NCMA TEK

National Concrete Masonry Association

an information series from the national authority on concrete masonry technology

GLOSSARY OF TEK 1-4

Codes & Specs (2004)
CONCRETE MASONRY TERMS
Keywords: definitions, glossary, terminology direction of the load, including areas within cells and voids. [1]
Area, net cross-sectional: The area of masonry units, grout
and mortar crossed by the plane under consideration, based
“A” block: Hollow masonry unit with one end closed by a on out-to-out dimensions and neglecting the area of all voids
cross web and the opposite end open or lacking an end cross such as ungrouted cores, open spaces, or any other area
web. (See “Open end block.”) devoid of masonry. [1]
Absorption: The difference in the amount of water contained Axial load: The load exerted on a wall or other structural
within a concrete masonry unit between saturated and oven- element and acting parallel to the element’s axis. Axial loads
dry conditions, expressed as weight of water per cubic foot typically act in a vertical direction, but may be otherwise
of concrete. [4] depending on the type and orientation of the element.
Accelerator: A liquid or powder admixture added to a Backing: The wall or surface to which veneer is secured. The
cementitious paste to speed hydration and promote early backing material may be concrete, masonry, steel framing or
strength development. An example of an accelerator material wood framing. [1]
is calcium nitrite. Beam: A structural member, typically horizontal, designed to
Adhesive anchor : An anchoring device that is placed in a primarily resist flexure.
predrilled hole and secured using a chemical compound. Burnished block: (See “Ground face block.”)
Admixture: Substance other than prescribed materials of Bedded area: The surface area of a masonry unit that is in
water, aggregate and cementitious materials added to contact with mortar in the plane of the mortar joint.
concrete, mortar or grout to improve one or more chemical Blast furnace slag cement: A blended cement which
or physical properties. [3] incorporates blast furnace slag.
Aggregate: An inert granular or powdered material such as Blended cement: Portland cement or air-entrained portland
natural sand, manufactured sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, cement combined through blending with such materials as
fines and lightweight aggregate, which, when bound together blast furnace slag or pozzolan, which is usually fly ash. May
by a cementitious matrix forms concrete, grout or mortar. [3] be used as an alternative to portland cement in mortar.
Air entraining: The capability of a material or process to Block: A solid or hollow unit larger than brick-sized units. (See
develop a system of uniformly distributed microscopic air also “Concrete block, concrete masonry unit, masonry unit”)
bubbles in a cementitious paste to increase the workability Block machine: Equipment used to mold, consolidate and
or durability of the resulting product. Some admixtures act compact shapes when manufacturing concrete masonry units.
as air entraining agents. Bond: (1) The arrangement of units to provide strength, stability
Anchor: Metal rod, tie, bolt or strap used to secure masonry or a unique visual effect created by laying units in a prescribed
to other elements. May be cast, adhered, expanded or pattern. See reference 6 for illustrations and descriptions of
fastened into masonry. [1] common masonry bond patterns. (2) The physical adhesive or
Angle: A structural steel section that has two legs joined at 90 mechanical binding between masonry units, mortar, grout and
degrees to one another. Used as a lintel to support masonry reinforcement. (3) To connect wythes or masonry units.
over openings such as doors or windows in lieu of a masonry Bond beam: (1) The grouted course or courses of masonry
arch or reinforced masonry lintel. Also used as a shelf to units reinforced with longitudinal bars and designed to take
vertically support masonry veneer. Sometimes referred to the longitudinal flexural and tensile forces that may be
as a relieving angle. induced in a masonry wall. (2) A horizontal grouted element
Arch: A vertically curved compressive structural member within masonry in which reinforcement is embedded.
spanning openings or recesses. May also be built flat by Bond beam block: A hollow unit with depressed webs or with
using special masonry shapes or specially placed units. "knock-out" webs (which are removed prior to placement)
Area, gross cross-sectional: The area delineated by the out-to- to accommodate horizontal reinforcement and grout.
out dimensions of masonry in the plane under consideration. Bond breaker: A material used to prevent adhesion between
This includes the total area of a section perpendicular to the two surfaces.

TEK 1-4 © 2004 National Concrete Masonry Association

Bond, running: The placement of masonry units such that head Compressive strength of masonry: Maximum compressive
joints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one- force resisted per unit of net cross-sectional area of masonry,
quarter the unit length. [1] Centering head joints over the unit determined by testing masonry prisms or as a function of
below, called center or half bond, is the most common form of individual masonry units, mortar and grout in accordance
running bond. A horizontal offset between head joints in with ref. 2. [2] (See also “Specified compressive strength of
successive courses of one-third and one-quarter the unit length masonry.”)
is called third bond and quarter bond, respectively. Concrete: A composite material that consists of a water reactive
Bond, stack: For structural design purposes, Building Code binding medium, water and aggregate (usually a combination
Requirements for Masonry Structures considers all masonry not of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate) with or without
laid in running bond as stack bond. [1] In common use, stack bond admixtures. In portland cement concrete, the binder is a
typically refers to masonry laid so head joints in successive courses mixture of portland cement, water and may contain admixtures.
are vertically aligned. Also called plumb joint bond, straight stack, Concrete block: A hollow or solid concrete masonry unit.
jack bond, jack-on-jack and checkerboard bond. Larger in size than a concrete brick.
Bond strength: The resistance to separation of mortar from Concrete brick: A concrete hollow or solid unit smaller in
masonry units and of mortar and grout from reinforcing steel size than a concrete block.
and other materials with which it is in contact. Concrete masonry unit: Hollow or solid masonry unit,
Brick: A solid or hollow manufactured masonry unit of either manufactured using low frequency, high amplitude vibration
concrete, clay or stone. to consolidate concrete of stiff or extremely dry consistency.
Cantilever: A member structurally supported at only one end Connector: A mechanical device for securing two or more
through a fixed connection. The opposite end has no structural pieces, parts or members together; includes anchors, wall ties
support. and fasteners. May be either structural or nonstructural. [1]
Cap block: A solid slab used as a coping unit. May contain Connector, tie: A metal device used to join wythes of masonry
ridges, bevels or slopes to facilitate drainage. (See also in a multiwythe wall or to attach a masonry veneer to its
“Coping block.”) backing. [1] (See also “Anchor.”)
Cavity: A continuous air space between wythes of masonry or Control joint: A continuous unbonded masonry joint that is
between masonry and its backup system. Typically greater formed, sawed or tooled in a masonry structure to regulate
than 2 in. (51 mm) in thickness. (See “Collar joint.”) the location and amount of cracking and separation resulting
Cell: The hollow space within a concrete masonry unit formed from dimensional changes of different parts of the structure,
by the face shells and webs. Also called core. thereby avoiding the development of high stresses.
Cementitious material: A generic term for any inorganic material Coping: The materials or masonry units used to form the
including cement, pozzolanic or other finely divided mineral finished top of a wall, pier, chimney or pilaster to protect the
admixtures or other reactive admixtures, or a mixture of such masonry below from water penetration.
materials that sets and develops strength by chemical reaction with Coping block: A solid concrete masonry unit intended for use
water. In general, the following are considered cementitious as the top finished course in wall construction.
materials: portland cement, hydraulic cements, lime putty, hydrated Corbel: A projection of successive courses from the face of
lime, pozzolans and ground granulated blast furnace slag. [3] masonry. [1]
Cleanout/cleanout hole: An opening of sufficient size and Core: (See “Cell.”)
spacing so as to allow removal of debris from the bottom of Corrosion resistant: A material that is treated or coated to
the grout space. Typically located in the first course of retard corrosive action. An example is steel that is galvanized
masonry. [2] after fabrication.
Cold weather construction: Procedures used to construct Course: A horizontal layer of masonry units in a wall or, much
masonry when ambient air temperature or masonry unit less commonly, curved over an arch.
temperature is below 40°F (4.4°C). Crack control: Methods used to control the extent, size and
Collar joint: A vertical longitudinal space between wythes of location of cracking in masonry including reinforcing steel,
masonry or between masonry wythe and backup construction, control joints and dimensional stability of masonry materials.
sometimes filled with mortar or grout. Typically less than 2 Cull: A masonry unit that does not meet the standards or
in. (51 mm) in thickness. [1] (See also “Cavity.”) specifications and therefore has been rejected.
Color (pigment): A compatible, color fast, chemically stable Curing: (1) The maintenance of proper conditions of moisture
admixture that gives a cementitious matrix its coloring. and temperature during initial set to develop a required
Column: (1) In structures, a relatively long, slender structural strength and reduce shrinkage in products containing portland
compression member such as a post, pillar, or strut. Usually cement. (2) The initial time period during which cementitious
vertical, a column supports loads that act primarily in the materials gain strength.
direction of its longitudinal axis. (2) For the purposes of design, Damp-proofing: The treatment of masonry to retard the
an isolated vertical member whose horizontal dimension measured passage or absorption of water or water vapor, either by
at right angles to the thickness does not exceed 3 times its thickness application of a suitable coating or membrane to exposed
and whose height is greater than 4 times it thickness. [1] surfaces or by use of a suitable admixture or treated cement.
Composite action: Transfer of stress between components of Damp check: An impervious horizontal layer to prevent
a member designed so that in resisting loads, the combined vertical penetration of water in a wall or other masonry
components act together as a single member. [1] element. A damp check consists of either a course of solid
Compressive strength: The maximum compressive load that masonry, metal or a thin layer of asphaltic or bituminous
a specimen will support divided by the net cross-sectional material. It is generally placed near grade to prevent upward
area of the specimen. migration of moisture by capillary action.
Diaphragm: A roof or floor system designed to transmit flame, hot gases and heat when subjected to a standardized
lateral forces to shear walls or other lateral load resisting fire and hose stream test. For masonry, fire resistance is most
elements. [1] often determined based on the masonry’s equivalent thickness
Dimension, actual: The measured size of a concrete masonry and aggregate type.
unit or assemblage. Flashing: A thin impervious material placed in mortar joints
Dimension, nominal: The specified dimension plus an and through air spaces in masonry to prevent water penetration
allowance for mortar joints, typically 3/8 in. (9.5 mm). and to facilitate water drainage.
Nominal dimensions are usually stated in whole numbers. Fly ash: The finely divided residue resulting from the
Width (thickness) is given first, followed by height and then combustion of ground or powdered coal.
length. [1] Footing: A structural element that transmits loads directly to
Dimension, specified: The dimensions specified for the the soil.
manufacture or construction of a unit, joint or element. Freeze-thaw durability: The ability to resist damage from
Unless otherwise stated, all calculations are based on the cyclic freezing and thawing of moisture in materials and
specified dimensions. Actual dimensions may vary from the resultant expansion and contraction.
specified dimensions by permissible variations. [1] Full mortar bedding: Masonry construction where mortar is
Dowel: A metal reinforcing bar used to connect masonry to applied to the entire horizontal surface of the masonry unit
masonry or to concrete. and the head joints to a depth equal to the thickness of the
Drip: A groove or slot cut beneath and slightly behind the face shell. (See also “Face shell mortar bedding.”)
forward edge of a projecting unit or element, such as a sill, Glass unit masonry: Masonry composed of glass units
lintel or coping, to cause rainwater to drip off and prevent it bonded by mortar. [1]
from penetrating the wall. Glazed block: A concrete masonry unit with a permanent
Drying shrinkage: The change in linear dimension of a smooth resinous tile facing applied during manufacture.
concrete masonry wall or unit due to drying. Also called prefaced block.
Dry stack: Masonry work laid without mortar. Ground face block: A concrete masonry unit in which the
Eccentricity: The distance between the resultant of an applied surface is ground to a smooth finish exposing the internal
load and the centroidal axis of the masonry element under matrix and aggregate of the unit. Also called burnished or
load. honed block.
Effective height: Clear height of a braced member between Grout: (1) A plastic mixture of cementitious materials,
lateral supports and used for calculating the slenderness aggregates, water, with or without admixtures initially
ratio of the member. [1] produced to pouring consistency without segregation of the
Effective thickness: The assumed thickness of a member used constituents during placement. [3] (2) The hardened
to calculate the slenderness ratio. equivalent of such mixtures.
Efflorescence: A deposit or encrustation of soluble salts (generally Grout, prestressing: A cementitious mixture used to
white), that may form on the surface of stone, brick, concrete encapsulate bonded prestressing tendons. [2]
or mortar when moisture moves through the masonry materials Grout, self-consolidating: Highly fluid and stable grout used
and evaporates on the surface. In new construction, sometimes in high lift and low lift grouting that does not require
referred to as new building bloom. Once the structure dries, the consolidation or reconsolidation.
bloom normally disappears or is removed with water. Grout lift: An increment of grout height within a total grout
Equivalent thickness: The solid thickness to which a hollow pour. A grout pour consists of one or more grout lifts. [2]
unit would be reduced if the material in the unit were recast Grout pour: The total height of masonry to be grouted prior
into a unit with the same face dimensions (height and length) to erection of additional masonry. A grout pour consists of
but without voids. The equivalent thickness of a 100% solid one or more grout lifts. [2]
unit is equal to the actual thickness. Used primarily to Grouted masonry: (1) Masonry construction of hollow units
determine masonry fire resistance ratings. where hollow cells are filled with grout, or multiwythe
Expansion anchor: An anchoring device (based on a friction construction in which the space between wythes is solidly
grip) in which an expandable socket expands, causing a filled with grout. (2) Masonry construction using solid
wedge action, as a bolt is tightened into it. masonry units where the interior joints and voids are filled
Face: (1) The surface of a wall or masonry unit. (2) The with grout.
surface of a unit designed to be exposed in the finished Grouting, high lift: The technique of grouting masonry in lifts
masonry. for the full height of the wall.
Face shell: The outer wall of a hollow concrete masonry unit. [5] Grouting, low lift: The technique of grouting as the wall is
Face shell mortar bedding: Hollow masonry unit construction constructed, usually to scaffold or bond beam height, but not
where mortar is applied only to the horizontal surface of the greater than 4 to 6 ft (1,219 to 1,829 mm), depending on code
unit face shells and the head joints to a depth equal to the limitations.
thickness of the face shell. No mortar is applied to the unit “H” block: Hollow masonry unit lacking cross webs at both
cross webs. (See also “Full mortar bedding.”) ends forming an “H” in cross section. Used with reinforced
Facing: Any material forming a part of a wall and used as a masonry construction. (See also “Open end block.”)
finished surface. Header: A masonry unit that connects two or more adjacent
Fastener: A device used to attach components to masonry, wythes of masonry. Also called a bonder. [1]
typically nonstructural in nature. Height of wall: (1) The vertical distance from the foundation
Fire resistance: A rating assigned to walls indicating the wall or other similar intermediate support to the top of the
length of time a wall performs as a barrier to the passage of wall. (2) The vertical distance between intermediate supports.
Height-to-thickness ratio: The height of a masonry wall 125 lb/ft3 (2,000 kg/m3). [4]
divided by its nominal thickness. The thickness of cavity Metric: The Systeme Internationale (SI), the standard
walls is taken as the overall thickness minus the width of the international system of measurement. Hard metric refers to
cavity. products or materials manufactured to metric specified
High lift grouting: (See “Grouting, high lift.”) dimensions. Soft metric refers to products or materials
Hollow masonry unit: A unit whose net cross-sectional area manufactured to English specified dimensions, then
in any plane parallel to the bearing surface is less than 75 % converted into metric dimensions.
of its gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane. Mix design: The proportions of materials used to produce
[4] mortar, grout or concrete.
Honed block: (See “Ground face block.”) Modular coordination: The designation of masonry units,
Hot weather construction: Procedures used to construct door and window frames, and other construction components
masonry when ambient air temperature exceeds 100°F that fit together during construction without customization.
(37.8°C) or temperature exceeds 90°F (32.2°C) with a wind Modular design: Construction with standardized units or
speed greater than 8 mph (13 km/h). dimensions for flexibility and variety in use.
Inspection: The observations to verify that the masonry Moisture content: The amount of water contained within a
construction meets the requirements of the applicable design unit at the time of sampling expressed as a percentage of the
standards and contract documents. total amount of water in the unit when saturated. [4]
Jamb block: A block specially formed for the jamb of windows Mortar: (1) A mixture of cementitious materials, fine aggregate
or doors, generally with a vertical slot to receive window water, with or without admixtures, used to construct unit
frames, etc. Also called sash block. masonry assemblages. [3] (2) The hardened equivalent of
Joint: The surface at which two members join or abut. If they such mixtures.
are held together by mortar, the mortar-filled volume is the Mortar bed: A horizontal layer of mortar used to seat a
joint. masonry unit.
Joint reinforcement: Steel wires placed in mortar bed joints Mortar bond: (See “Bond.”)
(over the face shells in hollow masonry). Multi-wire joint Mortar joint, bed: The horizontal layer of mortar between
reinforcement assemblies have cross wires welded between masonry units. [1]
the longitudinal wires at regular intervals. Mortar joint, head: The vertical mortar joint placed between
Lap: (1) The distance two bars overlap when forming a splice. masonry units within the wythe. [1]
(2) The distance one masonry unit extends over another. Mortar joint profile: The finished shape of the exposed
Lap splice: The connection between reinforcing steel generated portion of the mortar joint. Common profiles include:
by overlapping the ends of the reinforcement. Concave: Produced with a rounded jointer, this is the standard
Lateral support: The means of bracing structural members in mortar joint unless otherwise specified. Recommended for
the horizontal span by columns, buttresses, pilasters or cross exterior walls because it easily sheds water.
walls, or in the vertical span by beams, floors, foundations, Raked: A joint where 1/4 to 1/2 in. (6.4 to 13 mm) is removed
or roofs. from the outside of the joint.
Lightweight aggregate: Natural or manufactured aggregate Struck: An approximately flush joint. See also “Strike.”
of low density, such as expanded or sintered clay, shale, Net section: The minimum cross section of the member under
slate, diatomaceous shale, perlite, vermiculite, slag, natural consideration.
pumice, volcanic cinders, diatomite, sintered fly ash or Nonloadbearing: (See “Wall, nonloadbearing.”)
industrial cinders. Normal weight concrete masonry unit: A unit whose oven-
Lightweight concrete masonry unit: A unit whose oven-dry dry density is 125 lb/ft3 (2000 kg/m3) or greater. [4]
density is less than 105 lb/ft3 (1,680 kg/m3). [4] Open end block: A hollow unit, with one or both ends open.
Lime: Calcium oxide (CaO), a general term for the various Used primarily with reinforced masonry construction. (See
chemical and physical forms of quicklime, hydrated lime “A” block and “H” block.)
and hydraulic hydrated lime. Parging: (1) A coating of mortar, which may contain damp-
Lintel: A beam placed or constructed over a wall opening to proofing ingredients, over a surface. (2) The process of
carry the superimposed load. applying such a coating.
Lintel block: A U-shaped masonry unit, placed with the open Pier: An isolated column of masonry or a bearing wall not
side up to accommodate horizontal reinforcement and grout bonded at the sides to associated masonry. For design, a
to form a continuous beam. Also called channel block. vertical member whose horizontal dimension measured at
Loadbearing: (See “Wall, loadbearing.”) right angles to its thickness is not less than three times its
Low lift grouting: (See “Grouting, low lift.”) thickness nor greater than six times its thickness and whose
Manufactured masonry unit: A man-made noncombustible height is less than five times its length. [1]
building product intended to be laid by hand and joined by Pigment: (See “Color.”)
mortar, grout or other methods. [5] Pilaster: A bonded or keyed column of masonry built as part
Masonry: An assemblage of masonry units, joined with of a wall. It may be flush or project from either or both wall
mortar, grout or other accepted methods. [5] surfaces. It has a uniform cross section throughout its height
Masonry cement: (1) A mill-mixed cementitious material to and serves as a vertical beam, a column or both.
which sand and water is added to make mortar. (2) Hydraulic Pilaster block: Concrete masonry units designed for use in the
cement produced for use in mortars for masonry construction. construction of plain or reinforced concrete masonry pilasters
Medium weight concrete masonry unit: A unit whose oven- and columns.
dry density is at least 105 lb/ft3 (1,680 kg/m3) but less than Plain masonry: (See “Unreinforced masonry.”)
Plaster: (See "Stucco.") height to radius of gyration. (2) The ratio of a member's
Plasticizer: An ingredient such as an admixture incorporated height to thickness.
into a cementitious material to increase its workability, Slump: (1) The drop in the height of a cementitious material
flexibility or extensibility. from its original shape when in a plastic state. (2) A
Post-tensioning: A method of prestressing in which standardized measurement of a plastic cementitious material
prestressing tendons are tensioned after the masonry has to determine its flow and workability.
been placed. [1] See also “Wall, prestressed.” Slump block: A concrete masonry unit produced so that it
Prestressing tendon: Steel element such as wire, bar or slumps or sags in irregular fashion before it hardens.
strand, used to impart prestress to masonry. [1] Slushed joint: A mortar joint filled after units are laid by
Prism: A small assemblage made with masonry units and mortar “throwing” mortar in with the edge of a trowel.
and sometimes grout. Primarily used for quality control purposes Solid masonry unit: A unit whose net cross-sectional area in
to assess the strength of full-scale masonry members. every plane parallel to the bearing surface is 75 percent or more
Prism strength: Maximum compressive force resisted per of its gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane. [4]
unit of net cross-sectional area of masonry, determined by Note that Canadian standards define a solid unit as 100% solid.
testing masonry prisms. Spall: To flake or split away due to internal or external forces
Project specifications: The written documents that specify such as frost action, pressure, dimensional changes after
project requirements in accordance with the service installation, vibration, impact, or some combination.
parameters and other specific criteria established by the Specified dimensions: (See “Dimension, specified.”)
owner or owner’s agent. Specified compressive strength of masonry, f'm: Minimum
Quality assurance: The administrative and procedural masonry compressive strength required by contract
requirements established by the contract documents and by documents, upon which the project design is based (expressed
code to assure that constructed masonry is in compliance in terms of force per unit of net cross-sectional area). [1]
with the contract documents. [1] Split block: A concrete masonry unit with one or more faces
Quality control: The planned system of activities used to purposely fractured to produce a rough texture for aesthetic
provide a level of quality that meets the needs of the users purposes. Also called a split-faced or rock-faced block.
and the use of such a system. The objective of quality control Stirrup: Shear reinforcement in a flexural member. [1]
is to provide a system that is safe, adequate, dependable and Strike: To finish a mortar joint with a stroke of the trowel or
economic. The overall program involves integrating factors special tool, simultaneously removing extruded mortar and
including: the proper specification; production to meet the smoothing the surface of the mortar remaining in the joint.
full intent of the specification; inspection to determine Stucco: A combination of cement and aggregate mixed with a
whether the resulting material, product and service is in suitable amount of water to form a plastic mixture that will
accordance with the specifications; and review of usage to adhere to a surface and preserve the texture imposed on it.
determine any necessary revisions to the specifications. Temper: To moisten and mix mortar to a proper consistency.
Reinforced masonry: (1) Masonry containing reinforcement Thermal movement: Dimension change due to temperature
in the mortar joints or grouted cores used to resist stresses. change.
(2) Unit masonry in which reinforcement is embedded in Tie: (See “Connector, tie.”)
such a manner that the component materials act together to Tolerance: The specified allowance in variation from a
resist applied forces. specified size, location, or placement.
Reinforcing steel: Steel embedded in masonry in such a Tooling: Compressing and shaping the face of a mortar joint
manner that the two materials act together to resist forces. with a tool other than a trowel. See "Mortar joint profile" for
Retarding agent: An ingredient or admixture in mortar that definitions of common joints.
slows setting or hardening, most commonly in the form of Unreinforced masonry: Masonry in which the tensile
finely ground gypsum. resistance of the masonry is taken into consideration and the
Ribbed block: A block with projecting ribs (with either a resistance of reinforcement, if present, is neglected. Also
rectangular or circular profile) on the face for aesthetic called plain masonry. [1]
purposes. Also called fluted. Veneer, adhered: Masonry veneer secured to and supported
Sash block: (See “Jamb block.”) by the backing through adhesion. [2]
Scored block: A block with grooves on the face for aesthetic Veneer, anchored: Masonry veneer secured to and supported
purposes. For example, the grooves may simulate raked joints. laterally by the backing through anchors and supported
Screen block: An open-faced masonry unit used for decorative vertically by the foundation or other structural elements.
purposes or to partially screen areas from the sun or from view. Veneer, masonry: A masonry wythe that provides the finish
Shell: (See “Face shell.”) of a wall system and transfers out-of-plane loads directly to
Shoring and bracing: The props or posts used to temporarily a backing, but is not considered to add load resisting
support members during construction. capacity to the wall system. [1]
Shrinkage: The decrease in volume due to moisture loss, decrease Wall, bonded: A masonry wall in which two or more wythes
in temperature or carbonation of a cementitious material. are bonded to act as a composite structural unit.
Sill: A flat or slightly beveled unit set horizontally at the base Wall, cavity: A multiwythe noncomposite masonry wall with
of an opening in a wall. a continuous air space within the wall (with or without
Simply supported: A member structurally supported at top insulation), which is tied together with metal ties. [1]
and bottom or both sides through a pin-type connection, Wall, composite: A multiwythe wall where the individual
which assumes no moment transfer. masonry wythes act together to resist applied loads. (See
Slenderness ratio: (1) The ratio of a member’s effective also “Composite action.”)
 Wall, curtain: (1) A nonloadbearing wall between columns or Wall, solid masonry: A wall either built of solid masonry
piers. (2) A nonloadbearing exterior wall vertically supported units or built of hollow units and grouted solid.
only at its base, or having bearing support at prescribed Wall tie: A metal connector that connects wythes of masonry.
vertical intervals. (3) An exterior nonloadbearing wall in Wall tie, veneer: A wall tie used to connect a facing veneer to
skeleton frame construction. Such walls may be anchored to the backing.
columns, spandrel beams or floors, but not Water permeance: The ability of water to penetrate through
Wall, foundation: A wall below the floor nearest grade serving a substance such as mortar or brick.
as a support for a wall, pier, column or other structural part of Waterproofing: (1) The methods used to prevent moisture
a building and in turn supported by a footing. flow through masonry. (2) The materials used to prevent
Wall, loadbearing: Wall that supports vertical load in addition moisture flow through masonry.
to its own weight. By code, a wall carrying vertical loads Water repellency: The reduction of absorption.
greater than 200 lb/ft (2.9 kN/m) in addition to its own weight. [1] Water repellent: Material added to the masonry to increase
Wall, multiwythe: Wall composed of 2 or more masonry resistance to water penetration. Can be a surface treatment
wythes. or integral water repellent admixture.
Wall, nonloadbearing: A wall that supports no vertical load Web: The portion of a hollow concrete masonry unit connecting
other than its own weight. By code, a wall carrying vertical the face shells.
loads less than 200 lb/ft (2.9 kN/m) in addition to its own Weep hole: An opening left (or cut) in mortar joints or
weight. [1] masonry face shells to allow moisture to exit the wall.
Wall, panel: (1) An exterior nonloadbearing wall in skeleton Usually located immediately above flashing.
frame construction, wholly supported at each story. (2) A Workability: The ability of mortar or grout to be easily placed
nonloadbearing exterior masonry wall having bearing support and spread.
at each story. Wythe: Each continuous vertical section of a wall, one masonry
Wall, partition: An interior wall without structural function. [2] unit in thickness. [1]
Wall, prestressed: A masonry wall in which internal
compressive stresses have been introduced to counteract REFERENCES
stresses resulting from applied loads. [1] 1. Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, ACI 530-
Wall, reinforced: (1) A masonry wall reinforced with steel 02/ASCE 5-02/TMS 402-02. Reported by the Masonry Standards
embedded so that the two materials act together in resisting Joint Committee, 2002.
2. Specification for Masonry Structures, ACI 530.1-02/ASCE 6-02/
forces. (2) A wall containing reinforcement used to resist
TMS 602-02. Reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Commit-
shear and tensile stresses. tee, 2002.
Wall, retaining: A wall designed to prevent the movement of 3. Standard Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry,
soils and structures placed behind the wall. ASTM C 1180-03. ASTM International, 2003.
Wall, screen: A masonry wall constructed with more than 4. Standard Terminology of Concrete Masonry Units and Related
25% open area intended for decorative purposes, typically Units, ASTM C 1209-01a. ASTM International, 2001.
to partially screen an area from the sun or from view. 5. Standard Terminology of Masonry, ASTM C 1232-02. ASTM
Wall, shear: A wall, bearing or nonbearing, designed to resist International, 2002.
lateral forces acting in the plane of the wall. [1] 6. Concrete Masonry Bond Patterns, TEK 14-6. National Concrete
Masonry Association, 1999.
Wall, single wythe: A wall of one masonry unit thickness.

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does not assume responsibility for errors or omissions resulting from the use of this TEK.

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