IMGTP CN-01 Spec

IMGTP-V02-S013
Masonry Concrete Blocks

GSA

Section 13
MASONRY CONCRETE BLOCKS

IMGTP CN-01 Spec

IMGTP-V02-S013
Masonry Concrete Blocks

Section 13
MASONRY CONCRETE BLOCKS
Part 1 - Materials
1.Cement, sand, Aggregates, Water and Admixtures
The specification requirements for the above mentioned materials used in the precast
concrete blocks shall be as those for concrete materials described in section CN-S-004
of this specification.
1.2

Pigments for Cement

1.2.1

Any pigments used to color cement or cement products shall meet the requirements of
BS 1014.

1.2.2

Concrete Blocks

1.2.1

Blocks shall be made with ordinary Portland cement unless used below ground floor
structural slab level in which case sulphate resisting cement shall be used.

1.2.2

All blocks shall be manufactured, supplied and tested in accordance with BS 6073,Part1.

1.2.3

The minimum compressive strength of the average of 10 blocks shall be 7.0 N/mm2, and
no individual block shall be less than 5.6 N/mm2. The compressive strength of a block
shall be taken as the minimum load divided by the gross area on bed.

1.2.4

The thickness of the webs and walls shall not be less than 50mm and the volume of the
cavities in the block shall not exceed 50% of the gross volume of the block. The overall
dimensions shall comply with Table 2.2.4.

1.2.5

Subject to the tolerances specified in Table 2.2.5 and to any requirement for blocks
with special faces, all surfaces shall be flat and rectangular and adjacent surfaces shall
be at right angles to one other with clearly defined undamaged arises.

1.2.6

Unless otherwise specified, all block faces shall provide a satisfactory bond for mortar,
plastering or rendering.

1.2.7

Each block manufactured from Sulphate resisting cement shall be color code with a
green identifying mark.

1.2.8

Manufacture of Blocks

1.2.8.1 Blocks shall be manufactured in a vibrated/pressured block making machine using

cement and aggregate in the proportions required to produce the minimum strengths
given in Clause 2.2.3.

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1.3

Insulated Masonry Units

1.3.1

Blocks for external walls shall be insulated blocks that will meet the requirements of
Dubai Municipality and as approved by the Engineer. The block wall on completion
including internal and external cement sand plaster shall be tested by Dubai
Municipality.

1.3.2

The contractor shall be fully responsible to supply, construct and passing tests on fully
built walls. Any rejections shall be to the contractors account and he shall demolish the
affected walls and replace with approved insulated blocks.

1.3.3

Specifications applicable to normal blockwork shall be applicable to insulated blockwork

also as relevant.

1.4

Reinforcement

14.1

Expanded steel mesh joint reinforcement shall be fabricated form 0.5mm nominal
thickness tight coat galvanized steel to BS 2989, Z2 grade, coating type C. The widths
of reinforcement for the various wall thicknesses shall comply with Table 2.3.1.
Reinforcement bars shall comply with the requirements of CN-S-004 Clause 2.03.

13.2

1.5 Storage of Materials

1.5.1

Blocks delivered to site shall be carefully unloaded and dandled so as to prevent

chipping and breakage. No tipping will be allowed. The blocks shall be stacked on a
level area in an orderly manner on planks or other suitable supports to ensure that they
are free from contact with the ground.

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Samples and Testing

1.6.1

Samples of each type of block manufactured on the site or delivered to the site shall be
submitted to and approved by the engineer before use. All subsequent blocks shall be
up to the standard of the approved samples.

1.6.2

Initially 12 blocks shall be selected by the Engineer from the first batch of blocks
manufactured or delivered, and shall be marked for future identification as instructed by
the Engineer. The blocks shall be delivered by the Contractor to an approved
independent testing laboratory.

1.6.3

The sample shall be accompanied by the following written information.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Name of manufacturer.
Type of block making machine.
Capacity of plant and present stocks available.
Type of block.
Means of identification of block.
Any authoritative evidence that that the blocks are suitable for the
purpose for which they are to be used.

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16.4

Further samples shall be selected and tested as directed by the Engineer or if the
supplier is changed. The Contractor will not be permitted to change his source of supply
without the permission of the Engineer.

1.7

Sample Panels

1.7.1

Before any fair or faced block work is commenced, the Contractor shall erect one
sample panel size 1800mm long x 2000mm high of each type of finish to be used.
The panels shall incorporate a typical opening and corner detail together with a
movement joint.

1.7.2

2.0 Cavity Wall ties

2.1

Cavity wall ties shall comply with BS 1243 shall be one of the following types:
a.
b.
c.

Butterfly wall tie fabricated from zinc coated wire.

Double triangle wall tie fabricated from zinc coated wire.
Vertical-twist tie fabricated from zinc coated strip.
Ties fabricated from wire shall not be used for cavities exceeding 75mm.

3.0

Damp Proof Courses

3.1

Damp-proof courses shall comply with BS 743.

Part 2 - Workmanship
2.1

Setting -Out
All blocwork is to be fully set out before laying commences to ensure:
a.
b.
c.

Correct bonding over all lengths of wall particularly at openings and piers.
Minimum cutting.
Compliance with Table 2.1.

2.2

The average thickness of both vertical and horizontal mortar joints shall be 10mm
exclusive of any key in the joint surfaces of the unit.

2.3

Wetting Unit

2.3.1

All blocks shall be adequately wetted with water before they are laid and the tops of
walls left off from the previous days work shall be similarly wetter before the new work
commences.

2.4

Blocklaying

2.4.1

Block walls shall be built from undamaged blocks in stretcher bond unless otherwise
specified.

2.4.2

All bed and vertical joints shall be spread fully with mortar to ensure complete and solid
bedding and grouting through the full thickness of the wall. All keys in jointed surfaces
must be completely filled.

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2.4.3

Mortar protrusions extending into the cavities of hollow blocks which are to be reinforced
and filled shall be removed.

2.4.4

Each block shall be adjusted to its final position in the wall while the mortar is still plastic.
Any block which is disturbed after the mortar has stiffened shall be removed and relayed
with fresh mortar.

2.4.5

Half blocks and special blocks shall be used as required to ensure correct bonding.

2.4.6

All perpends, quoins and joints shall be kept true and square, other angles shall be
plumbed and bed joints leveled as the work proceeds so as to achieve walls or partitions
which are properly bonded together with the courses leveled round at each floor.

2.4.7

The work shall be carried out course by course not leaving any part more than 800mm
lower than another work which is left at different levels shall be racked back.

2.4.8

In cavity wall construction both skins shall be carried up together, not, leaving one leaf
more than 400mm below the other.

2.5

Fair Faced Wall

2.5.1

Fair faced block walls and walls built of facing blocks shall be constructed generally as
Clause 2.4 with particular care being taken to ensure:
a.
b.
c.
d.

The specified bonding or joint pattern is consistent.

The perpends are truly plumb for the full height.
The blocks used are of the same texture and appearance to avoid a
patchy effect.
The color of the mortar is consistent.

2.5.2

When a block has been placed in the wall the extruded mortar shall be struck off flush,
extra care being taken to avoid smearing the mortar on the face of the block.

2.5.3

Joints shall be left to stiffen slightly (thumb print hand) and shall then be firmly
compacted with a joining tool to the profiles indicated elsewhere. The tooling of wet
mortar will not be permitted.

2.5.4 If mortar droppings have stuck to the blocks they shall be allowed to dry and the surplus
removed by a trowel. The remaining residue shall be cleaned by rubbing with a small
piece of block and subsequent brushing down.
2.5.5

Where the cutting of blocks in fair face work is unavoidable, this shall be done using a
mechanical saw.

2.5.6

The cutting of facing blocks will only be permitted where this can be achieved without a
visible alteration to the facing pattern.

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2.6

Mortar

2.6.1

Mortar for blockwork shall be mixed in the proportions given in Table 2.6.1.

2.6.2

Cement, lime and sand for each batch shall be accurately measured by weight wherever
possible or otherwise by volume and not by shovels.

2.6.3

Mortar which has begun to set or which has been mixed for more than thirty minutes in
the case of Class 1 mortar, or more than 1 hour in the case of the other Classes, shall
be discarded. Re-tampering by the addition of water will not be permitted.

2.6.4

The inclusion of mortar plasticizers will not be permitted without approval. If allowed,
care shall be taken to ensure that the dosage is in accordance with the recommendation
of the manufacturer for the Class of mortar being mixed.

2.7

Openings

2.7.1

Openings shall be square and the jambs shall be vertical and formed with the uncut
faces of the solid blocks.

2.7.2

If door and window frames are to be built-in the requirements it shall be

complied with and the fixing cramps shall be built-in solid in the mortar joints.

2.7.3

The jamb walling shall be built up against the frame all round as the work proceeds.

2.8

Intersecting Walls and Partitions

2.8.1

Walls and partitions shall be bonded or tied to one another at angles and junction,
unless movement joints are indicated.

2.8.2

If ties are used they shall consist of 3 x 20mm galvanized steel fully embedded in the
horizontal mortar joints at vertical spacing not exceeding 600mm.

2.8.3

The ends of the ties shall project a minimum of 75mm into each wall or partition.

2.8.4

Connections between walls or Partitions and Concrete or Steel Column

2.8.4.1 All connections between block walls or partitions and concrete or steel columns shall be
reinforce at maximum 400mm centers by means of zinc coated expanded metal or
approved proprietary ties shot fired to the column and built into the fully embedded in the
mortar joints of the block walls or partitions.
2.8.4.2 Expanded metal ties shall be of a width that will allow 20mm from each face of the wall
or partition and shall be embedded for a minimum distance of 200mm in the mortar joint.
2.9

Joints between Partitions and Floor Soffits

2.9.1

Non-load bearing internal walls and partitions shall initially be built up to leave a 20mm
joint between the top of the wall or partition and the soffit of the slab.

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2.9.2

After the walling has thoroughly dried out and after the expected deflection in the slab
due to dead load has taken place, the joint shall be filled solid with a Class 3 mortar.

2.9.3

Where concrete slabs are supported on blockwork a layer of polythene sheet shall be
provide between the top of the wall and the slab for the full width of the wall.

2.10

Filling Hollow blocks around openings, junction,etc.

2.10.1 The cavities of hollow block walls shall be filled solid with mortar or concrete Grade 15 in
the following situations:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Jambs or all openings.

Ends, angles and junctions of walls and partitions.
Junctions of walls and partitions with columns.
At sills.
At tops of partitions, if so specified.
To provide a solid fixing for false ceiling perimeters.

The filing to courses shall be supported on a trip of expanded metal lathing embedded in
the joint below.
2.10.2 Walls which are to be filled solid shall be built up in lifts not exceeding 1200mm and
concreted after allowing a minimum period of 24 hours to elapse to enable the mortar to
harden. The initial compaction of the concrete shall be carried out by hand using a 25 x
50mm wooden rod or by vibration. The final compaction shall take place 10-15 minutes
after initial compaction.
3.0 Reinforcement
3.1

Expanded steel mesh joint reinforcement, if specified, shall be embedded in the

horizontal mortar joints not closer than 20mm from the external face of the wall and,
except at movement joints, shall be continuous and lapped at least 75mm at all passing.
Full lap joints shall be providing all angles.

3.2

Vertical bar reinforcement shall be properly positioned and secured against

displacement. The cavities containing the reinforcement shall be completely and solidly
filled with the specified concrete, and with the whole surface of the reinforcement in
contact with the mortar or concrete. The minimum clear distance between the vertical
bars and block shall be 12mm.

4.0

Cavity Wall

4.1

Cavity walls shall consist of two walls separated by a minimum space of 50mm and
bonded together with cavity wall ties.

4.2

The air space between the walls shall be kept clear and clean of mortar droppings by the
use of laths drawn up the cavity as the work proceeds of by other approved methods.

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4.3

Any mortar which inadvertently falls on wall ties shall be removed.

4.4

Wall ties shall be spaced at the intervals given in Table C-4.08 unless otherwise
indicated. Additional ties shall be provided in each course within 230mm of openings or
at end wall situations and on each side of movement joints.

5.0

Movement Joints

5.1

Movement joints shall be 12mm wide and shall be formed where indicated or where
continuous runs of block walling exceed 8 meters in length.

5.2

The joints shall be straight and vertical formed with uncut faces of the blocks to each
side and filled with an approved compressible material manufactured specifically for
building into movement joints.

5.3

External joints shall be sealed with mastic compatible with the joint filling material when
the block walling is thoroughly dry and after cleaning the joint surfaces with a wire brush
or mechanical tool.

5.4

A primer shall be applied if specified by the manufacturer of the mastic.

5.5

Mastic-sealing to unfilled movement joints shall be on an approved foam backing strip

placed to ensure the correct depth of sealant.

6.0

SERVICES

6.1

Where walls are constructed of hollow blocks the mechanical and electrical services
shall be run in the cavities of the blocks wherever possible. No services shall be run
within the cavity of a cavity wall.

6.2

Where chases have to be cut, suitable power tool which do not operate by heavy impact
shall be used.

7.0

Fixings

7.1

Where fixing blocks, anchors, accessories, wall ties, etc. are specified they shall be built
into the walls or partitions and solidly bedded in mortar.

7.2

Fixings which are not built-in shall be drilled or shot fired to the blockwork.

7.3

Expanded bolt fixings shall only be drilled into solid blocks or blocks having their cavities
filled solid.

8.0

Lintels

8.1

Precast or cast in situ lintels shall be manufactured in accordance with Section CN-S004 Clause 4.0.

8.2

An open joint not less than 12mm shall be left between the ends of precast or cast in situ
concrete lintels and the blocks adjacent to these ends. These open joints shall be left as

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long as possible during construction and shall not be filled in until plastering or other
works necessitate such filling.
8.3

Lintels shall have a minimum end bearing of 200mm.

9.0

Damp Proof Course

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Damp proof courses shall extend through the full thickness of the wall,
including pointing, applied rendering or any other facing material.
The mortar bed upon which the damp-roof course is to be laid shall be even and
free from protection liable to cause damage to the damp proof course.
Where the damp-proof course is situated in a hollow block wall the blocks shall
be filled solid in the course below the damp proof course.
All damp-proof courses shall be solidly bedded in mortar.
Joints shall be lapped a minimum of 100mm at all passing and sealed.

10.0

Protection of Finished Wall

10.1

All newly partially built walls shall be protected against drying out too rapidly in the suns
heat by covering with Hessian or other approved material which shall be kept wet for a
minimum of 3 days.

PART 4 -

STANDARDS AND TABLES

4.1

STANDARDS

4.1.1

The Standards referred to in this Section are:

BS 743
BS 812

Materials for damp-proof courses.

Methods for sampling and testing of mineral aggregates,
sands and fillers.
Building limes
Pigments for Portland cement and Portland cement
products.
Specification for metal ties for cavity wall construction.
Hot-dip zinc coated steel sheet and coil.
Part 1 Precast concrete masonry units.

BS 890
BS 1014
BS 1243
BS 2989
BS 6073
Table 2.2

GRADING OF AGGREGATES
The grading of aggregates when determined by the method described in BS 812
shall be within the limits specified within the following Table:
BS SHIEVE SIZE
mm

PERCENTAGES PASSING BY WEIGHT

%

9.52
4.76
2.40

100
95-100
95-100

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1.20
0.60
0.30
0.15
Table 2.2.4

90-100
80-100
15-50
0-15

BLOCK DIMENSIONS
The dimensions of blocks shall be measured in accordance with Appendix A BS
6073, Part 1
LENGTH X HEIGHT X THICKNESS
MM
CO-ORDINATING SIZE

WORK SIZE

400 x 200 x 100

390 x 190 x 100

400 x 200 x 150

390 x190 x 150

400 x 200 x 200

390 x 190 x 200

NOTE:
1.
Coordinating size is the size of the space allocated to the block
including the
joints and tolerances.
2.
specified.
Table 2.2.5

Work size is the actual size fro manufacture within the tolerances

BLOCK TOLERANCES
DIMENSIONS
Length
Height
Thickness

WORK SIZE OF BLOCK

3mm to -5mm
3mm to -5mm
2mm for any measurement 1.55 for the
average of 7 measurements in any one
block.

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Table 2.3.1

EXPANDED STEEL MESH JOINT REINFORCEMENT WIDTHS

BLOCK THICKNESS

REINFORCEMENT WIDTH

mm

mm

100

50

150

64

200

114

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Table 2.1

TOLERANCES
ITEM OF
CONSTRUCTION

TYPE OF DIMENSION

PERMISSIBLE
DEVIATION

Space between
walls

At floor

20

At soffit

30

Size and shape of

wall elements

Height up to 3,000mm

40

Straightness in 5,000mm

Verticality up to 2,000mm

15

Level of bed joints in 3,000mm

15

Walls

Door, window and

other openings

Position in plan of any point or

specified face in relation to
nearest grid line on the same
level.
Position in elevation from design
position

15
15

Level of still or soffit fro each

1,000mm of width

With maximum of

15

Verticality of any point for each

1,000mm of height

With maximum of

15

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Table 2.6.1

MORTAR MIXES
PROPORTION BY VOLUME
1
2
3

NOTE:

CLASS

CEMENT: LIME: SAND

1:0-1/4:3
1:1:3-6
1:3:10-12

1.

Where a range of sand content is given in the Table, the higher shall be used for
sand that is well graded and the lower for uniformly coarse or uniformly fine sand.

2.

Class 1 mortar shall be used for work below ground floor slab level utilizing
sulphate resisting cement unless otherwise specified

Table 2.7

NOTE: 1.

SPACING OF WALL TIES IN CAVITY WALLS

CAVITY WIDTH

MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL

MAXIMUM

Mm

mm

mm

50-75

1000

400

75-100

800

400

100-150

500

400

The spacing of ties may be varied providing that the number per unit area is
maintained.
The Table is applicable to cavity walls constructed of two block work skins.

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