Adobe Block Specifications

[smokiibear]

Would anyone be able to direct me to specifications for adobe blocks? Do they need certain compressive strength? Where would I find that criteria?

Thank you.

 

[phamENG]

Check IBC 2109 - Empirical Design of Adobe Masonry

 

[smokiibear]

Sorry. I should have laid more info. I'm looking for adobe blocks that support reinforcement in concrete slabs/foundations, etc.

 

[phamENG]

You mean adobe rebar chairs? Must be a regional thing. If they're permitted (big if...) I'd say they'd need to at least have the same compressive strength as the concrete. But I'd be concerned about the different material properties. We don't have adobe, but we have plenty of clay bricks...they tend to be dry and like to soak up water (brick veneer will often grow as the wood behind it shrinks). I'd think they might try to soak up water from the concrete....

 

[smokiibear]

No...I keep digging a hole. I didn't even spell adobe right. So sorry.

I mean Wire Dobie Concrete Brick, i.e.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Basalit...Wire-Dobie-Concrete-Brick-200000251/100321951

 

[phamENG]

Oh. Well you spelled adobe perfectly. You're just not talking about adobe. You're talking about a precast rebar chair...dobie in some places according to this CRSI FAQ.

Make sure it's made with concrete of equal or greater strength than your mix design so you wont have a week spot in compression.

 

[smokiibear]

Thank you for the lead. Would you have any other ideas where to go for specification. I do agree, the chairs should be at least matching the concrete compressive strength...but is there anything that specifies this?

 

[phamENG]

Not sure. ACI may have a committee report on it, but I'm not certain which one. I've been satisfied with good engineering judgement, and if somebody has a problem with it I tell them too bad or invite them find another engineer.

 

[smokiibear]

Agreed. I have a client that is doing some mystery invention with them...and asked some questions about them. I've never needed to know anything about them before, and didn't have much clue where to look. Thought to start here.

I do appreciate your help thus far.

 

[Settingsun]

Can't help with US, but here they're used in infrastructure projects often and so have spec sheets. Link below to an example. Maybe your state highway department has requirements for bridges and therefore commercial options exist that meet those requirements.

Aspros

https://www.danterr.com/products/spacers/concrete/concrete-spacer/