Concrete block

Types of concrete blocks

Concrete blocks are large rectangular bricks used in construction. Thanks to technological advances and research in the building materials sector, various types of concrete blocks are available to meet different construction needs.

• Structural blocks: These blocks are used for building walls and structural elements. Structural blocks have high compression strength and are often hollow to reduce weight and provide thermal insulation.
• Standard blocks: Standard blocks are generally used for non-load-bearing walls and partitions. They have a lower strength than structural blocks and are usually lighter and more economical.
• Insulating blocks: Insulating blocks are designed to provide thermal insulation or sound insulation. They can be made of lightweight aggregate or special insulating material. Using insulating blocks can improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
• Architectural blocks: Architectural blocks are used for the external appearance of a building, such as facades and curtain walls. They come in various colors, textures, and shapes to meet aesthetic needs. Architectural blocks not only serve decorative purposes but also provide protection and durability.
• Precast blocks: Precast blocks are made in a factory and then transported to the construction site for installation. Various shapes and sizes of precast blocks are available to meet different construction needs.
• Special blocks: Special blocks include high-performance blocks, fire-resistant blocks, waterproof blocks, etc. For example, fire-resistant blocks are used in areas that require fire resistance, such as fire walls and exit routes. Fire-resistant blocks can delay the spread of fire and keep the building structural integrity for a certain period during a fire.

Specification and maintenance of concrete blocks

Specification

• Lambda Thermal Conductivity

  The lambda thermal conductivity of concrete block is 0.23W/mK, which is a measure of the insulating properties of the building material. The closer to zero, the better the insulation. This helps keep heat in and lower heating costs.

• Load-bearing Blocks

  Load-bearing concrete blocks must support the weight of the structure above them. Common sizes include 16"x8"x8" and 16"x8"x10". Standard weight is 40-60 pounds.

• Non-load Bearing

  Non-load bearing concrete blocks separate interior rooms but do not support any weight. Common sizes 12"x4"x8" and 16"x4"x8". Lightweight versions weigh 25-35 pounds. Both types must be fire resistant, with a rating of at least 2 hours.

• Concrete Mixing

  The three parts of concrete mix are stone aggregate, sand, and cement. Recycled concrete can be a quarter of the aggregate, which helps the environment by preventing it going to landfills.

Maintenance

• Sealing cracks in blocks

  Crumbling concrete block can be prevented by sealing the cracks. The sealer is thick enough to flow into the cracks and thin enough to use a paint sprayer to put it on. By spraying the sealer on only the areas where the sealer is needed, there will be less cost and less sealer used.

• Using lubricants to stop squeaks

  When the block of concrete makes noise, lubricant may need to be applied to the moving parts of the equipment. Care must be taken to apply lubricant only where necessary, which will help lower maintenance costs and improve equipment performance.

• Cleaning dirt and moss from block

  Moss and dirt on concrete blocks affect their lifespan. Block cleaning will prevent damage and prolong the life of the building material. It is essential to remove dirt, like cement leach, efflorescence, and mortars, promptly, as it can degrade the block.

• Maintaining mortar

  The integrity of the mortar over time is essential. Block maintenance can be: repointing when fractured, remortaring when too much water goes through the linkage, and recalking when the caulk degrades due to ultra-violet light and temperature changes. Maintaining the mortar is crucial to the continuing structural integrity of concrete blocks.

Scenarios

Concrete blocks have a variety of uses in the construction industry.

• Building Structures: Concrete hollow blocks are primarily used to build structures. They act as external and internal walls. Because concrete blocks have good insulation and noise control, they provide decent living conditions.
• Retaining Walls: Concrete blocks can retain earth easily. This is because they are solid and secure. Besides, they are useful in constructing split-level houses.
• Foundations: Concrete blocks are good options for foundation construction. Concrete blocks create a stable base because they are solid. Also, concrete blocks can prevent moisture from entering the house.
• Fireplaces and Chimneys: Concrete blocks are heat resistant. Thus, they are good materials for construction parts that resist heat, such as fireplaces and chimneys.
• Roads and Pavements: Concrete blocks, especially those with patterns, are usually used to construct roads and pavements. They can bear high traffic and weights. Meanwhile, their permeable types can improve surface water drainage.
• Box Culverts and Drainage: Concrete blocks are useful in drainage systems. They can easily create box culverts and ensure proper drainage using concrete blocks. This helps to control water flow and prevent flooding.
• Warehouses and Storage Units: Concrete blocks are good options for constructing warehouses. They are solid and secure. Meanwhile, concrete blocks can provide decent temperature control and noise reduction.

How to choose concrete blocks

Consider the following factors before buying concrete masonry products.

• Force

  Know how much force the structure needs. Look at the weight of things on it and other forces like wind or quaking earth. Use lightweight concrete blocks for normal weight or heavy ones if it's likely to face a lot of force.

• Insulation

  Decide how much heat loss must be stopped. Hollow concrete blocks with air spaces work fine for general use. Use insulated blocks with foam for places that must stay warm or cool all the time.

• Look

  Choose which outside finish is wanted. Standard textured blocks are good for paint or siding. High aesthetics blocks like split-face ones look great on exposed surfaces without extra work. Other blocks help lower upkeep by stopping dirt buildup.

• Sustainability

  Give thought to eco impact. Recycled content blocks cut down material waste. Durable concrete also means structures need no early fixes, which helps the planet too. Think about the full life cycle when picking blocks for building.

• Cost

  Costs differ. Generally, lightweight, standard textured, and non-insulated blocks cost least. Special high-performance, aesthetically pleasing, insulated, or eco-friendly blocks raise the price. Take care

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between concrete blocks and bricks?

A1: Concrete blocks are larger than bricks, which helps save time and cost during construction. Concrete blocks have better insulating properties than fired clay bricks. When building a structure, fewer concrete blocks are required to achieve the same level of strength and insulation as a larger number of bricks.

Q2: What are the three basic types of concrete blocks?

A2: Standard concrete masonry units, split-unit concrete masonry, and decorative concrete blocks. Standard concrete blocks are the most commonly used type of block. Decorative blocks were primarily used architecturally to create an appealing appearance, while split-unit blocks are often employed for a more decorative architectural effect.

Q3: What are the strengths of concrete blocks?

A3: Concrete blocks provide excellent strength and durability to buildings. Structures built with concrete blocks can withstand high-stress levels and are less prone to damage from external forces, such as impact, fire, or weather conditions.