Masonry Magazine February 1976 Page. 12
Shapes
Concrete masonry units are made in a variety of patterns and shapes to suit contemporary architecture and modern construction. In some cases the design itself describes its specific function in construction such as, sash block, pilaster units, control joint block, etc. In other cases, the design itself determines the name, such as bull-nose unit, solid top unit, concrete brick, etc. While terminology has not been formally standardized, shape names are fairly well established by common usage and some variations are peculiar to certain localities. In most instances terminology is self-explanatory. Shape design can be more readily understood by referring to Fig. 2. The sketches are those of units generally available. Because of the large number of sizes and shapes manufactured, it would be impractical to attempt to show all shapes made by all manufacturers. Most concrete block producers have catalogs showing sizes and shapes they manufacture.
Table 2 Minimum Thickness of Face-Shell and Webs
(Applies to ASTM C 90)
Web Thickness (WT)
Nominal Width (W)
of Units, in.
Face-Shell Thickness
(FST) min, in."
Webs,
min, in.
Equivalent Web
Thickness, min,
in./lineal ft.**
3 and 4
3/4
3/4
15/8
6
1
1
2 1/4
8
11/4
1
21/4
10
13/8
11/8
2 1/2
12
11/4
11/2
11/8
2 1/2
11/4***
"Average of measurements on 3 units taken at the thinnest point.
**Sum of the measured thickness of all webs in the unit, multiplied by 12, and divided by
the length of the unit.
***This face-shell thickness (FST) is applicable where allowable design load is reduced in
proportion to the reduction in thickness from basic face-shell thicknesses shown.
Corner
Stretcher
Sash
Joist Unit
TYPICAL SHAPE NAMES AND FUNCTIONS
Corner Return
Control Joint
Header
Lintel
SHAPE NAMES (TERMINOLOGY)
Stretcher
Header
L-Corner
Pier
Column
Sill
Jamb
Coping
Flue Liner
Manhole
Screen
Floor Filler
FUNCTIONAL
Pilaster Insert
Corner
Corner Return
Partition
Pilaster
Grade
Sash
Control Joint
Lintel
Bond Beam
Chimney
Sill
Grade NDERRY
Soffit
Jamb
Soffit
Back Up
Joist Unit
Pilaster Insert
SHAPE NAME
Bond Beam
Solid
Hollow
Solid Top
Single Bull Nose
Double Bull Nose
Brick
Split
Batter
Fluted
Chimney
Frog
Column
Plain End
Recessed
Open End (Single
Jumbo Brick
and Double)
Slump
Figure 2