Types of Concrete Blocks in Construction
Concrete blocks are a fundamental building material used in construction. They come in various types, each designed to serve specific purposes, but most are used in the building of walls. In this blog, we'll explore the different types of concrete blocks and their applications.
Hollow vs. Solid Concrete Blocks: The Primary Divide
Before delving into specific types, let's understand the fundamental distinction between hollow and solid concrete blocks.
Solid blocks are often used for projects that require a lot of stability, like paving. They are denser and more robust than hollow blocks. This density makes them great for load-bearing capacity and the preferred choice for structural components that must bear heavy loads.
Hollow blocks, on the other hand, are not solid throughout. They are crafted with holes or cavities, making them lighter than their solid counterparts. This characteristic makes them more useful when you need to have wiring or piping run through them.
They can also be reinforced with rebar for greater stability. The hollow feature within these blocks gives them excellent thermal insulation properties, which can contribute to energy efficiency in your building.
Hollow Concrete Blocks
As mentioned, hollow blocks are lighter options than solid blocks and can be great for insulation purposes. Hollow concrete blocks come in a couple of sizes including:
Standard Concrete Block:
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Width: 8 inches (about 203 mm)
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Height: 8 inches (about 203 mm)
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Length: 16 inches (about 406 mm)
Half-Size Concrete Block:
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Width: 8 inches (about 203 mm)
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Height: 8 inches (about 203 mm)
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Length: 8 inches (about 203 mm)
Some common hollow concrete block options include:
Bullnose Block
Bullnose blocks have a rounded edge and are often used in architectural details, such as curved walls or edges.
Column Block
Column blocks are designed for constructing columns and pillars, providing stability and load-bearing capacity. They can be stacked on top of one another and reinforced from the inside.
Pillar Block
Similar to column blocks, pillar blocks are used in pillar construction and have specific features for reinforcing vertical structures.
Lintel Block
Lintel blocks have a deep groove that gives them the shape of a long U. This groove is typically filled with concrete and reinforcing bars and the blocks are used to create horizontal supports above openings like doors and windows.
Jamb Block
Jamb blocks are essential for framing door and window openings, ensuring proper alignment and structural integrity. They achieve this because they have a shallow groove on one side and a deeper groove on the other, allowing them to shape around windows and doors with more ease.
Corner Block
Corner blocks are specially designed for creating sharp corners and maintaining the structural integrity of walls.
Splitface Block
Splitface blocks have a textured surface and are often used for decorative purposes in walls. These blocks are more vulnerable to water damage but less susceptible to fires.
Stretcher Block
Stretcher blocks are the most common type of hollow block used in walls and are characterized by their long, rectangular shape.
Partition Block
Partition blocks are taller and wider blocks that are used to create interior walls within a building, offering privacy and dividing spaces.
An Exploration of Solid Concrete Blocks
Now, let's dive deeper into solid concrete blocks and their variations. Solid concrete blocks are typically used for load-bearing walls, foundations, or other critical structural elements.
Fly Ash Block
Fly ash blocks are a type of concrete block that has gained popularity for their eco-friendly attributes and impressive strength. These blocks incorporate fly ash, a waste product from coal combustion, making them eco-friendly and strong.
Fly ash blocks are known for their strength and are great for insulation. For this reason, they are commonly used for partition walls, exterior walls, and load-bearing walls. These blocks are usually smaller in size as the bigger they get, the more likely they are to crack and fracture.
Aerated Autoclaved Block
Aerated autoclaved blocks are lightweight blocks that are great for insulating and ideal for energy-efficient construction. They are used to block out sound and fire resistant.
This type of concrete block is made of 80% air. However, this makes it weaker than other denser concrete options and often needs to be reinforced.
Cellular Lightweight Block
Cellular lightweight blocks, also known as CLC blocks, represent a unique category of construction materials designed to offer exceptional insulation properties while maintaining structural integrity. These blocks are engineered to be lightweight and highly efficient, making them an attractive choice for various construction applications.
The benefits of CLC block is that they are lightweight, provide great sound and heat insulation, and are fire resistant. Common uses include roof insulation, exterior and interior walls, and partitions. They are not ideal for load-bearing situations.
Expanded Clay Aggregate Block
Expanded clay aggregate blocks are primarily composed of clay granules, cement, and water. The expanded clay granules are derived from natural clay, which is heated to high temperatures to expand and create a lightweight aggregate material. These expanded clay aggregates are then mixed with cement and water and poured into molds to create ECA blocks of different sizes and shapes.
Paving Block
Paving blocks are square or rectangular blocks designed to create durable, visually appealing pavements, driveways, walkways, and outdoor spaces. These blocks are a popular choice due to their strength, aesthetic variety, and ease of installation. Paving blocks can be bought in a wide variety of colors.
Choosing DOZR for Your Equipment Rental Needs
No matter what kind of concrete block you choose for your project, you'll probably need help moving them around your construction site. With skid steers, compact track loaders, telehandlers, wheel loaders, and other material handling equipment available, you can search the DOZR Marketplace to rent the equipment you need.
Conclusion
The division between hollow and solid blocks forms the basis of many designs, offering different use cases for each.
Hollow concrete blocks bring lightweight construction and insulation, with various types catering to specific needs like framing openings or adding texture. Solid concrete blocks, including options like fly ash and lightweight aggregates, offer durability, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
As you venture into your construction projects, remember that the choice of concrete blocks is a fundamental decision that can significantly impact the outcome. With a clear understanding of these block types, you can confidently lay the foundation for your construction project, balancing functionality and efficiency to achieve your goals.
