Design :
“Change the geometry of the 20cm Standard ‘Pear-Shaped’ Concrete Block to create cells that are as large as possible and to have cells line up vertically as well as possible from one course of masonry to the next and to comply with specification CSA Standard A165.1-04 ‘Concrete Block Masonry Units’
Primary Features:
- Use of Rectangular Cells. Rectangular cells provide larger openings and greater continuity of grout than is achieved with the commonly used ‘pear- shaped’ cells
- Use of Minimum Face Shell and Web Thickness. Thinner concrete sections, creates larger cells.
- Use of Minimum Taper for Face Shells and Webs. The minimum taper results in significantly reduced constriction of the cell at the top of the block
- Elimination of Flares at the Top of Block. This flaring provides a further restriction on minimum size of the cell and on continuity of grout filling the cell.
- Decrease Depth of Frog at End of Block.
- Increase the size of the continuous part of the grout and the space for placing reinforcement and grout.
- Space will still allow mason’s fingers to be used at the ends of the block.
- 20 MPa Compressive Strength. Increase the block compressive strength of the block from 15 to 20 MPa and will have special visual markings on the block to designate the higher strength.
- CSA A165.1-04 Meets all of the latest revisions of this specification covering ‘Concrete Block Masonry Units’
Benefits:
- A ‘grout friendly’ block,
- Block cells (cores) are much more aligned and are 53% larger to ensure the filling of the cells with grout
- Much easier placement of vertical rebar
- Fine grout or the more robust ‘course’ grout can be used with resultant savings in grout consumed as the 10mm pea gravel will naturally bridge and stop the flow of grout to adjoining cells
- ‘Hi-lift’ grouting can be utilized over ‘low-lift’ with the required ‘notching’ for proper bonding of the structural wall
- Considerable reduction in weight,
- More block production
- Less ‘dead’ load in building
- A friendlier ‘green’ product (less virgin materials are used)
- Thinner face shells, no deep flares and less ‘stretcher’
- Cells line up better and are larger with grouting continuity enhanced
- Less mortar to be used
- A 20 MPa high strength block at a small premium price compared to a regular standard concrete block
- Superior engineered walls in hi-rise buildings
Savings:
- More block per day by mason
- Considerable lower labour costs in grouting
- Less grout used
- Lower mortar costs
- A smaller amount rebar will be required using the ‘high’ lift mode
- Lower shipping costs
- Less ‘over design’ by the building designers with resultant lower building costs
Primary ‘Material of Choice’ Items:
- Safety – Fire & Intrusion
- Mould Resistance
- Durability
- Life Cycle Costs
- Thermal Mass Properties
- Flexibility of Design
- Speed of Construction
Competitive Pricing