Joe Tempesta

LaToya Kelley

Nominal Versus Actual SizesFor Concrete Blocks

This picture depicts a Actual Standard Size Brick

Now with the addition of mortar the brick takes on the nominal size.Typically with bricks a 3/8” mortar joint is used.

Nominal language is used in the field due to the ease of speaking. One would not want to ask for a 7-5/8” X 7-5/8” X 15-5/8” when it would be so much easier to ask for a 8” X 16” block.

Hey! Let me get a 7-5/8” by 7-5/8” by 15-5/8”

plain block

Idiot!

Nominal versus Actual Standardfor Bricks

Typically Actual Standard Size Bricks sizes are only used in the manufacturing Process. In the field Nominal sizes are used.

Scored- Refering to the face of block, basically only a design aspect. Offers many different options when designing masonry walls.

Terminolgy

Stretcher End (Mortar Groove)-A masonry unit laid with its greatest dimension horizontal and its face parallel to the wall face, the grooves packed with mortar aid in movement laterally.

Breaker- Strategically placed hole in the center portionof the block used for breaking up individual blocks.

Plain End- Clean surface of the brick with no indents in surface.

Rectangular Core- The inner portion of bricks that is cut out in an rectangular shape.

Pear Core- The inner part of the brick that is cut out in the shape of a pear.

Split Face- Typically and aesthetic type block. The face of the brick looks

like someone split a front portion off of the block leaving a exposed, broken look.

Fluted (7 Ribbed Shown)- Seven grooves cut into the

brick along front side of the brick.

Bullnose- Casting of block were the sharp edges of block

are rounded over on one side. Seen typically in room entrances or anywhere exposed block ends are exposed. Both are available in single and double bullnose.

When designing with CMU’s one thing to keep in mind, most of the styles of the previous pages are intermingled with each other. You may be able to have a 3-fluted concrete block with a breaker, split face and mortar groove end.

Pilaster — A pilaster is a slightly-projecting column built

into or applied to the face of a wall. Most commonly flattened or rectangular in form, pilasters can also take a half-round form or the shape of any type of column, including tortile. http://www.concreteblockcentral.com/glossary.htm

Bond beams are placed above supporting walls, reinforced with steel bars and filled with concrete.This gives the beam lateral support and a place for any concentrated vertical loads along a wall.

Bond Beams

Purpose-Greatly strengthen the wall to accommodate

larger vertical loads as well as resist lateral loads. http://faculty.delhi.edu/hultendc/A220-Week2-Lecture-Web.html

Reinforcing Block Walls Vertically

Steel Rebar is set with mortar vertically.

Reinforcing Block Walls Horizontally

Purposes : To strengthen the wall against

"bowing" in due to lateral pressure