Architects & Engineers

Nicholas Carparelli
Executive Director

6 Airline Drive
Albany, NY 12205
518 464 1806
(fax 518 464 1807)

One of the most significant architectural benefits of designing with concrete masonry is its versatility – the finished appearance of a concrete masonry wall can be varied with the unit size and shape, color of units and mortar, bond pattern, and surface finish of the units. The term "architectural concrete masonry units" typically is used to describe units displaying any one of several surface finishes that affects the texture of the unit, allowing the structural wall and finished surface to be installed in a single step.

Architectural concrete masonry units are used for interior and exterior walls, partitions, terrace walls, and other enclosures. Some units are available with the same treatment or pattern on both faces, to serve as both exterior and interior finish wall material, increasing both the economic and aesthetic advantages. Architectural units comply with the same quality standards as conventional concrete masonry, Standard Specification for Load bearing Concrete Masonry Units, ASTM C 90.

Consult one of our member producers for additional details and the availability of specific units.

The New York State Concrete Masonry Association offers the following AIA registered courses for continuing education credit

For information and program details, please click on the title and link below. Please contact us at 518-464-1806 or drop an email to arrange a presentation.

1, Crack Control for Concrete Masonry Wall Systems
2. Water Management Strategies For Masonry Wall Systems
3. ASTM Standards for Unit Masonry Construction
4. Concrete Masonry Systems For Fire Safety
5. A through W of CMU Wall Systems
6. Water Management Strategies For Masonry Wall Systems
7. Two-Hour Noncombustible Construction
8. Concrete Masonry Systems For Fire Safety
9. Reinforcing Methods For Concrete Masonry Wall Systems
10. Architectural Concrete Masonry
11. Successful CMU Design Details
12. Reinforcing Methods For Concrete Masonry Wall Systems
13. Thermal Performance of Concrete Masonry
14. Construction Processes of Segmental Retaining Walls
15. Concrete Masonry and Mold
16. Sustainable Masonry and LEED