Page 81 - Design of Reinforced Masonry Structures

2.34 CHAPTER TWO

FIGURE 2.31 Concrete masonry units can be produced in various shapes and sizes. (Courtesy: PCA.)

resemble handmade adobe, producing a pleasing appearance (Fig. 2.32). Brick units can
also be produced in a similar manner.
Split blocks are popular where aesthetic effects are important. Essentially, split blocks
are solid or hollow units that are mechanically fractured lengthwise or crosswise to pro-
duce a stone-like texture. Split units may be obtained by simply striking a hammer blows
to a heavy chisel placed on a concrete block along a scored line. The units are laid with
their split surface exposed. When laid, the fractured faces of the units are irregular and
expose the aggregate texture on the face of the wall (Fig. 2.33). A wide variety of colors,
textures, and shapes are produced by varying cements, aggregates, color pigments, and
unit size.