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: Used to join masonry units at corners; faces are aligned with the wall’s face.
- Pillar Block: Used for building pillars or piers, also known as double corner blocks.
- Lintel Block: U-shaped blocks with grooves for concrete and rebar, used above doors and windows.
- Jamb Block: Blocks with a deep groove at one end and a shallow groove across the holes, used in double-hung windows.
- Column Block: Square blocks with a single hole, used to form columns with reinforcement.
- Corner Blocks: Positioned at the ends of window/door openings or at corners.
Types of Solid Concrete Blocks
- Fly Ash Block: Made with fly ash, offering reduced CO2 emissions, high resistance to cold, and smooth surface finish. Best for smaller sizes due to fracture risk at large dimensions.
- Aerated Autoclaved Block (AAC): Lightweight blocks with high temperature and sound insulation. 80% air content, easy to cut and nail, but requires reinforcement for load-bearing walls.
- Paving Block: Square or rectangular solid blocks used for walkways, road shoulders, and pavements. Available in various sizes and colors.
Why are Different Types of Concrete Blocks Used?
- Structural Versatility: Solid blocks are perfect for high-strength walls and foundations. Hollow blocks are lighter, cost-effective, and suitable for non-load-bearing walls.
- Thermal Insulation: Solid blocks provide thermal mass for temperature control. Hollow or insulating blocks reduce energy consumption for heating/cooling.
- Cost: Solid blocks are more expensive due to material use, while hollow blocks offer strength at lower cost. Specialized blocks may reduce labor costs.
What Distinguishes Solid Concrete Blocks from Hollow Ones?
- Weight: Hollow blocks are lighter, easier to handle, and reduce labor effort.
- Strength: Solid blocks are ideal for load-bearing walls; hollow blocks need reinforcement for similar strength.
- Insulation: Hollow blocks have better thermal and sound insulation. Solid blocks provide minimal insulation.
- Use of Materials: Solid blocks use more material and cost more long-term; hollow blocks are cost-effective and versatile.
Find the right option for your project and consider using a fully automatic hollow block-making machine to get the most assured structure done!
