Types of Concrete Blocks used in Construction Industry

Everyone knows that concrete building blocks are primarily used as a building material in the construction of homes, offices, skyscrapers, and so on. Basically, they are concrete Masonry units that are used in the construction industry to form a concrete block structure.

These concrete building blocks are basically made up of concrete and aggregates. Sometimes, these blocks can also be made from sand and fine gravel mixed with cement and aggregate for high-density blocks. Moreover, you can make expanded clay aggregate blocks which are much lighter in weight compared to other building blocks. Another innovative material being used is thermal sand, which enhances the insulating properties of the blocks. Incorporating thermal sand helps improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer through the walls.

However, here are the different types of concrete blocks used in the construction industry.

Hollow Concrete Blocks

Such blocks are produced using lightweight aggregate with a certain design load depending on where they will be used. According to a study, concrete hollow blocks have voids of 1/4 of their gross area, and the solid area should not be less than of their area.

There are basically two types of concrete hollow blocks: load-bearing concrete hollow blocks and non-load-bearing concrete hollow blocks. Hollow concrete blocks are available in many different sizes, like 100x200x400mm, 200x200x400mm, 150x200x400mm, and many more.

Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Blocks (AAC)

Aerated autoclaved concrete blocks are much lighter. They are basically a bigger version of bricks. They are mostly made with the same ingredients as bricks, but with a different composition for cost-cutting.

Aerated autoclaved concrete has reduced the overall steel consumption by 15% and concrete consumption by 10%! Moreover, these blocks are not only cost-effective but are also known to save construction time and are also adaptive to various surfaces, along with properties like fire-resistant, and many more.

Concrete Bricks

These are basically small rectangular blocks that are arranged and piled systematically to create a rigid wall. These concrete bricks are made by heating clay or concrete. These types of bricks are generally used in building fences and facades.

Solid Concrete Blocks

These blocks are bigger and denser than normal concrete blocks as they are manufactured to be strong and heavy from the naturally dense aggregate. These concrete blocks are just like the ordinary blocks, but are way costlier and heavier, and can withstand more forces.

Expanded Clay Aggregate Solid Construction Blocks

These types of blocks are made from expanded clay aggregates, which are light in weight, having a dry density up to 750 kg/m3 according to a density calculator. Expanded Clay Aggregate, ECASOLID CONSTRUCTION BLOCKS are masonry units manufactured using Expanded Clay Aggregate, ECA, Class F fly ash, and Cement. They are used for non-load-bearing wall masonry units. This means the blocks made from this aggregate will not only be light in weight but will also reduce structural load by 40-50%. Expanded clay aggregate blocks also offer excellent thermal insulation properties, along with excellent sound or acoustic insulation.

ECA Solid Construction blocks, though, are a premium segment of solid green construction blocks, and are also economical compared to other construction blocks due to several reasons. These ECA concrete blocks are easy to modify as they can be carved, drilled, nailed, and shaped easily. Design flexibility, along with the concealed or conventional wiring and pipes, can also be installed easily. They are easily coated with plaster or paint to decorate the walls as required. Hence, it saves overall construction cost, where the mortar expense is reduced to 70 % in place of conventional blocks available in the market. The exciting thing is that coping vertically or horizontally is NOT required till 10 feet of masonry, finally enabling the saving of reinforcement costs. It finally yields to an easy installation with regular cement mortar.

Moreover, these blocks are also fire-resistant and resistant to water absorption. They also offer no reduced shrinkage and a superior fire and chemical resistance, adding to several advantages including durability, versatility, speed, and ease-of-use, as well as cost benefits and environmental considerations.

Lintel Blocks

As the name suggests, these blocks are specially made to be used in the preparation of lintel beams. These blocks are produced in such a way that they serve as a Masonry unit along with the formwork itself.

Lintel blocks have deep grooves to put reinforcing bars into them along with concrete. These will serve as a permanent formwork system for the lintel beam member. Most builders find lintel blocks useful and efficient as they serve two different purposes in one!

Paving Blocks

Paving blocks are commonly used as a decorative method of creating pavement. Paving blocks are just rectangular or square boxes that are made up of reinforced concrete.

Such blocks are used in parks, walkways, and parking areas.

Concrete Stretcher Blocks

Concrete stretcher blocks are similar to corner blocks, which are used to combine with Masonry units. The only difference is that these blocks are laid parallel with respect to the face of the wall.

Along with that, these blocks come up with reinforcing bars and approved mortar and adhesive material.