What Is CMU Wall | Advantages & Disadvantages of CMU Walls | Applications of Concrete Masonry Unit

Introduction of CMU Wall

What is CMU Wall?

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Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Specifications

Designation of ASTM

Types of Concrete Masonry Unit

ASTM C55Concrete Bricks
ASTM C73Calcium silicate face brick
ASTM C90Load bearing Concrete masonry units
ASTM C139CMUs for construction of Catch Basins and Manholes
ASTM C744Calcium Silicate Masonry Units and prefaced concrete
ASTM C936Solid interlocking concrete paving units
ASTM C1372Segmental Retaining wall units
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Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) Shapes

  1. Single corner unit: - The single corner unit has only one end which is squared off. It is generally used at the end of the wall where the end of the block is exposed.
  2. Stretcher Unit: - The stretcher unit has a flange extension on both of its ends. It is generally used in the middle of the walls where both ends are covered by the adjoining bricks.
  3. Double corner unit: - The Double corner unit has two ends that are squared off. This type of block is generally used to create vertical pillars.
  4. Sash units: - Sash units have slots cut in the flat ends. These are used around the windows and door openings to provide the expansion space.
  5. Cap Units: - The Cap units are the solid and thin concrete blocks that are generally used to open the cavities at the top of the concrete block walls.
  6. Bullnose blocks: - The bullnose blocks are also available in the market with one end rounded.
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CMU Wall Details (Concrete Masonry Units)

CMU Block Dimensions

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Sizes of the CMU Blocks

Nominal Dimensions of the CMU Blocks

4” Full Blocks4” x 8” x 16”
4” Full Blocks4” x 8” x 8”
6” Full Blocks6” x 8” x 16”
6” Full Blocks6” x 8” x 8”
8” Full Blocks8” x 8” x 16”
8” Full Blocks8” x 8” x 8”
10” Full Blocks10” x 8” x 16”
10” Full Blocks10” x 8” x 8”
12” Full Blocks12” x 8” x 16”
12” Full Blocks12” x 8” x 8”
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CMU or Cinder Block Weight

  1. Lightweight CMU Blocks: The weight of the lightweight cinder blocks is less than 105 fb/ft3.
  2. Medium weight CMU blocks: The weight of the medium weight concrete masonry blocks ranges between 105 fb/ft3 to 125 fb/ft3.
  3. Normal weight CMU blocks: The weight of the normal weight CMU blocks is more than 125 fb/ft3.
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CMU Blocks Compressive Strength

Advantages of CMU Walls 

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  1. There are various advantages of CMU walls which are as follows
  2. The concrete masonry unit walls are more durable as compared to the brick walls. The concrete masonry units are very easy to install and require very little maintenance. The CMU walls have good resistance to fire.
  3. The construction of the CMU Walls is economical as compared to the brick walls.
  4. The concrete masonry units are larger than conventional bricks.
  5. The steel reinforcement is also used in the CMU walls which increases the load-bearing capacity of the CMU walls.
  6. CMU walls are best suitable for areas with aggressive environmental conditions.
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Disadvantages of CMU Walls

  1. The concrete masonry unit does not have good resistance to water penetration.
  2. The concrete masonry blocks require an additional coat to its surface to make it water-resistant which increases the cost.
  3. Concrete masonry blocks have less thermal resistance.
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Applications of Concrete Masonry Unit

  1. The concrete blocks are used in the construction of the foundation walls and the basement walls.
  2. The concrete masonry blocks are also used for the decorative purpose which will enhance the aesthetical view of the structure.
  3. CMU is also used in the construction of the exterior walls as well as partition walls.
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CMU Wall Construction

1. Marking of the Layout of the Foundation

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2. Excavation

3. Construction of the Foundation

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4. Construction of CMU Wall

5. Addition of the Reinforcement

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6. Finishing of the Joints

CMU Block Cost

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CMU Wall

How Do You Waterproof CMU Wall?

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  1. Apply a Coating Directly on the Bare Wall.
  2. Use a Breathable / Permeable Barrier.
  3. Use a Weather-Resistant Elastomeric Layer.
  4. Use “The Pink Stuff”
  5. Repair Cracks and Fill Voids First.
  6. Install an Air and Moisture Barrier.
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CMU Block Retaining Wall

8 Inch CMU Block

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CMU Retaining Wall

CMU Veneer

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Retaining Wall CMU Blocks

CMU Block Wall

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Waterproof CMU Wall

Cost of CMU Retaining Wall

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Retaining Wall Cost Per Square Foot

Wall TypeTotal Cost per Square Foot
Cmu Retaining Wall Cost$20 – $35
Poured Concrete$20 – $45
Rammed Earth$20 – $30
Precast Panels$25 – $40
Interlocking Modular$15 – $35
Brick$30 – $60
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Fire Rated CMU Wall

CMU Block Wall Cost

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Masonry Block Wall

Concrete Masonry Unit Wall

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Concrete Block Wall Construction

Architectural CMU Block

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Cost to Build Cinder Block Wall

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  • What Is Hydraulic Cement | Hydraulic Cement Uses | How to Apply Hydraulic Cement | Advantages & Disadvantages of Hydraulic Cement
  • What Is Rock Cycle | Types of Rocks | Processes in the Rock Cycle | What Are the Steps of the Rock Cycle | Uses of Rocks in the Construction
  • What is Waffle Slab| Waffle Slab Details | Advantages & Disadvantages Waffle Slab | Waffle Slab Design | Construction of Waffle Slab
  • Curing In Construction | Concrete Cure Time | Methods of curing
  • Difference Between One Way Slab and Two Way Slab | What is Slab
  • What Is Plaster | Plaster Ratio | History of Plastering | Requirements of Good Plaster
  • What Is Construction Contract | Types of Engineering Contracts | Percentage-Rate Contract
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