Blocks 101

Blocks are widely used in the construction industry. Blocks happen to be larger than bricks, enabling them to be laid more quickly as compared to bricks. This material provides convenience to the user as they fasten the construction process.

General process of laying blocks:

Clay Blocks

Clay blocks are versatile and efficient materials used in the construction industry. The ability of clay blocks to save energy combined with the build quality and speed overpowers other traditional blocks. The benefits are such that buildings with clay blocks have become the foremost method of construction in many European countries. Clay blocks are suitable for single- and multi-storey applications as they are used both commercially and domestically. Modern clay blocks are precision-engineered walling units designed to be thermally and acoustically efficient. During the manufacturing process, clay is prepared with sand, straw or recycled materials; extruded, dried and fired. The addition of these materials helps enhance their properties as they are burned off during firing leaving behind miniscule small holes and connecting pores. The air trapped within these pores help retain heat and reduce sound transmission.

Here's a video on an innovation on clay bricks; he is using vetiver grass, which is termite-proof, instead of straw:

And if you're up for some explosive action, come watch this:

Benefits of clay blocks

·         a pleasant room temperature all year round

·         ideal humidity levels

·         dry walls without any trapped vapour

·         healthy indoor air which can be circulated very easily

Ecological aspect

·         The façade built as a monolithic wall without any artificial insulation and thus it is free of harmful biocides. This is due to the fact that biocidal treatment of fungal and algae growth poses problems with artificial insulation systems.

·         Compound thermal insulation systems are more susceptible than a rendered monolithic wall and they have a limited lifespan (max. 30-40 years). After that the façade has to be disposed of as hazardous waste. This is not only absurd from an ecological aspect, but also very expensive. This insulation mania will cause considerable ecological problems in the future.

·         Clay can even be used as healing clay.

      

      The picture below depicts the construction of a boundary wall with blocks:

Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks are dense yet lightweight blocks. Lightweight concrete blocks are mostly used for internal wall partitions. Their light weight contributes to several advantages. Among them are:      

•             Easy to handle

•             Quick to lay

•             The air inside the blocks provides better sound and thermal insulation

•             Lighter foundation and structural members

•             Can be cut and chased with hand tools

•             Holds nails and screws without plugs

Types of concrete blocks:

•             Hollow blocks

•             Cellular blocks

•             Solid blocks

Hollow block

Hollow Blocks 

Hollow blocks are made of cement, stone chips, stone dust and sand. Hollow blocks reduce the cost of construction and as such, it is widely used.  These are not only cheaper than bricks, but also rich with other features such as:

• High tensile strength
• Act as thermal insulators due to their hollowness

Features

• Natural thermal insulation
• Superior compression strength
• Light weight (up to 40% reduction in dead load).
•  Environmental friendly

Benefits

• Up to 60% reduction in cement mortar consumption
• 30% reduction in plastering cost
• Almost 500% improvement in labour productivity -> substantial reduction in labour cost
• Saves cement in masonry work & reduces cost of construction
• High value > high quality and low price

Are you wondering how the blocks are made hollow? Wonder no more once you watch this video: 

And here's a closer look at the machinery used to produce them:

Cellular block

Cellular Blocks

Each cellular concrete block offers the right balance of improved compression strength and lightness, traits which are essential for its perfection. They are engineered to facilitate easy chasing and groove-cutting for unhindered usage of electrical conduits and water pipes. Cellular blocks have cavities - or rather, holes - which do not punch right through them.

Cellular blocks are innovatively-designed pre-cast blocks with cavities which facilitate easy, neat and precise conduiting work for electrical wires, water and soil pipes for plumbing, telephone wires and television cables, ensuring concealed workmanship They also preserve the smooth surface of the wall.

Features

• Specially-designed blocks with cavities (with the option of 12, 8 and 4 cavities), for conduiting              superior compression strength.
• Lightweight (up to 40% reduction in dead load).
• Complies with ISI standards.
• Natural thermal insulation.
• With low setting time during monsoons, construction is easier than with conventional bricks.
• Environmental-friendly
• Available in various sizes/specifications suitable for load-bearing and non-load bearing applications.
• Load bearing blocks can bear a load of up to 200 kgs/cms, and supplied based on customer requirement.

Benefits

•  More economical than burnt bricks
• Reduces plastering costs and cement mortar consumption
• Improves labour productivity while reducing labour costs
• Saves cement in masonry work & reduces cost of construction
• High quality for relatively low price

This is a video on how such blocks are made the conventional way: by hand.

Solid blocks

Solid blocks are blocks that do not have slots or any formed holes. Solid concrete block units are of a consistent and superior quality to meet the requirements of all relevant standards.

Features

• Superior compression strength.
• Lightweight
• Environmental–friendly

      Benefits

           ·         Reduces cement mortar consumption by 60 %

           ·         Improves labour productivity by 500%, reducing labour costs

           ·         Saves cement in masonry work & reduces cost of construction

           ·         High value: high quality and low price

      Here's a short clip on how solid concrete blocks are made:

Hopefully, you are now more familiar with the types of concrete blocks available in the industry. Until next time, then!