Concrete Block

Characteristics of Concrete Block:
 Made from a mixture of Portland cement, blended cement, various types of aggregates, and
water.
 Also referred to as concrete masonry units (CMU).
 Advantages:
o Inexpensive,
o Lightweight
o Durable,
o Easy to install
o Fireproof
o Low maintenance
o Could be ornamented
 Face plates were used to create a variety of surface finishes, including cobblestone, brick, ashlar
and rockface (the most common type); more decorative finishes included designs of scrolls,
wreaths and roping.
 Typical size manufactured is nominally for a stretcher block 8 by 8 by 16 inches; this was the
standard size manufactured by 1930 (actual dimensions 8 by 7 3/4 by 15 3/4 inches).
 Typical size manufactured is nominally for a stretcher block 8 by 8 by 16 inches; this was the
standard size manufactured by 1930 (actual dimensions 8 by 7 3/4 by 15 3/4 inches).
 They may be solid or hollow with two or three cores for such stretcher blocks; various other
types of standard shapes are also often available and one should consult the local market to
determine availability. Block ends may be flat or flanged.
 Compressive strength and fire resistance of the each block is dependent upon the block's
configuration.
 Lightweight aggregates were introduced around 1917 and cinder blocks were patented.
 Advantages of using cinder blocks included its strength, ability to receive nails and ease of
installation.
 Lightweight aggregates were either natural materials, by-products or manufactured.
 Natural aggregate materials included pumice.
 By-products aggregate materials included cinders and slag; Pottsco or Celocrete is one example
of slag product used around 1930 in the manufacture of blocks; Waylite is another example
introduced in the late 1930s.
 Manufactured aggregate materials included expanded shale, clay and slate; Haydite is one
example of an expanded shale product used in the early 1920s in the manufacture of blocks.
Typical Uses
Typical historical uses for concrete block include:
 Foundation walls - typically rockfaced.

 Basement walls.
 Partition walls - usually plainfaced.
 Exterior walls - usually plainfaced and then often covered with stucco.
 Most concrete block was used as a back-up material or for cavity wall construction.
 Coatings are often are applied to concrete block in order to prevent water penetration; some of
these include Portland cement paints, latex paints, oil- and rubber-based coatings, epoxy
coatings, alkyd paints, urethanes and silicones; a single type may be selected for a specific
function including its water resistance; other factors to consider might also include its
resistance to ultraviolet rays, its breathability, its resistance to alkalis, and its colorationor visual
appearance when applied to the block.
Natural or Inherent Problems
 Cracking: Often due to shrinkage of the concrete or movement of the wall.

 Efflorescence: Occurs when accumulations of salt are carried to the surface by water migrating
through the masonry.
 Staining: Staining may appear in many forms, including dirt build-up, metallic staining or painted
Rising Damp: When ground water enters the wall from the base and migrates upward.
Vandalism and other Human-induced Problems
 Spalling: May be caused by the composition of the concrete mixture, prolonged exposure to
water which has infiltrated the wall, or mechanical failure.
HOLLOW CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY
Concrete blocks having core void area larger than 25% of the gross area is termed as hollow concrete
blocks.
These blocks are manufactured in different shapes and sizes as shown in the following figure.
Different forms of hollow concrete blocks
Some of the standard sizes of hollow concrete blocks are as follow.
Standard size hollow concrete block – 39 cm * 19 cm * 30 cm
Hollow building tiles – 39 cm * 19 cm * 20 cm
Hollow concrete blocks for partitions – 39 cm * 19 cm * 10 cm
Face thickness of these blocks are normally kept 5 cm or more.

ADVANTAGES OF HOLLOW CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY
 Rapid Execution of Work
Hollow concrete block are of uniform and regular size and it has less weight. This facilitates rapid
execution of work.
 Increase in Floor Area
It is possible to construct thin walls using hollow blocks. Therefore it helps to save space and increase
floor area.
 Reduces Construction Cost
Hollow block helps in saving construction materials and therefore use of hollow block reduces
construction cost.
Use of larger size concrete block reduces number of joints in work and hence helps in saving mortar.
 Better Insulation Properties
Hollow concrete block have good insulating properties against sound, heat and dampness.
 More Durable
Hollow concrete block masonry can safely withstand the atmospheric action and it requires no
protective covering.
 Employment of Unskilled Labour
Unskilled labour can also be employed in the construction of hollow concrete block masonry.
 Good Bonding of Mortar & Plaster
Presence of rough surface on concrete blocks provides good bonding of mortar and plaster.

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Characteristics of Concrete Block:

Typical historical uses for concrete block include:

 Foundation walls - typically rockfaced.

Natural or Inherent Problems

 Cracking: Often due to shrinkage of the concrete or movement of the wall.

Vandalism and other Human-induced Problems

HOLLOW CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY

Different forms of hollow concrete blocks

Some of the standard sizes of hollow concrete blocks are as follow.

Standard size hollow concrete block – 39 cm * 19 cm * 30 cm

Hollow building tiles – 39 cm * 19 cm * 20 cm

Hollow concrete blocks for partitions – 39 cm * 19 cm * 10 cm

Face thickness of these blocks are normally kept 5 cm or more.

 Rapid Execution of Work

 Increase in Floor Area

 Reduces Construction Cost

 Better Insulation Properties

 Employment of Unskilled Labour

 Good Bonding of Mortar & Plaster

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