walfl hOf
e. Scored unit a. A-unit b. H-unlt
8. Which of the following CMU shapes has a rounded corner? c. Standard unit with three webs d. Sash unit
a. Lintel e. Bond beam unit
b. Bullnose unit lS. If a CMU wall is verticalfy reinforced at 24 in. on centers h·
c. Sash unit
d. Unit with projecting face shells a. A-unit b. H-unrt
w;
the folfowing units wilf you recommend for u~ in the ; ICb Of
1
e. Scored unit c. Standard unit with three webs d. Both (a) and (b)
9. CMUs with projecting face shells can be used on both sides of a e. Both (a) and (c)
control joint in a wall. The other unit that is commonly used in the 16. The center-to-center spacing of vertical reinforcement in a CMLJ
same situation is a cannot be Jess than 8 in. "'all
a. scored unit. b. bullnose unit. a. True b. False
c. sash unit. d. lintel unit.
1O. Which of the following CMU shapes has a U-shaped profile in its
17. before
Which being
of the laid
following
in the CMUs
waif? has slotted webs that are broken
vertical cross section? a. A-unit b. H-unit
a. Lintel unit c. Standard unit with three webs d. Sash unit
b. Bullnose unit e. Bond beam unit
c. Sash unit
d. Unit with projecting face shells 18. The terms pilaster and pier are synonymous.
e. Scored unit a. True b. False
11. Arching action occurs in a masonry wall with 19. Asplit-face CMU is made by treating a standard CMU with an
a. a running-bond pattern. oxyacetylene torch to produce a very smooth surface on one or
b. a stack-bond pattern. faces of the unit. lllore
c. both (a) and (b). a. True b. False
th
d. nei er (a) nor (b). 20. A burnished CMU is made by treating a standard CMU with an
12. A lintel over an opening in all masonry walls is designed to carry the oxyacetylene torch to produce a very smooth surface on one or rnor
load from triangle-shaped superimposed masonry. faces of the unit. e
a. True b. False a. True b. False
-············-·--··-···-········--------·-·········-···--··-·

25.3 CONSTRUCTION OF A CMU WALL

NOTE
The construction of a CMU wall differs from that of a brick wall in the following ways:
Why Only Face-Shell
Mortaring of CMUs? • Because a CMU is much heavier than a brick, it requires two hands to lay instead of
the one-hand operation used in laying bricks, Figure 25.15. While it takes greater
1. When a wall bends, the
tensile and compressive effort and time to lay a CMU than a brick because of a CMU's much larger size, the
construction of a CMU wall is much faster.
stresses are concentrated
primarily at the front and • Unlike bricks, whose bed and head joints are fully mortared, a CMU is generally
back faces of the waif. mortared only on its exterior periphery. The masonry industry refers to it as face-shrll
Mortaring the webs, there- mortaring of the units, Figure 25.16. In face-shell mortaring, the webs of a CMU are
fo re, does not significa ntly

I
not mortared. The exceptions are stack-bond walls and partially grouted CMU walls.
increase a wall's bending
Mortaring the webs on both sides of a grouted cell in a partially grouted wall prevent5
strength.
2. Because CMUs are laid in the grout from flowing into ungrouted cells. The first course of a CMU wall is laid
running bond, the webs of over a full bed of mortar regardless of the type of wall.
a CMU in the upper course • A typical CMU wall contains joint reinforcemenc for shrinkage control, which is nor
do not fully align with the required in brick walls other than a stack-bonded brick wall.
webs of CMUs in the lower • A reinforced CMU wall is generally partially grouted because only cells that contain
course. Therefore, if the reinforcement need the grout. Other cells are left ungrouted unless fire-resist~ce
mortar is placed on the and/ or sound-insulation requirements mandate a fully grouted wall. A reinforced bn~
webs, it will not serve any
wall, on the other hand, must be fully grouted in all cases-the grout being provid
purpose. Additionally, not
in the space between two masonry wythes, Figure 25.1 7.
mortaring the webs speeds
construction. The images in Figure 25. 18 highlight some of the similarities and differences berween
the construction of brick and CMU walls.

582
 CMU WITH PROJECTED ENDS CMU WITH PLAIN ENDS

FIGURE 25.16 In a CMU wa ll, onl y face shells are generally mortared;
that is, the webs are not mortared, and th e hea d joints are mortared to
The la ying of a CMU is a two-hand operation versus
•E 25,15 I . b. k the depth of the fa ce shells.
fiG U• hand used in ay 1ng ri c s.
itl' 0ne

Vertical--........
reinforcement

(!,)

FIGURE 25.17 (a) A CMU wall is called a reinforced

CMU wall if it is provided with vertical steel reinforcement.
Generally, only CMU cells with reinforcement are grouted.
The other cells are left ungrouted, unless the grouting of
unreinforced cells is required for greater fire resistance and
(or) greater sound insulation of the wall. Note that in this
photograph the CMU wall is reinforced 24 in. on center.
Observe that the first CMU course is laid in full mortar bed.
(b) A reinforced brick masonry wall must be fully grouted in
(a)
the space between the two wythes of the wall.

(a) (!,) (c)

~~URE 25.18 (a) The unit is aligned, and pressed downward and sideways using the trowel. (b) The mortar is brushed off the face of the walls
11
en hasdried sufficiently. (c) The concave joint tool used with CMUs is longer than the one used with bri ck masonry (see Figure 24.28).
 ~ RT2
M ATER1111.s AN 25.4 SHRINKAGECONTROL IN CMU WALLS
OP CoN . 0 SYSTr,MS
s rn u cr10 N A. • ·I b . ks ex pand during service, whereas CMU h
. 9, '- ay
''-' s1a1c:d m Chapter nc continues ,or
f CMU c
scveraI mom hs after th s.s rihL' "I. 4 ,
concrete, 1he shrinkage o h f. I' . e1r ti\ ' \I~
NOTE Although ASTM srn-cifications require 1ha1 t c: ":'a~u acturers 1"_111 the rnaxi ¾ur • '\
r·· . h 'fi d value 1t 1s not econom1cal t0 I tl\ull\
age po1cmial of 1hcir units to t e_spec.I ie ' et Clv1t.1 shtj
thei r dimensions fully before sell mg thc:m. . . ssi_b
Steel Wire Designation
·rh
In other words, a CMU that arrives on the construcuon Site may Still
. f · · be expected after they are pla d . be sh1.
¾
cold-drawn steel wire isdes- erefore some shrinkage o units is to
ignated by the cross-sectional ' h · k Of CMU w all s· ce 1n th 1n~
e
means are employed co control the s rm age · "'all. 1
sarea .of the
~IIOn
wire (see also
2 1.13). Thus, a Wl.7 th
• Pr01•iding horizontal reinforcement in e wall \
wire has a cross-sectional area Providing control (shrinkage) joints so that a long CMU wall is divided .
?f 0.01 7 in.2 (diameter = 0.147 into
in., or nearly in.). It is also segments . . sni.i~
referred to as No. 9 gauge wire The purpose of horizontal reinforcement is_ to resist tensile stresses in the Wall
W2 · 1 wire has a cross- · the shrinkage of units. Note that horizontal rem~orcement cann_ot pr~ent the f, Ca¾~
~1onal area of 0.02 l in.2 It shrinkage cracks. Nor can it reduce the total ~ 1d th of cracks_Ill a g'.ven lengtrll\a1ion I
1s also referred to as No. 8
gauge wire. Some other com-
How~ver, reinf?rceme~t d_is~ributes the cracks III th e _wall by mcreasmg '.heir nu of a.,,:
monly used wires are reducing the width of md1v1dual cracks-the total wid th of cracks rernainin lllher
Thus, instead of one or two large cracks, numerous small cracks are :orrned ~:nchangCQ.
Wl . I-gauge No. 11, area th
horizontal reinforcement is provided. Small cracks are more water resistant h l e "'~I.
= 0.011 in.2 ·1 . • ea Ill0 1f
1y, and can be sealed with a coaung. rt ti.
W 2·8-f6-in. diameter, no
gauge desiRnation, area
= 0.028 in~ HORIZONTAL REINFORCEMENT-JOINT REINFORCEMENT
w 4 .9-¼-in. diameter, no Horizontal reinforcement is generally provided by steel wire reinforcernenc l
gauge desiRnation, area mortar joints, referred to as joint reinforcement. Joint reinforcement consists 0~ aced in 1~
= 0.049 in~ longitudinal wires welded to cross wires. Two types of cross-wire arrangern two Par~!•
. ~a •
Figure 25.19. re llstd,
• In ladder-typ~j~int r~inforcement, cross w_ires are p~rpendicular to the longitudin .
In truss-type ;omt reinforcement, cross wues are diagonal to the longitudinal wires'I/Jr~.
As we will see in Chapter 28, both ladder- and truss-type reinforcement c h ·
ti?nal ":ires_w~l~ed t~ it to tie a masonry veneer ~all to a CMU backup wall.~heat0 a~.
dm~ ~ues '.n JOmt remforcement are embedded m the mortar. This is achieved b llglru.
the Jomt remforcement on the masonry bed and then placing the mortar _Y placing
25 .20 . Because off:ace-sheII mortaring, th e cross wires are not covered by mover it ' p·'glue
The tensile stresses caused by the shrinkage of a CMU wall are resisted b o;ari .
nal wires. The cross wires simply hold the longitudinal wires together. Th y e_ onguuili.
· 'bl e d'1ameter of the longitudinal wires is half the mortar joint thickne maximum
m1ss1 (' 3 pei-
but the smaller-diameter Wl .7 wire (No. 9 gauge wire) is most commonly :~edl.e., i61ll.l,

Longitudinal wire
No. 9 gauge
(deformed)
LADDER-TYPE JOINT
REINFORCEMENT

FIGURE 25.19 Types of joint Flr6t GOUl'6e of

reinforcement commonl y used. unite laid In full bed
Although 9-gauge wires are most of mortar
common, other sizes are also
available. The maximum permis- FIGURE 25.20 To embed joint reinforcement in
sible diameter of wire in joint mortar, standa rd practice is to place the joint
TRU55-TYPE JOINT REINFORCEMENT
reinfo rcement is half the mortar reinfo rcement on the bed surface of the units firstdOd
thickness. then lay the mortar over it (see also Figure 25. t7).

584
 25
g.cu d'nal wires are slightly deformed (texrured) to •improve their . bond wit •h CHAPTER
1 1
I
9
fli' ;~e cross wires (al~~ No: ga~ge) are generally plain, spaced no more than 16 in. MJ\SONRY MATERIALS-II

10 r¢· J-{oc-dip ~vamzmg, 1~ which the reinforcement is dipped in a hot bath of zinc, (CONCR ET E MASONRY

o11•"' . ed for cor ros10n protection. The thickn ess of gal van1Z1ng
P JncefS• · · (zmc)
· · UNITS, NATURAL $TONE,
film required
..i1111r
• r•, on c e e
h xposure of the wall
. to corrosion · Wh ere corrosion protection 1s cntlcal ,
· · · .. AND GLASS MASONRY UNITS)
15
.dlds I •oint reinforcement 1s recommended.
Jcr·.,.,, scee J f. . . fi ( Id'
~ o"""[ab ·cacion o JOtnt rem orcement we mg of cross wires with longitudinal
fii' d ;:ccing co require~ leng~s) sho~d precede galvanizing. The alternative,
~irel che reinforceme~c is fabricated wtth galvanized wires, leaves the welded
th
I·p wli ~11h uc any protewon. If e laccer is the mode of fabrication the welded
1

,,01s \~ oh ared ends should be coated with zinc '

lr d s e . all . . .
.,ots an ·nforcement is gener Yava.1lable m l 0-ft lengths. The distance between
•r. 0·nc re1 b d d' d c
J ~dinal wires has een sta_n a~ ize _ror CMU walls of different thickness. The
1oog d equires chat the longitudinal wires be spaced as far apart as possible. How-
1

~odar r
a rninirnum s . ~over muSc be provi'ded bY the mortar, Figure 25.21. There-
s•m.
r~r, c use in an 8-m. CMU wall, the out-to-out distance between wires is
. e ror 3.
lo/\~
(s
i -rcical
sl == 6ii_m.
5
spacing O
f. . . c
JOmt remrorcement in a wall is a function of the diameter
Theve · an d the th'ickn ess of the wall. With No. 9 gauge wires the
· udinal wires
f 1ong1t . . 16 . . ,
0 rnended spacing is m. on center. This amounts to placing the joint rein-
,ccorn nt every other course of masonry. If [G-in. longitudinal wires are used the
rorceine f. . .C b . )
·caJ pacing o JOtnt remrorcement can e increased.
,t~or: srrin~e~t ho~izontal reinforcement re~uirements (wire diameter and verti-
.1 cing of JOtnt reinforcement) than those given here for shrinkage crack control
r;i spa needed to resist. h'1gh-wm. d and se1sm1c
· · loads.
111aY be

HORIZONTAL REINFORCEMENT-BOND BEAMS

Horizontal reinforcement in CMU walls may also be provided through bond beams.
Abond beam is a CMU_beam formed by grouting the bond beam units. The slotted
webs of bond beam umts are broken by the mason before being laid, providing a
ooncinuous space for horizontal reinforcement and grouting.
Because bond beam units are open at the top and the bottom, a plastic mesh fabric
placed below the units to prevent the grout from leaking into the lower cells. For
shrinkage crack control, bond beams are generally spaced 4 ft on center vertically with FIGURE 25.21 The width of joint reinforce-
onlyone No. 4 reinforcing bar (½-in. diameter) in each bond beam, Figure 25.22. ~ent for CMU walls is sta_nda_rdized_to provide
Bond beams are more cumbersome to provide than joint reinforcement. However, s·in. mortar cover to longitudinal wires.
me reinforcement in a bond beam is better protected, and a bond beam can be reinforced
more heavily to resist high-wind and seismic forces. As we will observe in Chapter 26, bond
beams are required for reasons other than crack control in load-bearing masonry structures.

HORIZONTAL REINFORCEMENT AND STACK-BOND WALLS

Asrack-bond wall is much weaker in horizontal bending than a running-bond wall because
me continuous head joints open easily, presenting little resistance to horizontal bending,
Figure 25.23(a). In a running-bond wall, the masonry units have to overcome the shear
(sliding) resistance at the bed joints before the head joints can open, Figure 25.23(b).

Bond 1,eam. The wel,e of 1,ond

1'eam unite (eee Figure 25.8)
are partially l,roken l,y the
maeon 1,efon, laying them. Plaetlc
meeh

Steel
reinforcement

'ICuRE 25.22 The use of bond beams for shrin kage crack control·

585
 (a) 5tack·11ond wall (11) Runnlng-1,ond wall

The horizontal !lending etrengtli of a etack·llond When a runnlng·llond wall llende horizontally, the unite mu~t elide
wall le only a function of the (flexural tenelle) over the underlying unite. The reeletance of the unite to eliding
llond etrength of head jolnte. lncreaeee the !lending etrength of the wall. Note that thle
phenomenon le alleent In a etack·llond wall.
The vertical !lending etrength of 1,oth a etack·l,ond and a runnlng-
llond wall ls the eame (eee Figure 24.3). It can lie Increased lly Pl"Ovldln
vertical reinforcement In walle (eee Figure 24.4). 9

FIGURE 25.23 (a) The horizontal bending strength of a stack-bond wall is low because it is only a function of the flexural tensile bond
strength of vertical joints. (b) The horizontal bending strength of a running-bond wall is greater than that of a stack-bond wall because of th
shear (sliding) resistance provided by the units. e

Horizontal reinforcement substantial!y increases the horizontal ?endin~ strength of,

stack-bond wall. Tests have shown that 1f a CMU stack-bond wall is provided with j .
reinforcement at 16 in. on centers, its bending strength is 20% greater than that of an u:tnt
inforced running-bond wall. If the running-bond wall is also reinforced horizontally in ~-
I
same way as a stack-bond wall, both the stack-bond wall and the running-bond wall e
equal in horizontal bending strength. Horizontal reinforcement in bond beams (4 ft are
center) achieves the same result as joint reinforcement laid 16 in. on center. on

CONTROL JOINTS

In addition to horizontal reinforcement, crack control in CMU walls requires the provi.
sion of continuous vertical control joints. The width of a control joint is usually the sam
as the thickness of a mortar joint-i in. The recommendations for control joint spacin;
are as follows:

• The length-to-height ratio of a wall between control joints should be less than or
equal to 1.5. In any case, the distance between control joints should not exceed 25 fi.
Thus, if the height of a wall (from floor to floor or from floor to roof) is IO ft, the
maximum distance between control joints is 15 ft. However, if the wall height is
20 ft, the maximum distance between control joints is 25 ft.
• In addition to meeting the first provision, several other provisions should also be met,
as shown in Figure 25.24.
The detailing of a control joint must ensure free horizontal movement of wall segments
in addition to the transfer of the lateral load between adjacent segments. A typical control
joint detail is shown in Figure 25.25(a) . An alternative derail, which uses a sash unit on
both sides of a control joint, is shown in Figure 25.25(b). A cross-shaped PVC gasket is ,
used in sash unit recesses. The parts of the gasket within the sash units are required to have
adequate hardness to function as shear key-to transfer the lateral loads across the joint.

25.5 GROUT
The purpose of masonry grout is to fill the voids in masonry walls so that the grout, the
masonry units, and che reinforcement are integrated into a composite whole. Grout is,
therefore, a cementitious mix, in many ways similar co concrete. Important differences
between grout and concrete, however, do exist. For example, the durability of concrete is
important, but chis is not a concern with grout because ic is protected by che units. A sm~I
amount of lime is permitted in grout but not in concrete.

586
 u; near a comer are
,,ir01Joln l1e more closely spaced
Co ulret-1 wh two walls shrink In
,-,4 ei- e
0 ..i;9U6 ~lrec1'1ons.
~rer11<

Control joint 11etween

two lntereectln9 walle
Provide control joint
at a el9nlflcant
change In wall height

f;PACING 6ETWEEN
CONTROL JOINTS

5,1.t;H and Control Joint - -.......'""'

26f1' at pllaeter
5" H ., floor-to-floor height
wt,Bl'll•.:.;_---- ---...1

Control Joint around open Inge. If opening width le Iese than

6 ft, a control Joint on one elde of opening le ade'\uate.

URE 25 _24 Recommendations for control joint spacing in CMU walls.

fl G

e grout is placed in masonry voids, ic contains more water than concrete. In ocher
Becaus " " . all . fl
d rout is a soupy mix to ow It to ow down the voids, which are relatively small
wor_ s, ~he required slump of grout is 8 to 11 in. , depending on the absorption character-
in.::;f masonry units, void dimensions, and the ambient temperature and humidity con-
isu_ t the time of grout placement.
d1uons a

TYPES OF GROUT
'd dimensions also affect the type of aggregate used in grout. Grout is classified as fine
, Vo1 fi h . f h
and coarse grout. In me grout, t e aggregate consists o sand only. In coarse grout, t e
grout
aggregate consists
. . of sand and coarse aggregate. The maximum size of coarse aggregate is
3.
generally limited to s m.

Aephalt·eaturated Joint relnforoement

paper as l,ond l:>reaker

Preformed control
Mortar filling Joint an
to provide gaek
shear key ---.,,.;

(a) Control joint aetall ueln0

CMUe with proj ecting fa ce ehelle
(see also Chapter 9, Fi0ure 9.18 )
(1,) Control joint aeta ll using sash unite
JOINT REINFORCEMENT MUST NOT 6E
CONTINUOUS ACROSS A CONTROL JOINT

FIGURE 25.25 Two alternative details for control joints in CM U wa lls.

587
 PART")

ii;TliR~I.S A.Nn SrsTFMS 1:_AHLE 2.'i.1 PROPORTIONS Of MATERIALS IN A STANDARD

OP CONS1"Rl'CTION
c.1mur MIX

2.25-3.0 times the

sum of PC and L
2.25-3.0 times the 1 to 2 times the
Coarse grout 0-n, sum of PC and L of PC and L SU111

).; ': . . . .~I

. -- . _ - : ~; . -- ·~-.,-.~

-~.--
~'
.,
~ -~ -·~·
.
.
:
-
- ~- . ·_.

. .
.
-_"
\

ii i:! .

FIGURE 25.26 T~o alternative methods of placing grout are pumping and bucketing. In these images, the maso_ns are placin~ the grout in
the cells of underlying CMUs. The CMUs showing at the top of the wall are bond beam units, which will be provided wrth horizontal rein-
forcement at a later date.

Fine grout is used where void dimensions are small. If void dimensions are large (greater
than 1.5 in. X 3 in.), coarse grout is prefi:rred because it shrinks less than fine grout. In any case,
a shrinkage-compensating admixture may be specified for grout. Excess shrinkage (a result of
the large slump of grout) can leave voids, reducing the bond between the units, the grout, and
the reinforcement. Proper consolidation will, however, reduce shrinkage co some extent.
The compressive strength of grout muse be at least equal co chat of masonry but not less
than 2,000 psi. The strength of grout is established by testing specimens after 28 days of
casting chem. As an alternative co testing, grout may be proportioned by the requirements in
Table 25.1, which results in a grout with a compressive strength of approximately 2,500 psi.
Two methods are used co pour grout in masonry walls-pumping and bucketing, Fig-
ure 25.26. Pumping is more commonly used in a high-lift grouting operation. High-lift
grouting is used where the entire height of the wall (up to a maximum of 24 ft) is grouted
in one operation. Bucket placement is economiGtl in small jobs or where low-lift grouting is
specified. In low-lift grouting, the wall is grouted as ic is constructed, generally up co 4 ft in
height. Some architecrs and engineers prefer specifying low-life grouting because it provides
better qualiry control, particularly if the wall is heavily reinforced.

PRACTI CE QUIZ

Each question has only one correct answer. Select the choice that best d. all of lhe above.
answers the question. e. both (al and (b).
21. In a typical CMU wall, face-shell mortaring Is used. This implies that 23. Joint reinforcement refers to
the mortar is placed a. the vertical reinforcement in a masonry wall.
a. only on the horizontal surfaces of the face shells. b, the horizontal reinlorcement in a masonry wall.
b. on the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the face shells. c. both vertical and horizontal reinforcement in a masonry wall.
c. on the horizontal surfaces of the face shells as well as the webs.
d. on the vertical surfaces of the face shells only. 24. Joint reinlorcement in CMU walls generally consists of
a. a single wire.
22. The grouting of the cells of a CMU wall is required where b. two parallel wires connected together by c~ wire$.
._ the cells are provided with steel reinforcement. c. three parallel wires connected together b)! cross wi~
b. greater fire resistance of the wall is required. cl. two parallel wires without cross wires.
c:. greater sound insulation of the wall is required. e. none of the above.

588
 ·-~--··· ,............ _ PRACTICE QUIZ (Contin!:_!..d ~-·--·-··
~ ; i~:!:~!:~~;e; ~~~i:i;i::·~~;~ ·: -..·~·- - : ~~ mi~ure of
t;.
=
'(llti ~ the shear strength of the wall. a. portland cement and water.
: the com~ressive stress in the wall caused by the b. portland cement, aggregate, and water.
" p·· ion of umts. . · c. porttand cement, lime, and water.
the tensile stress m the wall ca~ by the expansion of ~ega~~ waf&!r. !
d, itS • the I
the tenSile stress rn wal caused by the shrinkage of units. 29. Mason~ grout has a slump of approximately
e, t,earns in a CMU wall can be used to serve the same purpose a, 2 to 3 in. b. 3 to 4 in.
·nforcement. c. 4 to S in. d. 5 to 6 in.
,. p j0i"1rei b. False e. none of the above.
• rrue . of control joints in a CMU wall 30. Some architects and engineers prefer to specify low-lift grouting in
,naci08 ft mason~ walls because
fhe ,,,- Id not exceed 25 •
f ,_ ~~r,etion of the length•to-height ~atio of the wall. a. it is more economical.
-"'ion of the average
i,. 1sjsa fu,,.,, annual air temperature of the locau· on. b. it saves construction time and effort.
c. it does not require the use of coarse agSregate.
,. (b) and (c).
d. it does not require portland cement.
d. (a) and (b).
t,
----------·-···........... -
e. none of the above.
.. .................................................................................... .................. ______________~----
_ NATURAL STONE
25 6
i rural scone is obtained.from rocks that constitute the earth's crust. Rock and scone are
Nancially the sam~ mat~n~s, e~cept that 3!te.r the rock has been quarried, it is called stone.
r5t chat is used m buildings ts called buzldmg stone. Clay and sand present on the earth's
are che ~esulc .of the physical and chemical disintegration of rock by rainwater and air.
The cerm dzmens~on stone refers to stone that has been fabricated to required dimensions,
re surface finish, and so on, and meets performance requirements for durability
tcll11 '
srrengch, water absorpnon, •
an d the l'k ·
1 e. :"he terr~ includes stone cladding panels, veneer'
~one, councercops and tabletops, wall copings, stau treads and risers, and balusters. It spe-
cificallyexcludes broken or.crush~d stone. . .
Srone is a natural matenal, so Its charactensncs (propenies and appearance) are incon-
sistent. There is a great deal of variability even in slabs or blocks obtained from the same
uarry pit. Scone is, therefore, too complex a material to describe with geological and
lemical precision here. Fortunately, such precision is not only unnecessary but counter-
productive, and chis fact is recognized by the industry and ASTM standards.
The reason for discouraging excessive precision is that many building stones with differ-
ent geological names have essentially the same performance characteristics. For example,
gabbro, gneiss, basalt, and some other stones have vinually the same density, durability,
abrasion resistance, and ability to accept polish as granite. So, these stones are referred to as
the granite group of stones. While the geochemical distinction between them may be of
interest to a geologist, it is unnecessary in commercial applications. Similarly, some stones,
though geologically defined as limestone, are sold commercially as marble because, in their
propercies, chey are closer to marble.
Building stones may be classified as follows:
• Granite or granite group
• Limestone and travertine group
' Marble or marble group
' Sandstone and quartzite group
• Slace

GRANITE OR GRANITE GROUP

Granite is an igneous rock. It is the strongest and densest of building stones. le weathers far
moreslowly than ocher stones and takes an extremely good polish. Therefore, it is com-
monlyus_ed in the exterior cladding of significant buildings. . . .
~hernically, granite is a fusion of three minerals: feldspar (silicate of alummum, calcium,
IOd1urn, ~n cl potassium), quan z (silicon dioxide), and ~1c~
1bese · (potassm~ · al.ummum · s1·1tcate
· ).
minerals are present as granules, which give granite its characcensnc speckled surface
ap:rance and name (granite from granular), Figure 25 .27. . .
(\()o;, general, granite contains 25% to 40% quartz and 3% to. 10% mica; the.remamd~r FIGURE 25.27 Speckled (granular)
0
or more) is feldspar. The relative proportions of these minerals and the stZe of their surface of granite.

589
 EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Geological 0-fication of R.ocb nd deltas and were compressed by the p~re o f ~

Geologists classify the rocks on the earth's surface rnto a . d bonded ......,.her forming a different kind of flri.
matena 1an ""5"U' , . - ...,
called sedimentary rock. .
• Igneous rock Limestone, travertine, and sandstone ~re sechmentary 'lldis.
• Se<f imentary rock ihe difference between them is ~e chermcal composition of
• Metamorphic rock . ent beds and the material that cemented the beefs.
th e sed,m . ·1 f I.
, As the earth's crust began to cool from its original molten . estone and travertine consist pnman y o ca c1um carhn.....
L,m I d. 'd --~
1 state to its present solid state, the first rock to form was igneous Sandstone consists of si icon 1ox1 e. . .
rock. In its molten form, the earth's surface was essentially the Metamorphic rocks originate from either igneous or sedirne.i.
same as the one that is present deep inside the earth today. This ock that was altered (morphed) in its chemical structure by
molten rock, which is forced out during a volcanic eruption, is tary rct,on of heat and pressure. Marble, quartzite, and slate a
th
m:;morphic rocks. Marble is morphosed from limestone; q~
referred to as lava or magma.
The texture of Igneous rock depends mainly on how slowly or . f 111 sandstone; and slate, from shale. Because of the acti~ ·
11 ro
rapidly the molten mass cooled. Slow cooling allowed the mole- ofe,pressure and heat, m~tam?~P h"1c roe k ·1s genera II y stronger ""''
cules to arrange themselves in crystals. If the molten mass cooled than the rock from which 11 originated.
rapidly, the molecules did not have the time to arrange them-
selves in crystals. Thus, a rapidly cooled volcanic rock is noncrys-
Chemical Classification of Rocks ..
In terms of their chemistry, rocks may be classified as
talline (nongranular) and glassy-brittle and relatively weak.
The igneous rock that exists deeper inside the earth's crust • Siliceous rocks
cooled rather slowly because of the insulating effect of the over- • Calcareous rocks
burden. The coarse-grained crystalline structure of granite-an • Argillaceous rocks
igneous rock-is the result of the slow cooling process that took
place over thousands (millions) of years. The crystalline structure Siliceous rocks (such as sandstone, quartzite, and granite)
of granite gives it the hardness and strength for which it is well are rich in silica (silicon dioxide). Calcareous rocks (such as
limestone, marble, and travertine) are rich '.n calcil~ (calciumoxide).
known. Argillaceous rocks (such as slate) are rich m alumina (a~u_minum
Sedimentary rock began to form as the igneous rock disinte-
grated due to erosion by water. As the eroded particles were ~r- oxide). Calcareous rocks are generally more prone to disintegration
ried by water, many marine and other life forms were also earned by acids but are slightly more fire resistive than silicious rocks.
with it These substances were deposited in seas, lakes, valleys,

granules determine the strength, color, and surface appearance of granite. Quam is the
strongest and most durable of the three minerals. Therefore, a greater amount of quam
gives a stronger and harder granite chat is more difficult to process-sawing, profiling, and
grinding.
Being silicon dioxide, quartz is chemically the same as sand and, hence, is white co light
pink in color. A granite low in quartz is generally darker in color. Commercial black granite
is extremely low in quartz, approaching 0%, and is really not granite, but a stone called
basalt by geologists. Black granite (basalt), which has a handsome finish, is commonly used
as tabletops or countertops. Being relatively weaker, it is not favored for use where high
strength or abrasion resistance is necessary, such as on floors and stair treads.
Both feldspar and mica present weakness in granite, particularly mica, because it decom-
poses more easily. Quartzite, a stone that is almost 100% quartz, is extremely strong. Ir is
commonly used as an aggregate for ultra-high-strength concretes.

LIMESTONE
Limestone is a sedimentary rock, consisting primarily of the carbonates of calcium and mag-
nesium, with small amounts of clay, sand, and organic material, such as seashells and other
fossils. Limestone consisting of approximately 95% calcium carbonate and 5% impurities is
called calcite limestone. That consisting of 60% to 80% calcium carbonate and 20% to 40%
magnesium carbonate is called dolomitic limestone. Dolomitic limestone is generally stronger
than calcite limestone.
Unlike gran_ite, limestone is generally nongranular, with a relatively uniform surface
appearance. It 1s softer than both marble and granite and hence easier to quarry, saw, and
shape. I_t ranges in color from white to gray and does not cake a polish.
Calcium carbonate reacts with acids. Acid in some foods (citric acid in lemons, limes,
~ranges, et_c., and acetic acid in vinegar and pickles) reacts with limestone. Thar is why
hmesto~e 1s not ~ecom?1ended for use as kitchen, dining, or bar tabletops. Limestone
fa~a~es m ar~as wnh senous acid rain problems have deteriorated. However, because acid
ram 1s a relanvely r~cent_ problem (related primarily to emissions from rhe use of pecroleurn
and coal) , the decenoranon oflimestone is also a recent problem.

590
 ral historic buildings with Jim f: CHAPTER~
5eve f eactive atmospher . 1es~one acades have performed quite well in the MASONRY M/.TERIALS-Jl
O
ai,sence Nr y k C'ty h esp' me udmg the Empire State Building and Rockefeller
in ew or 1 , t e encagon · W hi • (CONCRET E MASONRY
Cellcer Ch' Ill' • L' m as ngton, D.C. , and the Chicago Tribune
in 1cago, mo1s. 1mestone is al l U NITS, NATUIVJ. STON E,
f ower so common y used as concrete aggregate. AND Guss MASONRY UNITS)

fitAVERTINE
f ravern· 0 e is a sedimentary
. rock
. obtained crrom the sediments
• .
of limestone ·
dissolve d ·m
.
spr1ngw acer. Springwater
)' (pamcularly
h' h fro h · ) • ·
m ot sprmgs runnmg over limestone epos1tsd ·
dissolved the u~esto n~ w ~- subsequently sedimented (i.e., were deposited) in a nearby
location, SometkimTes t e ~e !~enc trapped water, which eventually evaporated, leaving
~01'ds 1·0 the roe . ravertme 1s ' therefore , a porous stone, an d travemne· s1abs are pme· d
with voids.
'frav~rt!ne is closely related to lime~tone, but because it did not morph (change) like
marble, 1t 1s softer st0 ne. Mos~ travercme varieties, therefore, do not take a polish. Denser
varieties, wh1c~ take a good polish, are referred to as travertine marble.
Becau~e of Its porous ~tructure'. travertine does not have the durability required for
use in chm slabs _for extenor claddmg. However, architects, who like the surface texture
created by th~ pi~s, have used tra:ertine in building exteriors as (thick) masonry walls.
When traveru~e is used as a floonng material, its pitted surface can collect dirt, requir-
ing greater mamtenance unless the pits are filled with a portland cement (or an epoxy)
and ground smooth.

MARBLE
Geologically, marble is ~i~er~nt fro~ limestone because it is a metamorphic rock. Chemi-
cally, however, marble 1s s1m1lar to limestone. In fact, marble is limestone, which under
centuries of high pressure and heat in the earth's crust morphed from a sedimentary rock to
a metamorphic rock.
Because of the pressure and heat, marble is stronger and denser than the original lime-
stone but weaker than granite. Like granite, it takes a good polish. As stated previously,
denser varieties oflimestone that accept polish are sold (and used) commercially as marble.

--
Marbles vary in surface appearance, which can be without patterns or with patterns-
veiny, or mottled, or both, Figure 25.28. The presence of veins often indicates the presence of
fuults, weakness, or cracks in marble. The use of veiny and variegated marble is generally dis-
CX>uraged for exterior applications. Marbles vary greatly in color-from white to black, pink, FIGURE 25.28 Veiny surface of
~ dso on. Being chemically identical to limestone, marble _is also vulnerable to acid anack. marble.

SANDSTONE
S,andstone is a sedimentary rock formed by layers of sand (quartz) particles with oxides of
calcium, silicon, and iron as cementing agents. If the cementing agent consists primarily of
the oxide of silicon, sandstone is light in color and strong. If cemented by iron oxide, the
~ dstone is brown or red in color and softer. San~~tone th~t has a large amount of calcium
oxide as cement is relatively more vulnerable to d1smtegrat1on.

SLATE
Slate is a metamorphic rock formed by the morphosis of clay and mica sediments. Slate has
a nongranular, smooth texture and is characterized by distinct cleavage planes that permit
easy splitting in slabs as thin as ¼in. That is why slate is used as roofing and flooring mate-
~- It is available in various colors, ranging from black to pink and light green.

7 FROM BLOCKS TO FINISHED STONE

ral stone is procured by stone fabricators from quarries in the form of large blocks.
use of the way they are extracted from the rocks, blocks are irregular in size, Figure
. The blocks are converted into slabs and other cross-sectional profiles in stone-fabri-
plants. The conversion is done by sawing the blocks-a process similar to sawing
r, except that water is used continuously during the sawing process to keep the saw
cool, Figure 25.30.
e saw shown in Figure 25.30 uses one reciproc~ting blade that m?v~s both horizon-
and vertically so that only one slab is sliced at a nme. In more soph1sucated machines,
saw blades are ganged together to make multiple cuts in one pass.

591
r P AE T 2
M.>ITElUhl.s -'.!•v SnTDd!,
OT V.JN.\.nu;cn0 _._

FIGURE 25.29 BJ,=ks of s1one

,.,utsidt, a stone-fabricating plar11-
Phot0 taken at Texas Quariries.
Aus1in, Texa,..
-

FIGURE 25.30 Conversion from

stone blocks to sla bs through sawing.
Nole that the sawing operation
needs a great dea l of water to cool
th e blade. Photo taken at Texas
Q uarri es, Austin, Texas.

Cross-sectional profiles for round columns, column caps, balusters, wall copings, win-
dow sills, and so on, are obcained by machining che sawn material to the desired shape.
Differenc types of power-driven cools or tool anachmencs are available for diflerem profiles.
Although most scone fa brication is auromared, complex ornamental work requires working
with hand cools such as chisels, picks, and hammers, Figure 25. 3 1.

' FIGURE 25.31 Whi le a great

dea l u( stonework b dune through
mJchines, some detailing requires
W<Jrking with hand tciuls. Whutu
l UUrlesy u( TexJs Quarries,
Austin, Texas )

592
 N STONE SLABS AND PANELS CHAPTER 25
1~1st-1ES O . . MASONRY MATERIALS-II
f 511rface5 of stone slabs and panels can be fimshed m several ways. The finish not only (CONCRETE MASONRY
fb' the surface appearance of th~ sto~~ but also its durability. A honed or polished finish UNITS, NATURAL STON!l,
/eet-5 all more durable because 1t facilitates the drainage of water from the surface. The AND GLASS MASONRY UNITS)
i, geo~r :e some of the commonly used finishes on stone slabs and panels:
uowiog .
finish: If the stone 1s not finished beyond
sawn . call d .
• saw1n . g, the surface 1s ks e a sawn finish. A sawn fin-
. h has visible saw mar .
ned finish: When a _sawn finish is ground smooth
' -~ an abrasive material, a honed finish is obtained.
~oning requires repe~ted grindi~g with increasingly
fine abrasives. Water 1s used con~muously during the
honing process to control dust, Figure 25.32.
POfished finish: Conceptually, there is no difference
' b rween a honed and a polished finish. A honed fin-
. is smooth but with a matt appearance. A polished
~nish is obtained by .grin~ing the stone surface
beyond the honed fimsh with finer abrasives and
finally buffing it with felt until the surface develops
a sheen. A polished finish brings out the color of
stone to its fullest extent by reflecting light like a • I,

mirror. The difference in color of a rough and a pol-

ished finish on the same stone is easily noticeable,
often significant.
A dear penetrating sealer that adds to the sheen is FIGURE 25.32 Honing (grinding) of stone slabs using water to cool the
generally applied to the surface of a polished stone. grinders. Photo taken at Texas Quarries, Austin, Texas.
The sealer increases the durability of stone by sealing
che pores, adding resistance to chemical attack and the formation of stains. Only
dense stones, such as granite, marble, and dense varieties of limestone, travertine, and
slate, can develop a polish.
, Flame-cut finish: A flame-cut finish, also referred to as a thermal finish, is a rough fin-
ish obtained by torching the stone surface with a natural gas or oxyacetylene torch.
Before torching, the stone is thoroughly wetted. The heat from the torch expands the
absorbed water into steam, which breaks loose the surface particles in the stone, leav-
ing behind a rough surface. Generally, a flame-cut finish is used only on granite
because other stones are too porous to break only at the surface.
The roughness of a flame-cut finish makes it ideal for floors, particularly those that
are subject to frequent wetting. Often, a flame-cut finish is used in the treads of
granite-topped stairs and a polished finish is used for the risers, which gives the desired
contrast between the treads and the risers.
• Bush-hammered finish: A bush-hammered finish is also a rough finish and is obtained
by hammering off the surface of stone with picks.
• Split-face (cleft) finish: Like a CMU, stone can also be split through one of its faces,
yielding two split-face slabs. Splitting is easier in slate, which has natural cleavage
planes, in which case the stone is referred to as cleft-finished. In the stone industry,
however, the terms cleft and split-face are used interchangeably.
' Sandblasted finish: Although not as commonly used as other finishes, sandblasting
scone yields a rough surface.

25.8 STONE SELECTION

'fhe_selection of stone for a particular use is a function of several factors. Budget and aes-
theti~ (color, pattern, and surface appearance) are the two most important factors to be
nsidered for stone used in building interiors. For exterior use, the performance history of
st0ne in the local environment (durability) is obviously another important factor. Where
material has no track record, the physical properties of the stones being evaluated should
compared. Generally, the following properties are of importance:
' Density
• Water absorption
Compressive strength

........__ 593