Concrete blocks: Types, Tests Pros & manufacturing process

concrete block is a building material used to construct walls. A wall can be constructed using clay bricks, concrete blocks, cinder blocks, lightweight blocks, AAC blocks, etc.

In all types, the material strength of the product is almost fixed, but the strength of concrete block can vary by using different types of concrete mix. Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and water.

Generally, concrete block is manufactured to replace clay brick, so the strength of concrete block will be similar to clay brick(9-12MPA). That is why the Concrete mix design for manufacturing of concrete block used M10, where the maximum size of aggregate used is 10-12mm. More than 12mm coarse aggregates are not preferred for concrete blocks.

Different mix designs for the different walls are..:

Concrete blocks can be manufactured by three methods

1. Manually
2. Hydraulic pressure machine
3. Vibration machine

Tests for concrete block

• crack free, shape and texture: Uniform
• Measurement of Dimension
• Block Density test
• Compressive strength test
• Water Absorption test
• Drying shrinkage test
• Determination of moisture movement
• Sizes available

Read Also: All about Types of material for Wall Construction- Masonry Block

Concrete blocks can be used for

Concrete masonry blocks units are used for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls,

• partitions and panel walls
• As backing for other types of facing material, piers, plasters, columns
• For retaining walls,
• Garden walls
• Chimneys and fireplaces
• As fillers in concrete joist floor construction
• As shattering for beams, columns & lintels.

 Types of concrete block

1. Solid concrete Block
2. Hollow concrete block

Advantages of Concrete block

• Due to the large size of blocks, rapid construction occurs. And relatively in less time more amount of work is completed compared to normal masonry construction.
• Desired strength of the concrete block can be manufactured as required. So versatile use blocks are available in different strengths.
• Concrete blocks are cost-effective compared to other building materials like bricks and stones. They are relatively easy to manufacture and transport, making them more affordable.

Disadvantages of Concrete block

• Concrete blocks are heavy, which can make them challenging to handle and transport, requiring specialized equipment and skilled labor.
• concrete blocks come in various sizes and shapes, they offer limited design options compared to other building materials like bricks, stones, and wood.
• Concrete blocks have a porous surface that can absorb moisture, which can cause structural damage.