Concrete Blocks
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Concrete blocks are masonry units which can be used to build foundations, walls, arches and corbels, etc. A typical concrete block is equivalent to 4.5 bricks, thus construction is faster than with other masonry units. The mortar used is also less which results in cost saving. Concrete blocks have been extensively used in combination with conventional roofing systems like RCC, RBC, GI sheets, ACC sheets etc. They are also compatible with other materials like fired bricks, dressed stone and compressed earth blocks for composite wall construction. Thus, concrete block technology offers a speedier, cost effective, and environmentally sound alternative to conventional walling materials.
Brief Description
Use of Concrete Blocks in Buildings:
Concrete Blocks are very popular as a long lasting, low maintenance and investment for institutional and industrial buildings. The permanence of a cement based product is making concrete blocks a preferred choice in rural areas as well.
The most common size of solid concrete blocks is 300x200x150mm. The basic raw material is cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. Very little water is used. This is possible only with mechanized compaction and vibration and gives the block high quality in spite of the lean mix, which uses very little cement. Weight of a concrete block is about 18-19 Kgs. Concrete blocks can be surface engineered by using pieces of stone or ceramic waste on their face. Another common type is hollow concrete blocks. They are made with a richer mix, but offer a number of advantages, such as lighter weight, easier handling and facility for conducting or reinforcement through the hollows.
Advantages:
Cost effective compared to other traditional walling systems
High quality – high strength, uniform size and shape
Energy efficient - Does not require any non-renewable resources for production
Environmental friendly - Utilizes wastes and local resources
Structural performance can be engineered as per application
Decentralized production – allows both factory and on-site production
Machine production provides smooth finish which offers savings on further cement plaster etc
Semi mechanized process produces high quality material and provide adequate working opportunities
Areas of Application:
Concrete blocks have various types like; solid, hollow, paving, tree guard blocks, and each of them are available in various shapes and sizes. This vast range of products offers a large market for application.
In load bearing structures - low rise residential and office buildings, bungalows, shelter units for rural housing, highway constructions, institutional buildings, godowns and warehouses etc.
In frame structures – High rise residential apartments, office buildings, market complexes, hospitals and hotels etc.
As ground laying units – interlocking paving blocks for roadside walkways, garden pathways, curb stones, exhibition grounds, fuel pumping stations, movement corridors, high traffic movement areas like: bus and train stations etc.
Specific usage areas: tree guard blocks for road side and garden tree plantations
References:
http://www.dainet.org/enterprise/concrete.htm
