NCMA TEK

National Concrete Masonry Association

an information series from the national authority on concrete masonry technology

DENSITY-RELATED PROPERTIES OF TEK 2-6

Unit Properties (2008)
CONCRETE MASONRY ASSEMBLIES
Keywords: acoustics, aesthetics, compressive strength, con-
crete density, energy efficiency, fire resistance rating, move- Concrete Masonry Units (ref. 3) defines three density class-
ment control, productivity, water penetration resistance es for concrete masonry units:
• Lightweight – units having an average density less than
105 lb/ft3 (1,680 kg/m3).
INTRODUCTION • Medium Weight – units having an average density of
105 lb/ft3 (1,680 kg/m3) or more, but less than 125 lb/ft3
The versatility of concrete masonry as a construction (2,000 kg/m3).
assembly is well established through the variety of applica- • Normal Weight – units having an average density of 125
tions and structures it is used to create. Concrete masonry lb/ft3 (2,000 kg/m3) or more.
offers almost limitless combinations of color, shape, size, When a specific density classification or density range
strength, texture, and density. This TEK illustrates the is desired for a project, it should be specified in the project
various physical and design properties influenced by the documents along with the other physical properties of the
density of concrete masonry units, and provides references concrete masonry units such as size, strength, color, and
to guide the user towards a fuller discussion and more de- texture. Before specifying a specific density range, design-
tailed information. Although most of the following discus- ers are encouraged to first consult with manufacturers local
sions use lightweight and normal weight concrete masonry to the project for availability. As with all physical proper-
as examples, the properties of medium weight masonry can ties of concrete masonry, minor variation in density from
typically be expected to fall between the two. unit to unit and from batch to batch should be expected.
Note that while some of these density-related proper- In accordance with ASTM C 90, aggregates used to
ties, such as sound transmission loss, may be directly ref- manufacture concrete masonry units must conform to either
erenced in building codes such as the International Build- ASTM C 33, Standard Specification for Concrete Aggre-
ing Code (ref. 1), other properties or characteristics, such gates (ref. 4), or ASTM C 331, Standard Specification for
as aesthetics and construction productivity fall outside the Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units (ref.
scope of the building code. 5). Whereas normal weight aggregates are typically mined
or quarried, lightweight aggregates may be manufactured,
BASICS OF CONCRETE MASONRY mined or quarried from a natural source, or a by-product of
UNIT DENSITY another process. Although not all aggregate types are pro-
duced in all areas of the country, non-local aggregates may
The density of a concrete masonry unit is expressed as be available. If a concrete masonry unit of a specific aggre-
the oven-dry density of concrete in pounds per cubic foot gate type is desired, potential suppliers should be consulted
(lb/ft3 [kg/m3]) as determined in accordance with ASTM C for availability prior to specifying them.
140, Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Con-
crete Masonry Units and Related Units (ref. 2). In produc- FIRE RESISTANCE
tion, the density of a given concrete masonry unit is con-
trolled in part by the methods used to manufacture the unit, Fire resistance ratings of one to four hours can be
but largely by the type of aggregate used in production. achieved with concrete masonry of various widths (or
Through the use of lightweight aggregates, normal weight thicknesses), configurations and densities. As outlined in
aggregates, or blends of lightweight and normal weight ag- TEK 7-1A, Fire Resistance Rating of Concrete Masonry
gregates, the resulting density of concrete masonry units Assemblies (ref. 6), the fire resistance rating of a concrete
can be varied by the producer to achieve one or more de- masonry assembly can be determined by physical testing,
sired physical properties. through a listing service, or by a standardized calculation
ASTM C 90, Standard Specification for Loadbearing procedure. Whether through direct measurement or by cal-

TEK 2-6 © 2008 National Concrete Masonry Association

culation, the fire resistance rating of a given concrete ma- can be calculated using the installed weight of the assem-
sonry assembly varies directly with the aggregate type and bly, which is a function of the unit density, unit size and
with the volume of concrete in the unit, expressed as the configuration, presence of surface finishes, and presence of
equivalent thickness. Through extensive testing and analy- grout or other cell-fill materials such as sand. See Sound
sis, empirical relationships have been established between Transmission Class Ratings for Concrete Masonry Walls,
the fire resistance rating of a concrete masonry assembly TEK 13-1B (ref. 7) for a full discussion. In accordance with
and the corresponding type of aggregate and equivalent Standard Method for Determining the Sound Transmission
thickness of the unit used to construct the assembly. These Class Rating for Masonry Walls (ref. 8), the STC rating
relationships are summarized in Figure 1. for single wythe concrete masonry assemblies without ad-
These relationships between aggregate type/equivalent ditional surface treatments is determined by the following
thickness and the corresponding fire resistance rating are equation:
shown graphically in Figure 2. Note that equivalent thick- STC = 19.6W0.230 Eqn. 1.
nesses used in Figure 2 are for illustration only, and rep- SI STC = 13.6W0.230
resent typical equivalent thicknesses for standard hollow Where W = the average wall weight based on the
concrete masonry units. Actual units may have higher or weight of: the masonry units; the weight of mortar, grout
lower equivalent thicknesses than those shown, with corre- and loose fill material in the voids within the wall; and the
sponding higher or lower fire resistance ratings. In general, weight of surface treatments (excluding drywall) and other
8-in. (203-mm) and wider concrete masonry units can be wall components, lb/ft2 (kg/m2).
supplied with fire resistance ratings up to four hours. For All other design variables being equal, the STC value
example, a typical hollow 8 in. (203 mm) concrete mason- of masonry construction increases with increasing unit
ry unit with an equivalent (solid) thickness of 4.0 in. (102 density. Note that STC values determined by the calcula-
mm), can have a calculated fire resistance rating from 1.8 tion tend to be conservative. Generally, higher STC values
hours to 3 hours, depending on the type of aggregate used are obtained by referring to actual tests than by the calcula-
to produce the unit. tion.
In addition to the STC rating, the value of the Noise
SOUND CONTROL Reduction Coefficient (NRC) can also be influenced to
some extent by concrete unit density. NRC measures the
The control of sound between adjacent dwelling units ability of a surface to absorb sound (based on a scale of
or between dwelling units and public areas is an important 0 to 1), which can be an important characteristic in some
design consideration for user comfort. Sound Transmis- applications, such as concert halls and assembly areas. A
sion Class (STC), expressed in decibels (dB), is a single higher NRC value indicates that more sound is absorbed by
number rating that provides a measure of the sound insu- an assembly. NRC values for concrete masonry walls are
lating properties of walls. The higher the STC rating, the tabulated according to: the application of any coatings to
better the assembly can block or reduce the transmission of the wall, the surface texture (coarse, medium or fine) and
sound across it. For concrete masonry construction, STC the density classification (lightweight or normal weight).

Aggregate type Minimum required equivalent thickness for fire

in the concrete resistance rating, in. (mm)1
masonry unit2 4 hr 3 hr 2 hr 1.5 hr 1 hr 0.75 hr 0.5 hr
Calcareous or 6.2 5.3 4.2 3.6 2.8 2.4 2.0
siliceous gravel (157) (135) (107) (91) (71) (61) (51)
. 4 the equi
5 in ) .0 thicknes Limestone, cin- 5.9 5.0 4.0 3.4 2.7 2.3 1.9
7 8 mm (103 4 in.
4 mm particula ders or slag (150) (127) (102) (86) (69) (58) (48)
(19 ) solid un Expanded clay, 5.0 4.4 3.6 3.3 2.6 2.2 1.8
The equivalent thickness of this particular unit (a shale or slate (130) (112) (91) (84) (66) (56) (46)
solid unit with the same amount of material) is Expanded slag or 4.7 4.0 3.2 2.7 2.1 1.9 1.5
4.04 in. (103 mm). pumice (119) (102) (81) (69) (53) (48) (38)
1
Fire resistance ratings between the hourly fire resistance rating periods listed may be determined by linear interpolation
based on the equivalent thickness value of the concrete masonry assembly.
2
Minimum required equivalent thickness corresponding to the hourly fire resistance rating for units made with a combina-
tion of aggregates shall be determined by linear interpolation based on the percent by volume of each aggregate used in the
manufacture.

Figure 1— Calculated Fire Resistance Rating for Single Wythe Concrete Masonry Walls
 7 180

Typical equivalent thickness of a hollow 16 in. (406 mm) 160

6
Typical equivalent thickness of a hollow 14 in. (356 mm) unit
140
Typical equivalent thickness of a hollow 12 in. (305 mm) unit
5
Typical equivalent thickness of a hollow 10 in. (254 mm) unit 120

Equivalent thickness, mm
Equivalent thickness, in.

Typical equivalent thickness of a hollow 8 in. (203 mm) unit

4 100
Typical equivalent thickness of a
hollow 6 in. (152 mm) unit
3 80

Typical equivalent thickness of a

hollow 4 in. (102 mm) unit 60
2
40

1
20

0 0
0.5 0.75 1 1.5 2 3 4
Fire resistance, hr
Calcareous or siliceous gravel Limestone, cinders, or slag Expanded clay, shale, or slate Expanded slag or pumice
Figure 2—Calculated Fire Resistance Ratings

Assuming a similar surface texture and coating, a concrete Table 1—Absorption Requirements for
masonry wall constructed with lightweight units will have Concrete Masonry Units
a higher NRC than a companion wall constructed with nor-
mal weight units, due to the larger pore structure often as- Density Maximum water absorption, lb/ft3 (kg/m3)
sociated with lower density units. Painting or coating the classification Average of 3 units Individual unit
surface of the concrete masonry assembly reduces the NRC Lightweight 18 (288) 20 (320)
for both lightweight and normal weight concrete masonry. Medium weight 15 (240) 17 (272)
See Noise Control with Concrete Masonry, TEK 13-2A Normal weight 13 (208) 15 (240)
(ref. 9) for a full discussion.
WATER PENETRATION AND ABSORPTION
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Concrete masonry unit specifications typically estab-
Regardless of unit density, all loadbearing concrete lish upper limits on the amount of water permitted to be
masonry units meeting the physical properties of ASTM absorbed. Expressed in pounds of water per cubic foot of
C 90 (ref. 3) must have a minimum average compressive concrete (kilograms of water per cubic meter of concrete),
strength of 1,900 psi (13.1 MPa). It is possible to produce these limits vary with the density classification of the unit,
concrete masonry units that meet or exceed the ASTM C 90 as shown in Table 1.
minimum strength in any density classification, although While the absorption values are not directly related to
not all combinations of physical properties may be com- unit physical properties such as compressive strength and
monly available in all regions. Therefore, local producers resistance to mechanisms of deterioration such as freeze-
should always be consulted for product availability before thaw, they do provide a measurement of the void structure
specifying. In general, for a given concrete masonry unit within the concrete matrix of the unit. Several production
mix design, higher compressive strengths can be achieved variables can affect the void structure, including degree of
by increasing the unit density through adjustments to the compaction, water content of the plastic mix, and aggregate
manufacturing methods. (ref. 16). gradation. Due to the vesicular structure of lower density
units, there is a potential for higher measured absorption
than is typical for most higher density units. Consequently,
ASTM C 90 permits lower density units to have a higher or occupancy as required by building codes, influence the
maximum absorption value. energy efficiency and thermal characteristics of the build-
The higher absorption limits permitted by ASTM C ing envelope and of the building.
90 for lower density units do not necessarily correlate to Increasing the unit density, unit thickness, unit solid
reduced water penetration resistance. One reason is that content, and amount/extent of grout, increases the installed
water penetration resistance is known to be highly affected weight of the masonry assembly, which is directly related
by workmanship and dependent on detailing for water man- to its heat capacity. (ref. 11). Conversely, increasing the
agement. It is generally recognized that these two factors density or amount of grout used in a concrete masonry
more heavily influence the wall’s water penetration resis- assembly decreases its R-value (ref. 12). Because of the
tance than do other factors, such as unit density. multitude of variables that determine the overall energy ef-
ficiency of a structure, some projects benefit more by in-
AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS creasing the thermal mass of an assembly while others see
more energy efficiency by increasing the R-value. As such,
One of the most significant architectural benefits of de- the unique requirements of each project should be consid-
signing with concrete masonry is the versatility afforded by ered individually for maximum benefit.
the layout and appearance of the finished assembly, which
can be varied with the unit size and shape, color of the units STRUCTURAL DESIGN INFLUENCES
and mortar, bond pattern, and surface finish of the units.
The term “architectural concrete masonry unit” (ref. 10) The structural design of masonry is based on the speci-
is often used to generically describe units exhibiting any fied compressive strength of masonry, f'm, which is a func-
number of surface finishes or colors. Loadbearing single tion of the compressive strength of the unit and the type
wythe masonry walls constructed with these units uniquely of mortar used in construction. It is possible to produce
offer the designer structural function, envelope enclosure a wide range of compressive strengths within each of the
and the aesthetics of a finished wall surface without the density classes. Therefore, for a given unit compressive
need for additional materials, components or assemblies. strength and mortar type, the strength of the masonry as-
In general, the many options available for architectural sembly is unaffected by the unit density. As such, the de-
concrete masonry units can be offered in any of the three sign flexural, shear, and bearing strengths of masonry, some
unit density classifications. However, with respect to unit deformational properties such as elastic modulus, and the
appearance, any change in aggregates (whether a change in structural behavior of the masonry assembly determined by
source or a change in aggregate type) used to manufacture a contemporary codes and standards are independent of the
concrete masonry unit may change its color or texture, par- density of the concrete masonry unit.
ticularly for units with mechanically altered features such Unit density, however, can influence other structural
as split or ground-face surfaces. As a result, when aesthet- design considerations, aside from compressive strength.
ics are an important consideration, sample units submit- Reducing the density of a concrete masonry unit can reduce
ted for conceptual design should incorporate the specific the overall weight of a structure, and potentially reduce the
aggregate intended to be used in the actual production of required size of the supporting foundation, slab, or beam.
the units. Note that various degrees of surface “smooth- Reducing the weight of a structure or element also reduces
ness” (tight, fine, medium, coarse) can be obtained using the seismic load a structure or element must be designed to
the same aggregate by varying the mix design (proportions resist, because the magnitude of seismic loading is a direct
and moisture), aggregate gradation, aggregate shape, and function of dead load.
degree of compaction during manufacture. As with thermal mass and sound control, there may be
In addition to production variables, the appearance of circumstances where increasing the unit density is struc-
the finished masonry is also affected by workmanship, and turally beneficial. For example, the structural stability
the mortar color and jointing. Where color, texture and fin- against overturning and uplift is increased with increasing
ish are of particular concern, the designer should specify structural weight. Hence, while increased structural dead
a special sample panel for review and approval during the load increases seismic design forces, it also concurrently
submittal process (ref. 1, 17). helps to resist wind loads. Therefore, there may be some
structural advantage to using lightweight units in areas of
ENERGY EFFICIENCY high seismic risk; and normal weight units in areas prone
to high winds, hurricanes and/or tornadoes. Structural de-
When selecting masonry for its energy efficiency, two sign considerations, however, are often relatively minor
material thermal properties should be considered: compared to other factors that may influence the choice of
• R-value—a material’s ability to resist the transfer of heat unit density.
under steady-state conditions; and
• Thermal mass (heat capacity)—a material’s ability to PRODUCTIVITY
store and release heat (ref. 11).
These physical properties, in combination with a For a given unit configuration, and with all other fac-
building’s design, layout, location, climate, exposure, use, tors affecting production being equal, lower unit weights
 typically enable a mason to lay more units within a given ASTM International, 2006.
timeframe (ref. 13). Other factors influencing the daily 3. Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Ma-
productivity of a mason may include environmental condi- sonry Units, ASTM C 90-06a, ASTM International,
tions, unit size and shape, building size and configuration, 2006.
masonry bond pattern, and reinforcement and other detail- 4. Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates, ASTM
ing (ref. 13). C 33-03, ASTM International, 2006.
5. Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
MOVEMENT CONTROL Concrete Masonry Units, ASTM C 331-05, ASTM
International, 2006.
Regardless of the density of a concrete masonry unit, 6. Fire Resistance Rating of Concrete Masonry Assemblies,
the established movement control recommendations for TEK 7-1A, National Concrete Masonry Association,
concrete masonry construction are applicable. See Crack 2006.
Control in Concrete Masonry Walls, TEK 10-1A, and Con- 7. Sound Transmission Class Ratings for Concrete Ma-
trol Joints for Concrete Masonry Walls – Empirical Meth- sonry Walls, TEK 13-1B, National Concrete Masonry
od, TEK 10-2B (refs. 14, 15) for more detailed guidance. Association, 2007.
ASTM C 90 requires that linear drying shrinkage of 8. Standard Method for Determining the Sound Transmis-
all concrete masonry units, regardless of unit density, not sion Class Rating for Masonry Walls, TMS 0302-07,
exceed 0.065% at the time of delivery to the jobsite. How- The Masonry Society, 2007.
ever, despite the fact that not all concrete masonry units 9. Noise Control with Concrete Masonry, TEK 13-2A,
exhibit the same linear drying shrinkage within this limit, National Concrete Masonry Association, 2007.
established movement control recommendations (refs. 14, 10. Architectural Concrete Masonry Units, TEK 2-3A,
15) are independent of the concrete masonry unit density. National Concrete Masonry Association, 2001.
11. Heat Capacity (HC) Values for Concrete Masonry Walls,
SUMMARY TEK 6-16, National Concrete Masonry Association,
1989.
Issues of masonry design and construction can be influ- 12. R-Values for Single Wythe Concrete Masonry Walls, TEK
enced and addressed to varying extents through the choice 6-2A, National Concrete Masonry Association, 2005.
of concrete masonry unit density, but generally the result- 13. Productivity and Modular Coordination in Concrete
ing effects of varying unit density on masonry behavior and Masonry Construction, TEK 4-1A, National Concrete
performance are quite limited. Notwithstanding these ef- Masonry Association, 2002.
fects, the designer can be assured that concrete masonry 14. Crack Control in Concrete Masonry Walls, TEK 10-1A,
constructed of any unit density offers sufficient flexibility National Concrete Masonry Association, 2005.
and alternatives in the choice of materials, design, and con- 15. Control Joints for Concrete Masonry Walls – Empiri-
struction detailing to satisfy the structural and architectural cal Method, TEK 10-2B. National Concrete Masonry
requirements of the project. Association, 2005.
16. Holm, T. A. Engineered Masonry With High Strength
REFERENCES Lightweight Concrete Masonry Units. Concrete Facts,
1. International Building Code. International Code Council, Vol. 17, No. 2, 1972.
2003 and 2006. 17. Specification for Masonry Structures, ACI 530.1/ASCE
2. Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete 6/TMS 602. Reported by the Masonry Standards Joint
Masonry Units and Related Units, ASTM C 140-06, Committee, 2002 and 2005.

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13750 Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon, Virginia 20171 contact NCMA Publications (703) 713-1900
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