Hardscapes - Concrete Masonry
About Concrete Masonry
Introduction
Concrete Masonry units are a stack of rectangular concrete blocks. A large rectangular brick used in construction, Concrete Masonry are made from cast concrete for example portland cement and aggregate, it is a sand and fine gravel in the case of blocks. Concrete Masonry is formed in the shape of two squares joined in one side to form a rectangle, with the insides of the squares hollow. This allows structures to be built in the traditional masonry style of overlapping rows, with the structure’s weight carried by the walls of the blocks. When reinforced with concrete columns and tie beams, Concrete Masonry or concrete blocks is a very common building material for the wall of buildings, it is also called the CBS construction for Concrete Block Structure. Suburban houses are usually made of concrete foundation and slab with a concrete block wall on the perimeter. Large buildings use a large amount of concrete block and for even larger buildings, concrete block supplements steel I-beams.
However, Tilt-wall construction is replacing CBS for some large structures. The holes inside concrete block allow rebar and concrete to run vertically through the block to balance for the lack of tensile strength. Since a lot of people find the appearance of concrete block to be unattractive, the exposed surfaces are given a decorative finish of stucco, brick, paint or siding.
Types of Concrete Masonry Units
Scored
Scored Concrete Masonry Units and plain Concrete Masonry Units are similar in shape but the Scored Concrete Masonry Unit have one or more vertical scores molded into the face to create attractive patterns. Only two parts of the mold are changed to create this appearance. Split Face
Split Face units are solid or hollow Concrete Masonry units that are molded “Siamese style” and split lengthwise or crosswise by a guillotine-like machine. After coming out of the kiln and before cubing, the Concrete Masonry Units are split. Split face Concrete Masonry Units have attractive, natural rough, stone like texture and different aggregates and pigments a myriad of appearances.
Ribbed and Fluted
Ribbed and Fluted units are produced by using special molds. Ribbed and fluted are produced by passing the ribbed Concrete Masonry Unit through the same splitter used for split face block. The process is the same, only the mold is changed. The texture of the split face is natural rugged and is separated by molded grooves or scores.
Ground Face
Ground face Concrete Masonry Units are produced by grinding 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1 to 3mm) from the face of normal Concrete Masonry units. It results a smooth surface that displays the various colors and size of aggregate particles. A wide variety of effects can be created by using different aggregate sizes, types, color, and various cement colors. Slump
Overhanging Concrete Masonry Units or Slumped are created by using mixes slightly wetter than normal and applying pressure to the top of the unit. This makes the Concrete Masonry unit to bulge or deform slightly.
Paving Stones
Paving Stones with different patterns and thickness, high strength interlocking paving stones can be made. Uses range from walkways to roads and heavy industrial applications.
Concrete Masonry Applications
Public Buildings
Public Buildings from civic, cultural facilities to institutional settings, buildings that are made of masonry stand the test of time. Remarkable in appearance and durable in performance, this low maintenance masonry holds up to high usage.
Residential Homes
Known for its durability and low maintenance, masonry also delivers versatility and beauty to all sizes and types of residential properties. Concrete Masonry keeps adding value to homes with its ability to withstand temperature extremes, fires, and natural calamities. Educational Institution
Concrete Masonry is a sensible choice for today’s schools. Durable and efficient, Concrete Masonry delivers value over the life of the building.
