Wet tools before use
Rinse all tools with water frequently
Do not immerse dirty tools in water. The cement will cure underwater
Nominal 8 x 8 x 16 inches
Actual 7 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 15 5/8 inches
• 3/8 inch for mortar joint
3/8
35-45 LBS
25-35 LBS
CMU blocks are used for load bearing walls while cinder block are used for non-load bearing walls
Stretcher and corner
TYPE (M,S,N, AND O) Quality Workability Water retention Surface texture Quality of laying the blocks
Plasticity
Water retention
Strength and Durability
Masonry cement
Portland cement
* when Portland cement is used, masonry lime must use
M - 2500 psi, Below grade; load bearing, chimneys/manholes
S - 1800 psi, below grade, foundation walls sewers
N - 750 psi, general purpose above grade; interior or exterior, load bearing (normal)
O - 350 psi, used for non-load-bearing (pointing)
Machine mixing
Hand mixing
First, add most of the water and half the sand Next, add the masonry cement and the rest of the sand Mix continuously for one minute Slowly add the rest of the water until proper consistency is achieved
Should be used whenever possible
Mixing time 3 mins (may be extended to 5)
Damp and loose
Manufactured and Natural
Same as concrete; Must be free of large amount of dissolved salt
Calcium Chloride (not more than 2 percent by weight, do not use for steel reinforced masonry)
Workability of mortar can be restored by adding water to stiffened mortar
All mortar material except sand and line in a dry place. Sand and lime should be covered to prevent moisture loss.
Corner/end Field Control / expansion joints Wall intersections Rough opening (door and windows)
Laying block between corners (Line block+mason twine)
Closure block
Reinforce
Control joints
Minimum 16 1/2 inch space (butter both ends)
Pressure treated Isolate with moisture barrier to prevent moisture loss
No