The Study of Building Materials

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Blocks



Intoduction of Blocks

 Bricks = Blocks?

Blocks are larger than bricks. For sure it has a larger mass than brick also. So a block usually requires both hands to lift it up for laying. However blocks are larger, they also can laid more quickly than bricks, but the bigger size also means less versatility in laying especially when building up ends or corners and also laying to curves. Generally blocks are intended to be plastered.

There have two types of blocks:
1.      Clay blocks

2.      Concrete blocks


Between the two, concrete blocks are more widely used for construction building. Because Concrete brick is typically less expensive than clay brick.


Clay blocks

Clay is a block that is a light-blue/gray recolors of the Sand texture. Block usually can be found below water, but is sometimes found exposed in, around or under sand.

Properties
Concrete blocks (also known as concrete masonry units or CMUs) have a high important of properties: high structural capacity, resistance to fire, resistance to water, variety of aesthetic possibilities and insulating and acoustical advantages.


Strength
Clay blocks are available to minimum average compressive strength:
Non-loadbearing walls/partitions>1.4 N/mm²
Facing and common blocks      >2.8 N/mm²
Blocks for loadbearing walls     > 2.8 N/mm²





Concrete Blocks

In the United States, a concrete masonry unit (CMU) – also called concrete block, cement block, and foundation block is a large rectangular brick used in construction. Concrete blocks are made from cast concrete. Most concrete blocks have one or more hollow cavities, and their sides may be cast smooth or with a design. Lightweight blocks can also be produced using aerated concrete.

Size
Blocks come in many sizes. In the US, with an R-Value of 1.11 the most common nominal size is 16×8×8 in (410×200×200 mm); the actual size is usually about 3⁄8 in (9.5 mm) smaller to allow for mortar joints. In Ireland and the UK, blocks are usually 440×215×100 mm (17×8.5×3.9 in) excluding mortar joints. In New Zealand, blocks are usually 390×190×190 mm (15×7.5×7.5 in) excluding mortar joints.

Properties
Concrete masonry can be used as a structural element. Reinforcement bars can be used both vertically and horizontally inside the CMU to strengthen the wall and results in better structural performance. The compressive strength of concrete masonry units and masonry walls varies from approximately 1,000 psi (7 MPa) to 5,000 psi (34 MPa) based on the type of concrete used to manufacture the unit, stacking orientation, the type of mortar used to build the wall, and other factors.

Strength
The minimum crushing strength of concrete blocks are given below:

Concrete density¹
Kg/mm³
Strength
N/mm²
Dense aggregate
1500-2000
2.8-3.5
Lightweight aggregate
700-1500
2.8-10.5
Autoclaved aerated
400-900
2.8-7.0
¹Weight of block divided by overall volume.



Greener. Faster. Better.
ECO-Block is simpler and easier to install than wood-frame methods. It's faster, taking less time with fewer people. And it’s better, because ECO-Block buildings are vastly more energy-efficient.
-Stronger. – Resistant to fire, moisture and mold.

Greener
-Energy savings generated by an ECO-Block building are up to 50% and HVAC tonnage requirements reduced by as much as 30%. You can save on utility and maintenance costs. ECO-Block buildings stand strong against the wind and can have a four hour fire resistance rating.

Faster
-The ECO-Block system gets the job done faster. It’s taking less time to complete work with fewer workers. ECO-Block is easier to ship and handle than other fixed-block ICFs so it can save on transportation cost and delivery time.
-ECO-Block system is easy to learn, requiring less time for training.
l  Install window and door openings fast.
l  Train in less time with our easy-to-understand, integrated system.
l  Assemble walls of any size quickly with easy-to-snap-in connectors.

Better
-This state-of-the-art method of construction is also the simplest.
l  Build from the footing to the roofline, using one crew, one system.
l  Form walls 4” thick and greater in any configuration.
l  Create any shape or contour your design calls for.
l  Apply any exterior or interior finish.

ECO-Block, the Greener, Faster, Better way to build in the 21st century. 




Eco-Block Projects Slideshow

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