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I am looking for opinions on the merits (or lack thereof) of lightweight concrete block. My foundation will be a continuous 8″ CMU wall about 8’high, above grade, with vertical #4 @ 4’oc.
1) Is “lightweight” block an adequate substitute for standard 40 lb. 8x8x16 block? Some places I read not to use them for load bearing walls. Other places say that their compressive strength is comparable to standard block.
2) For my vertical rebar, my mason is proposing to not fill any of the blocks until after all courses are laid. Then he will stick the #4 rebar all the way down from the top and and fill from above. I am no mason, but I would have thought one should fill block as you go and tie short sections of rebar about every 3 or 4 courses.
Opinions? Thanks in advance.
Chris
Replies
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I am looking for opinions on the merits (or lack thereof) of lightweight concrete block. My foundation will be a continuous 8" CMU wall about 8'high, above grade, with vertical #4 @ 4'oc.
1) Is "lightweight" block an adequate substitute for standard 40 lb. 8x8x16 block? Some places I read not to use them for load bearing walls. Other places say that their compressive strength is comparable to standard block.
2) For my vertical rebar, my mason is proposing to not fill any of the blocks until after all courses are laid. Then he will stick the #4 rebar all the way down from the top and and fill from above. I am no mason, but I would have thought one should fill block as you go and tie short sections of rebar about every 3 or 4 courses.
Opinions? Thanks in advance.
Chris