Steel Column Fire Protection
INTRODUCTION Because of its inherent fire resistant properties, concrete masonry is often used as a non-structural fire protection covering for…
Resources
Evaluating Fire-Exposed Concrete Masonry Walls After a Fire
INTRODUCTION Fire safety requires that a wall not only halt the spread of fire from one area to another, but…
Firestopping for Concrete Masonry Walls
INTRODUCTION Concrete masonry is widely specified for fire walls and fire barriers because it is noncombustible, durable and economical. Although…
Balanced Design Fire Protection for Multifamily Housing
INTRODUCTION The application of balanced design principles is particularly important in multifamily residential buildings. The risk of fires in apartments…
Condensation Control in Concrete Masonry Walls
INTRODUCTION Condensation is one type of moisture to which buildings can potentially be exposed. In addition to above grade precipitates…
Heat Capacity (HC) Values for Concrete Masonry Walls
INTRODUCTION Heat capacity is a material property used to assess a wall’s thermal mass, and it is often used as…
Radon-Resistant Concrete Masonry Foundation Walls
INTRODUCTION The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly 1 of 15 homes in the United States has elevated…
Control of Air Leakage in Concrete Masonry Walls
INTRODUCTION Energy efficiency in buildings has become increasingly important. Whether complying with newer energy codes or gaining recognition for sustainable…
Thermal Bridges in Wall Construction
INTRODUCTION Thermal bridging occurs when a relatively small area of a wall, floor or roof loses much more heat than…
Insulating Conrete Masonry Walls
INTRODUCTION The variety of concrete masonry wall constructions provides fora number of insulating strategies, including: interior insulation,insulated cavities, insulation inserts,…