Reinforced concrete masonry is a construction system that combines the strength and durability of masonry with the tensile resistance of steel reinforcement, often utilizing concrete masonry units (CMUs).
As defined, Reinforced masonry is a construction system where steel reinforcement is embedded in the mortar joints of masonry or placed in holes and after filled with concrete or grout. Reinforced concrete masonry specifically applies this concept when using concrete blocks (CMUs) and filling the voids containing the reinforcement with concrete or grout.
Understanding Reinforced Concrete Masonry
At its core, reinforced concrete masonry enhances the structural capacity of traditional masonry walls, particularly against forces like earthquakes, wind, and lateral pressure. While unreinforced masonry is strong in compression (pushing forces), it is weak in tension (pulling forces). Embedding steel bars (rebar) within the wall and binding them with concrete or grout significantly improves its ability to resist these tensile stresses.
Key Components
Reinforced concrete masonry structures typically consist of:
- Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs): Also known as concrete blocks, these are the primary building units. They are typically hollow to accommodate reinforcement and infill.
- Mortar: Used to bind the CMUs together, providing compressive strength and sealing the joints.
- Steel Reinforcement (Rebar): Steel bars placed vertically and/or horizontally within the voids of the CMUs or in mortar joints.
- Grout or Concrete: A fluid mixture of cementitious material and aggregate used to fill the voids containing the reinforcement, bonding the steel to the masonry units and providing compressive strength.
How it Works
The process generally involves laying courses of CMUs, placing steel reinforcement in the designated voids, and then filling these voids with grout or concrete. This creates a composite section where the concrete/grout and masonry carry compressive loads, while the steel reinforcement carries tensile loads, working together as a single, strong unit.
Practical Applications
Reinforced concrete masonry is widely used in various types of construction due to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Building Walls: Exterior and interior load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
- Retaining Walls: Structures designed to hold back soil or rock.
- Foundation Walls: Providing the base structure for buildings.
- Shear Walls: Designed to resist lateral forces like wind and seismic loads.
Advantages of Reinforced Concrete Masonry
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Strength | Significantly improves resistance to lateral forces and seismic activity. |
| Durability | Creates robust and long-lasting structures. |
| Fire Resistance | Concrete and masonry offer inherent fire protection. |
| Cost-Effective | Often more economical than alternative systems for certain applications. |
| Versatility | Can be used for various structural and architectural purposes. |
By integrating steel reinforcement and concrete/grout infill within the hollow cells of concrete blocks, reinforced concrete masonry provides a reliable and resilient construction method capable of meeting stringent structural demands.
