POCKET GUIDE

BRICK AND CMU CONSTRUCTION

Pocket Guide to
Brick and CMU Construction

This publication 2012 Masonry Institute of Washington.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any
means, conventional or electronic, without written consent obtained
in advance from the Masonry Institute of Washington.

Masonry Institute of Washington

10519 NE 38th Place, Building 12
Kirkland, WA 98033
www.MasonryInstitute.com
www.MasonryDetails.com

Table of Contents
Unit Position Terminology

Common Bond Patterns

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

Condensed ASTM C-90

14

Condensed ASTM C-216

16

Mortar Joint Styles

18

Mortar Types and Proportions

19

Site Tolerances for Masonry

21

Control/Expansion Joint Placement

23

Fire Resistance Ratings

25

Sound Transmission Ratings

27

Weep Holes

29

Flashing

29

Weather Resistive Barriers

30

Cleaning Masonry

31

Water Repellents

32

Wall System Details

34

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

43

Unit Position Terminology

Wythe

Course

Rowlock
Stretcher

Shiner

Header

Soldier

Common Bond Patterns

There are number of traditional bond patterns used for both
functional and aesthetic purposes. Historically, the Running
Bond pattern has been the most utilized. It is often used
where the width of the unit is half the length (i.e. 8 long x
4 wide), allowing ease of use on corners. 1/3rd Running
Bond is typically used where the unit width is 1/3 the length
(i.e. 12 long x 4 wide). Stack Bond is most effectively used
with units that have very little size variance, but does not have
the structural strength of Running Bond.
Bond patterns such as Flemish Bond, English Bond,
Dutch Bond/English Cross, Common Bond - 6th
Course Header and Common Bond - 6th Course
Flemish Header with header units and courses were
traditionally used in double-wythe brick construction to bond
separate wythes together for structural strength. As this type
of construction is no longer widely used, these bond patterns
are often utilized solely for aesthetic purposes in modern
design.

Running Bond

Stack Bond

Common Bond Patterns

1/3 Running Bond

Common Bond
6th Course Header

Flemish Bond

Common Bond
6th Course Flemish Header

English Bond

English Cross or
Dutch Bond

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

BRICK
C 32:

Specification for Sewer and Manhole Brick

(Made from Clay or Shale)

C 43:

Terminology of Structural Clay Products

C 55:

Specification for Concrete Brick

C 62:

Specification for Building Brick (Solid Masonry

Units Made from Clay or Shale)

C 67:

Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick

and Structural Clay Tile

C 73:

Specification for Calcium Silicate Brick (SandLime Brick)

C 126:

Specification for Ceramic Glazed Structural Clay

Facing Tile, Facing Brick and Solid Masonry
Units

C 216:

Specification for Facing Brick (Solid Masonry

Units Made from Clay or Shale)

C 279:

Specification for Chemical-Resistant Masonry

Units

C 652:

Specification for Hollow Brick (Hollow Masonry

Units Made from Clay or Shale)

C 901:

Specification for Prefabricated Masonry Panels

C 980:

Specification for Industrial Chimney Lining

Brick

C 1006:

Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of

Masonry Units
7

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

BRICK (Cont.)
C 1072:

Test Method for Measurements of Masonry

Flexural Bond Strength

C 1088:

Specification for Thin Veneer Brick Units Made

from Clay or Shale

C 1261:

Specification for Firebox Brick for Residential

Fireplaces

C 1298:

Guide for Design and Construction of Brick

Liners for Industrial Chimneys

C 1405:

Specification for Glazed Brick (Single Fired,

Solid Brick Units)

CMU
C 75:

Sampling Aggregates

C 90:

Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry

Units

C 129:

Specification for Nonloadbearing Concrete Masonry

Units

C 139:

Specification for Concrete Masonry Units for

Construction of Catch Basins and Manholes

C 140:

Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete

Masonry Units and Related Units

C 331:

Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units

C 426:

Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of

Concrete Masonry Units
8

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

CMU (Cont.)
C 618:

Specification for Coal Flu Ash and Raw or Calcined

Natural Pozzolan for Use as Mineral Admixture
Concrete

C 979:

Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored

Concrete

C 1209:

Terminology of Concrete Masonry Units and Related

Units

C 1262:

Test Method for Evaluating the Freeze-Thaw

Durability of Manufactured Concrete Masonry Units
and Related Concrete

C 1372:

Specification for Segmental Retaining Wall Units

C 1552:

Practice for Capping Concrete Masonry Units,

Related Units and Masonry Prisms for Compression
Testing

Mortar and Grout

C 5:

Specification for Quicklime for Structural

Purposes

C 51:

Definition of Terms Relating to Lime and

Limestone

C 91:

Specification for Masonry Cement

C 109:

Test Method for Compressive Strength of

Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50mm] Cube Specimens)

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

Mortar and Grout (Cont.)
C 110:

Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime,

Hydrated Lime, and Limestone

C 143:

Test Methods for Slump of Hydraulic Cement

Concrete

C 144:

Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar

C 150:

Specification for Portland Cement

C 185:

Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic

Cement Mortar

C 207:

Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry

Purposes

C 270:

Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry

C 395:

Standard Specification for Chemical-Resistant

Resin Mortars

C 404:

Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout

C 476:

Specification for Grout Masonry

C 780:

Test Method for Preconstruction and

Construction Evaluation of Mortars for Plain
and Reinforced Masonry Units

C 887:

Specification for Packaged, Dry, Combined

Materials for Surface Bonding Mortar

C 952:

Test Method for Bond Strength of Mortars to

Masonry Units

10

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

Mortar and Grout (Cont.)
C 1019:

Test Method for Sampling and Testing Grout

C 1142:

Specification for Extended Life Mortar for Units

Masonry

C 1180:

Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit

Masonry

C 1324:

Test Method for Examination and Analysis of

Hardened Masonry Mortar

C 1329:

Specification for Mortar Cement

C 1357:

Test Methods for Evaluating Masonry Bond

Strength

C 1384:

Specification for Admixtures for Masonry

Mortars

C 1403:

Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of

Masonry Mortars

C 1437:

Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement

Mortar

C 1586:

Guide for Quality Assurance of Mortars

Assembly Components
A 82:

Cold Drawn Steel Wire for Concrete

Reinforcement

A 90:

Test for Weight of Coating on Zinc-Coated

Masonry (Galvanized) Iron or Steel Articles

11

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

Assembly Components (Cont.)
A 123:

Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)

Coatings on Iron and Steel Products

A 496:

Deformed Steel Wire for Concrete

Reinforcement

A 615:

Deformed and Plain Billet-Steel Bars for

Concrete Reinforcement

A 617:

Axle-Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for

Concrete Reinforcement

A 951:

Specification for Masonry Joint Reinforcement

C 516:

Vermiculite Loose Fill Insulation

C 549:

Perlite Loose Fill Insulation

C 920:

Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants

E 488:

Test Methods for Strength of Anchors in

Concrete and Masonry Elements

E 754:

Test Method for Pullout Resistance of Ties and

Anchors Embedded in Masonry Mortar Joints

Pavers
C 410:

Specification for Industrial Floor Brick

C 902:

Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic

Paving Brick

C 936:

Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking

Paving Units
12

Brick and CMU ASTM Standards

Pavers (Cont.)
C 1272:

Standard Specification for Heavy Vehicular

Paving Brick

C 1319:

Specification for Concrete Grid Paving Units

C 1491:

Specification for Concrete Roof Pavers

Other Related Standards

C 901:

Prefabricated Masonry Products

C 1232:

Terminology of Masonry

C 1314:

Test Method for Compressive Strength of

Masonry Prisms

C 1400:

Guide for Reduction of Efflorescence Potential

in New Masonry Walls

C1601:

Test Method for the Field Determination of

Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces

E 514:

Test Methods for Water Penetration and

Leakage Through Masonry

E 518:

Test Methods for Flexural Bond Strength of

Masonry

E 519:

Test Methods for Diagonal Tension (Shear) in

Masonry Assemblages

E 1857:

Guide for Selection of Cleaning Techniques for

Masonry, Concrete, and Stucco Surfaces

E 2260: Guide for Repointing (Tuckpointing) Historic

Masonry
13

ASTM C-90 Condensed

Oven-Dry Density
of Concrete, lb/
ft3 (kg/m3)

Maximum Water
Absorption, lb/ft3
(kg/m3)

Minimum Net
Area Compressive
Strength, lb/ft2

Avg of 3 Units

Avg - 3
Units

Indiv
Unit

Avg - 3
Units

Indiv
Unit

Lightweight

Less than 105 (1680)

18 (288)

20 (320)

1900
(13.1)

1700
(11.7)

Medium Weight

105 to less than 125

(1680-2000)

15 (240)

17 (272)

1900
(13.1)

1700
(11.7)

Normal Weight

125 (2000) or more

13 (208)

15 (240)

1900
(13.1)

1700
(11.7)

Density
Classification

Permissible Variations in Dimension:

Standard Units: For standard units, no overall dimension
(width, height and length) shall differ by more than +/1/8 in. (3.2 mm) from the specified dimensions.
Particular Feature Units: For particular feature units, the
dimensions shall be in accordance with the following:
1. For molded face units, no overall dimension shall
differ by more than +/- 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) from the
specified standard dimension. Dimensions of molded
features shall be within +/- 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) of the
specified standard dimensions and shall be within
+/- 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) of the specified placement of the
molded feature.
2. For split-faced units, all non-split overall dimensions
shall differ by not more than +/- 1/8 in. (3.2 mm)
from the specified standard dimensions.
3. For slump units, no overall height dimension shall
differ by more than +/- 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) from the
specified standard dimension.

14

ASTM C-90 Condensed

Materials and Finish:
All units shall be sound and free of cracks or other defects
that interfere with the proper placement of the unit
or significantly impair the strength or permanence of
the construction. Minor cracks, incidental to the usual
method of manufacture or minor chipping resulting from
customary methods of handling in shipment and delivery,
are not grounds for rejection.
Where units are to be used in exposed wall construction,
the face or faces that are to be exposed shall not show chips
or cracks, not otherwise permitted, or other imperfections
when viewed from a distance of not less than 20 feet (6.1
m) under diffused lighting.
Five percent of a shipment containing chips, not larger
than 1 in. (25.4 mm) in any dimension, or cracks not
wider than 0.2 in. (0.5 mm) and not longer than 25% of
the nominal height of the unit, is permitted.
The color and texture of units shall be specified by the
purchaser. The finished surfaces that will be exposed in
place shall conform to an approved sample, consisting of
not less than four units, representing the range of texture
and color permitted.
A shipment shall not contain more than 5% of units,
including broken units, that do not meet these materials
and finishes requirements.

15

ASTM C-216 Condensed

Grades:
Grade SW (Severe Weathering): Brick intended for use
where high resistance to damage caused by cyclic freezing
is desired.
Grade MW (Moderate Weathering): Brick intended for
use where moderate resistance to cyclic freezing damage
is permissible.
When Grade is not specified, the requirements of Grade SW
shall govern.
Min. Compressive
Strength psi, (MPa)
gross area

Max. Water
Absorption by 5-h
Boiling, %

Max. Saturation
Coefficient*

Designation

Avg of 5
Brick

Individual

Avg of 5
Brick

Individual

Avg of 5
Brick

Individual

Grade SW

3000
(20.7)

2500
(17.2)

17.0

20.0

0.78

0.80

Grade MW

2500
(17.2)

2200
(15.2)

22.0

25.0

0.88

0.90

* The saturation coefficient is the ratio of absorption by the 24-h submersion in cold water to that after 5-h submersion in boiling water

Types:
Type FBS: Brick for general use masonry.
Type FBX: Brick for general use masonry where a higher
degree of precision and lower permissible variation in size
than permitted for Type FBS is required.
Type FBA: Brick for general use masonry selected to
produce characteristic architectural effects resulting from
nonuniformity in size and texture of individual units.
When Type is not specified, the requirements for Type FBS
shall govern.

16

ASTM C-216 Condensed

Materials and Finish:
The brick shall be free of defects, deficiencies and surface
treatments, including coatings, that would interfere with
the proper laying of the brick or significantly impair the
strength or performance of the construction.
The face or faces that will be exposed in place shall be free
of chips that exceed the limits given in the table below.
The aggregate length of chips shall not exceed 10% of the
perimeter of the face of the brick.
Other than chips, the face or faces shall be free of cracks or
other imperfections detracting from the appearance of the
designated sample when viewed from a distance of 15 ft.
for Type FBX and 20 ft. for Types FBS and FBA.
The number of brick in a delivery that are broken or
otherwise fail to meet requirements for chippage and
tolerance shall not exceed 5%.
Chippage in in.
(mm) in from

Type

%
Allowed

FBX

5% or
Less

FBS (Plain)

10% or
Less

1/4-5/16

FBS
(Textured)

15% or
Less

5/16-7/16

FBA

Edge

Corner

1/8-1/4

1/4-3/8

(3.2-6.4)

(6.4-7.9)

(7.9-11.1)

(6.4-9.5)

3/8-1/2

(9.5-12.7)

1/2-3/4

(12.7-19.1)

%
Allowed

95-100%
90-100%
85-100%

Chippage in in.
(mm) in from
Edge
0-1/8

(0-3.2)

0-1/4

(0-6.4)

0-5/16
(0-7.9)

Corner
0-1/4

(0-6.4)

0-3/8

(0-9.5)

0-1/2

(0-12.7)

To meet the designated sample or as specified by the purchaser, but not more
than Type FBS (Textured)

17

Mortar Joint Styles

Concave Joint

V Joint

Weather Joint

Cut Flush Joint

Struck Flush Joint

Beaded Joint

Raked Joint*

Struck Joint*

* Not recommended for exterior use in areas with regular inclement weather

18

Mortar Types and Proportions

Type M:

High compressive strength with low workability

Type S:

General all-purpose with high flexural bond strength

Type N:

General all-purpose with good bonding capability and

workability

Type O:

Low strength used mostly for interior applications

Type K:

Low compressive and flexural bond strength for tuckpointing historic buildings with lime and sand mortar

Portland Cement Lime Mortar (ASTC C270)

Type

Portland
Cement

Hydrated Lime
or Lime Putty

Maximum Damp
Loose Aggregate

1/4

1/2

4 1/2

12

Masonry Cement Mortar (ASTM C270)

Type

Portland
Cement

Masonry
Cement

1 (type N)

---

---

1 (type M)

---

1/2

1 (type N)

---

4 1/2

---

1 (type S)

---

---

1 (type N)

---

19

Hydrated
Max Damp
Lime
Loose Aggregate
6

Mortar Type Selection (ASTM C270)*

Location
Exterior,
Above Grade

Mortar Type

Building
Segment

Recommended

Alternative

Load-bearing Wall

Type N

Type S or M

Non Load-bearing
Wall

Type O**

Type N or S

Type N

Type S

Exterior, At or
Below Grade

Foundation Wall,
Retaining Wall,
Manholes, Sewers,
Pavements, Walks
and Patios

Type S***

Type M or N

Interior

Load-bearing Wall

Type N

Type S or M

Non-bearing
Partitions

Type O

Type N

Interior

Type O

Type K or N

Exterior (Above
grade, exposed on
one side, unlikely
to be frozen when
saturated, not subject to high winds
or lateral loads)

Type O

Type N or K

Exterior (Other
than conditions
listed above)

Type N

Type O

Parapet Wall

Tuckpointing^

* This table does not provide for many specialized mortar uses, such as chimney, reinforced
masonry, and acid-resistant mortars
** Type O mortar is recommended for use where the masonry is unlikely to be frozen when
saturated, or unlikely to be subjected to high winds or other significant lateral loads. Type N or
S mortar should be used in other cases.
*** Masonry exposed to weather in a nominally horizontal surface is extremely vulnerable to
weathering. Mortar for such masonry should be selected with due caution.
^ In some applications, structural concerns may dictate the use of mortars other than those
recommended. This table is not applicable to pavement applications.

20

Site Tolerances for Masonry*

Site Tolerances: Erect Masonry within the
following tolerances from specified dimensions
Dimensions of Elements
In cross section or elevation
- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm); + 1/2 in. (12.7 mm)
Mortar joint thickness (Assume either 1/2 in. or 3/8 in.
thick bed and head joints)
Bed joint

+/- 1/8 in. (3.2 mm)

Head joint

- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm); + 3.8 in. (9.5 mm)

Collar joint

- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm); + 3/8 in. (9.5 mm)

Elements
Variation from level
Bed joints

+/- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in 10 ft. (3.05 m)

+/- 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) maximum

Top surface of
bearing walls

+/- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in 10 ft. (3.05 m)

+/- 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) maximum

Variation from plumb

+/- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in 10 ft. (3.05 m)
+/- 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) in 20 ft. (6.10 m)
+/- 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) maximum
Continued on next page
21

Site Tolerances for Masonry*

Site Tolerances: Erect Masonry within the
following tolerances from specified dimensions
Elements (Continued)
True to line
- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm); + 1/2 in. (12.7 mm)
+/- 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) in 20 ft. (6.10 m)
+/- 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) maximum
Alignment of columns and walls (bottom versus top)
+/- 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) bearing walls
+/- 3/4 in. (19.1 mm) non-bearing
walls
Location of Elements
Indicated in plan
+/- 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) in 20 ft. (6.10 m)
+/- 3/4 in. (19.1 mm) maximum
Indicated in elevation
+/- 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in story height
+/- 3/4 in. (19.1 mm) maximum
* Source: Building Code Requirements and Specification for
Masonry Structures (TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5) and (TMS 602/ACI
530.1/ASCE 6)

22

Control and Expansion Joint Placement

At maximum of
one-half control
joint spacing
from corners

Between main and

intersecting wall
At changes in
wall height

Adjacent to
opening

At pilasters and
changes in wall
thickness

Adjacent to
opening

Control Joints: Used in CMU construction to prevent cracking due

to natural shrinkage of CMU and building movement.
Expansion Joints: Used in clay brick construction to prevent
cracking due to natural expansion of clay brick units and building
movement.
Typical Control and Expansion joints will be filled with joint sealant,
instead of mortar, to accommodate building movement.

Expansion Joint Spacing - Brick Veneer (No Openings)*

Equation to determine expansion joint
spacing

Spacing not to
exceed

Spacing = W x E / 0.09
W=Width of expansion joint
E=Percent extension of joint sealant
(25%-plus extension/compression is common for
sealants used on brick)

25 Feet

* Source: The Brick Industry Association Technical Note 18A: Accommodating

Expansion of Brickwork (November 2006)

23

Control and Expansion Joint Placement

Control Joint Spacing - Reinforced CMU Wall^
Spacing Expressed as Ratio of Panel
Length to Height
3.0 (Control joint spacing = 3.0 x
Height of panel)

Spacing not to
exceed
40 Feet

Control Joint Spacing - Reinforced CMU Wall^

(Solid Grouted)
Spacing Expressed as Ratio of Panel
Length to Height
2.5 (Control joint spacing = 2.5 x
Height of panel)

Spacing not to
exceed
32 Feet

Control Joint Spacing - CMU Veneer^

(No openings, Joint reinforcing @ 16 o.c.)
Spacing Expressed as Ratio of Panel
Length to Height
1.5 (Control joint spacing = 1.5 x Height
of panel)

Spacing not to
exceed
24 Feet

^ Source: Northwest Concrete Masonry Association Tek Note: Control Joints for
Concrete Masonry Crack Control (April 2008)

24

Fire Resistance Ratings

Fire Resistance Ratings of Individual Masonry Units
Clay or shale brick (Nominal
Thickness)*

Fire Resistance in
Hours

4-inch Brick

1.25

6-inch Brick

2.55

8-inch Brick

4.00

Concrete Masonry (Nominal

Thickness)**

Partial
Fill Cells

Solid
Fill Cells

1.00

1.00

6-inch CMU

1.00

4.00

8-inch CMU

2.00

4.00

10-inch CMU

3.00

4.00

12-inch CMU

4.00

4.00

4-inch CMU

* Tested in compliance with ASTM E119

** Source: Northwest Concrete Masonry Association Tek Note: Concrete
Masonry Fire Resistance (February 2005)

UL Fire Resistance Ratings of Select Masonry Wall Systems^

Wall Assembly
Brick/Concrete Masonry, Loadbearing

8 loadbearing CMU laid with full
mortar beds, with 9-gage joint
reinforcement at 16 o.c. vertically

Min. 1 air space with up to 4 rigid
insulation as option

4 clay facing brick laid in mortar

Design
Number

Fire
Rating

U902

4.00

Continued on next page

25

Fire Resistance Ratings

UL Fire Resistance Ratings of Select Masonry Wall Systems^
Design
Number

Fire
Rating

Brick Veneer/Steel Stud, Loadbearing

1 layer 5/8 gypsum wallboard

3 1/2, 20-gage steel studs with
max. spacing at 24 o.c., with 3 1/2
glass fiber batt insulation

2 max. foamed plastic

1 min. air space

4 brick veneer with wall anchor
ties to studs at 24 o.c.

V434

1.00

Brick Veneer/Steel Stud, Loadbearing

1 layer 5/8 gypsum wallboard

3 1/2, 20-gage steel studs with
max. spacing at 24 o.c., with 3 1/2
glass fiber batt insulation

4 max. rigid polystyrene insulation

1 min. air space

4 brick veneer with wall anchor
ties to studs at 24 o.c.

V454

1.00

Brick Veneer/Wood Stud, Loadbearing

2 layers 5/8 gypsum wallboard or
3/32 gypsum veneer plaster on
classified veneer baseboard

1 layer 1/2 gypsum exterior
sheathing

1 air space

2 x 4 wood studs spaced at 16 o.c.

4 clay facing brick laid in mortar
with metal ties spaced at 16 o.c.
horizontally and vertically

U302

2.00

Wall Assembly

^ Source: UL Fire Resistance Directory; Tested in compliance with ASTM E119

26

Sound Transmission Ratings

Calculated STC Ratings for CMU Walls*
Nominal
Unit
Thickness

Density, pcf

STC Rating
Hollow Unit

Grout-Filled

95
105
115
125
135

44
44
44
45
45

46
46
47
47
47

95
105
115
125
135

44
45
45
46
46

50
50
51
51
52

95
105
115
125
135

46
46
47
47
48

53
54
55
55
56

10

95
105
115
125
135

47
48
48
49
50

53
54
55
55
56

12

95
105
115
125
135

48
49
49
50
51

61
62
62
63
64

* Source: National Concrete Masonry Association Tek-Note 13-1B Sound (2008)

27

Sound Transmission Ratings

STC Ratings for CMU Walls Assemblies*
Wall Assembly Description
(Inside to outside)

Tested
STC

Calculated
STC

1 layer 5/8 gypsum wallboard

1 1/2 wood furring
8 CMU
1 1/2 wood furring
1 layer 5/8 gypsum wallboard

54^

51

1 layer 5/8 gypsum wallboard

2 Z-bar
Glass fiber batt insulation
8 CMU
2 Z-bar
1 layer 5/8 gypsum wallboard

64^^

51

1 layer 5/8 gypsum wallboard

screwed to CMU
8 CMU
2 rigid insulation
3 1/2 air space
4 split face CMU veneer

79^^^

58

* Source: National Concrete Masonry Association Tek-Note 13-1B Sound (2008)

^ 48.2 psf wall weight of CMU only, test designation TL-88-361
^^ 48.2 psf wall weight of CMU only, test designation TL-88-384
^^^ 85.4 psf wall weight of masonry only, test designation TL-88-431

28

Weep Holes
Placement: At first course above grade and at all supports

Code required spacing: 33 o.c.

MIW recommended spacing (Brick): 24 o.c.

MIW recommended spacing (CMU): 32 o.c.
Size: The bigger the weep hole is, the more water it allows
out of the cavity and the more air it allows to circulate
through the cavity

Code required minimum size: 3/8 diameter circular
hole

MIW recommended: Full head joint (head joint size
depends on size of unit) - Note: Empty head joint
should be filled with screen or other material that
prevents bugs and debris from entering, but allows
water and air to flow.

Flashing
Placement: At first course above grade and at all supports.
Drip edge of flashing should extend past the plane of the wall
in order to keep water off of face of masonry below.
Typical Flashing Materials for Masonry Wall Systems

Galvanized Steel

Stainless Steel

Copper

Rubberized Asphalt (Peel and Stick)

EPDM

29

Weather Resistive Barriers - Definitions

Weather Resistive Barrier (WRB)

WRB is designed to protect against liquid water (rain) and is not the same
as waterproofing.

WRB can be permeable or non-permeable for both vapor and air.

WRB material can be a sheet or a liquid, mechanically attached or selfadhering.

WRB is normally a secondary line of defense, installed at the drainage
plane, behind the exterior cladding.
Additional functions a Weather Resistive Barrier might perform:
Air Barrier (AB)

Completely restricts the flow of air through the material

Must meet standards for air leakage as a material

Can be vapor-permeable or vapor-impermeable

Can be placed anywhere in the wall assembly

Must be installed correctly to perform properly within a wall assembly
Air Retarder (AR)

Retards the amount of airflow through the material

Air permeable to varying degrees, depending on the material

Airflow can assist in drying of a wall assembly

Airflow can also cause condensation problems
Vapor Barrier (VB)

Completely restricts flow of vapor through the material

Also serves as an air barrier material

Correct placement is crucial and depends on many variables

Incorrect placement can cause problems within wall assembly
Vapor Retarder (VR)

Limits the amount of vapor passage through the material

Vapor retarders can be divided into 3 categories:
- Vapor Impermeable: 0 to 1.0 perms
- Vapor Semi-Permeable: 1.0 to 10 perms
- Vapor Permeable: greater than 10 perms
Note: Always consult with the Architect of Record on the proper selection and
design of WRB components.

30

Cleaning Masonry
Tips for Cleaning Clay Brick and Concrete Masonry:
1. Know the Material: Match the cleaning method and solution
to the masonry material. Product manufacturers will make
recommendations on the appropriate product for their materials.
2. Test Method and Product: Always test the cleaning method
and product on a sample section of the wall and allow to dry before
evaluation of effectiveness and aesthetic results of selected cleaning
method.
3. Use the Mildest Solution Possible: Select the gentlest effective
cleaning method available. Do not use unbuffered muriatic acid.
4. Lots of Water: Before applying the cleaner, the masonry should
be pre-wetted. This keeps the cleaner on the surface where it can
work to dissolve excess mortar and dirt.
5. Methods for Cleaning: There are 3 general methods for
cleaning masonry: hand-washing (bucket and brush), pressure
washing and abrasive blasting.

Hand-Washing (Bucket and Brush) - Depending on the size
of the project and the type of stain or substance on wall, this
method may not by effective or cost-efficient.

Pressure Washing: Apply cleaning solution with a low-pressure
sprayer (30-50 psi). Do not use high pressure to apply cleaner.
Thoroughly rinse the wall using a maximum water pressure of
400-1000 psi.

Abrasive Blasting: This method should not be used on materials
with a sand finish or decorative coating, and is generally not
recommended for cleaning masonry. Abrasive blasting is risky
as it can remove the outer surface of the masonry, resulting
in permanent damage to the materials and the potential for
increased water penetration. This method should only be done
by a trained and qualified technician.

31

Water Repellents for Masonry

The Masonry Institute of Washington recommends using a water
repellent on masonry wall systems to help minimize the penetration
and absorption of water into the building. There are three broad
categories of clear water repellents available: Film Formers,
Penetrants and Consolidants.
Film Formers: Adhere to masonry and form a film on the surface
that can bridge small, hairline cracks, but may inhibit evaporation
of water within the masonry through the exterior face. This can
result in clouding and spalling if the source of moisture is not
addressed. Film-forming products tend to produce a sheen or gloss
when applied, and may also darken the appearance of the wall. Film
formers include the following products:

Acrylics
Stearates

Penetrants: These repellents typically penetrate into the masonry at

depths up to 3/4 in. and repel water by changing the capillary force of
the pores in the face from positive (suction) to negative (repellency).
Penetrants are often more resistant to UV degradation because of
their chemical composition and because they penetrate below the
masonry surface. Penetrants include the following products:

Siloxanes
Silanes
Silicone Emulsions
Methyl Siliconates

Silicone Resins
RTV Silicone Rubber
Blends

Consolidants: These water repellents penetrate into the masonry

surface and can help restore the structural integrity of decaying,
crumbling masonry and provide a means for controlling future decay.
These products can also strengthen soft mortar joints.

Silicic Ethyl Esters

32

Water Repellents for Masonry

Water Vapor
Transmission

Water
Life Span,
Repellency
Years

Available
w/Glossy
Finish

Graffiti
Resistance

Film Formers
Acrylics

Poor

Very
Good

5 to 7

Yes

Yes

Stearates

Poor

Varies

No

No

Siloxanes

Very Good

Very
Good

10+

No

No

Silanes

Very Good

Very
Good

10+

No

No

Silicone
Emulsion

Very Good

Good

5 to 10

No

Yes

Methyl
Siliconates

Good

Fair

Varies

No

No

Silicone
Resins

Fair

Varies

Yes

No

RTV
Silicone
Rubber

Good

Good

5 to 10

No

Yes

Blends

Varies

Varies

Varies

No

No

Good

Good

10+

No

No

Penetrants

Consolidants
Silicic Ethyl
Esters

* Source: BIA Technical Note 6A, 2008; Clear Water Repellent Treatments for Concrete
Masonry, Concrete Masonry Association of California and Neveda and the Masonry Institute
of America, 1993.

33

Wall System Details

Brick Veneer with CMU Backup

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Foundation

Parapet

Expansion/Control Joint

Ledger Angle at Floor Intersection

Ledger Angle at Wall
34

Wall System Details

Brick Veneer with CMU Backup (Rigid Insulation)

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Foundation

Parapet

Expansion/Control Joint

Ledger Angle at Floor Intersection

Ledger Angle at Wall
35

Wall System Details

Brick Veneer with Stud Backup (Rigid Insulation)

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Foundation

Parapet

Expansion Joint

Ledger Angle at Floor Intersection

Ledger Angle at Wall
36

Wall System Details

Brick Veneer with Stud Backup (Batt Insulation)

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Foundation

Parapet

Expansion Joint

Ledger Angle at Floor Intersection

Ledger Angle at Wall
37

Wall System Details

Brick Veneer with Concrete Backup (Rigid Insulation)

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Foundation

Parapet

Expansion Joint

Ledger Angle at Floor Intersection

Ledger Angle at Wall
38

Wall System Details

Structural Brick

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill with Sloped Brick

Window Sill with Sloped CMU

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Footing with Joint Isolation or CMU Header

Parapet

Expansion Joint

Intermediate Supports
39

Wall System Details

CMU with CMU Backup (Rigid Insulation)

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Foundation

Parapet

Expansion Joint

Ledger Angle at Floor Intersection

Ledger Angle at Wall
40

Wall System Details

CMU with Stud Backup (Rigid Insulation)

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Foundation

Parapet

Expansion Joint

Ledger Angle at Floor Intersection

Ledger Angle at Wall
41

Wall System Details

Structural CMU

Additional details available at www.MasonryDetails.com

Wall Section

Window Sill with Sloped CMU

Window Head with Lintel Angle or Ledger Angle

Window Jamb

Footing with Joint Isolation or CMU Header

Parapet

Expansion Joint

Intermediate Supports
42

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Absorption - The weight of water a brick unit absorbs when immersed
in water for a stated length of time, expressed as a percentage of the
weight of the dry unit.
Abutment - The supporting wall or pier that receives the thrust of
an arch.
Accelerator - In masonry, any ingredient added to mortar to speed
drying and solidifying.
Actual Dimension - Exact size of masonry unit (see nominal
dimension).
Adjustable Anchor - Anchor which is vertically and/or horizontally
adjustable.
Adhered Veneer - Veneer secured and supported through adhesion
to bonding material applied over backing.
Admixture - Materials added to mortar to impart special properties
to the mortar.
Aggregate - Inert material that is mixed with cement, lime and water
to produce grout or mortar.
Anchor - A piece or assemblage, usually metal, used to attach building
parts (e.g., plates, joists, trusses, etc.) to masonry or masonry materials.
Anchored Veneer - Veneer secured to and supported by approved
mechanical fasteners attached to backing.
Angle Closer - A portion of a whole brick that is used to close the
bond of brickwork at corners.
Apron Wall - That part of a panel wall between window sill and wall
support.
43

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Arcade - From latin arcus, an arch. A row of arches on pillars or
columns; a colonnade.
Arch - (1) A form of construction in which a number of units span
an opening by transferring vertical loads laterally to adjacent units
and thus to the supports. An arch is normally classified by the curve
of its intrados. (2) Curved compressive structural member spanning
openings or recesses; also built flat.
Area Wall - (1) The masonry surrounding or partly surrounding an
area. (2) The retaining wall around basement windows below grade.
Ashlar Masonry - Masonry composed of rectangular units of burned
clay or shale, or stone, generally larger in size than brick and properly
bonded, having sawed, dressed or squared beds, and joints laid in
mortar. Often the unit size varies to provide a random pattern.
Back-Filling - (1) Rough masonry built behind a facing or between
two faces. (2) Filling over the extrados of an arch. (3) Brickwork in
spaces between structural timbers, sometimes called brick nogging.
Backup - The part of a multi-wythe masonry wall behind the exterior
facing.
Basketweave - A checkerboard pattern of bricks or pavers. Bricks or
modular groups of bricks laid at right angles to those adjacent.
Bat - A piece of brick, usually half the full size or smaller.
Batter - Recessing or sloping masonry back in successive courses (the
opposite of corbeling).

44

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Bearing Wall - Any wall meeting either of the following classifications:
(1) Any metal or wood stud wall which supports more than 100 pounds
per lineal foot of superimposed load; (2) Any masonry or concrete wall
which supports more than 200 pounds per lineal foot superimposed
loads, or any such wall supporting its own weight for more than one
story.
Bed Joint - The horizontal layer of mortar on which a masonry unit
is laid.
Belt Course - A narrow horizontal course of masonry, sometimes
slightly projected, such as window sills which are made continuous
(also called string course or sill course).
Bevel - The angle or inclination of a line or surface that meets another
at any angle but 90 degrees.
Blind Header - A concealed header in the interior of a wall, not
showing on the faces of the wall.
Bond - (1) Tying various parts of a masonry wall together by lapping
units one over another or by connecting with metal ties. (2) Patterns
formed by the exposed faces of the masonry units. (3) Adhesion
between mortar or grout and masonry units or reinforcement.
Bond Beam - A course or courses of a masonry wall grouted and
usually reinforced in the horizontal direction serving as an integral
beam in the wall. May serve as a horizontal tie, bearing course for
structural members, or as a flexural member itself.
Bond Beam Block - A hollow concrete masonry unit with depressed
sections forming a continuous channel in which reinforcing steel can
be placed for embedment in grout.
Bond Course - The course consisting of units that overlap more than
one wythe of masonry.
45

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Bonder - A bonding unit (also called a header).
Breaking Joints - Any arrangement of masonry units that prevents
continuous vertical joints from occurring in adjacent courses.
Brick - A solid masonry unit of clay or shale, usually formed into a
rectangular prism while plastic and burned or fired in a kiln.
Brick Grade - Designation for durability of the unit expressed as
SW for severe weathering. MW for moderate weathering, or NW for
negligible weathering.
Brick Ledge - A ledge on a footing or wall which supports a course
of masonry.
Brick Trowel - A trowel having a flat, triangular steel blade and an
offset handle used to pick up and spread mortar. The narrow end of the
blade is called the point; the wide end, the heel.
Brick Type - Designation for facing brick that controls tolerance,
chippage, and distortion. Expressed as FBS, FBX, and FBA for solid
brick, and HBS, HBX, HBA, and HBB for hollow brick.
Bull Header - A header that is laid on its edge so that the end of the
unit is exposed.
Bull Stretcher - Any stretcher that is laid on its edge to show its
broad face (also called a shiner).
Bullnose - A convex, semicircular molding used on edges of such
masonry units as stair treads, window sills, and partitions.
Buttering - Placing mortar on a masonry unit with a trowel before
laying such unit.

46

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Button - In setting masonry, lead discs or other materials to carry
the weight of the superincumbent stone while the mortar is green and
curing.
Camber - A slight arching or upward curve of a beam or softit.
Cap - Masonry units laid on top of a finished wall.
Capacity Insulation - The ability of masonry to store heat as a result
of its mass, density and specific heat.
Capstone - Any single unit of masonry at the top of a masonry
structure.
Cavity Wall - Masonry type of construction made with brick,
structural clay tile or concrete masonry units or any combination
of such units in which facing and backing are completely separated
except for the metal ties which serve as bonding.
C/B Ratio - The ratio of the weight of water absorbed by a masonry
unit during immersion in cold water to weight absorbed during
immersion in boiling water. An indication of the probable resistance of
brick to freezing and thawing. Also called saturation coefficient.
Cell - See Core.
Centering - Temporary formwork for the support of masonry arches
or lintels during construction. Also called center(s).
Chamfer - Bevel on corner or edge. A groove or channel.
Chase - A continuous recess built into a wall to receive pipes, ducts,
etc.
Chase Bonding - Joining old masonry work to new by means of a
bond having a continuous vertical recess the full height of the wall.
47

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Chimney - A hollow shaft containing one or more passageways,
vertical or nearly so, for conveying products of combustion to the
outside atmosphere.
Cleanout Holes - Openings in the first course of masonry for cleaning
mortar droppings prior to grout placement in grouted masonry. High
lift grouting may be required.
Clinker - A very hard burned brick whose shape is distorted or bloated
due to nearly complete vitrification.
Clip - A portion of a brick cut to length.
Clipped Header - A bat placed to look like a header for purposes of
establishing a pattern (also called a false header).
Closer - The last masonry unit laid in a course. It may be whole or a
portion of the whole.
CMU - See Concrete Masonry Unit.
Collar Joint - The vertical, longitudinal joint between wythes of
masonry.
Column - A member with a ratio of height-to-least-lateral dimension
of 3 or greater used primarily to support axial compressive load.
Composite Masonry - Multiple wythe construction in which at
least one of the wythes is dissimilar to the other wythe or wythes with
respect to type or grade of units or mortar.
Concrete Masonry Unit - Precast, hollow block or solid brick of
concrete conforming to ASTM C-90. See also concrete block.

48

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Concrete Block - A hollow concrete masonry unit made from
portland cement and suitable aggregates such as sand, gravel, crushed
stone, bituminous or anthracite cinders, burned clay or shale, pumice,
volcanic scoria, air-cooled or expanded blast furnace slags, with or
without the inclusion of other materials.
Concrete Brick - A solid concrete masonry unit made from portland
cement and suitable aggregates, with or without the inclusion of other
materials.
Control Joint - Formed, sawed, or tooled in a masonry structure to
regulate the location and amount of cracking and separation resulting
from the dimensional change of different parts of the structure,
thereby avoiding the development of high stresses.
Coping - The material or masonry units forming a cap or finish on
top of a wall, pier, pilaster or chimney. It protects masonry below from
penetration of water from above.
Coping Block - A solid concrete masonry unit for use as the top and
finished course in wall construction.
Corbel - A shelf or ledge formed by projecting successive courses of
masonry out from the face of the wall.
Core - A hollow space within a concrete masonry unit formed by the
face shells and webs. The holes in clay units (also called cells).
Cornice - The molding or series of moldings forming the top member
of a facade, door or window frame, or interior wall. Also the top
member of a classical entablature.
Course - One of the continuous horizontal layers of units, bonded
with mortar in masonry.
Course Bed - Specially placed stone, brick, or other building material
upon which other material is to be laid.
49

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Cramp - A U-shaped metal fastening that holds adjacent units of
masonry together, as in a parapet or wall coping, or to secure marble
slab veneers together.
Culling - Sorting masonry units per size, color, and/or quality.
Curing - The maintenance of proper conditions of moisture and
temperature during initial set to develop required strength in concrete
and mortar.
Curtain Wall - A non-loadbearing exterior wall vertically supported
only at its base, or having bearing support at prescribed vertical
intervals.
Damp Course - A course or layer of impervious material which
prevents capillary entrance of moisture from the ground or a lower
course.
Dimension of Masonry Units - For masonry units, dimensions are
normally given thickness first, height second, and length third.
Dog`s Tooth - Brick laid with their corners projecting from the wall
face.
Drip - Groove or slot cut beneath and slightly behind the forward edge
of a projecting masonry member, such as a sill, lintel, or coping, to
cause rainwater to drip off and prevent it from penetrating the wall.
Dry Masonry - Masonry work laid without mortar.
Dry Mortar - A mortar in which the constituents are so proportioned
that it is markedly stiffer than usual, yet has sufficient water for
hydration.

50

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Dry Pack - Admixture of portland cement and fine aggregate, earthmoist dampened, but not to the extent that it will flow. Usually 1 part
portland cement, 3 parts sand.
Dry Press Brick - Brick formed in molds under high pressure from
relatively dry clay powder.
Dwarf Wall - A wall or partition which does not extend to the ceiling.
Eccentricity - The normal distance between the centroidal axis of a
member and the parallel resultant load.
Edgeset - A brick set on its narrow side instead of on its flat side.
Efflorescence - A deposit or encrustation of soluble salts, generally
white and most commonly consisting of calcium sulfate, that may
form on the surface of stone, brick, concrete, or mortar when moisture
moves through and evaporates on the masonry. Often caused by free
alkalies leached from mortar, grout, adjacent concrete, or in clays.
Enclosure Wall - An exterior nonbearing wall in skeleton frame
construction.
Exfoliation - Peeling or scaling of stone or clay brick surfaces caused
by chemical or physical weathering.
Expansion Bolt - An anchoring device (based on a friction grip) in
which an expandable socket swells, causing a wedge action, as a bolt
is tightened into it.
Expansion Joint - Joint or space to allow for movement due to
temperature or seismic changes and/or material conditions.
Exterior Veneer - Veneer applied to weather-exposed surfaces.
Face - (1) The exposed surface of a wall or masonry unit. (2) The
surface of a unit designed to be exposed in the finished masonry.
51

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Face Brick - Brick made especially for facing purposes, often treated
to produce surface texture. They are made of selected clays, or treated,
to produce desired color.
Face Shell - The side wall of a hollow concrete masonry unit.
Faced Block - Concrete masonry units having a special ceramic,
glazed, plastic, polished, or ground face or surface.
Faced Wall - A wall in which the masonry facing and backing are so
bonded as to exert a common action under load.
Facing - Any material, forming a part of a wall, used as a finished
surface.
False Joint - A groove routed (and generally pointed) in a solid block
of masonry to simulate a joint.
Fascia - A flat horizontal band that appears as a vertical face.
Fat Mix - A mortar mixture containing a high ratio of binder to
aggregate.
Filler Block - Concrete masonry unit for use in conjunction with
concrete joists for concrete floor construction.
Fire Brick - Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will
resist high temperatures.
Fireplace - A hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared place in
which a fire may be made and which is built in conjunction with a
chimney.

52

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Fire Wall - Any wall that subdivides a building to resist the spread
of fire and which extends continuously from the foundation to varying
heights through and above the roof.
Flare (Flashed) Header - A header of darker color than the field
of the wall.
Flashing - (1) A thin impervious material placed in mortar joints and
through air spaces in masonry to prevent water penetration and/or
provide water drainage. (2) Manufacturing method to produce specific
color tones.
Floor Brick - Smooth, dense brick, highly resistant to abrasion, used
as finished floor surfaces.
Flow - Measure of mortar consistency, sometimes called initial flow.
Foundation Wall - That portion of a loadbearing wall above the level
of the adjacent grade, or below the first-floor beams or joists.
Frog - A depression in the bed surface of a brick. Sometimes called
a panel.
Full Mortar Bedding - Where mortar is applied to the entire
horizontal face of the masonry unit.
Furring - A method of finishing the interior face of a masonry wall
to provide space for insulation, prevent moisture transmittance, or to
provide a level surface for finishing.
Furring Units - Masonry units of shallow thickness used to finish
the interior surface of a wall to provide space for insulation, to prevent
moisture transmittance, or to provide a smooth or plane surface for
finishing.
Furrowing - The practice of striking a V shaped trough in a bed of
mortar with the point of the trowel.
53

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Green Mortar - Mortar that has set but not cured.
Grounds - Nailing strips placed in or on masonry walls as a means of
attaching trim or furring.
Grout - A mixture of cementitious material and aggregate to which
sufficient water is added to produce placing consistency without
segregation of the constituents.
Grog - Crushed brick that is blended with clay to form new brick.
Hacking - (1) The procedure of stacking brick in a kiln or on a kiln
car. (2) Laying brick with the bottom edge set in from the plane surface
of the wall.
Hard-Burned - Nearly vitrified clay products which have been fired
at high temperatures. They have relatively low absorptions and high
compressive strengths.
Harsh Mortar - A mortar that, due to an improper measure of
materials, is difficult to spread.
Head Joint - The vertical mortar joint between ends of masonry units
(also called a cross joint).
Header - A masonry unit which overlaps two or more adjacent wythes
of masonry to tie them together (also called a bonder).
Header Course - A continuous bonding course of header brick (also
called a heading course).
High Lift Grouting - The technique of grouting masonry in lifts for
the full height of the wall.

54

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Hollow Brick - A masonry unit of clay or shale whose net crosssectional area in any plane parallel to the bearing surface is not less
than 60 percent of its gross cross-sectional area measured in the same
plane.
Hollow Masonry Units - A masonry unit in which the net crosssectional area in any plane parallel to the bearing surface is less than 75
percent of its gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane.
Hydrated Lime - Quicklime to which sufficient water has been added
to satisfy its chemical affinity and convert the oxides to hydroxides.
Initial Rate of Absorption - The weight of water absorbed
expressed in grams per 30 sq. in. of contact surface when a dry brick is
partially immersed for one minute (also called suction).
Initial Set - The first setting action of mortar, the beginning of the set.
Interior Veneer - Veneer applied to surfaces other than weatherexposed surface.
Jamb Block - A block specially formed for the jamb of windows or
doors, generally with a vertical slot to receive window frames.
Joint - The surface at which two members join or butt. If they are held
together by mortar, the mortar-filled aperture is the joint.
Joint Reinforcement - Any type of steel reinforcement that is placed
in or on mortar bed joints (also called horizontal reinforcement).
Jointing - The finishing of joints between courses of masonry units
before the mortar has hardened.
Kiln - A furnace oven or heated enclosure used for burning or firing
brick or other clay material.
55

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

King Closer - A closer to fill an opening in a course, usually threefourths the size of a regular brick.
Ladder Reinforcement - Premanufactured reinforcement. Side
wires are connected in a single plane by perpendicular cross wires.
Lap - The distance one masonry unit or reinforcing extends over
another.
Lateral Support - Means whereby walls are braced either vertically
or horizontally by columns, pilasters, cross walls, beams, floors, roofs,
etc.
Laying to Bond - Laying the brick of the entire course without using
a cut brick.
Lead - The section of a wall built up and racked back on successive
courses. A line is attached to lead as a guide for constructing a wall
between them.
Lime - A critical ingredient of masonry mortars and grouts.
Line - The string stretched taut from lead to lead as a guide for laying
the top edge of a brick course.
Line Pin - A metal pin used to attach a line used for alignment of
masonry units.
Lining - A wythe of similar masonry that is bonded to an existing wall
to reinforce it.
Lintel - A structural member placed over an opening or a recess in a
wall and supporting construction above. Lintel may be of steel, precast
concrete, reinforced masonry construction.

56

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Lintel Block (or U-Block) - A masonry unit consisting of one core
with one side open, usually placed with the open side up, like a trough,
to form a continous beam.
Low Lift Grouting - The technique of grouting as the wall is
constructed.
Lug - A projection from, or extension of, a building unit that engages
an adjacent unit; for example, that part of a sill that extends into an
adjoining jamb.
Masonry - That form of construction composed of stone, brick,
concrete, gypsum, hollow clay tile, concrete block or tile or other
similar building units or materials or combination of these materials
laid up unit by unit.
Masonry Cement - A mill-mixed cementitious material to which
sand and water must be added.
Masonry Unit - Natural or manufactured building units of burned
clay, concrete, stone, glass, and gypsum.
Mortar - A plastic mixture of cementitious materials, fine aggregate
and water.
Nominal Dimension - A commercial dimension greater than an
actual masonry dimension usually by the thickness of a mortar joint.
Nonbearing Wall - Any wall that is not a bearing wall.
Offset Block - A concrete masonry unit that is not rectangular.
Usually used as a corner block to maintain the masonry pattern on the
exposed face of a single-wythe wall whose thickness is less than half
the length of the unit.

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Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Open End Block - A hollow unit, with one end closed and the
opposite end open, forming two cells when laid in the wall.
Overhand Work - Laying brick from inside a wall.
Palletized - Material such as brick, block, or stone that is stacked on
wooden platforms to permit mechanized handling.
Panel - Panelized masonry, see prefabricated masonry.
Panel Wall - A non-loadbearing exterior masonry wall having bearing
support at each story.
Parapet Wall - That part of any wall entirely above the roof line.
Pargeting (Parging) - The process of applying a coat of cement
mortar to masonry.
Partition - An interior wall one story or less in height.
Party Wall - A wall used for joint service by adjoining buildings or
portions of buildings.
Patch - Compound used to fill natural voids or to replace chips and
broken corners or edges in brick or in fabricated pieces of cut stone.
Applied in plastic form. Mixed or selected to match the base material
in color and texture.
Paver - (1) A paving stone, brick, or quarry tile. (2) A paving stone
more than six inches square.
Perforated Wall - One which contains a considerable number of
relatively small openings (also called a pierced wall or a screen wall).
Permeability - Property of allowing passage of fluids.
58

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Pick and Dip - A method of laying brick whereby the bricklayer
simultaneously picks up a brick with one hand and, with the other
hand, enough mortar on a trowel to lay the brick. Sometimes called the
Eastern or New England method.
Pier - An isolated column of masonry.
Pierced Wall - A masonry wall in which an ornamental pierced effect
is achieved by alternating rectangular or shaped blocks with open
spaces.
Pilaster - A wall portion projecting from either or both wall faces and
serving as a vertical column and/or beam.
Pilaster Block - Concrete masonry units designed for use in the
construction of plain or reinforced concrete masonry pilasters and
columns.
Plinth - (1) A square or rectangular base for a column, pilaster, or door
framing. (2) A monumental base, many of which are ornamented with
moldings, base reliefs, or inscriptions, to support a statue or memorial.
(3) The base courses of a building collectively, if so treated as to give
the appearance of a platform.
Plumb Bob - A shaped metal weight that is suspended from the lower
end of a line to determine the vertical plane.
Plumb Rule - A narrow board with parallel edges having a straight
line drawn through the middle and a string attached at the upper end
of the line for determining a vertical plane. Modern masons call their
levels a plumb rule.
Pointing - Troweling mortar into a joint after masonry units are laid.
See also tuckpointing.

59

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Prefabricated Masonry - Masonry construction fabricated in a
location other than its final in-service location in the structure (also
known as preassembled or panelized masonry).
Pressure Relieving Joint - An open joint left at stated horizontal
intervals to allow for expansion and contraction, commonly below
horizontal supporting elements. Such joints are sealed with flexible
caulking to prevent moisture penetration.
Prism - A small masonry assemblage made with masonry units and
mortar. Primarily used to predict the strength of full scale masonry
members.
Projection - A stone, brick, or block that has intentionally been
set forward, at one end or throughout, of the general wall surface to
appear more rugged, rustic, or to create a pattern.
Queen Closer - A cut brick having a nominal two-inch horizontal face
dimension.
Quoin - A projecting right angle masonry corner, usually ornamental.
Racking - A method entailing stepping back successive courses of
masonry.
Raggle - A groove in a joint or special unit to receive roofing or
flashing.
Raglin - A joint raked in masonry to receive mortared-in flashing.
Rebate - A rectangular groove or slot, as to receive a frame insert in a
door or window opening (also called a sash groove).
Reglet - A recess to receive and secure metal flashing.

60

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Reinforced Grouted Masonry - Masonry units, reinforcing steel,
grout and/or mortar combined to act together in resisting forces.
Reinforced Hollow Unit Masonry - That type of construction
made with hollow masonry units in which certain cells are continuously
filled with concrete or grout and in which reinforcement is embedded.
Relieving Arch - An arch, usually blind, built in to the wall above
a lintel or flat arch to carry the load to walls or other supporting
members.
Repointing or Tuckpointing - Replacing mortar in masonry joints.
Retaining Wall - A wall designed to resist the lateral displacement of
soil or other materials.
Retarding Agent - A chemical additive in mortar that slows setting
or hardening.
Retempering - To moisten mortar and re-mix, after original mixing,
to the proper consistency for use.
Return (or L) Corner Block - Concrete masonry unit designed for
corner construction for walls of various thicknesses.
Rowlock or Rolok - A brick laid on its face edge so that the normal
bedding area is visible in the wall face.
S-Iron - Generic term (because the S shape is so common) for
exposed retaining plates on the ends of turnbuckled tie rods set
between two masonry walls to prevent them from spreading or to
secure an interior framing wall to a masonry wall. Star motif and other
decorative shapes also used.
Sash Block - Concrete masonry unit that has an end slot to receive
jambs of doors or windows.
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Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Saturation Coefficient - The ratio of waterweight absorbed by
a masonry unit during immersion in cold water to weight absorbed
during immersion in boiling water.
Score - (1) To rout a channel or groove in a stone finishing with hand
tools or a circular saw to interrupt the visual effect of a surface or to
otherwise decorate. (2) To roughen the surface of stone or concrete
with straight gouges so that stucco or plaster will adhere.
Scored Block - Block with grooved patterns, as, for example, to
simulate raked joints.
Set - A change in mortar consistency from a plastic to a hard state.
Setting Place - The distance between the finished face of the wall and
the backup wall as in masonry paneling or veneering.
Shear Wall - A wall that resists horizontal forces applied in the plane
of the wall.
Shells - The outer walls of a masonry unit.
Shiner - See bull stretcher.
Shoring - Temporary bracing for support.
Shoved Joints - Vertical joints filled by shoving a brick against the
next brick when it is being laid in a bed of mortar.
Sill - A flat or slightly beveled stone set horizontally at the base of an
opening in a wall.
Single Wythe Wall - A wall containing only one masonry unit in wall
thickness.

62

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Slump Block - Concrete masonry units produced so that they
slump or sag in irregular fashion before they harden and are used in
masonry wall construction.
Slurry - A thin, watery mixture of neat cement, or cement and sand.
Slushed Joints - Vertical joints filled, after units are laid, by
throwing mortar in with the edge of a trowel.
Smooth Finish - Masonry units whose surfaces are not altered or
marked in manufacture, but left as a plane surface as formed by the
die.
Soap - A masonry unit of normal face dimensions, having a nominal
2-in, thickness.
Soffit - The underside of a beam, lintel or arch.
Soldier - A masonry stretcher set on end with face showing on the
wall surface.
Solid Masonry - Masonry of solid units built without hollow spaces.
Spall - A small fragment removed from the face of a masonry unit by a
blow or by action of the elements.
Spandrel - (1) The facing of the area on buildings supported by a
skeleton structure between the sill of one window and the top (or lintel)
of the window next below. (2) A flat vertical face in an arcade bounded
by the adjacent curves of two arches and the horizontal tangent of their
crowns. When a lintel is used above an arched doorway or archway,
two half-spandrels may sit astride the arch.
Splay - A reveal at an oblique angle to the exterior face of the wall.
Split Face Finish - A rough concrete masonry face formed by
splitting slabs in a split-face machine.
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Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Squint Brick - Factory made corner unit.
Story Pole - A marked pole for measuring masonry coursing during
construction.
Stretcher - A masonry unit laid with its greatest dimension horizontal
and its face parallel to the wall face.
Strike - To finish a mortar joint with a stroke of the trowel,
simultaneously removing extruding mortar and smoothing the surface
of the mortar remaining in the joint.
String Course (Belt Course, Band Course) - A horizontal band of
masonry, generally narrower than other courses, extending across the
facade of a structure and in some structures encircling such decorative
features as pillars or engaged columns.
Stringing Mortar - The procedure of spreading enough mortar on a
bed to lay several masonry units.
Tailing In - Securing one end or edge of a projecting masonry unit,
as with a cornice.
Temper - To moisten and mix clay, plaster or mortar to a proper
consistency.
Thermal Capacity - The ability of masonry to hold heat/cold.
Thermal Inertia - The ability of masonry to store heat as a result of
its mass, density, and specific heat.
Thermal Mass - Heavy and/or dense masonry construction able to
absorb and store heat/cold.

64

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Through Bond - The transverse bond formed by extending through
a wall.
Tolerance - Permissible allowance of variation from a size
specification.
Thermal Storage Wall - A continuous masonry cavity wall storing
heat/cold and circulating air inside the cavity.
Toothing - Constructing the temporary end of a wall with the end
stretcher of every alternate course projecting. Projecting units are
perpendicular to others.
Trig - The bricks laid in the middle of the wall that act as a guide to
eliminate the sag in the line and to reduce the effect of wind blowing
the line out of plumb.
Trombe Wall - A passive heating concept consisting of a vertical
building wall with glazing and massive masonry wall behind it to
absorb the incoming solar energy and transfer it to the building by
natural circulation.
Tuckpointing - The filling in with fresh mortar of removed defective
mortar joints in masonry.
Undercut - (1) To cut away a lower part of a unit, leaving a projection
above that serves the function of a drip. (2) To rout a groove or channel
(a drip) back from the edge of an overhanging member.
Veneer - Nonstructural facing of brick, concrete, stone, tile, or
other similar material attached to a backing for the purpose of
ornamentation, protection or insulation.

65

Glossary of Brick and CMU Terms

Vertical Eccentricity - The eccentricity of a resultant axial load
required to produce axial and bending stresses equivalent to those
produced by applied axial loads and moments. It is normally found
by dividing the moment at a section by the summation of axial loads
occurring at that section.
Vitrification - The condition resulting when kiln temperatures are
sufficient to fuse grains and close pores of a clay product, making the
mass impervious.
Voids - Empty spaces in sand, mortar, or grout.
Wall - A vertical member of a structure, enclosing or dividing space.
Wall Plate - A horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall to
which other structural elements may be attached (also called a head
plate).
Wall Plug - Metal insert used for nailing wood furring and studs to
masonry walls (also called whistle anchor, nail clips).
Wall Tie - A bonder or metal piece which connects wythes of masonry
to each other or to other materials.
Water Table - A projection of lower masonry on the outside of the
wall.
Weep Hole - An opening left or installed to prevent water from
accumulating behind a wall or within a wall.
Wire Cut - Brick texture produced by trimming extruded clay to size
with wires. Referred to also as mission texture.
Wythe - (1) Each continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in
thickness. (2) The thickness of masonry separating flues in a chimney.
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Notes

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72

MASONRY

IS

GREEN

The Original Sustainable Building Material

Masonry materials helps building designers
meet their sustainability goals by providing:
- Durability
- Fire Resistance
- Long Service Life
- Low Maintenance Requirements
- Natural Materials
- Regional Production
Contact the MIW at
(425) 828-0433 for more
information.