NWCMA Technical Notes

• Masonry Requirements of Northwest Energy Codes
  If you are designing a gymnasium, big-box retail, or one of several other building types, you can still utilize integral-insulated exposed single-wythe … Read more
• Guide Specification for Reinforced Concrete Unit Masonry
  The following Guide Specifications were written as the framework for a specifications section. The Guide Specifications appear in the CSI three-part format … Read more
• Design of Concrete Masonry Veneer
  This technical bulletin discusses the application of concrete masonry units in anchored veneer construction. Concrete masonry can provide a durable, aesthetically-pleasing exterior … Read more
• Concrete Masonry Unit Guide Specification
  The following Guide Specification was written as the framework for a specification section. It appears in the CSI format on the left … Read more
• Specifying Ground-Face Concrete Masonry Units
  Ground-face concrete masonry units (CMU) provide architects and designers with an attractive architectural block texture. Ground-face CMU are produced by grinding the … Read more
• Factory Preblended Mortar Specification
  Mortar is an important component of a masonry wall system. It serves many functions: bonds units together; seals joints against air and … Read more
• Concrete Masonry Fire Resistance
  Concrete masonry is a noncombustible construction material possessing excellent fire-resistive properties. The resistance of concrete masonry to fire is well established by … Read more
• Rain Resistant Architectural Concrete Masonry
  Integrally colored concrete masonry is commonly used as an architectural material in the Pacific Northwest. By combining different block sizes and shapes, … Read more
• Smooth-Face Architectural Concrete Masonry
  Architectural concrete masonry units (CMU) are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and surface treatments. Integral color can be added … Read more
• Concrete Masonry and Sustainable Design are a Natural Fit
  The sustainable building movement has gained momentum over the past several years. Rating systems such as LEED and Green Globes have helped … Read more
• Control Joints for Concrete Masonry Crack Control
  Cracking in buildings normally results from restrained movement. This movement may originate within a building material due to temperature change or shrinkage … Read more