Posted by CMPC on November 23, 1999 at 10:27:12:
In Reply to: Re: Re: residential concrete construction posted by Mark Stephens on November 22, 1999 at 14:52:04:
Here is how it has been explained to me......
Concrete masonry is very strong in compression but not as strong when tension forces are applied to the wall. The primary point of stress when a masonry wall recieves tensile forces is at the mortar joint. The wall wants to seperate at this point. This is why we add steel reinforcement in masonry walls to provide tensile strength. So when we parge a wall we add strength to the area where the wall wants to seperate - at the joints. Only now there is more material (parge) to take the stress. Additionally, parge coats typically have small fiberglass filaments added to the mix to provide tensile strength. This creates a super strong wall that is easier to install than traditional mortar.