Ch.7: Masonry Construction Flashcards
What is Mortar used for in masonry construction?
used as glue between the blocks
What is grout used for in masonry construction?
Goes in the holes in the block, reinforced with rebar
Why do we use “bond blocks”?
These are used as a large lintel
What’s bad about stacked bonds and why don’t we recommend them for exterior construction.
they are weaker structurally as the pattern features no blocks interlocking, unlike a running bond.
Define “bond” in masonry construction?
the pattern that courses use in wall design.
Define “course” in masonry construction?
the horizontal line of blocks in a wall design.
What type of joint finish is best for exterior walls in masonry construction?
Concave
The nominal length for a CMU unit is 200 x 200 x 400. What are the real dimensions?
190 x 190 x 380
Why would you want to dimension your wall to be a multiple of the CMU units used?
so you don’t have to cut the unit at all, and therefore not risking any form of moisture infiltration.
What is Efflorescence?
the migration of a salt to the surface of a porous material, where it forms a coating
What is the most common bond pattern used in masonry construction?
running bond
How is brick made?
It is made offsite typically from clay and heat.
What’s the biggest advantage of masonry construction?
durability compared to its wood counterpart. Also has an aesthetically pleasing look.
What are disadvantages with masonry construction?
freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, earthquake resistance.
What is “Ashlar” Masonry?
weird shapes that are cut to fit tightly. random cutting of stones.
What are coursing tables?
tables that list out common brick sizes, as well as their actual sizes
Should “flexural cracking” be considered when designing brick veneer walls
yes
What is a brick tie?
a piece that connects the brick wall to the steel stud in a steel stud back up wall with brick veneer. They also tie the brick wall together.
Does brick veneer resist loads?
yes
Where would you need flashing in a brick veneer steel stud wall?
anywhere there isn’t an airspace.
Where do weep holes go? what are they for?
they go above the flashing? they are so water can escape the building if need be.
Where would shelf angles need to go in a brick veneer steel wall?
in every opening and at every floor
what are expansion joints for?
they separate areas of brick into panels and allow for controlled expansion and contraction at a different rate than the materials they are attached to.
How big of an airspace do you need between your brick veneer and sheathing? what is this airspace for?
minimum 2”. this airspace allows for any water that penetrates to easily flow back out the brick veneer through the weep holes. it’s also a natural thermal barrier.
