Masonry Magazine December 1993 Page. 31
NCMA-TEK
An Information series from National Concrete Masonry Association
SPECIFICATIONS FOR MASONRY STRUCTURES
TEK 60B
Keywords: compressive strength, construction, construction materials, grout, materials handling, mortar, prism, quality assurance, reinforcing steel, specification, tolerance, wall tie
INTRODUCTION
Specifications for Masonry Structures, ACI 530.1-92/ASCE 6-92/TMS 602-92 (ref 1), are standard specifications for incorporation by reference into the contract documents of masonry construction projects. Compliance with these specifications is mandatory for structures designed in accordance with the Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, ACI 530-92/ASCE 5-92/TMS 402-92 (ref. 2). The specifications cover material requirements, storage and handling of materials, construction, and cleaning, as well as provisions for quality assurance, testing, and inspection. Construction includes requirements for the placement, bonding, and anchorage of masonry, and the placement of grout and reinforcement. The document is formatted to allow the designer to modify those provisions for which a choice of alternatives is indicated; thus the standard specifications may be tailored to meet the specific needs of a project. These modifications are the supplemental specifications to the standard. The advantage of a standard specification is consistency, coordination, and understanding among all parties involved. The duties and responsibilities of the contractor, designer, and owner are detailed in the standard. A commentary, which accompanies the specifications, explains the mandatory requirements and further clarifies the specification's intent.
Specification Checklists
To assist the designer in the preparation of the contract documents, specification checklists are included which identify the decisions to be made during the preparation of the supplemental specifications. Several sections of the standard are prefaced with the phrase," when required..." These sections do not become a part of the contract documents unless action is taken by the designer to include a requirement in the supplemental specifications. Other sections of the standard are prefaced by the phrase, "unless otherwise required..." These sections are a part of the contract documents unless the designer takes specific action to modify the section in the supplemental specifications.
TEK 60B © 1993 National Concrete Masonry Association
MASONRY STRUCTURES SPECIFICATION CONTENTS
Section 1- General Requirements
1.1 - Scope
1.2 Definitions
1.3 Specified references
1.4 Submittals
1.5 Quality assurance
1.6- Determination of compressive strength
1.7- Acceptance
Section 2- Masonry
2.1-General
2.2 Products
2.3 - Execution
Section 3 Reinforcement and Metal Accessories
3.1 General
3.2-Products
3.3 Execution
Section 4-Grout
4.1 - General
4.2 - Products
4.3 Execution
The Specifications
The document is divided into four main sections, with subsections as indicated above.
Section 1.2 defines terms which have a particular meaning in the specifications. The definitions given are for use in application of these specifications only, and might not always correspond to ordinary usage.
Section 1.5 addresses quality assurance. Quality assurance consists of actions taken by an owner or his representative to provide assurance that what is being done and what is being provided are in accordance with applicable standards of good practice for the work.
Section 1.6 establishes criteria for determining the compressive strength of masonry. Two methods are provided: (1) unit strength method, and (2) prism test method.
Excerpts of significant provisions are provided on the following pages.