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7 Types of Concrete Block Used in Building Construction

The document provides an overview of seven types of concrete blocks used in building construction, including hollow concrete blocks, aerated autoclaved concrete blocks, concrete bricks, solid concrete blocks, lintel blocks, paving blocks, and concrete stretcher blocks. Each type is described in terms of its composition, purpose, and applications in construction. The importance of understanding project documentation and method statements for compliance in using these masonry units is also emphasized.

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Ricardo Badival Nullas
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6 views

7 Types of Concrete Block Used in Building Construction

The document provides an overview of seven types of concrete blocks used in building construction, including hollow concrete blocks, aerated autoclaved concrete blocks, concrete bricks, solid concrete blocks, lintel blocks, paving blocks, and concrete stretcher blocks. Each type is described in terms of its composition, purpose, and applications in construction. The importance of understanding project documentation and method statements for compliance in using these masonry units is also emphasized.

Uploaded by

Ricardo Badival Nullas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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7 Types of Concrete Block Used in


Building Construction
By Noel MadesPosted on February 6, 2018In Formwork, Method Statement
(Civil), QA/QC Engineer Guide19 Comments

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Concrete Masonry Units also known as CMU are blocks used in the
construction industry to form a concrete block structure like a wall or a
fence. These are generally made up of concrete and aggregates of
certain design mixtures depending on strength required but systems
used as masonry units are non-load bearing in nature or do not and
should not be allowed to carry any vertical loads at all.

Now, if you want to build a concrete block or concrete masonry unit


you need to have an Understanding About Checklist to compliance to
the approved project documents such as blockwork shop
drawing, method statement for blockwork, and inspection and test
plan.
So, if you want to know more about concrete block or concrete
masonry units here are the most common type of concrete blocks
used in the construction industry.

1. Hollow concrete blocks


Commonly used in the construction industry, concrete hollow blocks
are usually manufactured using lightweight aggregates with a certain
design load depending on the nature of the member it will be used
into. Normally, concrete hollow blocks have voids of ¼ its gross area
and the solid area should be not less than half of its area to attain its
maximum allowable load capacity, study suggests. The voids are
generally filled with mortar of lightweight aggregate material as well.
There are two kinds of concrete hollow blocks; load-bearing concrete
hollow blocks and non-load bearing concrete hollow blocks. It is
available in sizes such as 100x200x400mm, 200x200x400mm,
150x200x400mm and so on.

Read also: Method Statement for Painting Works for External Concrete
Beam

2. Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Block (AAC)

Most of the time compared with bricks but is different in a lot of ways.
Aerated Autoclaved concrete blocks are lighter and bigger version of
bricks. Mostly made with same ingredients as of bricks but with a
different composition which made the material a vessel for cost-
cutting. Studies show that using autoclaved aerated block has
diligently reduced the overall steel and concrete consumption by 15%
and 10%. Apparently, in the cost-benefit factor part, autoclaved
aerated block past by bricks in several areas such as construction
time, adaptation to various surfaces, fire resistance, and cost.

For the installation of AAC block, a method statement must be


submitted for approval before work commences.
3. Concrete Bricks
Concrete bricks typically are small rectangular block arrange and piled
systematically to create a rigid wall. These bricks are usually made up
of cooked clay or concrete. Some manufacturers use solid concrete
while others play with its cement and aggregates ratio for economic
purposes. Other manufacturers also created bricks with different color
as per request of some clients. Concrete bricks are usually used in
fences, facades, as it provides the good aesthetic and slick look.

Read also: Method Statement for Pouring Concrete on Slab on Grade

4. Solid concrete blocks


Way denser and bigger than concrete bricks, solid concrete blocks are
manufactured to be strong, heavy, and created out of naturally dense
aggregates. These solid concrete blocks are strong enough that it is
used for large masonry units that are load-bearing in nature. Solid
concrete blocks are just similar to concrete brick but are way costlier
and heavier and can withstand more forces as compared to bricks.

5. Lintel blocks
These concrete blocks are used in preparation for lintel beams. These
lintel blocks are manufactured in such a way that it serves as a
masonry unit and a formwork itself. Aesthetically, lintel blocks have a
deep groove where reinforcing bars are put along with the concrete.
Meaning, they serve as permanent formwork systems for the lintel
beam member. This is found to be efficient and useful by most
builders as they served two different purposes. A two in one product it
is.
6. Paving Blocks
Paving blocks are generally just a rectangular or square box made
up of reinforced concrete. As these blocks are used in paving and
road shoulders, these have to be painted with high-visibility concrete
paints so motorists and drivers could see it right away. Also, these
blocks have to be rigid and firm enough to receive any car collisions.

Read also: Top 20 Civil Engineer And Quality Engineer Interview


Questions And Answers

Pavings blocks are also used in parks, walkways, and sometimes in


parking areas. The common size of paving block is 60mm.

7. Concrete stretcher block


Again, somewhat similar to corner block, concrete stretcher blocks are
used to combine masonry units. With respect to its looks, concrete
stretcher block is relatively the same with common hollow block but
their faces are laid parallel with respect to the face of the wall.

Alongside every masonry units stated above, these concrete blocks


come with reinforcing bars and approved mortar and paste or
adhesive material. Furthermore, choosing a masonry unit is solely
dependent on the needs of the builder, a combination of this masonry
unit is advisable.

Each and every masonry unit is created and manufactured for each
and different purposes. It is advisable to ask the supplier as they are
the ones knowledgeable about their products. They can give ideas
and impart knowledge that is not common. Engineers may also ask
these suppliers to have a demo on how to install their products.
What types of concrete block do you use on-site? Do you
follow the Method Statement in the construction of a
concrete block?
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