Not every building brick is created equal. The strongest foundation for your project will be built by selecting the appropriate type of block, as different types are made for different uses. Concrete blocks are likely recognisable to you from your neighbourhood hardware shop, where you may have heard some of them referred to as cinder blocks.
This is due to the fact that cinder blocks were initially created using some of the leftover cinders from burning coal, which frequently happened at coal-fired plants. When cinders were substituted for sand and gravel in concrete, the resulting cinder blocks were lighter and less resilient. Depending on your project, you can get a better understanding from the concrete block-making machine manufacturers.
Hollow Concrete Blocks vs. Solid Concrete Blocks
Solid and hollow concrete blocks are the two primary varieties often used in the building sector. For tasks like paving, where stability and longevity are needed, fully solid blocks are the best choice. Walking on pavement with holes in it is not something anyone would like! Boundary walls and other big constructions are constructed using hollow blocks, which have holes that occupy more than one-quarter (and typically more than half) of their cross-sectional area. They are lighter thanks to the holes, which can also be helpful when passing pipes or cables through them. For added stability, you can also insert rebar through the perforations. The fully automatic hollow block making machine can produce the high quality blocks for your specific project.
Hollow Concrete Blocks
There are three grades of hollow concrete blocks:
- The minimum density for Grade A is 1,500 kg/m3.
- The density of Grade B is less than 1,500 kg/m3.
- The density of grade C is more than 1,000 kg/m3.
While grade C is used for non-load-bearing walls, grades A and B are used for load-bearing concrete block walls.
Types of Hollow Concrete Blocks
Stretcher Block
In building, concrete stretcher blocks are used to join masonry units at their corners. Their faces are aligned with the wall’s face.
Pillar Block
Building pillars or piers is the most common usage for pillar blocks, as the name suggests. They are made such that both ends are visible and are also known as double corner blocks. When most people think of concrete blocks, they think of pillar blocks, which are frequently found in great quantities at building supply stores.
Lintel Block
Because of their U shape, lintel blocks are also known as channelled or beam blocks. Concrete and reinforcing bars are placed inside the deep grooves that the U shape makes along the length of these blocks. They are usually positioned on top of doors and windows to distribute the weight pushing down from above and are used as a prelude to lintel beams.
Jamb Block
Jamb blocks are constructed with a deeper groove at one end and a shallow groove across the two holes. They are frequently used only in double-hung windows and offer room for the window’s casing parts.
Column Block
Generally speaking, a column block is a square block with a single hole. With reinforcement inside, these can be piled to form columns.
Corner blocks
As one might anticipate, corner blocks are positioned at the ends of window and door openings or at corners. The stretcher side runs parallel to the wall, and the plain side is open to the outside.
Types of Solid Concrete Blocks
Fly Ash Block
Similar to Portland cement, fly ash is a fine powder that has the potential to function as a pigment. Amber, brown, grey, green, olive, red, yellow, or yellow-brown are some of the possible particle colours. The final colour is frequently a shade of grey, though it might change based on the particle concentration.
Because fly ash bricks are more likely to fracture and shatter at higher sizes and become less durable as they get bigger, they are often only available in small sizes. Utilising fly ash can lower CO2 emissions, increase resistance to cold temperatures, and lessen permeability and cracking issues. A smooth, finely detailed surface can also be produced with it.
Aerated Autoclaved Block
The lightweight material known as aerated autoclaved block, or AAC block for short, provides a high level of temperature and sound insulation. Although it isn’t as accessible as some other types of concrete, its insulating qualities and fire resistance make it a desirable option.
The term “aerated” refers to the fact that these lightweight concrete blocks are 80% air. Nails and screws can be used, and the material is easily formed. However, it is not the best load-bearing concrete and frequently requires reinforcement because it is not as robust as some denser concrete choices. To prevent degradation when exposed to the weather, you should also seal it with a protective finish.
Paving Block
Paving blocks are solid blocks that are square or rectangular in shape and are used for walkways, road shoulders, and paving. They should be painted to promote visibility. They come in a range of sizes and colors, including as sandstone, tan, dark brown, charcoal, and light grey, although frequently having a brick shape.
Why are Different Types of Concrete Blocks Used?
Structural Versatility
The weight and strength of various types of concrete blocks vary. When considerable strength is required for retaining walls and foundations, solid blocks are perfect. Conversely, hollow blocks have adequate structural integrity but are lighter and more cost-effective for non-load-bearing walls. Within a wall system, specialized blocks such as lintels and column blocks are made for certain structural uses.
Thermal Insulation
The thermal insulating qualities of concrete blocks are influenced by their composition and density. Good thermal mass provided by solid concrete blocks aids in controlling indoor temperatures. Lightweight blocks with air spaces or those composed of insulating materials, on the other hand, can significantly lower the amount of energy used for heating and cooling buildings in harsh climates.
The price
The type and intricacy of concrete blocks affect their price. Despite their strength, solid blocks are typically more costly because of the material they are made of. Hollow blocks are a popular option for many applications because they provide a balance between strength and cost. Because of their design, some specialised blocks might allow for quicker building, which could lower labour costs overall.
What distinguishes solid concrete blocks from hollow ones?
Weight
Compared to solid blocks, hollow blocks are substantially lighter. Although solid blocks can be heavier, hollow blocks are more manageable, quicker to move, and require less labour over time.
Strength
For load-bearing walls and construction projects requiring a high level of structural strength, solid concrete blocks are usually utilised. Although steel rebar can be used to reinforce hollow blocks, they do not offer the same level of mechanical strength.
Insulation
Because of the air inside, hollow concrete blocks have superior insulating qualities. They are perfect for external walls since they can control temperature and sound. Insulation from solid blocks is minimal at best.
Use of Materials
Since solid blocks use more material, their production is essentially more costly. In the long term, solid block projects are typically more costly, whereas hollow block projects are less expensive.
Find the right option for your project and consider using a fully automatic hollow block-making machine to get the most assured structure done!
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