SECTION 04200

UNIT MASONRY
1. PART 1 - GENERAL
1.01 SECTION INCLUDES
A.

Concrete unit masonry and related accessories for walls

and partitions indicated on Drawings.

1.02 REFERENCES
A.

B.

C.

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A 82

Specification for Cold-Drawn

for Concrete Reinforcement

ASTM A 153

Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip)

on Iron and Steel Hardware

ASTM C 33

Specification for Concrete Aggregates

ASTM C 90

Specification
for
Hollow
Concrete Masonry Units

Load-Bearing

ASTM C 144

Specification
Mortar

for

ASTM C 150

Specification for Portland Cement

ASTM C 207

Specification
for
Masonry Purposes

ASTM C 270

Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry

ASTM C 426

Drying Shrinkage of Concrete Block

ASTM E 149

Bond Strength of Mortar to Masonry Units

for

Aggregate

Steel

Hydrated

Wire

Masonry

Lime

for

SASO - Saudi Arabian Standards Organization

SSA 87

Methods of Test for

Bricks and Blocks

Concrete

Building

SSA 145

Concrete Hollow Blocks for Building

SSA 186

Hollow Blocks Made From Burnt Clay

ICBO - International Conference of Building Officials

UBC

Uniform Building Code

04200-1
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1.03 SUBMITTALS
A.

Product Data: Submit manufacturer's product data,

including laboratory
test
reports for
each
type
of concrete
masonry unit,
accessories
and other
manufactured
products,
as well
as certifications of
compliance
with
the
specified requirements
for
each type.

B.

Shop Drawings: Submit cutting and setting

for units
showing
sizes,
and
locations
of
each
required.

C.

Samples: Submit concrete unit masonry samples showing

color and texture as well as ties and anchors for the
Engineer selection and approval.

drawings
profiles
unit

1.04 TRANSPORTATION, HANDLING AND STORAGE

A.

Deliver masonry materials to site in an undamaged

condition
marked with
name
of manufacturer
and identification of contents.
Store masonry
materials
under
waterproof
covers on planking clear of ground and protected from
damage, dirt, stain, water and wind.

1.05 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A.

Engage a commercial testing laboratory approved by the

Engineer to perform
tests as
specified
below at no extra
cost
to Owner.
Submit
information
regarding testing
laboratory
and qualifications of technical
personnel to the Engineer for approval.

B.

Tests: Testing laboratory shall test mortar materials,

mortar and masonry panels as specified. Certified test
reports
shall identify
materials
by type, brand
name and
manufacturer
and/or
by
origin.
Use
no mortar materials until
laboratory test reports are approved by the Engineer.
After tests have been made and materials approved, no
changes shall be made without additional test and
approval of the Engineer.

C.

Testing: Materials proposed for use shall be tested

for compliance with specifications in accordance with
test
methods
contained
in
the
referenced
specifications and as follows:
1.

Mortar Type N: Test for compressive strength and

water retention. Mortar Type N shall have a
compressive strength
at 7 days and 28 days as
follows:
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3.10 MPa at 7 days.

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2.
D.

5.17 MPa at 28 days.

Concrete
Unit
Masonry:
Test
for
strength, weight and water absorption.

compressive

Mock-Up: Before starting masonry work, construct sample

panel 3 m long by 2 m high for the Engineer's approval.

1.06 JOB CONDITIONS

A.

Protect partially completed masonry against weather,

when work is not in progress, by covering top of walls
with strong, waterproof, non-staining membrane. Extend
membrane at least 600 mm down both sides of walls and
anchor securely in place.

2. PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.01 MATERIALS
A.

Concrete Unit Masonry

1.

Manufacturer: Obtain concrete

units
from one manufacturer,
texture and color for each
kind
for
each
continuous area
visually related areas.

masonry
of uniform
required
and

2.

Hollow Concrete Unit Masonry: Conform to SSA

87, SSA 145 or
ASTM C 90, Grade
N,
Type
1,
normal weight and
shall be of
regular
standard
nominal sizes not
less
than
400
x
200
mm with standard
widths
as
shown
on
the
Drawings
with
permissible
variations in dimensions
of
individual units
not more than plus or minus 4 mm. Minimum
thickness of face shell (FST)/web (WT) shall be 35
and 29 mm, respectively. Provide units
with
a compressive strength at 28 days not less
than 7 Mpa, oven-dried weight
(concrete)
over
2000 kg/m
and
water absorption
of
maximum 25 percent
by
weight for
individual block. Provide half units for ends.

3.

Pre-InsulatedConcrete Masonry Units with Extruded

Polystyrene Layer: Pre-insulated hollow concrete
masonry units shall comply with SSA 145, SSA 87,
and shall be of regular standard nominal sizes not
less than 400 x 200 mm with standard widths as
shown on the drawings with permissible variations
in dimensions of individual units not more than
4 mm.
The minimum thickness of face shell
(FST) and webs (WT) shall be 31 mm and 25 mm,
respectively.
A
55
mm
thick
extruded
polystyrene sheet insulation of minimum 32-35
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04200-3

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kg/m3 density shall be inserted in the core of

block in order to
insulate face area
of the block.
Provide
units
with
compressive strength at 28 days not less than 7
MPa, oven-dried wight (concrete)
over
2000
kg/m3
and
water
absorption of
maximum 25% by weight for individual
block. Provide half units for ends.

B.

C.

3.

Special Shapes: Provide where shown

and
where required for lintels, corners, jambs,
sash,
control
joints,
and
other
special
requirements.

4.

Exposed Face: Provide manufacturer's standard color

and texture unless otherwise indicated.

5.

Field Testing: Tests of concrete masonry units

shall be completed in accordance with ASTM C 140
prior to installation of masonry.

Mortar and Grout Materials

1.

Portland Cement: ASTM C 150, Type I. Provide

natural color or white cement as required to
produce the required mortar color.

2.

Hydrated Lime: ASTM C 207, Type S.

3.

Sand (for Mortar): ASTM C 144, except for joints

less than 6 mm use aggregate graded with 100
percent passing the No. 16 sieve.

4.

Fine Grout: Consist of fine aggregate conforming to

ASTM C 404, size No. 1. Use fine grout in cells
containing pipes and conduits.

5.

Coarse
Grout:
Consist
of
fine
and
coarse
aggregates conforming to ASTM C 404, size No. 89.

6.

Water: Clean,
materials.

potable

and

free

of

deleterious

Mortar and Grout Mixes

1.

Measurement: Use methods which will ensure that

required proportions are controlled and accurately
maintained. Measure aggregate materials in a damp,
loose condition.

2.

Mortar: Comply with ASTM C 270,

interior and Type S for exterior.

3.

Grout: Comply with ASTM C 476; grout to be used in

cores where reinforcements are placed.

Type

for

04200-4
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D.

4.

Mixing: Combine and mix cement, lime, water, and

aggregates for a minimum of 5 minutes in a
mechanical batch mixer.

5.

Do
not
add
air-entraining
agents
or
other
admixtures
to
mortar
or
grout
materials unless otherwise indicated
on
Drawings
or instructed by the Engineer.

6.

Do not use calcium chloride in mortar or grout.

Reinforcing Bars
1.

E.

Reinforcing bars shall conform to ASTM A 615, Grade

60, deformed; sizes as indicated on Drawings.

Masonry Accessories
1.

Joint Reinforcement and Ties for Masonry

a.

Provide welded wire units from cold-drawn steel

wire complying with ASTM A 82, with deformed
continuous side rods and plain cross-rods,
and a
unit width
of
38 mm to
50
mm
less than thickness of wall
or
portion.
Reinforcement shall be hotdip galvanized after fabrication with 22 grams
zinc-coating conforming to ASTM A
116, Class 3. Provide type of reinforcement
as follows with 3.76 mm single pair of side
rods:
(1)

Ladder design with perpendicular 3.76 mm

cross rods spaced not more than 400 mm on
center.

(2)

Truss design with 3.76 mm continuous

diagonal
cross rods spaced not more
than
400 mm on center.

2.

Anchoring Devices for Masonry: Provide straps,

bars, bolts and rods fabricated from not less
than
3.76 mm sheet metal or 10 mm diameter rod,
unless otherwise indicated.

3.

Concrete Inserts for Masonry

a.

Unit Type: Furnish cast iron or malleable

iron inserts
of
the type and
size
shown, hot-dip
galvanized
after
fabrication with 44 grams zinc coating, ASTM A
153, Class B 2.

b.

Dovetail Slots: Where shown, furnish dovetail

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slots
as

with

filler

strips,

hot-dip

galvanized

04200-5

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above.
c.

4.

For installation of concrete inserts refer to

the concrete Sections of these Specifications
as well as the specific requirements of the
concrete
installer regarding
placement
of
inserts which are to be used by the masonry
installer for anchoring of masonry work.

Pre-molded Control Joint Strips: Solid rubber

strips with a durometer hardness of 60 to 80 as
determined
by ASTM D 2240, designed to fit
standard sash
block
and
maintain
lateral
stability
in
masonry wall, size and configuration as indicated.

3. PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.01 INSTALLATION
A.

Installation: Conform to the requirements of UBC 85 or

ACI 531-83.

B.

Thickness: Build masonry construction to full thickness

shown on Drawings. Build single-width walls to the
actual thickness of the masonry units, using units of
nominal thickness indicated.

C.

Build chases and recesses as shown or required to

accommodate
items
specified
in
this
and
other
Sections of the Specifications. Provide not less than
200 mm of masonry between chase or recess and jamb
of openings and between adjacent chases and recesses.

D.

Cut

E.

Units erectedo when the ambient air has a temperature of

more than 42 C in the shade and a relative humidity of
less than 5% shall be protected from direct exposure to
wind or sun for 48 hours after construction. Absorption
rates of masonry units shall be adjusted by previously
wetting to ensure a good solid bond with the mortar.

F.

Bond Pattern for Exposed Masonry: Lay exposed masonry

in the bond pattern shown, or if not shown, lay in
running bond with verticaljoint
in each course
centered on units in courses above and below. Bond and
interlock each course of each width at corners, unless
otherwise shown.

masonry
units
with motor-driven
saws
to
provide clean, sharp, un-chipped
edges. Cut units as required to
provide
continuous
pattern
and to fit adjoining
construction. Use full-size units without cutting where
possible.

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04200-6

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G.

Lay-up

walls
to
comply
with
specified construction
tolerances,
with
courses
accurately
spaced
coordinated with other construction.

and

H.

Stopping and Resuming Work: In each course, rack back

1/2-unit length for one-half running bond or 1/3-unit
length for one-third running bond; do not tooth. Clean
exposed surfaces for set masonry, and remove loose
masonry units and mortar prior to laying fresh masonry.

I.

Built-In Work: As construction progresses, build-in

items specified under this and other sections of the
specifications. Fill in solidly with masonry around
built-in items.
1.

Fill
space
between
hollow
masonry solidly with mortar.

metal

frames

and

2.

Where built-in items are to be embedded in the

cores of hollow masonry units, place a layer of
metal lath in the joint below and rod mortar
or grout into core.

J.

Non-Bearing Interior Partitions Walls: Build full

height of story to underside of structure above, unless
otherwise shown.

K.

Mortar Bedding and Jointing

1.

Mortar Mixes: ASTM C 270, Proportion Specifications

Type N.

2.

Mix mortar ingredients for minimum of 5 minutes in

a mechanical batch mixer. Use water clear and
free of deleterious
materials which would
impair
the work. Do not use mortar which
has begun to set, or if
more
than
1
hour
has
elapsed since
initial
mixing.
Re-temper mortar during 1 hour period as required
to restore workability.

3.

Lay solid masonry units with completely filled

bed and head joint; butter ends with sufficient
mortar to fill head joints and shove into place.

4.

Lay hollow concrete masonry units with full mortar

coverage on horizontal and vertical face shells;
also bed
webs
on
mortar
in
starting
course
on
footings
and
foundation walls and in all courses of piers,
columns and pilasters, and where adjacent to cells
or cavities to be reinforced or to be filled with
concrete or grout.
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04200-7

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L.

M.

5.

Joints: Maintain joint width as shown, except for

minor
variations
required
to
maintain
bond
alignment. If not shown, lay walls with 10 mm
joints.
Cut joints flush for masonry walls
which are
to
be concealed or
to
be
covered by other materials. Tool exposed joints
slightly
concave.
Rake
out
mortar
in
preparation for application of sealants where
shown.

6.

Remove masonry units disturbed after laying; clean

and relay in fresh mortar. Do not pound corners at
jambs to fit stretcher units which have been set in
position. If adjustments are required, remove
units, clean off mortar, and reset in fresh mortar.

Horizontal Joint Reinforcement:

1.

Provide continuous horizontal joint reinforcement

as shown and as specified. Fully embed longitudinal
side rods in mortar for their entire length with a
minimum cover of 15 mm on exterior side of wall
and
12 mm
at other
locations.
Lap
reinforcement a minimum of 150 mm at ends of
units. Do not bridge control
and
expansion
joints with reinforcing except
at wall
openings.
Provide
continuity
at corners
as
well as wall intersections by using
prefabricated L-sections and T-sections.
Cut
and bend unit
as directed
by
manufacturer
for continuity
at
returns,
and
other
special
conditions.

2.

For
single-width
walls,
space
continuous
horizontal reinforcement at 400 mm on center,
unless otherwise indicated on Drawings.

3.

Reinforce masonry openings greater than 300 mm

wide, with horizontal joints approximately 200 mm
apart, above the lintel and below the sill of the
opening. Extend reinforcement a minimum of 600 mm
beyond jambs of the opening, bridging control
joints where provided.

Control Joints
1.

Provide

control
joints
in
block
partitions, finished
or
unfinished
at
not
more than 6
m on
centers unless indicate otherwise on Drawings.

2.

Control joints shall be vertical unbonded joints,

maximum 9.5 mm wide, extending full height of the
masonry work. Bond shall be broken with building
paper placed against one face of joint with no
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mortar placed in continuous height of void.

04200-8

Unit Masonry

N.

O.

3.

Control joint material shall be expandable closed

cell neoprene conforming to ASTM D 1056, 38 mm deep
and 25 percent thicker before compression than
joint width.

4.

Top
dress
control
joints
with
a
sealant
conforming to the requirements of Section 07900 SEALANTS. Color of sealant shall be as selected
and approved by the Engineer.

Anchoring Masonry Work

1.

Provide anchoring devices of types shown and as

specified. If not shown or specified, provide
standard type.

2.

Anchor masonry to structural members where masonry

abuts or faces such members to comply with the
following:
a.

Provide an open space not less than 12 mm in

width between masonry and structural member,
unless otherwise shown and keep space free of
mortar or other rigid materials.

b.

Anchor masonry to structural members with metal

ties embedded in masonry joints and attached to
structure. Provide anchors with flexible tie
sections, unless otherwise shown.

c.

Space anchors at no more than 600 mm on center

vertically and 900 mm on center horizontally.

Lintels
1.

Provide masonry lintels where shown and wherever

openings of more than 300 mm for brick size
units and 600 mm for block size units are shown
without structural
steel
or other
supporting
lintels.

2.

Provide precast or formed-in-place masonry lintels.

Thoroughly cure precast lintels before handling and
installation.

3.

Support formed-in-place lintels temporarily.

4.

Unless otherwise
for each 100 mm
number not less
meter of opening

5.

For hollow masonry unit walls, use specially formed

shown, provide one reinforcing bar

of wall thickness and of a size
than three times the number of
width.

04200-9
Unit Masonry

U-shaped
lintel
units
with
reinforcing
bars
placed as shown and filled with Type M mortar or
coarse grout.
6.

Provide minimum bearing at each jamb of 200 mm

or as indicated on the Drawings.

3.02 REPAIR, POINTING AND CLEANING

A.

Remove and replace masonry units which are loose,

chipped, cracked, broken, stained or otherwise damaged,
or if units do not match adjoining units as intended.
Provide new units to match adjoining units and
install in fresh mortar or grout, pointed to eliminate
evidence of replacement.

B.

During tooling of joints, enlarge any voids or holes,

except weep holes, and
completely
fill
with
mortar. Point-up joints at corners,
openings and adjacent work to
provide
a
neat,
uniform appearance,
properly prepared for
application of caulking sealant compounds.

C.

Clean exposed concrete masonry units by dry brushing at

the end of each day and after final pointing to remove
mortar spots and drippings.

3.03 CURING
A.

When temperature
of a masonry wall
the wall
unit
sack or
days.

exceeds 25 C and where construction

is complete, cure mortar by covering
with wet
burlap,
jute
similar material for a minimum of two

END OF SECTION

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04200-10

Unit Masonry