Masonry constructions are of diverse forms depending upon the materials used. Brick, concrete blocks, stone, veneer, and gabion are the primary constituents that comprise masonry construction. However, brick, concrete blocks, and stone are predominantly used because of their easy accessibility and durability. Apart from that, these materials also proffer better insulation and are less prone to weather damage.
Large concrete blocks, also known as concrete masonry units (CMU) are used in several construction projects including building walls and fences. Also, apart from buildings, concrete blocks are also used in other applications like landscape designing. Concrete block work has extensive benefits that have contributed to its massive popularity.
The Advantages of Concrete Block Work
Concrete blocks are extremely versatile and can be used in a large number of construction units. From proposing structural variation to sustainability, these blocks offer numerous benefits.
- Compared to other masonry materials, the concrete blocks are much light-weighted enabling easy handling.
- They are highly affordable and easily available.
- Concrete blocks provide better insulation against heat or cold making it an energy-efficient material.
- Being immensely sustainable, concrete blocks are resistant to weather damages and other chemical corrosion.
- These blocks provide a better soundproof provision.
- Lastly, versatility is another significant characteristic of concrete blocks bestowing one of its major advantages.
Thereafter, a concrete blockwork wall is often considered more beneficial than a brick wall!
Types of Concrete Block Work
Concrete blocks are chiefly made of cast cement or Portland cement and aggregation that comprises fine gravel and sand. The strength of the blocks depends mostly on the materials used. Nonetheless, concrete blocks come in two major forms- solid and hollow. The type of block to be used relies largely on the kind of requirement.
The most frequently used concrete blocks are:
- Solid concrete blocks- they possess immense strength and high density that are prevalently used in load-bearing constructions. They are more expensive than bricks offering greater durability.
- Hollow concrete blocks- they are comparatively light weighted and used in decorative constructions like landscape designing. The inside of the blocks is filled with mortar and other variety of aggregate materials. These blocks come in different sizes.
- Concrete bricks- solid in nature but much smaller than the concrete blocks, they are typically used in constructing tough walls. Concrete common blockwork includes building facades and fences.
- Paving blocks- made up of reinforced cement, they are generally square or rectangular, used in paving and road shoulders.
- Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Blocks (AAC) – these blocks resemble pretty much like bricks but are bigger in size. However, compared to bricks they are more cost-efficient.
- Concrete stretcher blocks- they are almost similar to hollow blocks but are positioned in a different way. Their faces are laid parallel to the wall.
- Lintel blocks- as the name suggests, they are exclusively used for lintel beams possessing immense strength and durability.
So, concrete block is used in various forms of constructions for effective functionality and aesthetics.
