What is a concrete block?
A concrete block is a basic building material made of concrete. It is usually rectangular in shape and has various dimensions, depending on the requirements of the project.
A concrete block is made using cement, water, sand and gravel. The mixture is poured into a mold to form a block which can be used for construction purposes.
Where can I buy concrete blocks?
Under CODEC-SEP project there are some entrepreneurs are producing eco-friendly products. You may contact with them.
Standard sizes of Hollow Block
39 cm x 19 cm 30 cm is the standard size of hollow concrete blocks.
39 cm x 19 cm x 20 cm and 39 cm x 19 cm x 10 cm is the standard size of hollow building tiles. The Absorption of water will be less than 10% in hollow solid block blocks for partitioning.
Properties of Hollow Block
1. Moisture Movement: Not more than 0.09%
2. Water Absorption: Not more than 10%
3. Drying Shrinkage: Not more than 0.06%
4. Compressive Strength:
For Grade A: 3.5 to 15.0 N/mm2
For Grade B: 3.5 and 5.0 N/mm2
5. Density:
For Grade A: 1500 kg/m3
For Grade B: 1100 kg/m3 to 1500 kg/m3
5. Advantages of Hollow Block
The advantages of Hollow blocks
a. These blocks are more cost-effective than other traditional wall systems or wall construction systems.
b. Solid hollow blocks need less maintenance and give insulation from sound, and heat, and are fire-resistant.
c. The joints in these blocks need less cement mortar, and little or no plastering thus speeding up the construction process and also saving cost.
d. It provides high dimensional accuracy and consistent finish making it an ideal building material for building load-bearing structures and building partition walls.
e. These hollow concrete blocks have high-stress bearing capacity hence widely used in building construction practices.
f. The hollow blocks are lightweight hence utilized in the construction of homes in earthquake-prone areas.
g. The hollow block will provide a various look as it decreases the energy bill to produce an environmentally friendly environment in the building.
h. Hollowing space in blocks prepares masonry work soundproof, heatproof and damp proofing.
i. It is fully energy-efficient and does not need any non-renewable resources for its manufacture.
j. Also, it does not disturb the ecosystem so they are either environmentally friendly or eco-friendly since the waste and local resources can be used for its manufacture or production.
k. It can also be prepared at the site.
l. It is high quality, high strength, uniform size, and shape.
How to make hollow blocks?
The ratio OF 1:2:3 is prepared of the cement, sand, and gravel in the mold flows water until the mixture of concrete is good sufficient to flow into the container (mold). Blend the water in the mold. Use a steel rod to stir the mixture regularly. Now, leave the block to dry for 1-2 days, as the result hardened hollow blocks are prepared to be used in construction work.
