A concrete masonry wall (CMU) is a durable form of construction that is in common use for home and commercial purposes. Concrete walls of this type have excellent strength in compression though not as much laterally without support. Another feature of the product is that its strength increases over time, making it harder as it gets older. It has many advantages as well as many disadvantages that
. a builder must consider before deciding to use it as a building material of choice. The variable size of concrete block both aids a builder and causes some difficulties as well. A masonry wall is a complex creation of different components that must work together perfectly for the wall to stand.An excellent diagram of a CMU wall is shown at http://faculty.delhi.edu/hultendc/A220-Week2-Lecture-Web.html, and it includes an illustration of horizontal reinforcement techniques used in walls. The site discusses the advantages of using CMU that include its attractive appearance and its low maintenance requirements. It also names disadvantages as the absorbent nature of the material and the difficulties of insulating it.A detailed drawing of an 8 inch CMU corner wall is shown at http://cadlibrary.com/files/corner-detail-8-inch-cmu-wall.html. As the drawing is a computer automated design drawing, a user may download the Autocad file for closer examination.The Masonry Advisory Council has prepared a thorough description of masonry wall systems at http://www.maconline.org/tech/design/thinksystems/thinksystems.html, and anyone who enjoys construction will also enjoy reading this detailed piece. Technically precise and graphically illustrative, the site shows diagrams and dimensions that a reader will find instructive. Links are provided to various wall systems that a reader may investigate for fine details. The text on the opening page discusses the essential topics of anchorage, movement control and moisture control. If a reader can incorporate the basic elements of working with concrete masonry walls, then he may be prepared to consider building with this popular and durable method.
