Block · 10 mm
Cementitious — indicative fig. M·19
Fire A1 — Group 1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 0.12kgCO₂e/kg LowCompressive >=15MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
Architectural CMUs in split face, honed, and shotblast finishes. Standard 390 x 190 mm module in 90–290 mm widths. f'uc ≥ 15 MPa. Non-combustible AS 1530.1 Group 1. FRL 60–240 min structural adequacy per AS 3700 (width and wall-system dependent). Available with oxide pigments from Adbri, Austral Masonry, National Masonry, and Boral.
01 Physical
Density 1900-2100kg/m3
Specific gravity 1.90-2.10
Porosity 20-35%
Water absorption 7-12%
Hardness 5-6Mohs
UV resistance excellent
Chemical resistance good (sealed)
pH tolerance 12-13 (fresh); 9-11 (cured)pH
Surface roughness 0.5-20 (finish dependent)mm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 0.3-0.6MPa
Compressive strength >=15MPa
Flexural strength 0.2-0.5MPa
Shear strength 0.2-0.4MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.20-0.25
Impact resistance moderate
Creep resistance good
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.9-1.2W/m·K
Specific heat 880-920J/kgK
Thermal expansion 8-12×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Non-combustible — Group 1 (AS 1530.1)
Fire resistance level FRL 60/60/60 to 240/60/60 (system and thickness dependent)minutes
Ignition temp N/A — does not ignite°C
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0kW/m2
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 0.12-0.18kgCO2e/block
Carbon footprint 35-55kgCO2e/m2 (wall face)
Embodied energy 0.8-1.4MJ/kg
Water footprint 0.3-0.8L/kg
Recyclability 100 (as crushed aggregate)%
Recycled content 10-30 (fly ash/GGBFS SCM content typical)%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 5/10/10
VOC emissions <1 (negligible)ug/m3
Toxicity rating low (as installed)
LEED contribution 1-3 (project specific)points
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50-100+years
Maintenance interval 10-20years
Warranty period 10years
Material cost (range) 40-120AUD/m2 (wall face)
Material cost (per unit) 3-12AUD/block
Lead time 2-6weeks
Lifecycle cost 1-3AUD/m2/year
Annual maintenance 1-3AUD/m2/year
Market availability excellent
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Non-combustible Group 1 material — no contribution to fire load.
- Three distinct finishes (split face, honed, shotblast) eliminate need for applied cladding.
- Standard 390 x 190 module integrates with hollow CMU coursing.
- f'uc ≥ 15 MPa structural compressive strength.
- FRL structural adequacy 60–240 min per AS 3700 (system dependent).
- Oxide pigments are UV-stable and factory-integrated.
- Minimum 50-year service life with no applied coating required.
- Suitable for all BAL ratings including BAL-FZ when exposed masonry is used.
- Manufactured nationally by multiple suppliers ensuring availability.
Constraints
- Fire resistance values are wall-system and slenderness-ratio dependent; verify FRL with manufacturer for specific configuration.
- Product data is manufacturer-specific and subject to change; always confirm specifications before specifying.
- Heavier than lightweight alternatives (AAC, hollow brick); requires adequate structural support.
- Split face finish is difficult to repair or patch invisibly if damaged.
- Honed finish requires sealing in wet areas to prevent efflorescence and staining.
- Oxide pigments add cost and lead time for non-standard colours.
- Cannot be easily cut without diamond saw — special shapes require factory supply.
- Mortar joints require repointing after 20–30 years in exposed environments.
08 Applications
A1 External architectural facades Single-skin exposed masonry facades in education, community, and civic buildings. Split face most common for robustness and texture.
A2 Internal feature walls Honed and shotblast finishes in commercial lobbies, retail, hospitality, and apartments.
A3 Fire-rated wall assemblies Lift shafts, stair cores, and fire compartment walls. FRL 60–240 min per AS 3700 system dependent.
A4 Boundary and retaining walls Garden, landscape, and property boundary walls. Split face most appropriate for external exposure.
A5 Bushfire-resistant construction Exposed masonry is non-combustible — compliant for all BAL ratings including BAL-FZ per AS 3959.
A6 Gymnasium and sports halls Split face 190 mm walls for impact resistance and low maintenance in schools and recreation centres.
A7 Healthcare and institutional corridors Honed sealed finish for hygiene, cleanability, and anti-graffiti performance in high-use public buildings.
A8 Acoustic separation walls 190 mm core-filled CMU walls providing Rw 50 for residential and mixed-use developments.
A9 Residential feature elements Courtyard walls, garden pavilions, and outdoor entertaining areas. Honed interior; split face exterior.
A10 Commercial and industrial construction Loadbearing or non-loadbearing walls in warehouses, factories, and retail. Structural performance with decorative facade.
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.