Masonry (C-29) · Lesson 5 of 8

Grouting Reinforced Masonry: Lifts, Pours and Cleanouts

"Grouting Reinforced Masonry: Lifts, Pours and Cleanouts" is lesson 5 of 8 in the Masonry (C-29) Learning Hub. It opens with "The Grout Itself and the Time Limit" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. The Grout Itself and the Time Limit
  2. Lift Height and Pour Height
  3. Build the Cells So the Grout Can Flow
  4. Hold the Steel in Place and Keep It Covered
  5. Cleanouts, Barriers and the Inspection Window

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps, from "Count the lifts" through "Time limit".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Grouting Reinforced Masonry: Lifts, Pours and Cleanouts" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Build the Cells So the Grout Can Flow".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Hold the Steel in Place and Keep It Covered".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Cleanouts, Barriers and the Inspection Window".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Grouting a 12 ft Reinforced CMU Wall12 FT WALL, 3 GROUT LIFTStie at topsupport 72 intie at baseLift 3 (8 to 12 ft)Lift 2 (4 to 8 ft)Lift 1 (0 to 4 ft)cleanouts, bottom courseGROUT CHECK (CRC R606.3.5)Pour 12 ft is over 8 ft:lifts at most 64 in + special inspection144 / 64 = 2.25, so 3 lifts of 48 inTable R606.3.5.1, fine grout, 12 ft:min width 2.5 in; cell 2.5 x 3 inBar support (R606.3.5.3):200 x 5/8 in = 125 in maximum144 in is over 125: add a supportCleanouts (R606.3.5.2):240 in / 32 in = 7.5, so 8 in 20 ft3 lifts of 4 ft; bar held at 0, 72 and 144 in; 8 cleanoutsFine grout space at least 2.5 x 3 in; place within 1 1/2 hoursWork stopped 1 hour or more: stop all tiers level with grout 1 in below the topSource: 2025 CRC R606.3.5.1-R606.3.5.3, Table R606.3.5.1 (No. 5 bar = 5/8 in, standard bar size)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: The Grout Itself and the Time Limit

2025 CRC R606.2.12 allows grout made to ASTM C476 or to the proportions in Table R606.2.12 (by volume: 1 part portland or blended cement, 0 to 1/10 hydrated lime, and damp loose aggregate of 2 1/4 to 3 times the cementitious volume for fine grout; coarse grout adds 1 to 2 times the cementitious volume of coarse aggregate). Type M or S mortar with enough water added for pouring consistency may also be used as grout. Under R606.3.5.1 grout is a plastic mix that pumps without segregation, is placed before initial set and not more than 1 1/2 hours after water is added, is consolidated by puddling or mechanical vibration, and is reconsolidated after the excess water is absorbed but before it loses plasticity. Never pump it through aluminum pipe.

Step 2: Lift Height and Pour Height

Grout is poured in lifts of 8 feet maximum. Where the total grout pour exceeds 8 feet, the lifts are limited to 64 inches and special inspection during grouting is required (R606.3.5.1; CBC 2101.3 sends masonry special inspection to Chapter 17). If work stops for 1 hour or longer, stop all tiers at the same elevation with the grout 1 inch below the top to form the horizontal construction joint. Table R606.3.5.1 ties pour height to the space available: fine grout needs a 0.75 in space (1.5 x 2 in cell) for a 1-ft pour, 2 in (2 x 3) for 5 ft, 2.5 in (2.5 x 3) for 12 ft and 3 in (3 x 3) for 24 ft; coarse grout needs 1.5 in (1.5 x 3), 2 in (2.5 x 3), 2.5 in (3 x 3) and 3 in (3 x 4) for the same heights.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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