Concrete Masonry Unit
This information reflects our best understanding of product composition in 2015.
Hollow concrete masonry units (CMUs), commonly referred to as “cinder blocks,” are made from hydraulic cement, water, and aggregates. The primary difference in composition between CMUs and in-situ concrete is its drastically reduced...
Hollow concrete masonry units (CMUs), commonly referred to as “cinder blocks,” are made from hydraulic cement, water, and aggregates. The primary difference in composition between CMUs and in-situ concrete is its drastically reduced water content (known as low or zero slump concrete). Further, because pre-cast products are cured in a controlled environment as opposed to changing conditions in-situ, the variety of admixes found in CMUs is much smaller. CMUs can be made in normal, medium, and lightweights, but all CMUs have the same compressive strength and can be used for load-bearing applications. Percent calculations are based on the density and dimensions of a normal weight CMU.