Surface Reinforced Concrete Masonry Units

Abstract

A masonry wall is formed of masonry block units abutted with one another in series within stacked rows. Each masonry block unit is a concrete body having two opposing exterior side walls defining respective portions of the assembly masonry wall. Vertical reinforcement channels are formed in the exterior side walls of each masonry block unit so as to be open laterally to the exterior. The reinforcement channels align with corresponding channels in the masonry block units in adjacent stacked rows to receive elongate reinforcement members, for example rebar, inserted laterally therein from the exterior surface of the assembly masonry wall. A bonding material can then be recessed laterally into the reinforcement channels so as to bond the reinforcement members to the masonry assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to concrete masonry units for use with elongate reinforcement members in the construction of a masonry wall, and more particularly the present invention relates to concrete masonry units arranged to receive the reinforcement members recessed into the exterior sides of the units.BACKGROUND[0002]Existing Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) have two hollow cores and are fabricated with two exterior flat surfaces. When constructing a wall using CMUs they are typically assembled by placing reinforcement and grout in the center of each core. The reinforcement is introduced into the assembly to enable the wall to resist tension stress while the grout is necessary to create a bond between the reinforcement and the concrete blocks. The reinforcement is placed near the centre axis of the block which is also the neutral axis on the wall as a flexural member. When the reinforcement in a flexural member is placed close to the neutral axis it do...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new type of masonry unit for use in building walls. These units have reinforcement channels on their exterior surfaces, which allow for the placement of reinforcement near the most important areas of the wall. This increases the load-bearing capacity and flexural capacity of the walls, while also reducing the amount of materials used. These masonry units are referred to as Surface Reinforced Concrete Masonry Units (SRCMU). The design of the unit also eliminates the need for grouting, which is more sustainable and reduces the need for additional materials. Additionally, the patent describes the use of spacers between the masonry units, which further reduces material requirements and thermal bridging. Overall, this patent provides a more efficient and effective method for constructing strong and durable walls.

Problems solved by technology

Cracking of a concrete block wall considerably reduces its durability and increases the operations and maintenance costs while also reducing the design life of the structure.

This directly increases the cost of the building and carbon footprint of the construction.

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