Whats In a CMU Concrete Block Wall?
CMU stands for concrete masonry unit, which is the 8x8x16-inch concrete block that makes up CMU concrete block walls . CMUs have been improving in materials and mixtures since 1882, but their general size and purpose remains the same. Popularly used as a standard building material, CMUs are simply precast concrete blocks, meaning that they have been molded to a specific shape and size to build a block or rock retaining wall. Made from cement, aggregates and water, CMUs are formed in molding equipment and allowed to cure. Curing implies that the concrete CMU does not dry as it hardens but rather retains moisture as it strengthens. Retaining water is part of what gives the concrete block wall its integrity. In addition to the ingredients listed above, CMU mixtures may include a host of optional admixtures created to enhance or change the finalized CMU block’s characteristics, which shows on the concrete block wall. By adding such ingredients, the manufacturer may be able to strengthen, a
