Commercial Masonry: Standard CMU Shapes & Sizes
Midwest Products Group has been manufacturing concrete masonry units for over 60 years. Our local production allows us to manufacture and deliver our products without costly delays, keeping your project on time and on budget. We offer designers and installers a wide selection of concrete masonry units to complete their job. Experience, commitment to quality, and customer service has made Midwest Products Group the top choice for architects, builders, and masons. View a complete list of our CMUs by downloading a copy of the concrete masonry product guide.
Test Reports
Standard CMU Test Reports
Midwest Products Group manufactures masonry units to the following product standards:
- ASTM C90=02a — Load bearing Concrete Masonry Units
- Lightweight Units Aggregates — Expanded Clay (ASTM C331)
- Normal Weight Aggregates — Limestone (ASTM C33)
Midwest Products Group regularly conducts independent testing to measure compliance with this ASTM standard. For a current copy of the test results, please contact our service center.
Fire Resistance
The fire resistance of concrete masonry units is most commonly determined by the code-approved “equivalent thickness' method. Equivalent thickness is the solid thickness that would be obtained if the same amount of concrete contained in a hollow unit were recast without core holes. It is calculated by multiplying the actual thickness by the percent solid.
The greater the equivalent thickness, the greater the fire rating.
The type of aggregate in the block also influences the fire resistance. Lightweight block (expanded shale) has a better fire rating than normal weight block. (limestone).
Filling the cores of the block with grout or other non-combustible material, or applying plaster or gypsum wallboard, can also increase the fire resistance.
Listed below is the calculated fire resistance for a few select units produced by Midwest Products Group. Additional information on fire ratings is available in NCMA Tek Notes.
| Block | Aggregate | Equivalent Thickness | Calculated Fire Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x8x16 Solid | Normal Weight | 3.625 | 2 Hours |
| 4x8x16 Regular | Normal Weight | 2.60 | 3/4 Hours |
| 4x8x16 Regular | Lightweight | 2.60 | 1 Hour |
| 6x8x16 Regular | Normal Weight | 3.30 | 1 Hour |
| 6x8x16 Regular | Lightweight | 3.30 | 1-1/2 Hours |
| 6x8x16 Fire Rated | Lightweight | 3.60 | 2 Hours |
| 8x8x16 Regular | Normal Weight | 3.99 | 1-3/4 Hours |
| 8x8x16 Regular | Lightweight | 3.99 | 2 Hours |
| 8x8x16 Pier | Lightweight | 4.30 | 2-1/2 Hours |
| 8x8x16 Fire Rated | Lightweight | 5.60 | 4 Hours |
| 8x8x16 Solid | Lightweight | 7.625 | 4 Hours + |
| 10x8x16 Regular | Normal Weight | 4.40 | 2 Hours |
| 10x8x16 Regular | Lightweight | 4.40 | 3 Hours |
| 12x8x16 Regular | Normal Weight | 5.70 | 3-1/2 Hours |
| 12x8x16 Regular | Lightweight | 5.70 | 4 Hours |
For more information, refer to the following NCMA Tek Notes:
Sound Control
Sound Transmission Class Ratings (STC)
The sound transmission class is a measurement of the decrease of sound energy as it passes through a wall. In general, the higher the STC rating, the better the wall system is at controlling noise transmission. The following is a guideline for our standard light weight and normal weight block.
| Block Size | STC |
|---|---|
| 4″ Light weight | 43 |
| 4″ Heavy weight | 45 |
| 6″ Light weight | 44 |
| 6″ Heavy weight — Partial Grout | 46 |
| 8″ Light weight | 46 |
| 8″ Heavy weight — Partial Grout | 52 |
| 10″ Light weight | 45 |
| 10″ Heavy weight — Partial Grout | 52 |
| 12″ Light weight | 51 |
| 12″ Heavy weight — Partial Grout | 53 |
LEED Info
What is LEED Certification?
In the United States and in a number of other countries around the world, LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. Achieving LEED certification is the best way for you to demonstrate that your building project is truly “green.”
The LEED green building rating system, developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and wellbeing.
LEED Rating Systems have been developed for the following:
- New Commercial Construction and Major Renovation Projects
- Existing Building Operations and Maintenance
- Commercial Interior Projects
- Core and Shell Development Projects
- Homes
- Neighborhoods
- Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects
- Schools
How do I acquire LEED points?
The LEED rating system offers four certification levels for new construction; certified, silver, gold, and platinum. These levels correspond to the number of credits accrued in the following five green design categories:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor environmental quality
Architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders, and government officials all use LEED to help transform the built environment to sustainability. State and local governments across the country are adopting LEED for public-owned and public-funded buildings; there are LEED initiatives in federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and State; and LEED projects are in progress in 41 different countries, including Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and India.
For more information, refer to the following NCMA Tek Notes:
MPG has a large selection of CMU's to complete your project.
MPG regularly conducts independent testing to measure compliance with ASTM standards.
Masonry walls provide a range of benefits: structural integrity, fire and sound resistance, energy efficiency, and durability.