| The Carolinas Concrete Masonry Association (CCMA) | | | | materials used in masonry construction. Masonry |
| was established in the year 1979. It includes | | | | contractors use this kind of material for constructing |
| concrete block providers in southern Virginia, North | | | | steps, walkways, durable brick patios, walls and |
| Carolina and South Carolina and companies supplying | | | | masonry structures. Masonry construction is highly |
| cement, mortar mix, aggregates, equipments, | | | | durable, but many factors can affect the durability |
| services to the masonry industry and admixtures. Its | | | | and appearance of the masonry construction including |
| objectives are creating a superior standard in the | | | | the quality of material and mortar used, the quality of |
| manufacturing of concrete masonry, collecting | | | | the workmanship, and the way the materials are laid. |
| information and publishing bulletins of educational and | | | | Retaining walls are also built by residential masonry |
| promotional character, and encouraging the use of | | | | contractors. These walls are vital for proper drainage |
| concrete masonry products. | | | | as well as maintaining a level grade for your |
| The Carolinas Concrete Masonry Association is an | | | | landscape. By using cement blocks, concrete or any |
| important trade association. It is devoted to | | | | kind of field and rock stones, masonry contractors |
| encouraging the use of concrete masonry products. | | | | can provide a wide variety of landscaping choices. |
| It also supports its members by giving them | | | | Retaining wall blocks provide great compressive |
| opportunities for networking, as well as support in | | | | power. Some concrete blocks offer even greater |
| marketing, research and government relations. This | | | | power for masonry structure as they have cores |
| association focuses on the enhancement of product | | | | with steel reinforcement. |
| knowledge of masonry block applications in the | | | | Concrete masonry units are large rectangular blocks |
| industry for concrete retaining walls and commercial | | | | utilized in the construction of retaining walls or other |
| buildings. The CCMA website is an important resource | | | | structures. Concrete blocks make laying the block |
| for builders, architects and engineers. More and more | | | | walls much quicker as these units are much larger |
| people are using the website for this purpose. | | | | than bricks. In addition, concrete blocks have lower |
| Concrete masonry units are in great demand because | | | | water absorption rates than bricks. Concrete blocks |
| of the durability, structural advantages, economics, | | | | are used as a structural core for the walls of |
| energy efficiency, minimal maintenance and | | | | factories, garages and industrial buildings. |
| fire-resistance that they provide. Brick, marble, | | | | Sometimes, river rock can be utilized as a surface |
| concrete block and limestone are the common | | | | layer. |