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MCAA Masonry study materials
MCAA Masonry study resources

MCAA Masonry: Masonry Products

MCAA Masonry · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Masonry Products

The Masonry Products domain tests your knowledge of units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, accessories, and stone or brick selection, including the ASTM standard that governs each and the properties that determine appropriate use.

Units and material standards

  • ASTM C90 covers loadbearing concrete masonry units; ASTM C129 covers nonloadbearing units. Do not substitute C129 units into a bearing wall.
  • ASTM C216 covers facing brick. Grades SW, MW, and NW describe weathering resistance; Types FBX, FBS, and FBA describe appearance and permissible variation. Severe weathering calls for Grade SW.
  • ASTM C270 covers mortar; Types M, S, N, and O differ in cementitious content and compressive strength. Selection follows exposure, structural demand, and the specification.
  • ASTM C476 covers grout. Reinforcement, ties, anchors, flashing, and weep accessories must also match the specified standard and coating.
  • Storage and handling matter: protect cementitious materials from moisture, do not use frozen materials, and follow manufacturer limits on unit moisture content.

Worked example

A coastal veneer project specifies Grade MW brick and Type N mortar. The submittal reviewer notices the severe weathering exposure. Grade SW is the appropriate weathering grade for severe exposure, so the reviewer should issue an RFI rather than silently accept or reject. Mortar selection should also be checked against the specified masonry compressive strength and TMS 402 exposure provisions. The reasoning: brick grade controls freeze-thaw durability, while mortar type affects strength, bond, and flexibility; neither can be chosen from color or habit.

Traps that cost marks

Selecting units by appearance alone; using nonloadbearing CMU in structural walls; confusing brick grade with brick type; assuming all mortars are interchangeable; and ignoring moisture control or efflorescence risk.

Key points

  • ASTM C90 is loadbearing CMU; ASTM C129 is nonloadbearing and is not a structural substitute.
  • ASTM C216 brick grades SW, MW, and NW describe weathering resistance; types FBX, FBS, and FBA describe appearance.
  • ASTM C270 mortar Types M, S, N, and O must be matched to exposure and structural demand.
  • ASTM C476 governs grout; reinforcement and accessories must meet the specified standards.
  • Grade and type are different properties; do not select products by color alone.