Module 3 - Foundation Systems

Part 3.3 - Masonry Block Foundation System

Select Content From the Index Below or Scroll Down:

• Introduction
• Masonry Block
• Masonry Foundation
• Review Questions

Introduction

In some parts of Ontario concrete masonry block foundations are used in residential foundations.

Source: Illustrated Residential and Commercial Construction, by Peter Mann, page 5-12

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Masonry Block

Concrete masonry block come in a variety of thickness and shapes as illustrated below.

Source: Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction, page 35	Masonry Block Shapes Concrete Masonry blocks are available in a variety of shapes.
Source: Building Construction Technology, F. Hately, page 113	Masonry Concrete Blocks Blocks are available in standard sizes however the length and height are standard: 15 5/8" (390mm) long x 7 5/8" (190mm) high. The thickness vary from 3 5/8" (90mm) to 11 5/8" (240mm).

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Masonry Foundations

The foundation wall is used to carry the floor, wall, roof and other building loads (people, snow, wind, etc.), down to the footing.

Source: Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction, page 36	Foundation Block Wall Concrete masonry block foundation wall is illustrated to the left. Once the blocks have been installed parging can be placed over the blocks, following by the damproofing process.
Source: Illustrated Residential and Commercial Construction, by Peter Mann, page 5-12	Block Pattern There are a variety of patterns, however the running bond illustrated to the left is the most common pattern used for foundations. The running bond is an interlocking pattern of laying the blocks.
Source: Portland Cement Association	Masonry Layout Corner of a masonry block foundation is laid out first, which is called a "lead corner". Once the lead corners are completed at both ends, the remainder of the blocks are then filled in between the lead corners.
Source: Residential Building Methods, by V. Smith	Masonry Mortar A masonry concrete block can have a face mortar bed or a full mortar bed as illustrated to the left.
Source: Residential Building Methods, by V. Smith	Mortar Joints Mortar joints are usually 3/8" (10mm) in height. The face of the mortar joint will be tooled as a: flush joint raked joint concave joint
Source: Building Construction Technology, F. Hately, page 116	Anchor Bolts Anchor bolts can be embedded into the mortar of the concrete masonry block.

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