CBC · California Building Code

Masonry materials: specified compressive strength and material standards

The CBC sets mandatory ranges for masonry specified compressive strength (f'm) and corresponding grout strength limits (f'g): concrete masonry f'm 2,000–3,000 psi with grout ≥ f'm and ≤ 5,000 psi; clay masonry f'm 1,500–4,500 psi with grout ≤ 6,000 psi. Verification (prism tests, sampling) and prohibitions (no air‑entrained grout) are required per the CBC testing and quality‑assurance provisions (§ 2103.6; § 2105.2; § 2115.2.3) .

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The CBC establishes minimum and maximum specified compressive strengths (f'm) for masonry and corresponding limits for grout (f'g). For general masonry Chapter 21 (Section 2103.6) and for community-college projects Chapter 21A (Section 2115.2.3) the code replaces the TMS Table 4.3.1 with California-specific f'm and f'g limits; grout strength must not be less than masonry strength where required and grout upper limits are also specified (§ 2103.6; § 2115.2.3) .

Requirements in detail

Governing code sections and standards

Specified compressive strength table (concrete and clay masonry; masonry f'm and grout f'g limits) — § 2103.6 (general) and parallel replacement for community colleges at § 2115.2.3. See also grout and grout-testing references to TMS 602 and ASTM standards cited in Sections 2103 and 2105 .
Grout and mortar materials and test procedures reference TMS 602 and ASTM standards (e.g., ASTM C476, ASTM C780) as called out in Sections 2103 and 2105 .

Decision‑relevant values (quick reference)

Type of masonry	Specified compressive strength of masonry, f'm	Specified compressive strength of grout, f'g	Code reference
Concrete masonry	2,000 psi ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi (13.79–20.68 MPa)	f'g ≥ f'm and f'g ≤ 5,000 psi (34.47 MPa)	§ 2103.6; § 2115.2.3
Clay masonry	1,500 psi ≤ f'm ≤ 4,500 psi (10.34–31.02 MPa)	f'g ≤ 6,000 psi (41.37 MPa)	§ 2103.6; § 2115.2.3

Notes:

The CBC text replaces the TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 with the California values above; use these values when specifying f'm and f'g for designs governed by the CBC (§ 2103.6; § 2115.2.3) .
Where grout is required to be at least equal to the masonry strength, the table explicitly requires f'g ≥ f'm for concrete masonry (see table language in § 2103.6) .

Testing, verification and quality assurance

Verification of specified masonry strength during construction is to be provided using the prism test method in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B. The architect/engineer must establish a quality‑control method acceptable to the enforcement agency; prism testing is also the means to verify f'm prior to construction (§ 2105.2) .
Additional mortar and grout sampling/testing requirements (frequency, specimen methods) are added to TMS 602 by the CBC; grout samples are required for each mix design and each day grout is placed and not less than every 5,000 ft² of masonry wall area, with testing per ASTM C476/TMS 602 or greater as specified (§ 2105.3 / modifications to TMS 602) .

Exceptions & special cases

Designs that call for masonry f'm greater than 2,000 psi: for reinforced grouted multi‑wythe masonry and reinforced hollow‑unit masonry, f'm values > 2,000 psi must be supported by prism test results (TMS 602 Article 1.4 B.3) submitted to the enforcement agency demonstrating the construction can meet the higher strength; this is an explicit exception/condition in § 2105.2 .
Community‑college projects (DSA‑SS/CC) adopt the same replaced TMS table through § 2115.2.3 (i.e., the same numeric limits apply but via the Chapter 21A amendments) and also prohibit air‑entraining admixtures in grout (§ 2115.2.2; § 2115.2.3) .
Air‑entraining materials or admixtures are explicitly not allowed in grout (see § 2103.5 and § 2115.2.2) — do not use air‑entrained grout mixes unless the code text is changed by the enforcement agency .
When the prism test method is used during construction as required, some routine specimen tests called out elsewhere are not required; follow the specific testing flow in TMS 602 as modified by the CBC (see § 2105 series) .

If a code provision or detail is not present in the retrieved CBC text you provided, I have not invented it — I have limited the article to the stated CBC sections and their explicit references to TMS/ASTM as shown above.

Common mistakes

Specifying grout weaker than the masonry when the table or design requires f'g ≥ f'm (common when designers pick standard grout mixes without checking the f'g limit) — check § 2103.6 .
Using air‑entrained grout or admixtures in grout mixes (prohibited by § 2103.5 and § 2115.2.2) .
Assuming the table limits are recommendations rather than mandatory replacements of TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 for California projects — the CBC text replaces that TMS table in § 2103.6 and § 2115.2.3 .
Failing to obtain prism test documentation when f'm > 2,000 psi is used in the design for the specific masonry types noted — the prism test requirement is not optional for those cases (§ 2105.2) .
Ignoring required sampling frequency for grout and mortar (daily/each mix design and at set area intervals) and thereby failing inspection/test acceptance per § 2105.3 (modifications to TMS 602) .

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: You plan a reinforced grouted, single‑wythe concrete masonry wall for a building (not a community‑college special case). You want to specify masonry f'm = 2,500 psi.

Check allowable f'm range for concrete masonry: code requires 2,000 psi ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi, so 2,500 psi is within the permitted range (§ 2103.6) .
Select grout strength f'g: for concrete masonry the table requires f'g ≥ f'm and f'g ≤ 5,000 psi. Therefore choose a grout with specified f'g ≥ 2,500 psi and ≤ 5,000 psi (for example, specify f'g = 3,000 psi) (§ 2103.6) .
Testing/verification: because your design uses reinforced grouted masonry with f'm = 2,500 psi (which is > 2,000 psi), the CBC requires that values of f'm > 2,000 psi for reinforced grouted multi‑wythe and reinforced hollow‑unit masonry be supported by prism test results in accordance with TMS 602 Article 1.4 B.3 submitted to the enforcement agency (§ 2105.2). Arrange prism testing and submit results before construction (or follow the prism testing protocol during construction per TMS 602 as modified) .
Sampling: take grout samples for each mix design and each day grout is placed, and at minimum every 5,000 ft² of wall area for testing to the applicable ASTM/TMS requirements (§ 2105.3 / TMS 602 modifications) .

Related provisions (select CBC sections)

§ 2103.1 — Masonry units (unit standards and conformity to TMS/ASTM)
§ 2103.3 — Grout shall comply with Article 2.2 of TMS 602 (materials/requirements)
§ 2103.5 — Air entrainment prohibited in grout (no air‑entraining admixtures)
§ 2105.2 — Compressive strength f'm testing requirements; prism test requirement for f'm > 2,000 psi in certain designs
§ 2105.3 — Mortar and grout tests; sampling frequency and ASTM/TMS test references (modifications)
§ 2115.2.3 — Community‑college replacement of TMS Table 4.3.1 (same numeric limits, adopted under Chapter 21A)

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CBC § 2115.1 High relevance — show source text

SECTION 2115-ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES [DSA-SS/CC]

2115.1 General. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the following requirements shall apply to community college buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety/Community Colleges (DSA-SS/CC).

2115.1.1 Prohibitions. The following design, systems and materials in TMS 402/602 are not permitted by DSA: 1. Unreinforced masonry. 2. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry. 3. Empirical design of masonry.

4. Adobe construction.

5. Ordinary reinforced masonry shear walls. 6. Intermediate reinforced masonry shear walls. 7. Prestressed masonry shear walls. 8. Direct design of masonry. 9. Design of masonry infill. 10. Prescriptive design of masonry partition walls. 11. Limit design method. 12. Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced masonry.

2115.2 Masonry construction materials.

2115.2.1 Metal reinforcement and accessories. The frequency of sampling for unidentifiable reinforcing bars may alternatively be in accordance with Section 1909.2.3.

2115.2.2 Air entrainment. Air-entraining substances shall not be used in grout.

2115.2.3 Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout. Replace TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 with the following.

TABLE 4.3.1—SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GROUT
Concrete masonry	2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi (20.68 MPa)	f'g ≥ f'm ≤ 5,000 psi (34.47 MPa)
Clay masonry	1,500 psi (10.34 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 4,500 psi (31.02 MPa)	f'g≤ 6,000 (41.37 MPa)

2115.3 Construction.

2115.3.1 Masonry construction. Architectural cast stone construction shall be considered as an alternative system.

2115.3.2 Reinforced grouted masonry.

2115.3.2.1 TMS 602, Article 3.3 B Placing mortar and units. Modify TMS 602, Article 3.3 B.2.c as follows: c. Remove masonry protrusions extending greater than [1] / 4 inch ( 6.4 mm) into cells or cavities to be grouted.

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CBC § 4.3.1 High relevance — show source text

TABLE 4.3.1—SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GROUT
Concrete masonry	2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi (20.68 MPa)	f'g ≥ f'm ≤ 5,000 psi (34.47 MPa)
Clay masonry	1,500 psi (10.34 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 4,500 psi (31.02 MPa)	f'g≤ 6,000 (41.37 MPa)

2115.3 Construction.

2115.3.1 Masonry construction. Architectural cast stone construction shall be considered as an alternative system.

2115.3.2 Reinforced grouted masonry.

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2115.3.2.2 TMS 602, Article 3.4 B Reinforcement. Modify TMS 602, Article 3.4 B.1 through Article 3.4 B.3 as follows:

Support reinforcement to prevent displacement caused by construction loads or by placement of grout or mortar. Reinforcement and embedded items shall be clean, properly positioned and securely anchored against moving prior to grouting.
Completely embed reinforcing bars and embedded items in grout in accordance with Article 3.5.
Maintain clear distance between reinforcing bars and the interior of masonry unit or formed surface of at least [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) and a minimum of one bar diameter, except where cross webs of hollow units are used as supports for horizontal reinforcement.

2115.3.2.3 TMS 602, Article 3.4 E Anchor bolts. Replace TMS 602, Article 3.4 E.3 and add Articles 3.4 E.5 and 3.4 E.6 as follows: 3. Anchor bolts in the wythe or face shells of hollow masonry units shall be positioned to maintain a minimum of [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) of grout between the bolt circumference, the wythe or the face shell. For the portion of the bolt that is within the grouted cell, maintain a clear distance between the bolt and the face of masonry unit and between the head of the bolt and the formed surface of grout of at least [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm) when using fine grout and at least [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) _when using coarse grout.

CBC § 2103.2.3.5 High relevance — show source text

2103.2.3.5 Modified epoxy-emulsion mortar and grout. Modified epoxy-emulsion mortar and grout that are used to install ceramic tile shall comply with ANSI A118.8. Tile set and grouted with modified epoxy-emulsion mortar and grout shall be installed in accordance with ANSI A108.9.

2103.2.3.6 Organic adhesives. Water-resistant organic adhesives used for the installation of ceramic tile shall comply with ANSI A136.1. The shear bond strength after water immersion shall be not less than 40 psi (275 kPa) for Type I adhesive and not

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less than 20 psi (138 kPa) for Type II adhesive when tested in accordance with ANSI A136.1. Tile set in organic adhesives shall be installed in accordance with ANSI A108.4.

2103.2.3.7 Portland cement grouts. Portland cement grouts used for the installation of ceramic tile shall comply with ANSI A118.6. Portland cement grouts for tile work shall be installed in accordance with ANSI A108.10.

2103.2.4 Mortar for adhered masonry veneer. Mortar for use with adhered masonry veneer shall conform to Section 13.3 of TMS 402.

2103.3 Grout. Grout shall comply with Article 2.2 of TMS 602.

2103.4 Metal reinforcement and accessories. Metal reinforcement and accessories shall conform to Article 2.4 of TMS 602. Where unidentified reinforcement [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] , or bar reinforcement without mill certification, is approved for use, not less than three tension and three bending tests shall be made on representative specimens of the reinforcement from each shipment and grade of reinforcing steel proposed for use in the work. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Alternatively, the frequency of sampling for unidentifiable reinforcing bars specified in Section 1910.2 can be used.

2103.5 Air entrainment. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Air-entraining materials or air-entraining admixtures shall not be used in grout.

2103.6 Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout . [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Replace TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 by the following:

TABLE 4.3.1—SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GROUT
Concrete masonry	2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi (20.68 MPa)	f'g ≥ f'm ≤ 5,000 psi (34.47 MPa)
Clay masonry	1,500 psi (10.34 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 4,500 psi (31.02 MPa)	f'g≤ 6,000 (41.37 MPa)

CBC § 2.3.7 High relevance — show source text

2103 A .2.3.7 Portland cement grouts. Portland cement grouts used for the installation of ceramic tile shall comply with ANSI A118.6. Portland cement grouts for tile work shall be installed in accordance with ANSI A108.10.

2103 A .2.4 Mortar for adhered masonry veneer. Mortar for use with adhered masonry veneer shall conform to Section 13.3 of TMS 402.

2103 A .3 Grout. Grout shall comply with Article 2.2 of TMS 602.

2103A.3.1 Aggregate. Coarse grout shall be used in grout spaces between wythes of 2 inches (50.8 mm) or more in width as deter- mined in accordance with TMS 602 Table 7, footnote 3, and in all grouted cells of hollow unit masonry construction.

2103 A .4 Metal reinforcement and accessories. Metal reinforcement and accessories shall conform to Article 2.4 of TMS 602. Where unidentified reinforcement, or bar reinforcement without mill certification, is approved for use, not less than three tension and three bending tests shall be made on representative specimens of the reinforcement from each shipment and grade of reinforcing steel proposed for use in the work. Alternatively, the frequency of sampling for unidentifiable reinforcing bars specified in Section 1910.2 can be used.

2103A.5 Air entrainment. Air-entraining materials or air-entraining admixtures shall not be used in grout.

2103A.6 Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout . Replace TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 by the following:

TABLE 4.3.1—SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GROUT
Concrete masonry	2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi (20.68 MPa)	f'g ≥ f'm ≤ 5,000 psi (34.47 MPa)
Clay masonry	1,500 psi (10.34 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 4,500 psi (31.02 MPa)	f'g≤ 6,000 (41.37 MPa)

SECTION 2104 A —CONSTRUCTION

2104 A .1 Masonry construction. Masonry construction shall comply with the requirements of Sections 2104 A .1.1 through 2104 A .1.3 and with the requirements of either TMS 602 or TMS 604.

2104 A .1.1 Support on wood. Masonry shall not be supported on wood girders or other forms of wood construction except as permitted in Section 2304 A .13.

CBC § 2103.5 High relevance — show source text

2103.5 Air entrainment. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Air-entraining materials or air-entraining admixtures shall not be used in grout.

2103.6 Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout . [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Replace TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 by the following:

TABLE 4.3.1—SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GROUT
Concrete masonry	2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi (20.68 MPa)	f'g ≥ f'm ≤ 5,000 psi (34.47 MPa)
Clay masonry	1,500 psi (10.34 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 4,500 psi (31.02 MPa)	f'g≤ 6,000 (41.37 MPa)

SECTION 2104—CONSTRUCTION

2104.1 Masonry construction. Masonry construction shall comply with the requirements of Sections 2104.1.1 and 2104.1.2 and with the requirements of either TMS 602 or TMS 604.

2104.1.1 Support on wood. Masonry shall not be supported on wood girders or other forms of wood construction except as permitted in Section 2304.13.

2104.1.2 Molded cornices. Unless structural support and anchorage are provided to resist the overturning moment, the center of gravity of projecting masonry or molded cornices shall lie within the middle one-third of the supporting wall. Terra cotta and metal cornices shall be provided with a structural frame of approved noncombustible material anchored in an approved manner.

2104.2 Reinforced Grouted masonry. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]

2104.2.1 TMS 602, Article 3.3 B Placing mortar and units. Modify TMS 602, Article 3.3 B.2.c as follows: c. Remove masonry protrusions extending greater than [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm) into cells or cavities to be grouted.

2104.2.2 TMS 602, Article 3.4 B Reinforcement. Modify TMS 602, Article 3.4 B.1 through Article 3.4 B.3 as follows:

Support reinforcement to prevent displacement caused by construction loads or by placement of grout or mortar. Rein- forcement and embedded items shall be clean, properly positioned and securely anchored against movement prior to grouting. Bolts shall be accurately set with templates or by approved equivalent means and held in place to prevent dislo- cation during grouting.
Completely embed reinforcing bars and embedded items in grout in accordance with Article 3.5.

CBC § 2103A.6 High relevance — show source text

2103A.6 Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout . Replace TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 by the following:

TABLE 4.3.1—SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY	SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GROUT
Concrete masonry	2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 3,000 psi (20.68 MPa)	f'g ≥ f'm ≤ 5,000 psi (34.47 MPa)
Clay masonry	1,500 psi (10.34 MPa) ≤ f'm ≤ 4,500 psi (31.02 MPa)	f'g≤ 6,000 (41.37 MPa)

SECTION 2104 A —CONSTRUCTION

2104 A .1 Masonry construction. Masonry construction shall comply with the requirements of Sections 2104 A .1.1 through 2104 A .1.3 and with the requirements of either TMS 602 or TMS 604.

2104 A .1.1 Support on wood. Masonry shall not be supported on wood girders or other forms of wood construction except as permitted in Section 2304 A .13.

2104 A .1.2 Molded cornices. Unless structural support and anchorage are provided to resist the overturning moment, the center of gravity of projecting masonry or molded cornices shall lie within the middle one-third of the supporting wall. Terra cotta and metal cornices shall be provided with a structural frame of approved noncombustible material anchored in an approved manner.

2104A.1.3 Reinforced grouted masonry.

2104A.1.3.1 [DSA-SS] TMS 602, Article 3.2 F Cleanouts. Replace TMS 602, Article 3.2 F with the following:

3.2 F. Cleanouts - Provide cleanouts in the bottom course of masonry for each grout pour when the grout pour height exceeds the height limits given in Section 2104A.1.3.5 Item 3. 1. Cleanout openings in hollow unit masonry shall be provided in every cell at the bottom of each pour of grout. Alterna- tively, if the course at the bottom of the pour is constructed entirely of inverted double open-end bond beam units, cleanout openings need only be provided for access to every reinforced cell at the bottom of each pour of grout. 2. Cleanouts in multi-wythe masonry shall be provided for each pour by leaving out every other unit in the bottom wythe of the section being poured or by cleanout openings in the foundation. 3. The foundation or other horizontal construction joints at the cleanouts shall be cleaned of all loose material and mortar droppings before each pour. The cleanouts shall be sealed after inspection and before grouting.

CBC § 1.4 High relevance — show source text
The architect or structural engineer shall establish a method of quality control of the masonry construction acceptable to the enforcement agency which shall be described in the contract documents. Verification of compliance with the requirements for the specified strength of masonry during construction shall be provided using the prism test method in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3. Verification of compliance with the specified compressive strength prior to the start of construction shall be obtained by using the prism test method in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3.

2105.3 Mortar and grout tests. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] TMS 602, Article 1.4 B Compressive strength determination. Modify TMS 602, Arti- cle 1.4 B as follows by adding:

5. Additional testing requirements: a. At the beginning of all masonry work, at least one test sample of the mortar shall be taken on 3 successive working days and at 1-week intervals thereafter. Where mortar is based on a proportion specification, mortar shall be sampled and tested during construction in accordance with ASTM C780, including Annex 4, to verify the proportions specified in ASTM C270, Table 2. Where mortar is based on a property specification, mortar shall be laboratory prepared and tested prior to construction in accordance with ASTM C780 to verify the properties specified in ASTM C270, Table 1 and field sampled and tested during construction in accordance with ASTM C780 to verify the proportions with the laboratory tests. Mortar sampling and testing is not required for preblended mortars in conformance with ASTM C1714 with a material certificate. b. Samples of grout shall be taken for each mix design, each day grout is placed, and not less than every 5,000 square feet (464.5 m [2] ) of masonry wall area. They shall meet the minimum strength requirement given in ASTM C476/TMS 602 Section 2.2 or greater as specified. c. Additional samples shall be taken whenever any change in materials or job conditions occur, as determined by the building official.

d. Test specimens for mortar and grout shall be made as set forth in ASTM C780/C1586 and ASTM C1019. When the prism test method is used in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3 during construction, the tests in this section are not required.

Exception: For nonbearing nonshear masonry walls not exceeding total wall height of 12 feet (3658 mm) above top of foundation, mortar test shall be permitted to be limited to those at the beginning of masonry work for each mix design. 2105.4 Masonry core testing . [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Two cores shall be taken from each building for each 5,000 square feet (465 m [2] ) of the masonry wall area or fraction thereof. The approved agency shall perform or observe the coring of the masonry walls and sample loca- tions shall be subject to approval of the registered design professional.
CBC § 12.7 High relevance — show source text
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inch (12.7 mm) below the mortar joint. Horizontal reinforcement shall be placed in bond beam units with a minimum grout cover of 1 inch (25.4 mm) above reinforcing steel for each grout pour.

2104.3 Aluminum equipment. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Grout shall not be handled nor pumped utilizing aluminum equipment unless it can be demonstrated with the materials and equipment to be used that there will be no deleterious effect on the strength of the grout.

SECTION 2105—QUALITY ASSURANCE

2105.1 General. A quality assurance program shall be used to ensure that the constructed masonry is in compliance with the approved construction documents.

The quality assurance program shall comply with the inspection and testing requirements of Chapter 17 and TMS 602. 2105.2 Compressive strength , f ′ m . [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Testing of masonry shall be provided in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.

Exception: Where values of f ′ m greater than 2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) are used in the design of reinforced grouted multi-wythe masonry and reinforced hollow unit masonry, they shall be based on prism test results in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3 submitted by the architect or engineer to the enforcement agency which demonstrate the ability of the proposed construction to meet prescribed performance criteria for strength exceed 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa).

The architect or structural engineer shall establish a method of quality control of the masonry construction acceptable to the enforcement agency which shall be described in the contract documents. Verification of compliance with the requirements for the specified strength of masonry during construction shall be provided using the prism test method in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3. Verification of compliance with the specified compressive strength prior to the start of construction shall be obtained by using the prism test method in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3.

2105.3 Mortar and grout tests. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] TMS 602, Article 1.4 B Compressive strength determination. Modify TMS 602, Arti- cle 1.4 B as follows by adding:

5. Additional testing requirements: a. At the beginning of all masonry work, at least one test sample of the mortar shall be taken on 3 successive working days and at 1-week intervals thereafter. Where mortar is based on a proportion specification, mortar shall be sampled and tested during construction in accordance with ASTM C780, including Annex 4, to verify the proportions specified in ASTM C270, Table 2. Where mortar is based on a property specification, mortar shall be laboratory prepared and tested prior to construction in accordance with ASTM C780 to verify the properties specified in ASTM C270, Table 1 and field sampled and tested during construction in _accordance with ASTM C780 to verify the proportions with the laboratory tests.

CBC § 2114.3 Medium relevance — show source text

2114.3 Materials. Concrete masonry units complying with ASTM C90 shall be used.

2114.4 Strength. Dry-stack masonry shall be of adequate strength and proportions to support all superimposed loads without exceeding the allowable stresses listed in Table 2114.4. Allowable stresses not specified in Table 2114.4 shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 8 of TMS 402.

TABLE 2114.4—GROSS CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA ALLOWABLE STRESS FOR DRY-STACK MASONRY	Col2
DESCRIPTION	MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE STRESS (psi)
Compression	45
Flexural tension Horizontal span Vertical span	30 18
Shear	10
For SI: 1 pound per square inch = 0.006895 MPa.	For SI: 1 pound per square inch = 0.006895 MPa.

2114.5 Construction. Construction of dry-stack masonry shall comply with ASTM C946.

SECTION 2115-ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES [DSA-SS/CC]

4. Adobe construction.

2115.2 Masonry construction materials.

2115.2.1 Metal reinforcement and accessories. The frequency of sampling for unidentifiable reinforcing bars may alternatively be in accordance with Section 1909.2.3.

2115.2.2 Air entrainment. Air-entraining substances shall not be used in grout.

2115.2.3 Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout. Replace TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 with the following.

CBC § 2105A.2 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 2105 A —QUALITY ASSURANCE

2105 A .1 General. A quality assurance program shall be used to ensure that the constructed masonry is in compliance with the approved construction documents.

The quality assurance program shall comply with the inspection and testing requirements of Chapter 17 A and TMS 602 and Sections 2105A.2 through 2105A.4.

2105A.2 Compressive strength, f ′ m . Testing of masonry shall be provided in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.

Exception: Where values of f ′ m greater than 2000 psi (13.79 MPa) are used in the design of reinforced grouted multi-wythe masonry and reinforced hollow unit masonry, they shall be based on prism test results in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3 submitted by the architect or engineer to the enforcement agency which demonstrate the ability of the proposed construction to meet prescribed performance criteria for strength.

The architect or structural engineer shall establish a method of quality control of the masonry construction acceptable to the enforcement agency which shall be described in the contract documents. Verification of compliance with the requirements for the specified strength of masonry during construction shall be provided using prism test method in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3. Verification of compliance with the specified compressive strength prior to the start of construction shall be obtained by using the prism test method in accordance with TMS 602, Article 1.4 B.3.

2105A.3 Mortar and grout tests. TMS 602, Article 1.4 B Compressive Strength Determination. Modify TMS 602, Article 1.4 B as follows by adding:

5. Additional testing requirements: a. At the beginning of all masonry work, at least one test sample of the mortar shall be taken on 3 successive working days and at least at 1-week intervals thereafter. Where mortar is based on a proportion specification, mortar shall be sampled and tested during construction in accordance with ASTM C780, including Annex 4, to verify the proportions specified in ASTM C270, Table 2. Where mortar is based on a property specification, mortar shall be laboratory prepared and tested prior to construction in accordance with ASTM C780 to verify the properties specified in ASTM C270, Table 1 and field sampled and tested during construction in accordance with ASTM C780 to verify the proportions with the laboratory tests. [DSA-SS] Mortar sampling and testing is not required for preblended mortars in conformance with ASTM C1714 and must be accompanied by corresponding certificates of compliance with current test reports, material certificates and delivery ticket. Documents shall be provided to the project inspector, DSA certified masonry inspector and laboratory of record. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Mortar sampling and testing is not required for preblended mortars in conformance with ASTM C1714 with a material certificate.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 21A-7

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

MASONRY
CBC § 4.2. Medium relevance — show source text
DCR = Demand-capacity ratio specified in Section A111.4.2.

f ′ m = Lower bound masonry compressive strength. f sp = Splitting-tensile strength of masonry. F wx = Force applied to a wall at level x, pounds (N). H = Least clear height of opening on either side of a pier, inches (10 [-3] m).

h/t = Height-to-thickness ratio of URM wall. Height, h, is measured between wall anchorage levels and/or slab-on-grade.

L = Span of diaphragm between shear walls, or span between shear wall and open front, feet (m). L c = Length of crosswall, feet (m). L i = Effective diaphragm span for an open-front building specified in Section A111.8, feet (m). P = Applied force as determined by standard test method of ASTM C496 or ASTM E519, pounds (N).

P D = Superimposed dead load at the location under consideration, pounds (N). For determination of the rocking shear capacity, dead load at the top of the pier under consideration shall be used.

P D+L = Stress resulting from the dead plus actual live load in place at the time of testing, pounds per square inch (kPa). P test = Splitting tensile test load determined by standard test method ASTM C496, pounds (N). P w = Weight of wall, pounds (N). R = Response modification factor for Ordinary plain masonry shear walls in Bearing Wall System from Table 12.2-1 of ASCE 7, where R = 1.5.

S DS = Design spectral acceleration at short period, in g units. S D1 = Design spectral acceleration at 1-second period, in g units. v a = The shear strength of any URM pier, v m A/1.5 pounds (N). v c = Unit shear strength for a crosswall sheathed with any of the materials given in Table A108.1(1) or Table A108.1(2), pounds per foot (N/m).

v mL = Shear strength of unreinforced masonry, pounds per square inch (kPa). V aa = The shear strength of any URM pier or wall, pounds (N). V ca = Total shear capacity of crosswalls in the direction of analysis immediately above the diaphragm level being investigated, v c L c , pounds (N).
CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
See Section R402.2 for maximum cementitious materials content.
f. For garage floors with a steel-troweled finish, reduction of the total air content (percent by volume of concrete) to not less than 3 percent is permitted if the specified
compressive strength of the concrete is increased to not less than 4,000 psi.|

R402.2.1 Materials for concrete. Materials for concrete shall comply with the requirements of Section R608.5.1.

R402.3 Precast concrete. Precast concrete foundations shall be designed in accordance with Section R404.5 and shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the manufacturer’s instructions.

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 4-5

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

FOUNDATIONS

R402.3.1 Precast concrete foundation materials. Materials used to produce precast concrete foundations shall meet the following requirements:
1. All concrete used in the manufacture of precast concrete foundations shall have a minimum compressive strength of 5,000 psi (34 470 kPa) at 28 days. Concrete exposed to a freezing and thawing environment shall be air entrained with a minimum total air content of 5 percent.
2. Structural reinforcing steel shall meet the requirements of ASTM A615, A706M or A996M. The minimum yield strength of reinforcing steel shall be 40,000 psi (Grade 40) (276 MPa). Steel reinforcement for precast concrete foundation walls shall have a minimum concrete cover of [3] / 4 inch (19.1 mm).
3. Panel-to-panel connections shall be made with Grade II steel fasteners.
4. The use of nonstructural fibers shall conform to ASTM C1116.
5. Grout used for bedding precast foundations placed on concrete footings shall meet ASTM C1107.
R402.4 Masonry. Masonry systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with this chapter and shall have a minimum specified compressive strength of 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa).

SECTION R403—FOOTINGS

R403.1 General. All exterior walls shall be supported on continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings, crushed stone footings, wood foundations, or other approved structural systems that shall be of sufficient design to accommodate all loads according to Section R301 and to transmit the resulting loads to the soil within the limitations as determined from the character of the soil. Footings shall be supported on undisturbed natural soils or engineered fill. Concrete footing shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of Section R403 or in accordance with ACI 332.

|TABLE R403.1(1)—MINIMUM WIDTH AND THICKNESS FOR
CONCRETE FOOTINGS FOR LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION (inches)a, b, c,

Frequently asked questions

Do the CBC f'm/f'g limits replace the TMS values?

Yes. The CBC text explicitly replaces TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 with the California table of specified masonry and grout strengths (see § 2103.6 and the parallel § 2115.2.3 for community‑college projects) .

If my design calls for f'm = 3,500 psi for concrete masonry, is that permitted?

No for typical concrete masonry under the CBC table: the concrete masonry f'm limit is 2,000–3,000 psi per § 2103.6. Values above the table limits would require an approved alternative approach and cannot be assumed; for certain reinforced systems f'm > 2,000 psi must be supported by prism testing (§ 2105.2) .

Can I use air‑entrained grout for cold‑climate durability?

The CBC expressly prohibits air‑entraining materials or admixtures in grout (see § 2103.5 and § 2115.2.2). Use of air‑entrainment in grout would conflict with these code provisions unless an approved exception is documented by the enforcement agency (§ 2103.5; § 2115.2.2) .

How often must grout be sampled and tested on a large job?

Samples of grout shall be taken for each mix design, each day grout is placed, and not less than every 5,000 ft² (465 m²) of masonry wall area, tested per ASTM C476/TMS 602 or greater as specified (§ 2105.3 / TMS 602 modifications) .

Where do I find the prism test method referenced by the CBC?

The prism test method is in TMS 602 Article 1.4 B (as referenced in § 2105.2); the CBC requires prism testing per that TMS article for verification of specified compressive strength during and prior to construction where applicable (§ 2105.2) .

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