ICC Masonry Inspector S2 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Mortar Type M

Highest compressive strength mortar (2,500 psi per ASTM C270). Used for below-grade walls, foundations, and severe exposure. Contains the highest portland cement ratio and the lowest lime content among the common types.

Mortar Type S

Moderate-high strength mortar (1,800 psi per ASTM C270). Common for structural masonry and lateral-load walls. Provides good bond and is often specified for reinforced masonry and seismic applications.

Mortar Type N

General-purpose mortar (750 psi per ASTM C270). Used for above-grade exterior veneer and interior non-load-bearing walls. Balances workability and moderate strength, making it the default for exposed veneer.

Mortar Type O

Low-strength mortar (350 psi per ASTM C270). Used for interior non-load-bearing walls and repointing historic masonry. Its high lime content yields high workability but low compressive strength.

ASTM C90 CMU

Standard specification for load-bearing concrete masonry units. Requires minimum net-area compressive strength of 1,900 psi averaged over three units, with no individual unit below 1,700 psi.

ASTM C216 Grade SW

Severe-weathering facing brick grade. Requires 24-hour cold water absorption of 6% or less and saturation coefficient of 0.78 or less. Used where freezing and thawing occur with frequent moisture contact.

ASTM C476 Grout

Standard specification for grout for masonry. Fine grout uses only sand passing a 3/8 inch sieve; coarse grout allows up to 50 percent of aggregate passing a 1/2 inch sieve.

Grout slump range

Grout for masonry is typically specified at 8 to 11 inches slump to allow placement in narrow cells. Slump is measured per ASTM C143 and verified at the point of placement.

Anchor bolt minimum diameter

TMS 402 requires anchor bolts in masonry to be at least 1/2 inch in diameter. Smaller bolts lack sufficient stiffness and are not permitted for structural anchorage of masonry walls.

Wall tie embedment

Veneer wall ties must be embedded at least 1 inch into the mortar and maintain 5/8 inch clearance from the exterior face. These dimensions protect against corrosion and provide anchorage.

Joint reinforcement lap

Joint reinforcement must be lapped at least 6 inches at splices, or as specified by the manufacturer. Laps transfer tensile forces across the splice in the mortar bed.

Special inspection trigger: SDC C

Masonry in Seismic Design Category C or higher requires special inspection per TMS 402/602 Chapter 6. This applies regardless of the design compressive strength specified.

Special inspection trigger: f'm

Masonry with a specified compressive strength f'm greater than 1,500 psi requires special inspection. This threshold appears in TMS 402/602 Chapter 6 and IBC Chapter 17.

Statement of special inspections

A document prepared by the registered design professional listing each special inspection and test required by the code. It is submitted with the permit application per IBC Section 1704.

Deferred submittal

A portion of the design submitted after the permit is issued, such as engineered lintels or post-installed anchors. It must be listed on the construction documents with the responsible professional identified.

TMS 402 adoption

IBC Section 2101 adopts TMS 402/602 by reference for masonry design and construction. The designer must state whether allowable stress or strength design governs the project.

h/t ratio limit

TMS 402 Section 5.5.3 limits the height-to-thickness ratio of masonry walls to control buckling. The limit depends on whether the wall is reinforced and whether it is laterally supported.

Fire-resistance equivalent thickness

Masonry fire ratings are determined by the equivalent thickness of the assembly per IBC Table 721.1(2). Grout-filled cells increase equivalent thickness and thus the fire-resistance rating.

Permit plan review scope

Review verifies wall sizes, reinforcement, grout placement, mortar type, unit strength, and lateral support. Missing information may result in a conditional permit or a returned plan.

ASTM C780 mortar sampling

Covers sampling and testing of mortar for compressive strength and consistency. Mortar cubes of 2 inches are tested to verify the field mix meets the specified property requirements.

ASTM C1019 grout testing

Grout is tested using prisms constructed from the masonry units the grout will fill. This method accounts for moisture absorption from the units, unlike standard cube testing.

ASTM C1314 prism testing

Determines the compressive strength of the as-built masonry assembly. A set consists of at least three prisms; the average governs and no individual prism may fall below 75 percent of the average.

ASTM C140 unit testing

Covers sampling and testing of concrete masonry units for compressive strength, absorption, and dimensions. Results verify the units conform to ASTM C90 or C129 as specified.

Grout lift height

Grout is placed in lifts typically limited to 5 feet for low-lift grouting and up to 8 feet for high-lift methods, depending on the specification. Consolidation is required for each lift.

Cleanout requirement

Cleanouts must be installed at the bottom of grouted cells before grouting begins. They allow removal of mortar droppings and debris that would otherwise block grout flow or reduce strength.

Tension lap Class A

A Class A tension lap is 30 bar diameters in length. It applies when the area of reinforcement provided is at least twice that required and half the bars are spliced.

Tension lap Class B

A Class B tension lap is 48 bar diameters in length. It applies to all conditions not meeting Class A criteria and is the default lap for reinforced masonry design.

Flashing lap minimum

Sheet metal flashing must be lapped at least 6 inches at joints. Flashing must include end dams and be integrated with weepholes spaced at 24 inches on center maximum.

Special inspector reporting

Special inspection reports must be filed within 24 hours of the inspection. The report states whether the work conforms and must immediately notify the building official of any discrepancy.

Stop-work order authority

The building official may issue a written stop-work order under IBC Section 115 for unsafe or nonconforming work. Work may not resume until the order is lifted.

Certificate of occupancy

Issued under IBC Section 111 after final inspection. All special inspection final reports and testing records must be accepted by the building official before the certificate is granted.

Board of appeals

A decision of the building official may be appealed in writing to the board of appeals within the time set by local ordinance, commonly 30 days. The appeal must state the specific code interpretation.