Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU)
From Swikipedia
Introduction
A concrete masonry unit is a precast concrete block used to build walls. CMUs have hollow cores that can be filled with concrete onsite for additional reinforcement. The use of stronger, more lightweight types of concrete such as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is becoming increasingly popular in CMU manufacture.
Brief Description
Concrete masonry units are commonly manufactured with a combination or blend of aggregate types. Lower density blocks may use industrial wastes as an aggregate. Those that use cinders (fly ash or bottom ash) are called cinder blocks in the US, breeze blocks (breeze is a synonym of ash) in the UK and are also known as besser blocks or bricks in Australia. Clinker blocks use clinker as aggregate. Lightweight blocks can also be produced using aerated concrete.
Concrete blocks create structures that are economical, energy efficient, fire-resistant, and involve minimal maintenance. In addition, concrete masonry allows architectural freedom and versatility.
Applications:
Concrete masonry is widely used to construct small and large structures. The most common application of concrete masonry is walls for buildings. However, other uses for concrete masonry units include retaining walls, chimneys, fireplaces, and fire-safe enclosures of stairwells, elevator shafts, and storage vaults.
References:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/glossary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit
