New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 14 - HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 7 - BUILDING CODES GENERAL
Part 4 - 2021 NEW MEXICO EARTHEN BUILDING MATERIALS CODE
Section 14.7.4.24 - MORTAR
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. General. The use of earth mortar is allowed if the earth mortar material is compatible with the compressed earth blocks. Conventional lime/sand/cement mortars of Types M, S, and N are also allowed. Mortar "bedding" joints shall be fully grouted. Head joint mortar is not required provided that the blocks are initially laid in contact. Partially open "head" joints are allowed if the surface is to be plastered. All joints shall be lapped at least twenty-five percent of the visible block length.
B. Slip mortars. Liquid mud slip mortar is allowed, providing it is made of a compatible soil that is screened to eliminate aggregate larger than one-eighth inch in diameter. Water may be substituted for slip or other mortars, providing adequate adhesion is demonstrated.
C. Stacking. "Dry stacking" of compressed earth blocks is allowed providing that adequate adhesion is demonstrated, the wall is to be stuccoed or plastered and the wall is not less than 10 inches in thickness.
D. Use. Compressed earth block may be cured prior to use or laid directly from the press into the wall in an uncured state. Compressed earth block shall be laid in level courses so that the top of any course shall be at the same height above the stem around the structure.
E. Foundations. Compressed earth blocks may not be used for foundations or basement walls.
F. Footings. All compressed earth block walls shall have a continuous footing at least 10 inches thick. The footing width must be a minimum of thirty-three percent greater than the wall width, but not less than two inches on each side. The stem wall must be centered on the footing.
G. Stem walls. All stem walls that support CEB units shall extend to an elevation not less than eight inches above the exterior finish grade. Stem walls shall be as thick as the exterior wall. Where perimeter insulation is used, a variance is allowed for the stem wall width to be two inches smaller than the width of the CEB wall it supports.
H. Concrete grade beam. Rubble-filled foundation trench designs with a reinforced concrete grade beam above are allowed to support CEB construction. An architect or engineer registered in the state of New Mexico shall certify the grade beam/rubble-filled trench design portion. Other alternative foundation systems must be approved by the building official.
