Popular Types of Concrete Blocks Used in Construction
Popular Types of Concrete Blocks Used in Construction
This is the Popular Types of Concrete Blocks Used in Construction. It depicts various types of concrete blocks used in construction projects . Here’s a breakdown of the different block types.
- Solid concrete block: As the name suggests, these blocks are filled throughout, making them strong and heavy . They are ideal for structural applications like foundations and retaining walls that require high compressive strength .
- Hollow concrete block: Unlike solid blocks, hollow concrete blocks contain large voids inside, reducing their weight . While not as strong as solid blocks, they provide sufficient structural support for non-load bearing walls and partitions . Their hollow cores can also be used for electrical conduit or insulation.
- Stretcher block: These rectangular blocks are the most common type of concrete block used for building walls. They are laid horizontally in a stacked manner, with stretcher blocks forming the length or stretch of the wall.
- Pillar block: Pillar blocks are square-shaped blocks specifically designed for building columns and pillars . They can be solid or hollow, depending on the required weight-bearing capacity of the column.
- Lintel block: These blocks are laid horizontally above doorways and windows to distribute the weight of the structure evenly across the opening. They are typically solid concrete blocks and sometimes come pre-stressed with steel rods for additional reinforcement.
- Jamb block: Jamb blocks are used to create door and window jambs, which are the vertical sides of the opening. They are typically solid blocks and come in U- or L- shapes to fit around the window or door frame.
- Column block: Similar to pillar blocks, column blocks are used to construct columns, but they are designed for decorative purposes rather than structural support. They are available in various shapes and sizes, and may have a finished face for aesthetic appeal.
- Corner block: Corner blocks are L-shaped blocks used to create corners in concrete block walls. They help bond the walls together and maintain a uniform rectangular shape during construction .
- Splitface block: These blocks have a rough, uneven surface that provides a decorative finish for exterior walls. The splitface texture is achieved by splitting a regular concrete block during the manufacturing process.
- Bullnose block: Bullnose blocks are rounded or curved at the front edge, adding a decorative touch to corners, edges, or curved walls made from concrete blocks .
- Partition block: These lightweight blocks are used for interior, non-load bearing walls that separate rooms within a structure . They are not suitable for exterior walls or weight-bearing applications .
- Fly ash block: Fly ash blocks are made with fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, partially replacing portland cement . Fly ash blocks are considered eco-friendly as they reduce the amount of cement required for production. They also offer improved thermal insulation properties compared to regular concrete blocks .
- Aerated autoclaved block (AAC block): AAC blocks are lightweight, precast concrete building blocks containing air bubbles throughout . The air bubbles make them lightweight and good insulators. AAC blocks are typically used for interior and exterior walls, but not for structural support.
- Paving block: These solid blocks are designed for paving applications such as sidewalks, driveways, and patios. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to create different patterns and decorative effects.
- Cellular lightweight block: Cellular lightweight blocks are similar to hollow concrete blocks but contain a more uniform cellular structure of air voids throughout the block. This makes them even lighter than hollow concrete blocks while maintaining adequate strength for non-load bearing walls.