CONCRETE UNIT MASONRY - TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6

  

Key requirement of TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 sections or related standards:

Component	Type	Minimum Strength Requirement	Reference Standard
Masonry Units (CMU)	Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)	2,000 psi (13.8 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 3
Masonry Units (Clay Bricks)	Solid Clay Bricks	2,500 psi (17.2 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 3
Masonry Units (Stone)	Stone (e.g., limestone)	2,000 psi to 3,000 psi (13.8 MPa to 20.7 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 3
Masonry Units (Lightweight)	Lightweight Concrete Blocks	1,500 psi (10.3 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 3
Mortar Strength	Type M Mortar	2,500 psi (17.2 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Mortar Strength	Type S Mortar	1,800 psi (12.4 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Mortar Strength	Type N Mortar	750 psi (5.2 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Mortar Strength	Type O Mortar	350 psi (2.4 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Grout Strength	Fine Grout	2,000 psi (13.8 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 5
Grout Strength	Coarse Grout	2,000 psi (13.8 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 5
Tensile Bond Strength	Type M Mortar	50 psi (0.34 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Tensile Bond Strength	Type S Mortar	40 psi (0.28 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Tensile Bond Strength	Type N Mortar	30 psi (0.21 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Tensile Bond Strength	Type O Mortar	20 psi (0.14 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Tensile Bond Strength	Concrete Block (CMU)	50 psi (0.34 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Tensile Bond Strength	Clay Brick	40 psi (0.28 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 4
Reinforcement Strength	Steel Reinforcement (Rebar)	60,000 psi (413.7 MPa) minimum yield strength	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 6
Shear Strength (Unreinforced)	Unreinforced Masonry Wall	100 psi (0.69 MPa)	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 7
Shear Strength (Reinforced)	Reinforced Masonry Wall	300 psi (2.07 MPa) minimum, depending on reinforcement	TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6 Section 7

Key Points to Note:

• Masonry Units: The minimum compressive strength requirements for masonry units such as concrete blocks, clay bricks, and stone are found in Section 3 of the code.
• Mortar: Mortar strength requirements for different types (Type M, S, N, O) are specified in Section 4.
• Grout: The strength of fine and coarse grout is detailed in Section 5.
• Tensile Bond Strength: The required bond strengths for various types of mortar are also covered in Section 4.
• Reinforcement: The specifications for reinforcement strength (e.g., rebar) are found in Section 6.
• Shear Strength: The shear strength for both unreinforced and reinforced masonry walls are mentioned in Section 7.

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BHE Façade Specifications - Exterior Stone Cladding Requirements

BHE Façade Specifications stands for Bauer Hochbau Engineering. It is a company or organization that provides engineering and consulting services related to building structures, including façades, stone cladding, and other architectural elements.

The BHE Façade Specifications for Exterior Stone Cladding outline the technical requirements for materials, installation, and design for stone cladding systems used on building exteriors. While specific BHE Façade Specifications might vary, the general requirements for minimum and maximum specifications for stone cladding are as follows:

BHE Façade Specifications - Exterior Stone Cladding Requirements:

Specification Category	Minimum Requirement	Maximum Requirement
Stone Type	Durable, weather-resistant stone such as granite, limestone, marble, sandstone	High-strength natural stone with enhanced weathering properties
Compressive Strength of Stone	2,000 psi (13.8 MPa)	5,000 psi (34.5 MPa)
Thickness of Stone Panels	20 mm (0.8 inches)	50 mm (2 inches)
Panel Size	300 mm x 300 mm (12 inches x 12 inches)	1,200 mm x 1,200 mm (48 inches x 48 inches)
Stone Panel Weight	50 kg (110 lbs) per panel	100 kg (220 lbs) per panel
Fixing Systems	Mechanical fixing systems (anchors, clips)	Mechanical or adhesive systems, with anchors providing sufficient support based on wind load calculations
Minimum Anchor Spacing	600 mm (24 inches)	900 mm (36 inches)
Joint Width	6 mm (0.24 inches)	12 mm (0.47 inches)
Expansion Joints	Located at 10 m intervals, or as required by design	Based on the total length and temperature changes, typically every 6-8 m
Waterproofing and Drainage	10 mm drainage gap behind panels, proper waterproofing membrane behind stone cladding	Additional drainage provisions depending on exposure
Fire Resistance	Class A1 (non-combustible stone)	Fire-resistance up to 4 hours depending on the system and thickness
Wind Load Resistance	Capable of resisting a wind load of 1.5 kN/m² (31.7 psf)	Capable of resisting wind loads up to 3 kN/m² (63.4 psf)
Tensile Bond Strength	50 psi (0.34 MPa) for adhesive-bonded systems	Higher tensile strengths for mechanically fixed systems

Key Points and Clarifications:

• Stone Type: The stone selected for the cladding should be durable, resistant to weathering, and able to handle external environmental conditions, especially in coastal or industrial areas. Natural stones like granite, limestone, and sandstone are common choices.
• Compressive Strength: The stone should have a minimum compressive strength of 2,000 psi (13.8 MPa) to ensure durability and safety. Some projects may require higher-strength stone for added performance, particularly in severe climates or areas with heavy load-bearing requirements.
• Thickness and Weight: Stone cladding panels are typically between 20 mm to 50 mm thick, depending on the aesthetic and structural requirements. The weight of the panels is crucial to ensure the support structure (e.g., anchors and wall) is designed to bear the load.
• Fixing Systems: Mechanical fixing systems such as anchors, brackets, or clips are commonly used to secure the stone panels. Adhesive bonding systems are also utilized but must meet specific performance criteria.
• Wind Load Resistance: Depending on the height of the building and the geographical location (wind zones), stone cladding systems must be able to resist wind pressures. Minimum requirements typically call for resistance to 1.5 kN/m² (31.7 psf), but higher resistance may be necessary for buildings in high-wind regions or skyscrapers.
• Fire Resistance: The stone used in cladding should have a Class A1 fire rating, indicating that the material is non-combustible. Depending on the thickness and installation method, the system can provide up to 4 hours of fire resistance.
• Joint Width and Expansion Joints: The joint width between stone panels typically ranges from 6 mm to 12 mm (0.24 inches to 0.47 inches) to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. Expansion joints should be placed at appropriate intervals based on the size of the façade, typically at 6-10 meter intervals, to prevent cracking or movement.
• Waterproofing and Drainage: Proper waterproofing and drainage systems are essential to prevent water penetration behind the stone cladding, which could lead to structural damage. The typical drainage gap behind the panels is 10 mm or more to allow water to escape.
• Maintenance and Cleaning: Stone cladding systems should be designed to minimize cleaning requirements. If cleaning is necessary, it should be possible without damaging the surface or finish of the stone.

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Flood test / Water pond test

Waterproofing wet areas like bathrooms, roofs, and balconies:

It is essential in both new construction and repair work. If not done correctly, it can cause water leaks, leading to expensive repairs and possible structural damage to the building.

Refer ASTM D5957-98: Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations.

Before starting flood testing, the waterproofing membrane or any other approved material must be inspected to ensure it is fully cured and free of voids, pinholes, or defects. If any issues are found, they must be repaired before proceeding.

For testing the water-tightness of waterproofing installations applied to horizontal surfaces having a slope of no greater than 20 mm/Mtr.

The recommended drying times should be followed again until the repaired areas have fully cured. All drains in the test area must be properly plugged with suitable plugs. The space around the plug and drain should be filled with water to check for any leaks before carrying out the full flood test.

Constant monitoring is required during the flood test. Conditions under the test area should be checked and recorded before the test starts and then every four hours until the test is complete. The test area should be flooded with potable water, with a minimum depth of 25 mm and a maximum depth of 100 mm at the lowest point. The average water depth should not exceed 65 mm. When adding water, ensure it is applied at a pressure that won't damage the membrane or affect lapped edges. Since leaks might happen, it's important to have a contingency plan in place to manage any water.

Flood testing should be conducted for a minimum of 24 hours, starting once the water reaches the recommended test depth. The membrane should not be flood-tested continuously for more than 72 hours.

Flood Test Failure: If any leakage is detected during the test, immediately drain the water and locate the source of the leak. The affected area should be repaired. If the exact location of the leak cannot be found, the entire area must be re-waterproofed.

 

For swimming pool, fountain and water bodies:

Flood testing for swimming pools, fountains, and other water features follows a process similar to shower pan testing, but with key differences due to the scale and complexity involved.

Key Differences:

• Scale: The volume of water in a swimming pool or large water feature is significantly higher than in a shower pan. For example, while a typical 900 mm x 1200 mm shower pan holds about 60-90 liters of water, a 6 m x 12 m swimming pool with an average depth of 1.8 m holds around 130 m³ of water, weighing over 130,000 kg.
• Penetrations: Pools and water features generally have more penetrations (e.g., plumbing, lighting, drains) that pass through the walls, each of which needs special attention. These penetrations must be properly treated to maintain the overall waterproofing system’s integrity, and the materials used for sealing must be compatible with the primary waterproofing membrane.
• Testing Duration: The flood testing process for pools or large water features typically lasts 24–72 hours but can take longer due to the volume of water and the time required to fill and stabilize the water level.

Each of these factors makes pool and water feature flood testing more complex and requires careful planning to ensure proper waterproofing.

During the first day of flood testing, constant monitoring is required, followed by daily checks thereafter. Conditions under the test area should be recorded before the test begins and at four-hour intervals throughout the test. However, this may not be feasible for in-ground concrete pools.

Flood Testing Procedure:

• Fill the pool, fountain, or vessel at a rate of 25 mm per hour, up to a depth of 50 mm to 100 mm.
• Keep the water at this depth for 24–72 hours to check for leaks in drains, returns, or other penetrations. It's advisable to perform the test in stages, isolating specific components (e.g., drains, pipes) at different water levels to easily identify leaks and address repairs.

Environmental Loss Monitoring:

• To accurately measure water loss due to factors like evaporation or wind, place a watertight, flat-bottom, vertical-sided vessel (test vessel) in a nearby area that experiences the same environmental conditions Or in the pool on the steps itself. This vessel should have water at the same depth as the test area.
• At predetermined intervals, measure water levels in both the test area and the test vessel. If the water loss in the test area exceeds the water loss in the vessel, it indicates probable leakage in the membrane or penetrations.

Leakage Protocol:

• If leakage is detected, drain the pool, allow the membrane to dry fully, and then carry out necessary repairs before retesting.

Let see the test practically: 

Thanks to google for content and JMax Swimming Pool Plumbing for video.

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