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SECTION 04200

[COLORED CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS]

[AND] [COLORED MORTAR]

With Davis Colors, color adds a new dimension to the design of concrete masonry unit (CMU) buildings and structures. The colors are mixed right into the concrete at the plant, so walls don't have to be painted. Integral colors are permanent and do not require periodic refinishing as can coatings and applied finishes.

True Tone cement colors are recommended for coloring mortar. Use a mortar color which matches or compliments the masonry units to add to the beauty of a brick or block wall.

Both Davis Colors and True Tone are made with pure, concentrated pigments especially treated for mixing into concrete and mortar. They are lightfast, alkali-resistant, weather resistant, and formulated to give long-lasting appeal to concrete.

This document suggests specification provisions which pertain to colored CMU and mortar. INCORPORATE INFORMATION FROM THIS GUIDE SPECIFICA-TION INTO A COMPLETE MASTER SPECIFICATION FOR MASONRY. Then edit to meet project requirements. Prepare specification in accordance with ACI recommendations and other applicable industry guidelines. Show locations of colored concrete masonry units and colored mortar on Drawings or in Schedules.

This document is available in word processing format from Davis Colors via the Internet or diskette. For product literature or tech-nical assistance about pigments, con-tact Davis Colors at:

East: 800-638-4444 (301-210-3400 Maryland)
West: 800-356-4848 (213-269-7311 California)

 

PART 1 GENERAL

 

1.01 SUMMARY

    A. Section Includes: [Colored concrete masonry units (CMU)] [and] [colored mortar].

Davis Colors can also be specified in other specification sections. Include paragraph below if you wish to coordinate concrete masonry unit and mortar colors with colors specified in other sections. Note, however, that an exact color match of concrete masonry unit and mortar with work specified in other sections may not be practical because of differences in various manufacturing and construction processes; make final color selections on basis of product samples or mock-ups.

Guide specifications for other types of colored concrete work are also available from Davis Colors.

    B. Related Sections:

    1. Section [02750 - Cement Concrete paving]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    2. Section [02760 - Stamped Pattern Concrete Pavement]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    3. Section [02780 - Concrete Unit pavers]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    4. Section [03300 - Integrally Colored Architectural Cast-In-Place Concrete.] Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection.]
    5. Section [03400 - Integrally Colored Precast Concrete]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    6. Section [03470 - Integrally Colored Tilt-Up Precast Concrete] Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    7. Section [07320 - Concrete Roofing tiles]: Color coordination [and color selection].
    8. Section [07900 - Joint Sealers]: Colored sealants for joints.

 

1.02 REFERENCES

Edit references to include standards that are used in Project specification. Other useful publications about colored concrete masonry units and colored mortar include:

  • "Manufacturing Colored Concrete Masonry", Concrete Products, October 1995.
  • Portland Cement Association Publication IS247.01M - Trowel Tips: Mortar Color.

    • For a copy of these references and ASTM C979, contact Davis Colors.

      A. American Concrete Institute:

      1. ACI 530 - Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures.
      2. ACI - 530.1 - Specifications for Masonry Structures.

      B. American Society for Testing and Materials:

      1. ASTM C90 - Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units.
      2. ASTM C270 - Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry.
      3. ASTM C979 - Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete.

     

    1.03 SUBMITTALS

      A. Product Data:

      1. Colored CMU: Submit product data or letter of certification from CMU manufacturer stating pigments comply with specifications.
      2. Mortar Colors: Submit product data and manufacturer's instructions.

      B. Samples:

        1. Colored CMU:

    Coordinate CMU sample requirements with the method used to specify CMU color. Use first method with Paragraph 2.01E when colors have already been selected from CMU manufacturer's standards.

          a. Submit samples of [each color and style of] specified CMU indicating color [range and] appearance.

    Use second method with Paragraph 2.01F when colors have not yet been selected.

          b. Submit samples of CMU manufacturer's standard colors for selection.

    Use third method with Paragraph 2.01G when colors are to match an existing building or sample.

          c. Prior to manufacturing CMU, submit laboratory samples of colored concrete for preliminary color matching. Following preliminary approval, submit samples of [each color and style of] CMU taken from an actual production run.

    Use fourth method with Paragraph 2.01H when Davis Colors are used as a color standard to specify CMU color.

          d. Submit pigment manufacturer's [color chart] [sample chip set] for color selection. Submittals are for general color selection and may vary somewhat from CMU manufactured at plant. Following preliminary selection, submit samples of [each color and style of] CMU taken from an actual production run.

        2. Colored Mortar:

          a. Submit pigment manufacturer's [color chart] [sample chip set] for color selection.

    Include above if color selection has not yet been made. Include below if color selection is specified.

          b. Submit sample chips of specified color[s] indicating pigment number[s] and required dosage rate[s].

          c. Submit-tals are for general indication of color and may vary somewhat from mortar finished in field.

    1.04 QUALITY ASSURANCE

      A. Perform work in accordance with ACI 530 and ACI 530.1.

      B. Obtain each material from same source and maintain high degree of consistency in workmanship throughout Project.

      C. Installer Qualifications: Masonry work shall be by firm with [five] [________] years experience with work of similar scope and quality.

    On jobs with critical appearance tolerances, specify a mock-up to demonstrate that proposed materials and workmanship produce acceptable masonry appearance.

      D. Mock-Up

      1. Provide full-scale mock-up under provisions of Section [01400] [________]. Construct at least one month before start of other CMU work to allow mortar to cure before observation.
      2. [At location on Project selected by [Architect] [________], demonstrate each condition required on Project using materials, workman-ship, joint treatment, and cleaning techniques to be used throughout Project.
      3. Approved mock-up establishes minimum standard for Work.
      4. [Approved mock-up shall not be demolished or removed from site until Work has been completed and approved.] [Mock-up may remain as part of Work.]

     

    1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

      A. Mortar Colors: Comply with manufacturer's instructions. Deliver pigments in original, unopened packaging. Store in dry conditions.

     

    PART 2 PRODUCTS

    In general, colored CMU and mortar can be specified with the same materials and accessories used in high-quality uncolored CMU and mortar.

     

    2.01 CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS

      A. Manufacturers:

      1. [________________________________.]
      2. [________________________________.]
      3. [________________________________.]
      4. Substitutions: Submit substitution request in compliance with [Instructions to Bidders] [Section 01600] [________]. Substitutions shall have minimum 5 years experience manufacturing colored concrete masonry and an acceptable quality control program.

      B. Type: [ASTM C90, Type [I] [II]; [normal] [medium] [light] weight.] [________________.]

      C. Size: [_____ x _____ x _____] [nominal modular size].

      D. Face: [Smooth] [Scored] [Ribbed] [Split] [Ground] [Slump] [Striated] [_______________].

    Select one of following options to specify CMU colors. Use first method if colors have already been selected from CMU manufacturer's standards.

      E. Color[s]: [________________________________.]

    Use second method if colors have not yet been selected.

      F. Color[s]: [Provide color[s] to be selected by [Architect] [________] from CMU manufacturer's [standard] [premium] color line. [Allow for up to [two] [________] colors on Project.]

    Use third method if colors are to match an existing building or sample.

      G. Color[s]: Match [existing building.] [sample in [Architect's] [________] office.]

    Use fourth method to specify Davis Colors as a color standard for competitive bidding, to specify a custom color, or when designer requires greater control of color specification.
    - Typical pigment dosage rates range from 1 to 5 percent and must not exceed 10 percent.
    - White cement produces a lighter color CMU.
    - Specify sand and aggregates colors when using split face and ground units.

      H. Color[s]:

      1. Pigments: Davis Colors No. [________] as manufactured by Davis Colors, Phone 213-269-7311. Pigments shall contain pure, concentrated mineral pigments especially processed for mixing into concrete and complying with ASTM C979. Mix shall contain [________] percent pigment dosage rate based on weight of portland cement, lime and other cementitious materials but not aggregate or sand.
      2. Cement Color: [Gray.] [White.]
      3. [Sand Color: [Locally available natural sand.] [White.] [Match sample in [Architect's] [________] office.]]
      4. [Aggregate: [________________.] [Match sample in [Architect's] [________] office.]]

      I. Admixtures: Do not use calcium chloride admixtures.

     

    2.02 COLORED MORTAR

    True Tone Sweet 16 pigments are available in 16 standard colors which can be mixed to produce 64 different hues. Dose-sized boxes reduce problems associated with weighing pigments in field. Use white cement to obtain the lightest colors on True Tone Sweet 16 color card.

      A. Cement Color: [Gray.] [White.]

      B. Sand Color: [Locally available natural sand.] [White.]

      C. Pigments:

      1. 1. Manufacturer:
        1. True Tone Sweet 16 Cement Colors manufactured by Davis Colors; phone 213-269-7311.
        2. Substitutions: Comply with [Instructions to Bidders] [Section 01600] [_________________] for substitution request procedures.
      2. 2. Materials: Pigments shall contain pure, concentrated mineral pigments especially processed for mixing into mortar and complying with ASTM C979.
      3. 3. Color:
        1. Provide color [to be selected by [Architect] [________] from manufacturer's standards. Allow for up to [1/2] [1] [2] [4] dose-sized 1-1/2 lb. boxes per sack of cement or lime.

    Include above if color selection has not yet been made. Include one of following sub-paragraphs if color selection is specified.

        1. Provide [1/2] [1] [2] [4] dose-sized 1-1/2 lb. boxes of True Tone color No. [MC-_____] per sack of cement or lime.
        2. Match [existing building.] [sample in [Architect's] [________] office.

     

    2.03 ACCESSORIES

      A. Sealants: Provide [type specified in Section 07900] [________________] in color matching mortar.

     

    2.04 MORTAR MIXES

    Mortar types are Type M (2,500 psi), S (1,800 psi), N (750 psi), or O (350 psi) average compressive strengths.

      A. Mortar: [ASTM C270, Type [M] [S] [N] [O].] [_____________.]

      B. Thoroughly mix using mechanical mixer.

      C. Sand shall be uniformly damp immediately before mixing.

      D. Add mortar color in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Provide uniform mix and coloration.

    Variations in water to cement content can change appearance of mortar.

      E. Maintain consistent water to cement ratio for mortar throughout Project. Do not retemper or add additional water to colored mortar.

     

    PART 3 EXECUTION

     

    3.01 INSTALLATION

    Colored CMU and mortar are installed in a much the same manner as uncolored masonry and mortar. Observe good masonry practices.

      A. Install masonry in accordance with [ACI 530, ACI 530.1] [and] [________________].

      B. Use careful workmanship to minimize mortar splatters and smears on face of masonry.

      C. Colored Mortar: Tool all mortar joints at the same degree of hardness and moisture content.

     

    3.02 TOLERANCES

    As with any natural material, some variation in appearance is a normal design feature of CMU and mortar, whether colored or not. Mortar lightens as it cures; allow up to 28 days for process to occur.

      A. Minor variations in appearance of colored [CMU] [and] [mortar], which are similar to natural variations in color and appearance of unpigmented masonry work, are acceptable.

     

    3.03 CLEANING

      A. Use least aggressive cleaning techniques possible. Verify cleaning procedure is consistent with recommendations of masonry unit and pigment manufacturers.

    Washing a wall while mortar is still fresh can smear pigment and cement across face of masonry units and make cleaning more difficult.

      B. Let mortar splatters harden for 7 to 14 days, then remove with chisel, trowel, or stiff brush and water before splatters bond rigidly to masonry.

      C. Prior to further cleaning, allow masonry to continue curing for at least three weeks in summer or four weeks in winter.

      D. If proprietary cleaning agents are used, pre-wet wall, test cleaning agent on a small, inconspicuous area, and check effects prior to proceeding. Begin cleaning at the top and work down. Thoroughly rinse wall afterwards with clean water. Follow cleaner manufacturer's instructions.

      E. Do not use muriatic (hydrochloric) acid on colored [CMU] [or] [mortar].

     

    END OF SECTION

    Davis Colors, True Tone and Sweet 16 are trademarks of Davis Colors. Copyright 1996; qualified design and construction professionals may copy for preparation of construction specifications. Issued September 3 1996.

    We welcome questions or comments.
    Or call:   West: 800-356-4848   East: 800-638-4444