ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) key terms

A masonry design method that compares computed service-level stresses from unfactored loads against code-permitted stresses, reduced by a safety factor, to confirm the section is adequate.

A masonry design method using factored loads and nominal strengths reduced by resistance factors, checking that factored demand does not exceed factored capacity for each limit state.

The specified compressive strength of the assembled masonry, in psi or MPa, used in design and verified by prism tests or unit-strength correlations permitted by the code.

A laboratory assemblage of units, mortar, and grout built to represent the wall and tested in compression; results establish f'm or confirm that specified strength is achieved.

The average net-area compressive strength of individual masonry units determined by standardized testing, reported in psi or MPa and used in design and prism correlation.

The gross cross-sectional area of a masonry unit minus the area of hollow cores or cells, expressed as a percentage of gross area and used to compute unit strength and wall capacity.

The standard specification for loadbearing concrete masonry units, covering materials, dimensional tolerances, strength, absorption, and finish requirements that units must satisfy before use.

The standard specification for mortar for unit masonry, defining mortar types M, S, N, O, and K by proportion or property, including compressive strength and water retention requirements.

The standard specification for grout for masonry, establishing fine and coarse grout classifications, minimum compressive strength, and slump and consistency requirements for placement.

The standard practice for evaluating mortar for unit masonry in the field, covering sampling, consistency testing, and preparation of specimens for compressive strength evaluation.

The standard test method for sampling and testing grout, describing how grout specimens are molded in units or nonabsorbent molds and cured before compression testing.

A classification (M, S, N, O, or K) establishing mortar's proportion or property requirements; higher-cement types give greater strength but lower flexibility and are selected for the exposure and loading.

A mortar specification option that fixes the volume proportions of cementitious materials, lime, and aggregate, allowing mortar to be accepted without strength testing when materials meet the standard.

A mortar specification option that requires the mixed mortar to meet stated performance criteria such as compressive strength, water retention, and air content, verified by laboratory testing.

The ability of mortar to hold mixing water against suction from absorbent units, keeping the mortar workable and promoting proper bond; tested to ensure it meets the specified minimum.

The maximum time after initial mixing that mortar may be used or retempered before it must be discarded, typically 1.5 hours, or 2.5 hours with retempering under specified conditions.

On-site sampling and testing of mortar for consistency, air content, water retention, or compressive strength, performed to verify that the delivered mortar matches the specified type.

Grout made with fine aggregate only, capable of flowing into narrow spaces and small cells; used where clearance around reinforcement or cell size limits coarse grout placement.

Grout containing both fine and coarse aggregate, used in larger cells and cavities where its higher solids content and strength are appropriate and placement can be consolidated.

A measure of grout consistency by slump cone test; code sets minimum and maximum slumps so grout flows into cells yet retains enough stability to fill without excessive segregation.

The vertical height of grout placed in one continuous operation before it sets; limits are set by code so grout pressure and consolidation remain adequate and formwork is not overstressed.

The process of working grout, typically with a low-velocity vibrator or rodding, to remove voids and ensure the grout fully surrounds reinforcement and fills the cell or collar joint.

An opening left at the base of a grouted cell or wall to allow removal of mortar droppings and debris before grouting; it must be inspected and sealed before grout placement.

A hollow unit cell filled with grout, often containing vertical reinforcement; the grout bonds units and steel into a composite element that resists compression and flexure.

Steel bars placed in masonry cells or cores, anchored into foundations, grouted in place, and extended to provide flexural and axial capacity and continuity between wall segments.

Bars or joint reinforcement placed in bed joints or bond beams to control cracking, resist shrinkage and temperature movement, and provide flexural strength and shear capacity.

Prefabricated wire reinforcement placed in mortar bed joints to control cracking and provide lateral ties; it must be lapped and positioned to develop its intended function.

The embedment length of reinforcement required to develop its yield strength in the masonry through bond and anchorage, calculated from code provisions for bar size and grout cover.

The overlapping of two reinforcing bars so force transfers between them; lap length is based on development length, bar size, and whether the bars are in tension or compression.

The horizontal mortar joint between masonry units; its thickness, fullness, and reinforcement placement affect bond strength, wall capacity, and crack control.

The vertical mortar joint between the ends of adjacent masonry units in the same course; it must be filled to develop bond and prevent water penetration.

The vertical longitudinal joint between wythes of a multiwythe wall; it is often grouted and reinforced and must be kept free of mortar droppings before grouting.

A horizontal course of masonry with reinforcement and grout, or a precast unit, used to tie walls together, distribute loads, and provide anchorage at openings and floor levels.

A masonry pattern in which units in each course overlap those below by half a unit, avoiding continuous vertical joints and improving structural and water-resistive performance.

A bolt embedded in masonry or grout to connect structural elements such as plates, ledgers, or sills; embedment and spacing must match the design and be verified during inspection.

Independent inspection required by code for defined masonry work, such as grouting, reinforcement placement, and anchor installation, to verify compliance with approved documents.

A document prepared by the registered design professional identifying the elements requiring special inspection, the inspection tasks, and the frequency of inspections for the project.

Drawings and specifications reviewed and accepted by the building official that govern construction; the inspector compares field work against them and documents any deviations.

A meeting before masonry work begins where the contractor, designer, and inspector review inspection scope, hold points, testing requirements, and communication procedures for the project.

The masonry code containing structural design requirements for allowable stress and strength design, including material properties, reinforcement, and detailing provisions.

The masonry specification covering materials, construction, workmanship, and inspection requirements; it is typically referenced with TMS 402 as the governing masonry code pair.

A hollow or solid block made from cementitious materials and aggregate, manufactured to standard dimensions and tested for strength and absorption before use in loadbearing or nonloadbearing walls.