Different Types Of Concrete Blocks Or Concrete Masonry Units Utilized In Construction

Concrete block masonry also is referred to as concrete masonry unit (CMU) have advantages over brick and stone masonry.

Concrete blocks are produced in required shape and sizes and these could be solid or hollow blocks.

The most popular size of concrete blocks is 39cm x 19cm x (30cm or 20 cm or 10cm) or 2 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 " and 12-inch unit configurations.

Cement, aggregate, water is utilized to organize concrete blocks.

The cement-aggregate ratio in concrete blocks is 1:6. Aggregate used is of 60% fine aggregate and 40% coarse aggregate.

Their Minimum strength is approximately 3N/mm2. ASTM C-90-91 specifies the compressive strength requirements of concrete masonry units.

Types of Concrete Blocks or Concrete Masonry Units

Based on the framework, shape, size and manufacturing processes concrete blocks are mainly classified into 2 types plus they are:

Solid concrete blocks
Hollow concrete Blocks


Solid Concrete Blocks

Solid concrete blocks can be used, that are heavy in weight and produced from dense aggregate. These are strong and offers good stability on the structures. So for large work of masonry like for load bearing walls these solid blocks are preferable. They are available in large sizes in comparison to bricks. So, it takes a shorter time to develop concrete masonry than brick masonry.


Hollow Concrete Blocks

Hollow concrete blocks contains void area in excess of 25% of gross area. Solid division of hollow bricks should be over 50%. The hollow part may be separated into several components according to our requirement. These are constructed from lightweight aggregates. They may be lightweight blocks and simple to setup.

Forms of Hollow Concrete Blocks:

Stretcher block
Corner block
Pillar block
Jamb block
Partition block
Lintel block
Frogged brick block
Bullnose block

Concrete Stretcher Blocks
Corner blocks are employed with the ends or corners of masonry. The ends may be window or door openings etc. they're arranged in a fashion that their plane end visible to the outside along with other end is locked using the stretcher block.

Concrete Corner Blocks
Corner blocks are utilized at the ends or corners of masonry. The ends might be door or window openings etc. they're arranged in a way that their plane end visible out and other end is locked with the stretcher block.

Concrete Pillar Blocks
Pillar block is also recognized as double corner block. Generally these are generally used when two ends of the corner are visible. In the event of piers or pillars these blocks are trusted.

Jamb Concrete Blocks
Jamb blocks are employed when there is an elaborated window opening in the wall. They may be associated with stretcher and corner blocks. To the provision of double hung windows, jamb blocks are incredibly helpful to provide space for the casing individuals window.

Partition Concrete Block
Partition concrete blocks are often utilized to build partition walls. Partition blocks have larger height than its breadth. Hollow part is split into two or three components in case there is partition blocks.

Lintel Blocks
Lintel block or beam block is used when it comes to provision of beam or lintel beam. Lintel beam is mostly provided in the top part of windows and doors, which bears the strain coming from top. Concrete lintel blocks have deep groove down the duration of block as shown in figure. After placing the blocks, this groove is stuffed with concrete along with reinforcement.

Frogged Brick Blocks
Frogged brick block contains a frog on its top together with header and stretcher like frogged brick. This frog will helps the block to carry mortar and also to enjoy the strong bond with top laying block.

Bullnose Concrete Block
Bullnose blocks act like corner blocks. Their duties also same however when we would like rounded edges at corner bullnose bricks are preferred.


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