Masonry Magazine September 1965 Page. 18
shapes
Q BLOCK units are made in a variety of patterns and shapes to suit contemporary architecture and modern construction. In some cases the name of a shape describes its specific function in construction such as, sash block, pilaster units, control joint block, etc. In other cases, the design itself determines the name, such as bull-nose unit, solid top block, concrete brick, etc.
While terminology has not been formally standardized, the shape names given here are fairly well established by common usage and some variations are peculiar to certain localities. In most cases, terminology is self-explanatory. Shape design can be more readily understood by referring to the sketches immediately below. The drawings are those of units generally available. It is impossible to show all shapes made by all manufacturers, particularly since some units are dropped and new ones added. Most block manufacturers have up-to-date catalogs showing the shapes and sizes they stock. The National Concrete Masonry Association can supply names and addresses of its members in all parts of the United States and Canada.
Actual dimensions are permitted by specifications to vary as much as plus or minus %; however, length and width are generally uniform to within and height rarely varies by more than plus or minus " to ". The table below shows sizes of masonry units as set forth by the American Standards Association in 1946. This standard was developed by a committee under ASA auspices and sponsored by The American Institute of Architects and the Producers' Council, Inc.
Concrete Masonry Nominal Dimensions
| Full Size Units | Supplementary |
|---|---|
| Height | Length | Heights | Length |
| 2% | 8 | 4 | 6,4 |
| 3 | 8 | 2 | 6,4 |
| 4 | 12 | 10, 8, 6, 4 | |
| 5% | 12 | 2%, 4 | 10, 8, 6, 4 |
| 6 | 12 | 2,4 | 10, 8, 6, 4 |
| 8 | 12 | 4 | 10, 8, 6, 4 |
| 8 | 16 | 4 | 12, 8, 4 |
NOTE: Supplementary sizes listed are the sizes required for complete 4" flexibility. Such supplementary sizes as are required for a particular job may be cut on the job or furnished by the manufacturer. Maximum economy in construction is achieved when walls are planned and designed on the basis of the 4-inch module.
TYPICAL SHAPE NAMES AND FUNCTIONS
SHAPE NAMES (TERMINOLOGY)
FUNCTIONAL
Stretcher
Corner
Header
Corner Return
L-Corner
Partition
Pier
Pilaster
Column
Grade
Sill
Sash
Jamb
Control Joint
Coping
Lintel
Flue Liner
Bond Beam
Manhole
Chimney
Screen
Soffit
Floor Filler
Back Up
Pilaster Insert
Joist Unit
SHAPE NAME
Solid
Hollow
Solid Top
Single Bull Nose
Double Bull Nose
Brick
Split
Batter
Fluted
Frog
Plain End
Open End (Single and Double)
Recessed
Jumbo Brick
Slump