Cement & Concrete Blocks

Cement and Concrete blocks are also used as alternative materials for masonry construction.

Cement Blocks vs Concrete Blocks

Cement block is cheaper than concrete block

Cement block has less dead weight than concrete block

Cement block low in strength than concrete block

Concrete block has glossy finish than cement block

Concrete block has high impermeability.

Types of blocks

Solid blocks

Hollow blocks

Cellular blocks

Dimensions of blocks

Length- 390,440,490 or 590mm

Width- 40, 65, 90, 140, 190, 240 or 290mm

Height- 190 or 90mm

Advantages on using Cement/Concrete Blocks

Less mortar

Less dead weight

Less time required

Less cost

Thermal acoustic

No real need for plastering

Environment friendly

Type of wall Amount required per m² wall

11.5cm brickwall 0.25m³

22.2cm brickwall 0.51 m³

10cm sand-cement block wall 0.008m³

15cm sand-cement block wall 0.01 1m³

20cm sand-cement block wall 0.015m³

Disadvantages on using Cement/ Concrete Blocks

Cracks will be wider and larger

Shrinkage due to the movement of moisture

Storage of Blocks

Protects from rain

Pile it in stacks at appropriate height.

Testing of Blocks

Appearance

Dimensions

Block density

Compressive strength

Water absorption

Determination of Block Density

Three blocks shall be dried to constant mass in a suitable oven heated to approximately 1000C.

After cooling the blocks to room temperature, the dimensions of each block shall be measured in centimetres to the nearest millimetre and the overall volume computed in cubic centimetres.

The blocks shall then be weighted in kilograms to the nearest 10 gm.

Density in kg/m3 = Mass of block in kg/Mass of block in cm2 * 106

Construction Strength And Concrete Block

Concrete block homes better withstand hurricane, tornado and earthquake when steel reinforcements and poured concrete are added in the central hollow space of the block walls.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a material widely used for the partitions in the office environment.

Advantages of Aluminium

Aesthetic appearance

Light weight

Re usable

Durable for long period

It takes small area (thickness)

Form of Aluminium

It is available in different types and shapes

Aluminium Extrusions

Specially designed for architectural purpose

Made with reinforcement to increase the stiffness

Uses of Aluminium

Doors & windows

Frame work for canopy and skylight

Supporting system for suspended ceiling

Cladding

Curtain wall

Storage of Aluminium

Must be wrapped in a sealant tape

Must be avoid dropping

Avoid placing any heavy materials on top

Avoid the surface being rubbed against a hard material

Finishing on Aluminium

Factory finish

Spray painting

Powder coating

Other uses of Aluminium

Handles, locks and hinges are made of aluminium alloyaor stainless steel.

Questions and clarifications

Thank you