PROJECT SUPPORT

Controlling Cracking and Movement in CMU Structures & Veneers

1.0 CEU

This presentation introduces concrete masonry by reviewing its aesthetic options, primary sustainability drivers, and common wall assembly types. It explains the main causes of movement and cracking in CMU walls and veneers, including structural loading, excessive deflection, differential settlement, differential movement, and shrinkage. Crack control strategies are considered such as using joint reinforcement, control joints, and relief joints. It concludes with detailing examples for openings, banding, shelf angles, corners, bond beams, and other common locations where movement must be accommodated.

Objectives

  1. Describe the primary sustainability drivers of concrete masonry, the aesthetic options available with architectural CMU, and the most commonly used CMU wall assembly types used in design.
  2. Identify the primary causes of movement and cracking in concrete masonry structural walls and veneers.
  3. Explain crack control strategies for CMU construction, including the role of joint reinforcement, control joints, and relief joints in limiting shrinkage cracking and accommodating movement.
  4. Compare detailing strategies for movement accommodation and crack control in CMU walls and veneers.

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