Architectural Concrete Masonry: Single-Wythe Walls

1.0 CEU

This course introduces the design and performance fundamentals of architectural single-wythe concrete masonry. Participants will explore how concrete masonry’s inherent durability, resilience, thermal mass, and low-embodied-carbon contribute to high-performing building envelopes. The program explains key strategies for moisture management—including surface protection, integral water repellents, flashing, weeps, and crack-control detailing to keep single-wythe CMU walls dry and long-lasting. Learners will examine energy-code compliance pathways for mass walls, insulation options, and how density, thermal mass, and assembly configuration influence energy performance. The course concludes with practical guidance on air and vapor barriers, utilities, sample panels, and cleaning procedures to ensure high-quality outcomes in architectural CMU projects.

Objectives

Explore the benefits of single wythe architectural masonry assemblies including aesthetic versatility, simplicity, durability, safety and embodied carbon.
Investigate how to keep single wythe masonry walls dry, including surface protection, integral protections, and design details such as flashing and drainage strategies.
Introduce the performance attributes of single wythe concrete masonry such as thermal mass and energy efficiency, insulation strategies, and how to address air and vapor barriers.
Summarize typical design and detailing strategies and discuss why sample panels are important.

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Why Block?

Questions About Block?

Safety

Hurricanes and Wind

Fire

Carbon

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Mass