R-Values
Can “Equivalent R-Value” be used to determine compliance with mass wall energy code requirements? Answer
Will doubling a wall’s R-Value double the energy efficiency? Answer
Continuous Insulation
Do concrete masonry walls require continuous insulation? Answer
Compressive Strength
What is the minimum required compressive strength for concrete masonry? Answer
What is the minimum required compressive strength for masonry mortars? Answer
Can cardboard forms be used to fabricate grout compression specimens? Answer
Can unbonded caps be used for compression testing of concrete masonry units? Answer
ASTM Standards
Are there ASTM standards for manufactured stone veneer? Answer
NCMA commentary discussions to ASTM C90-09 Standard Specification for loadbearing concrete masonry units. Answer
What happened to the Type I/Type II unit designation in ASTM C90? Answer
SRW
What are the basic components of an SRW system? Answer
What height restrictions should I be aware of with segmental retaining wall construction? Answer
Fire & Building Codes
What options are available for complying with the International Energy Conservation Code? Answer
What is the difference between fire resistance ratings for masonry assemblies obtained through IBC versus a listing service such as UL or FM? Answer
How is the fire resistance of a concrete masonry assembly calculated when using unconventional aggregates? Answer
How can concrete masonry assemblies comply with code- mandated air barrier requirements? Answer
Does the building code address cleaning of newly constructed masonry? Answer
General Masonry
What is the difference between a “cinder block” and a “concrete block”? Answer
Is wet-sticking of reinforcement a permitted practice? Answer
High-lift versus low-lift grouting: Which is the better option? Answer
How can the bearing area of a concrete masonry prism removed from existing construction be determined? Answer
Are RILEM Tubes an Effective Method of Evaluating the Water Repellent Characteristics of CMU? Answer
Why did the 2013 TMS 402 standard introduce a design check for web shear stresses? Answer
Can I Wet Cut Masonry Units? and How Wet is too Wet? Answer
Do Manufactured Concrete Products Sequester CO2? Answer
What is the bullet/ballistic resistance of concrete masonry? Answer