Concrete blocks are widely used in civil construction. They are comparatively more economical than other types of partitions.
Concrete blocks have a comparatively good shape and the chances of making mistakes during construction are minimal. Furthermore, they are strong enough to be used as a supporting wall. Furthermore, the ability to use a minimum thickness for the plaster and avoid waste of materials, high availability, speed of construction, etc. have made concrete blocks more popular in the construction industry.
Application of concrete blocks
Today, concrete blocks are often used in construction.
Let's list the main applications of the theme.
- Used for the construction of partitions, perimeter walls, etc. in civil construction.
- As formwork for pile blocks , floor beams etc.
- Widely used for Cavity Walls Construction.
- Basement wall construction
How to make concrete blocks
Concrete blocks must be manufactured in accordance with BS EN 771: Part 3 and tested in accordance with BS EN 772.
Unlike before, today we have machines that make the production of blocks much easier. Quality control can be carried out without much difficulty if we use machines for production.
Let's see what materials to use
- cement
- Water
- Aggregate
Different types of aggregates can be used in block production. We mainly use crushed stone, gravel, volcanic ash, foamed slag, kiln clinker, etc.
The condition of the aggregates must be checked regularly. It must be ensured that they are within the permitted grain size.
In the traditional method, we mix the product, put it in the mold and finish it. This method is time-consuming and quality control is also very difficult.
Furthermore, it is very difficult to maintain consistency when done manually.
However, when the machine is used it is quite easy and we can obtain good results. Furthermore, depending on the capacity of the machine, we can produce several blocks at once. Furthermore, the machine can achieve better and more uniform compaction.
In summary, the following steps in the concrete block manufacturing process can be highlighted.
- Select materials according to mixing suggestions
- Mix the materials. To get a uniform mixture, you can mix it mechanically.
- Vibrate for better compression
- Continue healing
The minimum compressive strength of non-structural blocks can be maintained above 7.5 N/mm 2 and structural walls 12.5 N/mm 2 .
Types of Concrete Blocks
There are essentially two types of concrete blocks, which differ not only in their mechanical properties but also in their appearance.
- Solid blocks
Typically the blocks have a solid, rectangular shape. Typically they are available in widths of 100mm, 125mm, 150mm and 200mm.
- Hollow concrete blocks
As the name suggests, it is a regularly shaped hollow block. They are also available in the same widths as solid blocks. Lower weight, lower construction effort, lower structural cost, etc. led to the use of this type of hollow block.
There is not much to say about the types of solid blocks. However, there are many types of concrete blocks manufactured as hollow blocks.
Hollow concrete blocks
As explained above, hollow blocks are gaining more and more popularity in construction due to the numerous benefits they bring to the project.
Due to hollow shapes, heat transfer is reduced, acts as sound insulation, etc. and these holes can also be used to place wires such as electrical wires, tubes, etc. This type of concrete block is easily available in all markets and can be manufactured more easily and in less time using modern equipment.
There are different types of hollow blocks.
Let's discuss them one by one.
Stretcher blocks
This type of hollow block is the most commonly used and is used to connect corners.
The placement of the blocks is the same as for other types of hollow concrete blocks.
Corner blocks
They are used to build corners or ends of log walls.
Partition Blocks
This is a special type of block that can be used to build partition walls. As the use of solid blocks increases the construction cost, we can carry out construction at a reasonable cost.
Furthermore, with it fully finished we can obtain the same properties as solid blocks.
Lintel blocks
They are manufactured especially for the production of window lintels.
There is a groove in the block and once it is placed in the right place we can start pouring the concrete after adding the necessary reinforcement area.
Column blocks
They are also called double corner stones because both sides have a smooth finish. If there is no continuation of the wall on both sides of the stone, we use hollow column-type stones.
It also works as a support and if necessary we can add reinforcements to the two vertical holes in the pillar. Furthermore, it can be filled with concrete after placing all reinforcement, etc.
frozen brick block
This is a special construction and serves to improve the connection between the bricklayers.
As the level is lowered in the central part of the block, we can add mortar, which will provide resistance and adhesion.
Furthermore, they can be used as an architectural element.
There are also several other types of hollow blocks, such as: B. Bullnose blocks, concrete pillars, etc. used on special occasions.
Perk blocks
- Light blocks, especially hollow
- Stronger than normal brick
- No change in dimensions, perfect shape
- Easy to use and less waste
- This increases the base area and the wall width is comparatively smaller.
- Better thermal insulation
- Good fire resistance
- Good sound insulation
- Quick Setup
- Immediately Available
- Can be produced in large quantities with construction needs
Disadvantages of blocks
- Low rigidity of hollow blocks
- No embedded cables may be placed in hollow block walls. These must be placed within the hollow section during construction.
- Any inlays to be done must be done prior to construction and installed with construction.
- It is very difficult to build bathrooms with hollow blocks. In the usual construction method, we cut grooves in the walls and lay the pipes. However, this is not possible with hollow blocks.
There is an alternative like fly ash bricks for building blocks and bricks. The article was written as Fly ash bricks For more information you can consult.
