Masonry Charleston SC is an ancient and beautiful construction material that provides versatility in shape, size, color, texture, pattern and scale. Its acoustic, fire-resisting and thermal properties make it a popular choice in new buildings.
Pros: high dimension accuracy, less dead load on structures, ease in chiseling for electrical and plumbing, low breakages/wastages and time consumption! Cons: Low compressive strength compared to substitutes.
Masonry is known for its exceptional strength, which comes primarily from the alignment and interlocking of the masonry units. This strength is enhanced by the bonding and sealing capabilities of mortar and grout. These properties also allow for the distribution of loads over a large area, reducing stress on individual elements. This makes masonry an ideal material for load-bearing applications, such as walls and floors in residential and commercial constructions.
The compressive strength of masonry is influenced by several factors, including the density and type of concrete masonry blocks and the aggregate composition and mix design. The coarse aggregate to fine aggregate ratio influences the water demand of the mixture and consequently, the compressive strength.
In addition to tensile loads, masonry structures are subjected to a variety of cyclic stresses that cause deformation and cracking. Among these are the temperature movements of the building, drying shrinkage stresses and carbonation (an irreversible reaction with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere). These movements may be relieved through the use of control joints.
The mortar used to join the masonry units plays a significant role in their ability to resist cyclic stresses. The mortar should be properly mixed, placed and compacted to ensure maximum strength.
There are two ways to verify the compressive strength of masonry: the prism test method and the unit strength method. In a prism test, an assembly of masonry block, mortar and grout representative of the actual materials to be used on the project is tested at a specified test age for its compressive strength. In contrast, the unit strength method applies an empirical table based on masonry block and mortar strength.
Durability
Masonry is a tough building material that can resist the elements and heavy loads. However, it requires careful maintenance to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. The most common issue is damage from water. This can come from the inside through a poorly sealed vent or stack, or outside during precipitation. Depending on the brick and the environment, this can cause cracks and spalling or displacement of individual bricks from the face of the wall. Using frost-resistant blocks and installing proper drainage are solutions to help reduce this risk.
Another potential concern is shrinkage stress caused by drying, temperature fluctuations, and carbonation (an irreversible reaction with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere). These forces can lead to large tensile stresses that can create cracks in the masonry. Proper planning, incorporating expansion joints, and avoiding over-consolidation are important to avoid these problems.
Unlike other construction materials, concrete masonry units have high thermal mass. This minimizes temperature swings and allows heating and cooling loads to be shifted to off-peak hours. New masonry products with integrated insulation offer even better energy efficiency and performance.
Plants in, around, and on masonry walls add both beauty and durability. They can lower temperatures and shield walls from driving rain. Nevertheless, the decision to allow ivy to grow on buildings should be made carefully. As ivy grows, it can enter and dislodge mortar and masonry units. It can also trap moisture and cause deterioration. Moreover, ivy holds insects and other pests that can damage the structure.
Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is a material’s capacity to absorb and store heat. The more a building’s thermal mass, the less energy it takes to moderate interior conditions. A material’s thermal mass depends on its specific heat capacity and density, as well as its ability to slow the transfer of heat.
A concrete masonry wall has a high specific heat capacity and density but is also slow to release stored heat, meaning it can significantly reduce heating and cooling energy demand in a home. These qualities are reflected in its k-value in Part L of the Building Regulations and in compliance tools like SAP and SBEM.
Concrete masonry walls and blocks are particularly effective as thermal mass because of their low heat conductivity. They also have a high volumetric heat capacity, which makes them ideal for slowing the transfer of sunlight (or other forms of solar radiation) into the internal space during the day, so it can be re-radiated back to the outside during the night.
However, a material’s usefulness as a thermal mass is only fully realised when it is located within the insulated envelope of a home and protected from direct sunlight. It is essential that masonry walls are not finished with plasterboard, which effectively insulates the mass from the interior and reduces its ability to slow heat flow.
The best way to introduce thermal mass into a building is to incorporate it in the floor slab, where the concrete can be connected directly to earth temperatures, which are more stable. This is known as ‘earth coupling’ and is often associated with adobe or rammed earth construction. However, it is possible to introduce concrete slab thermal mass into a home with lightweight steel-framed concrete floors as well.
Energy Efficiency
Masonry can help reduce building energy consumption by insulating and regulating temperature. The material also offers acoustic insulation, creating a quiet and comfortable interior environment for occupants. These benefits can significantly cut construction and operating costs over the life of the structure.
The masonry materials used in load-bearing structures offer high durability and require low maintenance, further reducing costs. They are also non-combustible, protecting a building from fire damage. Additionally, masonry provides a number of aesthetic options. The range of colors, textures and shapes allows designers to create unique architectural styles.
For example, the soaring masonry walls of Notre Dame Cathedral illustrate Gothic architecture, while Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater home showcases how the material can blend modern design with natural landscape. Additionally, a variety of contemporary concrete varieties can be used for masonry, including translucent concrete that incorporates optical fibres to create visual patterns.
Brick masonry, for example, requires less skilled labor than stone or concrete block and is cheaper, lighter and easier to handle during transportation. However, a lack of uniformity in the shape and size of bricks can cause problems during installation, and bricks do not withstand as much tension or torsion as other masonry materials.
For more energy-efficient buildings, companies can use insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and other modern techniques that combine masonry with efficient insulation and air barrier systems. These techniques can help masonry buildings meet national energy codes and LEED standards, as well as reduce the risk of thermal bridges and increase occupant comfort levels. Insulating a masonry wall with cellulose insulation can improve the efficiency of the building. It also helps protect masonry from moisture that can cause internal pressure, deterioration and structural damage.
Environmental Impact
Masonry is a natural product that is derived from clay, sand and water. It doesn’t produce harmful gases or leach chemicals into soil or groundwater, and can be easily recycled at the end of its useful life. Masonry walls also offer excellent sound insulation, reducing unwanted noise and distractions at work or in the home.
Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are often made of recycled materials and are locally produced, minimizing their transportation impacts. In addition, CMUs have a low life-cycle cost and require minimal maintenance during their service lives. These qualities contribute to achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points in green building design, reducing the overall carbon footprint of buildings and infrastructure.
While many CMU manufacturers strive to improve their production processes, they also work diligently to develop new sustainable construction techniques that increase energy efficiency and reduce the embodied emissions of CMU-based structures. The CMU industry has also promoted the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for wall construction products, allowing for a fuller evaluation of their embodied impact.
Durable masonry construction also supports sustainability by promoting non-combustible construction. Unlike wood-framed structures, masonry is not a fuel source for fire and can help keep occupants safe during a fire. Additionally, masonry structures are highly resistant to termites and other wood-destroying insect pests.