This specification covers hollow and solid concrete masonry units made from hydraulic cement, water, and mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials. There are three classes of concrete masonry units: normal weight, medium weight, and lightweight. These units are suitable for both loadbearing and nonloadbearing applications. Concrete masonry units shall be made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.

1.1 This specification covers hollow and solid (see 5.3 and 5.4) concrete masonry units made from hydraulic cement, water, and mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials. There are three classes of concrete masonry units: Normal Weight, Medium Weight, and Lightweight. These units are suitable for both loadbearing and nonloadbearing applications.

1.2 Concrete masonry units covered by this specification are made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.

Note 1: The requirements of this specification have been researched, evaluated, and established for over a century, resulting in the physical properties and attributes defined here. These requirements are uniquely and solely applicable to concrete masonry units manufactured on equipment using low or zero slump concrete and the constituent materials defined herein. Many performance attributes of concrete masonry units are indirectly accounted for, or inherently reflected within, the requirements of this specification without direct measurement, assessment, or evaluation. Applying the requirements of this specification to products that may be similar in appearance, use, or nature to those covered by this specification may not address all pertinent physical properties necessary to ensure performance or serviceability of the resulting construction in real-world applications under typical exposure environments. Products manufactured using alternative materials, manufacturing methods, or curing processes not covered by this specification should not be evaluated solely using the requirements in this specification; however, developers of new products can consider the property requirements of this specification as a beginning benchmark for unit performance. It is reasonable to test new products for system performance as well as unit performance.

1.3 The text of this specification references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

Note 2: When particular features are desired such as surface textures for appearance or bond, finish, color, or particular properties such as density classification, higher compressive strength, fire resistance, thermal performance or acoustical performance, these features should be specified separately by the purchaser. Suppliers should be consulted as to the availability of units having the desired features.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.