R-Values

Can “Equivalent R-Value” be used to determine compliance with mass wall energy code requirements?

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Will doubling a wall’s R-Value double the energy efficiency?

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Continuous Insulation

Do concrete masonry walls require continuous insulation?

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Compressive Strength

What is the minimum required compressive strength for concrete masonry?

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What is the minimum required compressive strength for masonry mortars?

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Can cardboard forms be used to fabricate grout compression specimens?

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Can unbonded caps be used for compression testing of concrete masonry units?

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ASTM Standards

Are there ASTM standards for manufactured stone veneer?

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NCMA Commentary Discussions to ASTM C90-09 Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units

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What happened to the Type I/Type II unit designation in ASTM C90?

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SRW

What are the basic components of an SRW system?

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What height restrictions should I be aware of with segmental retaining wall construction?

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Fire & Building Codes

What options are available for complying with the International Energy Conservation Code?

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What is the difference between fire resistance ratings for masonry assemblies obtained through IBC versus a listing service such as UL or FM?

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How is the fire resistance of a concrete masonry assembly calculated when using unconventional aggregates?

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How can concrete masonry assemblies comply with code- mandated air barrier requirements?

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Does the building code address cleaning of newly constructed masonry?

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General Masonry

What is the difference between a “cinder block” and a “concrete block”?

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Is wet-sticking of reinforcement a permitted practice?

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High-lift versus low-lift grouting: Which is the better option?

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How can the bearing area of a concrete masonry prism removed from existing construction be determined?

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Are RILEM Tubes an Effective Method of Evaluating the Water Repellent Characteristics of CMU?

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Why did the 2013 TMS 402 standard introduce a design check for web shear stresses?

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Can I Wet Cut Masonry Units? and How Wet is too Wet?

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Do Manufactured Concrete Products Sequester CO2?

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What is the bullet/ballistic resistance of concrete masonry?

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