| Title | कंक्रीट चिनाई खंड (Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU))Rare Kaṅkrīṭ cināī khaṇḍ Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) |
|---|---|
| Description | ईंट चिनाई खंड (Concrete Masonry Unit - CMU), or *cement eint* in Hindi, are precast concrete blocks [1] employed extensively in 20th and 21st century Indian construction. Their composition typically involves cement, aggregates (sourced from *khadan* or quarries), and water. Density ranges from 2.0-2.4 g/cm³, with compressive strength between 3-7 MPa [2]. While CMUs lack the historical depth of *pakka eint* (burnt clay bricks) seen in Mauryan and Mughal architecture, they offer a modern, cost-effective alternative. Water absorption, a critical durability factor, typically falls between 5-10%. Conservation efforts in heritage structures using CMUs as infill require careful consideration of material compatibility. Differential thermal expansion and moisture movement can cause damage to surrounding traditional materials like lime mortar or sandstone. Appropriate repair strategies involve using compatible mortars and ensuring proper drainage to mitigate water damage. The geological origin of aggregates influences the CMU's long-term performance. [3] |
| Also Known As | Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Kaṅkrīṭ cināī khaṇḍ Concrete Block CMU Block Masonry Block Hollow Block Solid Block सीमेंट ईंट ठोस खंड कंक्रीट ब्लॉक चिनाई इकाई கான்கிரீட் கொத்து அலகு (Tamil) కాంక్రీట్ రాతి యూనిట్ (Telugu) ಕಾಂಕ್ರೀಟ್ ಕಲ್ಲಿನ ಘಟಕ (Kannada) കോൺക്രീറ്റ് കൊത്തുപണി യൂണിറ്റ് (Malayalam) |
| Tags | CMU Concrete Block Masonry Concrete |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-012173789-20-11-25-EM |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/cmu |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/cmu |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Concrete Masonry Unit Precast Concrete |
|---|
| Regions | India |
|---|
| Time Periods | 20th Century 21st Century |
|---|
| Sources | Concrete block manufacturing plants |
|---|
| Properties | Compressive strength: 3-7 MPa Density: 2.0-2.4 g/cm³ Water absorption: 5-10% |
|---|
| Uses | Wall construction Infill walls Boundary walls Structural Walls |
|---|
| Materials | Cement Sand Water Lime Mortar |
|---|
| Styles | Modern architecture |
|---|
| Categories | Temple (Modern) Community Hall |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IS 2185 (Part 1): 2005 | Standard | Concrete Masonry Units - Hollow and Solid Concrete Blocks - Specification |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Lanham | Primary | Walls | 100% |