Concrete blocks: basic properties and scope of application

Concrete blocks are considered one of the most practical, durable and reliable building materials.
Buildings erected from them protect against cold in winter and provide coolness in summer.

The strength and excellent quality characteristics make it possible to construct buildings from blocks even in seismically vulnerable areas.

Houses made of concrete material can be made according to any architectural design. And if blocks reinforced with reinforcement (reinforced concrete) are used in the construction, then the structure may well last for centuries.

Features of the material and photo

The basis of the composition of concrete stones is:

1. cement of the best brands (M300, 400, 500, rarely M200);
2. fine gravel (up to 20 mm);
3. river sand;
4. polymers that improve the structure and viscosity of the solution.

Thanks to the components, when the material hardens, it becomes dense, waterproof and very durable. Reinforced concrete (RC) blocks have a similar structure, but reinforced rods or mesh are added to their composition, which ideally holds the composition together and makes it more durable.

Concrete and reinforced concrete blocks are in great demand in the installation of load-bearing structures, and always comply with GOST 19010-82.

According to this regulatory document, the standard of ordinary concrete stone is (in cm) :

• height – 20;
• width – 20;
• length – 40.

You can see what a concrete block looks like in the photo:

Features of marking reinforced concrete products

Each manufacturer that produces concrete blocks labels them, which is regulated by the current standard. This product designation allows you to obtain complete information about the type and size of concrete blocks. The price of products may also depend on these characteristics.

Important! Marking of all reinforced concrete products is necessary in order to determine the required number of elements to complete the assigned construction task.

Three capital letters in the name of reinforced concrete blocks indicate the type of product, providing information about the structural features of the structure. This is followed by a digital index, which consists of a group of numbers that indicate the dimensions of the block in decimeters. Please note that all values ​​are rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, a block 118 cm long, 40 cm wide, 28 cm high will be designated FBS 12-4-3.

The letters in the marking of reinforced concrete blocks indicate the type of product

The last capital letter indicates the type of concrete from which the product was made. The letter “T” indicates heavy concrete, “L” indicates a light composition, “P” indicates that expanded clay is present in the elements, and “C” indicates silicate products.

Is it possible to build houses?

Building private and apartment buildings using concrete and reinforced concrete materials means getting a strong, comfortable home to live in.

Concrete and reinforced concrete structures are considered durable and strong for construction :

1. walls of enterprises (plants, factories);
2. garages;
3. utility rooms;
4. basements;
5. cellars

To get a strong, good-quality building, during the work you need to strictly follow the technology for constructing concrete and reinforced concrete walls, as well as the drawing plan.
Much attention should be paid to the foundation , and it should be built taking into account the nature of the soil and the level of groundwater.
The features of wall masonry will always depend on what type of foundation was chosen (pile, monolithic, strip). The construction of houses and buildings, after installing the foundation, begins with laying the load-bearing walls of the house from the corners, using sand-cement mortar. A monolithic concrete belt is always installed along the perimeter of load-bearing walls (it is also called a strapping beam). The floors and then the roofing structure are secured to such a belt.

If reinforced monolithic sections are used, the building will receive a strong and rigid frame, in which it will be possible to install partitions, waterproof and insulate all types of walls, as well as carry out plastering and finishing work.

Criterias of choice

When deciding on the use of foundation reinforced concrete blocks that take the load from the building structure and are installed on a specially prepared or natural foundation (soil), be guided by the following factors:

• Purpose of the construction site.
• The amount of effort perceived by the block.
• Geological features of the specific region where construction is taking place.

By comprehensively assessing all factors and being guided by the requirements of regulatory documentation, you will be able to make the right choice and guarantee the strength of the structure being built.

Requirements for wall thickness and height

The thickness of the concrete material is established by the requirements of GOST 19010-82 and SNiP 2.03.01-84.

According to these regulatory documents, the dimensions (thickness, height) of blocks during manufacture are set according to the following dimensions, presented approximately in the following table:

Block type, according to wall purpose	Location of the block in the wall	Recommended standard dimensions, mm
Outer	Tsokolny	Height 300, 1 200 and up to 3 900	Thickness 200 - 600
	Under the windows	600, 900, 1 500
	Jumper	600, 800
	Under the eaves	500, 900, 1 200	200 — 500
Interior	Wall-mounted	1 100 — 3 300	160 — 300
	Belt	300 — 600

These standards must be applied to all concrete and reinforced concrete blocks made from light and heavy grades and other varieties for the construction of any national economic facilities.

Characteristics and types of reinforced concrete rings

Reinforced concrete rings are made from a cement mixture by pouring into a special mold into which the reinforcement is placed. The products are widely used in the construction of wells, tunnels, filtration and gas pipeline systems, and for laying utilities.

Reinforced concrete rings are available with and without rebates. Simple products have smooth and flat edges. Seam rings are characterized by a recess at the base and protrusions at the end. Such elements will contribute to the creation of a reliable and hermetically sealed structure of rings that are attached to each other using locking connections.

Depending on the purpose, as reflected in the product labeling, reinforced concrete rings are divided into the following types:

Reinforced concrete rings are used for the construction of wells, laying communications, tunnels

• KO - support products that are laid in the foundation of the well;
• KS - wall rings laid in narrowed areas of wells;
• KVG – elements for gas and water wells;
• KFK - rings intended for collectors and drainage networks;
• KLK – products for water treatment systems.

Important! Reinforced concrete rings are produced in the form of ordinary products and elements, complete with a bottom and ceiling of the appropriate size.

In the case of construction of an object of considerable width, where several rings are needed, you can order a monolithic structure, which is made to individual sizes. In this case, there are no seams, which eliminates the possibility of leaks.

Reinforced concrete rings are available in round or square shapes. The outer diameter of the products is from 84 to 220 cm, the inner diameter is from 70 to 200 cm. The wall thickness is 7-10 cm. The standard height values ​​are 29, 59 and 89 cm. The first size is typical for rings with an inner diameter of 70 cm, and the last one is for products with a size of 2 m.

The internal diameter of reinforced concrete rings can range in size from 70 to 200 cm

Characteristics

Concrete blocks are usually characterized by density. This parameter allows you to determine the performance properties of a specific type, reflected in the marking D. After the Latin letter on the packaging of the material, the manufacturer indicates the specific gravity.

For example, D500 is a density defined as 500 kg/m3. The higher this indicator, the stronger the material, but the lower the thermal insulation ability. Therefore, blocks that are needed for insulation will always have a lower D than others with a high density.

The density of the block directly affects the load-bearing capacity of the wall, and
the density indicators are suitable :

• D500 – only for one-story houses;
• D600 – for masonry of houses up to 3 floors;
• D700 and more are suitable for buildings from the 4th floor.

According to the characteristics of the material, there are 2 main types of concrete:

• thermal insulation;
• structural and thermal insulation.

The concrete material itself has great hydro- and heat resistance. It is made from environmentally friendly materials, including reinforced concrete block models. Concrete is easy to process - cut and grind. It also interacts well with all building materials.

Read more about the characteristics in this article.

Gypsum tongue-and-groove blocks

Tongue-and-groove gypsum blocks are gypsum blocks with a tongue-and-groove joint. Tongue and tongue blocks have increased resistance to corrosion and are characterized by high dimensional accuracy. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity do not cause any deformation changes in tongue-and-groove blocks. The high quality of the front surface of tongue-and-groove blocks makes it possible to almost completely eliminate the process of plastering the constructed partitions. The blocks are easy to machine.

Application of gypsum tongue-and-groove blocks

Tongue-and-groove blocks are divided into ordinary and moisture-resistant. Ordinary tongue-and-groove blocks are used to construct partitions in buildings with normal humidity levels. Moisture-resistant tongue-and-groove blocks are used to construct partitions in rooms with high humidity. When making such gypsum tongue-and-groove blocks, hydrophobic, water-repellent additives are introduced into the molding mass, which reduce water absorption.

Moisture-resistant blocks have good vapor and gas permeability and have a distinctive green color. Also, tongue-and-groove blocks are used for internal cladding of external walls for the purpose of additional thermal and sound insulation to a level that meets modern standards. Insulation material may be provided in the space between the gypsum tongue-and-groove block cladding and the base wall. For example, mineral wool slabs. At the same time, in each specific case, a thermal engineering calculation must be performed to justify the impossibility of moisture accumulation in the wall over an annual period and over a certain period with negative temperatures above normal. Various utilities can be laid in the space between the cladding and the base wall.

Types of concrete wall blocks

Concrete blocks come in several categories, each of which has its own marking:

1. Fundamental . They are presented as solid rectangular blocks with internal reinforcement.
2. Wall . They can be large or very small, resembling a brick. Among them there are reinforced types or recesses for subsequent laying of reinforcement.
3. Septal . Less thickness and weight compared to other types.

A variety of types is also represented by the following concrete blocks:

• full-bodied;
• hollow;
• monolithic;
• slit-like;
• two-hollow;
• with holes;
• lego;
• with additional elements, etc.

There are also decorative versions of blocks that have different colors and are used for cladding the facade of the house and the blind area. The standard weight of 1 concrete block is 16-31 kg, and depends on the internal filling (hollow or solid). Vibration-pressed blocks are considered the most durable of all types.

Reinforced concrete varieties are made in such a way that they evenly distribute the load and create strong supporting structures. They are solid, and with special grooves that fasten them to each other.

Foundation reinforced concrete blocks, according to standards, can be of different sizes, and wall blocks are represented by the following types :

• 39 x 19 x 19 (cm) – external, with a total weight of 17 kg;
• 39 x 19 x 9 (cm) - partition, with a weight of 8 kg.

Reinforced concrete blocks can be of absolutely arbitrary sizes and are made to order. For example, solid products could be as follows :

1. 88;
2. 118;
3. 238 x 28;
4. 58 x 30;
5. 40, 50, 60 (cm);

And with special grooves :

1. 88 x 30;
2. 40;
3. 50;
4. 60 x 58(cm).

Also, reinforced concrete blocks are made from light, heavy grades of concrete and expanded clay concrete, and are divided into grades:

• FBS;
• FBV;
• FBP.

More information about the types of concrete blocks for walls can be found here.

Types of reinforced concrete blocks depending on purpose

All reinforced concrete blocks, regardless of dimensional parameters, can be divided into three types: FBS, FBV and FBP.

Reinforced concrete blocks, depending on their purpose, are of three types: FBV, FBP and FBS

The most common type in construction is the FBS block type. They are used to construct block foundations, lintels in basements, and walls of buildings. The sizes of reinforced concrete blocks are varied, which is reflected in the special markings. The distinctive advantages of the products include increased resistance to current loads and low thermal conductivity. Installation of elements can be carried out on a sand-crushed stone base or directly on the soil.

FBV blocks are presented as monolithic structures and are manufactured exclusively to order for a specific construction project. The main distinguishing feature of the elements is the longitudinal recess, which is used for laying utilities. Products are available in lengths of 880 mm, heights of 580 mm and widths of 400, 500 and 600 mm. For the manufacture of blocks, concrete grade B7.5 and higher will be used. These elements are laid in underground areas for technical purposes and in the ceiling area of ​​basement structures.

FBP products are hollow concrete blocks. They are produced in a length of 238 cm. Inside the elements there are voids of square cross-section. Such blocks are unable to withstand significant loads because they are not highly durable. However, they are characterized by high thermal insulation properties. FBP should be used in the construction of light buildings, frame buildings, and the construction of partitions in basements. These blocks are made of M150 concrete, which is reinforced with construction steel. Hollow structures are more expensive. This is due to the labor-intensive technology of their production.

Production

Construction material is produced in industrial conditions, according to established GOST 19010-82. The technological process involves creating a concrete mixture and pouring it into a prepared formwork form.

For this:

• 
  prepare the form;

• mix the solution thoroughly;
• pour the mixture into the mold;
• compact the solution using vibrating tools;
• wait for the mixture to shrink;
• level and wait for drying;
• if necessary, strengthen it with iron;
• wait for it to dry and remove the formwork;
• waiting for the concrete to reach working hardness.

The production of lightweight concrete blocks is carried out using a special technology provided by GOST :

1. 25820 (expanded clay concrete);
2. 31360-2007 (aerated concrete);
3. 10178 (foam concrete).

Composition presented:

• cement of a given grade;
• running clean water;
• polymeric materials or bitumen;
• filler (sand, slag, crushed stone or expanded clay);
• special additives that improve viscosity and strength properties.

If necessary, the material must be reinforced.

In most cases, the frozen surface is treated with a special tool or sandpaper. This is how the concrete is prepared for further insulation and finishing work.

You can learn how to make concrete blocks with your own hands in this article.

Masonry technology

Houses made of concrete blocks can be laid in one layer or in two if additional thermal insulation is needed. The technology for laying blocks is established by GOST R 57335-2016/EN 771-5:2011, GOST 13579-78, according to which, when constructing houses, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the sequence of stages, starting with :

1. preparatory work;
2. purchasing materials;
3. tool.

Next, follow these steps::

1. They draw up and approve a construction plan for a given area.
2. They check the condition of the soil and conduct laboratory tests, while simultaneously determining the level of underlying groundwater and nearby communications.
3. They dig a pit according to the drawing, backfill the sinuses, build a foundation (the type is chosen in advance and agreed with the engineer), check its horizontal shrinkage, and lay the surface with a waterproofing layer (for example, roofing felt).
4. The blocks of the lower layer begin to be laid on the sand-cement mortar from the corner, and a construction cord is pulled along the perimeter of the building.
5. Then, in a checkerboard pattern, like brickwork, the blocks are laid to a given height, until a concrete reinforcement belt is formed under the roof. Excess pieces of material on the sides are cut off.
6. After this, they are engaged in arranging the dividing (interior, partition) walls.
7. If necessary, lay a second layer of blocks, which will provide the greatest thermal insulation in the room, not forgetting about the openings for communications and floor slabs.

In addition to the bottom layer, depending on the type of blocks, subsequent layers can be laid on construction adhesive using a notched trowel. Excess mortar or glue is easily removed; the concrete block is lightly tapped after laying.

Laying with reinforcement greatly increases the stability and strength of any structure, so metal rods are laid between blocks, or block reinforced concrete products are simply used in construction.

More information about masonry here.

Building Blocks: Overview

The construction of houses from blocks has become widespread over the past decade. Compared to brick, this material is relatively young. At the same time, thanks to a number of advantages, block houses were able to seriously compete with brick buildings. The concept of building blocks includes a large number of different materials made using different technologies. Lightweight cellular concrete is often used as the main component; in some varieties, ordinary clay or heavy concrete is used.

In this article we will look at what to look for when choosing building blocks and compare their main varieties.

Building blocks differ in production technology and materials, but there are characteristics that unite them.

Laying a load-bearing wall made of ceramic stone with clinker brick cladding

• Porous structure (except for FBS blocks) - most building blocks have a porous structure. The structure of the material contains tiny cells containing air. At the same time, the technology for obtaining a cellular structure can be very different (cellular concrete, porous ceramics, etc.).
• Low thermal conductivity - this property of building blocks follows from the cellular structure. Low thermal conductivity is achieved due to the pores that are located inside the material. This suggests that walls made of building blocks are warmer than walls made of brick.
• Large Sizes – Most blocks are larger in size than bricks. This allows you to speed up and simplify the laying.
• Light weight - the porous structure makes the blocks lighter. Due to this, the load on the foundation is lower with the same volume-to-weight ratio than when constructing brick walls.

Some building blocks can be placed not on cement mortar, but on special thin-layer adhesive compositions. Thanks to this, the thickness of the seam can be reduced, which reduces the cold bridge

Building blocks also have disadvantages, but we will talk about them below when we look at specific types of blocks.

To evaluate the properties of a building block, you need to pay attention to the main characteristics of the material.

• Strength - the characteristic is reflected in the brand of the building block (M). Measured in kg/cm2. Products are subjected to compression with ever-increasing force. The load under which the block is deformed (cracks appear, geometric parameters are violated) is considered a product grade. For multi-storey buildings, M150 blocks are usually used. M100 is suitable for one-story houses.
• Frost resistance - measured in the number of cycles and designated by the letter F. To determine frost resistance, the material is subjected to complete freezing and thawing. The number of cycles after which the material begins to degrade indicates frost resistance (F15, F25, F35, F50, F75, F100). In winter, in a temperate climate, the block may not freeze completely, so it is believed that for the regions of Russia in the central and northern parts, material F is sufficient
• Moisture absorption is the ability of a block to absorb moisture and retain it. Measurements are taken when the product is completely immersed in liquid. In this case, the result is measured as a percentage of the total volume. For building blocks with high moisture absorption, coatings with hydrophobic properties are used.

Moisture absorption directly affects frost resistance. The water remaining inside the material can freeze and rupture the block when the temperature drops.

• Density is a quantity that is determined by the relationship between the mass of a substance and its weight. The density of the blocks is indicated by the letter D and is measured in kg/m3. With equal dimensions, a material with a higher density has more weight. As the density increases, the strength of the product also increases, but the thermal conductivity decreases.
• Thermal conductivity refers to the ability of materials to conduct thermal energy. The low thermal conductivity of the building block means that heat will be retained inside the house longer. This parameter applies not only to heat; in the summer heat, the cold is also kept indoors. Thermal conductivity is counted from 0. A vacuum environment where there is no substance has a zero value.
• Shrinkage is a change in the volume of a building block. To check, the material is saturated with water, immersing it in a special bath for several days. After this, the samples are weighed and control measurements are taken. The less shrinkage of the material, the less likelihood of damage to the structure of the house (the appearance of cracks on the walls, changes in the geometry of the premises).

Large manufacturers of building materials are trying to produce blocks in accordance with GOST. Handicraft production of material does not guarantee compliance with all production technologies. As a result, technical specifications may differ markedly from those stated.

Building blocks can be used both for the construction of load-bearing structures and for thermal insulation. According to these parameters, all blocks can be divided into structural, heat-insulating and structural-thermal-insulating.

• Structural – designed for the construction of permanent load-bearing structures. The density of such blocks corresponds to grades above D1000, frost resistance is designed for 15 – 50 cycles. Thermal conductivity is 0.2 – 0.3 W/m*K.

Depending on the size, the blocks can be external or internal. External ones are divided into ordinary, wall, parapet, etc. Internal ones are wall and lintel.

• Thermal insulation - are not designed for the construction of load-bearing structures; with their help, self-supporting structures are erected for insulating walls. The density of such blocks is 300 – 500 kg/m3, thermal conductivity – 0.08 – 0.1 W/m*K
• Structural and thermal insulation is the “golden mean” among block materials. They have low thermal conductivity (0.1 – 0.2 W/m*K). Density is 500 – 900 kg/m3. Such blocks are suitable for building a house up to three floors high.

Depending on the material and production technology, building blocks are divided into types. Depending on the type of processing, materials can be autoclaved or non-autoclaved. Autoclave - harden in an autoclave at pressure above atmospheric. Non-autoclave - transform into a solid state by hydration hardening without exposure to increased pressure. Autoclave hardening ensures less shrinkage of the material and improves the geometry of the product.

• Aerated concrete (Aerated concrete blocks) are blocks made from cellular concrete in an autoclave. Concrete is made from cement and sand with the addition of lime. Aluminum paste or powder acts as the main gas-forming substance; it reacts with lime, causing the release of hydrogen, which creates pores inside the block.

Aerated concrete blocks have good geometry, thermal conductivity and vapor permeability. Blocks can have a variety of shapes, which opens up great opportunities for shaped construction. Some manufacturers produce blocks with a tongue-and-groove connection. A typical gas block has dimensions of 600x250x50-500 mm. The disadvantages of an aerated concrete block include fragility when dropped.

A U-shaped block made of aerated concrete is used to install a monolithic belt, acting as a permanent formwork for pouring concrete

Vapor permeability is the ability of a wall to “breathe”, i.e. provide diffuse air exchange.

• Foam concrete is a type of cellular concrete produced using a non-autoclave method. The material is made from sand and cement, with additional foaming agents added to the solution. The blocks undergo a hydration hardening cycle. To do this, foam concrete in a liquid state is placed in the formwork. A manufacturing method is practiced when, after hardening, a large block is cut into smaller ones. With this processing, the geometry will be far from ideal.

Foam concrete has low thermal conductivity, which makes it a good insulation material, while it is inferior in strength to aerated concrete. A standard foam block has dimensions of 200x300x600 mm. Due to the specifics of production, the parameters of foam concrete are not maintained with high accuracy; characteristics may vary depending on the batch.

In foam blocks, closed pores are created through the interaction of the foaming agent with other ingredients

• Ceramic blocks (warm ceramics) are porous hollow bricks. Unlike the previous two, ceramic blocks do not belong to cellular concrete. Warm ceramics are made from red clay with the addition of abrasive particles that burn out when fired. The role of such particles is often played by sawdust, peat and other flammable materials. Porous brick can have the standard dimensions of a single brick - 250x120x65. With a height of 140 mm, the product is called ceramic stone. The shape of the stones is standard, with smooth tongue and groove surfaces or with a tongue-and-groove system.

Masonry with a tongue-and-groove joining system can be done without mortar on vertical joints.

The strength of ceramic blocks reaches 200 kg/sq.m. Low thermal conductivity (0.1 – 0.2 W/m*K) justifies the name “warm ceramics”.

Ceramic blocks are available in a wide variety of formats

• , silicate or gas silicate blocks are classified as cellular concrete. The hardening process takes place in an autoclave. In their composition, silicate blocks are similar to aerated concrete, but instead of cement, they use more lime, which also reacts with aluminum powder. Structural gas silicate can be used for industrial construction of multi-storey buildings, for private cottage development and for outbuildings. Gas silicate blocks have good thermal conductivity and low weight. The disadvantage is that it absorbs a lot of moisture, so it is not recommended to use silicate blocks in areas with close groundwater and high humidity.
• Arbolite is a block material made from cement and wood chips. Wood concrete is environmentally friendly and has low thermal conductivity (0.07 – 0.1). Its strength allows it to be used to construct buildings up to three floors, as well as small outbuildings. Wood concrete is produced using casting and vibration pressing. The material is divided into structural and thermal insulation. Wood chips, flax stalks and rice straws are added to the blocks as organic components. The size of the chips should not exceed 40 mm in length and 10 mm in width. Bark, needles, foliage can also be present in wood concrete blocks, but their share should not exceed 5-10%.

In order for organic raw materials to interact better with cement, various chemical additives are added to the wood concrete (calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, liquid glass). This allows you to increase the solidity of the blocks.

The large wood fraction in wood concrete is visible to the naked eye

• Concrete blocks (CBC) - solid blocks are used for laying strip foundations and erecting basement walls. The material is not suitable for building walls due to its heavy weight. For this type of blocks, heavy concrete is used, as well as light and dense silicate concrete with a density of more than 1800 kg/m3. GOST provides for three formats of concrete blocks: solid for load-bearing structures, with holes for communications and hollow.

Such a block cannot be lifted by hand, so it is equipped with sling rings for transportation using a crane

• Expanded clay concrete - blocks consisting of sand, concrete and expanded clay. Expanded clay is a porous building material obtained by firing clay. Expanded clay concrete blocks are produced using casting and vibration pressing. The material has a high density (up to 1500), but at the same time, because of this, it is difficult to process and has significant weight.
• Polystyrene concrete blocks are a material based on cement and foamed polystyrene. Polystyrene blocks were invented in the middle of the last century. Blocks made from it have low thermal conductivity. Another advantage is ease of processing. Polystyrene concrete blocks can be easily sawed with a hacksaw or grinder; the blocks can be grooved, giving them different shapes.

However, polystyrene concrete blocks are not without drawbacks. They do not hold fasteners well. If the fastener gets on the polystyrene ball, the fastening becomes unreliable. For reliable fastening, the anchor or self-tapping screw must fit into the concrete part of the block. Difficulties may arise when plastering a wall made of polystyrene concrete. Also, when exposed to fire, the balls inside the block burn out, causing the thermal insulation properties to be lost.

The cellular element of polystyrene concrete blocks are tiny balls of foamed polystyrene

• Cinder blocks are a material obtained as a result of vibration pressing of blast furnace and boiler slag, broken bricks, sawdust, combustion products, expanded clay, crushed stone and other fillers from industrial waste. The binding element is cement. Cinder blocks have dimensions of 200x200x400 mm. Cinder block has advantages characteristic of other lightweight concrete blocks. Ease of installation, correct geometry, etc. At the same time, its thermal conductivity is higher (0.2-0.5) than that of aerated concrete or warm ceramics, that is, it will be cooler in a house made of cinder blocks. You will also have to take care of protection from moisture, since the material can be destroyed by water.

The raw materials used for cinder blocks are not environmentally friendly. Unscrupulous manufacturers use slag with a high radioactive background, so you need to check the product before purchasing.

• Gypsum tongue-and-groove slabs also belong to building blocks. However, they are not used for external walls - they are used to build partitions inside the house. The material is made from building gypsum, which does not tolerate moisture. Gypsum boards are easy to install and at the same time are cheaper in price than laying a brick partition. However, the disadvantages include poor sound insulation, fragility and the need for protection from water.

Gypsum boards with voids are not suitable for mounting heavy objects on the wall

Having considered all types of building blocks, we will conduct a comparative analysis.

• Geometry - deviations from the correct shape lead to an increase in mortar consumption and an increase in the complexity of the masonry. Autoclaved aerated concrete has the best geometry. The dimensions of cinder concrete, expanded clay and wood concrete may deviate from the standards.

Due to the complexity of the production process, aerated concrete and ceramic blocks are less often produced using the artisanal method, so its characteristics most often comply with GOST standards.

• No shrinkage – ceramic and expanded clay blocks are the leaders in this parameter. Shrinkage of foam blocks and silicate blocks can reach 1.5%. For arbolite blocks, shrinkage strongly depends on the quality of the material.
• Durability is associated with strength and frost resistance. If technological standards are observed during construction and production, most building blocks can last at least fifty years. Cinder block is unpredictable in this regard, since waste that decomposes over time can be used as a raw material for it.
• Heat in a house depends on thermal conductivity. Aerated concrete and warm ceramics have the lowest indicators; a house made from these materials will be the warmest.
• Reinforcement - all types of blocks require reinforcement to increase the solidity of the structure. A reinforcing mesh (reinforced belt) is placed in the seam; reinforced belt is especially necessary for materials with a low strength index, such as aerated concrete, foam concrete, wood concrete and ceramic blocks. Cinder blocks and expanded clay are not so sensitive to the presence of reinforcement.

The reinforcing mesh not only strengthens the block wall, but also connects it with the external brick cladding

Building blocks are a convenient material for building walls. The main advantages are low thermal conductivity and simple masonry. Mastering the laying of building blocks is easier than learning how to build brick walls. A large selection of block types allows you to choose the best material option in terms of price-quality ratio.

Annex 1

Insulation of reinforced concrete structures

Concrete blocks have low thermal conductivity, vapor permeability, and significantly save heat in construction.

If necessary, they can be insulated with various sheet materials, heat blocks, and warm plasters.

The insulation technology is similar to other types of blocks:

1. a frame is made (if it is sheet material);
2. sheets of materials for insulation are attached;
3. the insulation is covered with facing material.

Comparison of polystyrene concrete and foam concrete blocks

With equal grades, wall blocks made of polystyrene concrete are 20% stronger than foam concrete ones.

• Polystyrene concrete blocks, unlike foam concrete blocks, work well in tension (bending).
• Polystyrene concrete blocks are highly technologically advanced in construction. The blocks are easy to saw and nail (give any geometric shape, create channels for hidden wiring).
• The moisture ratio (under operating conditions) in polystyrene concrete is 5 times lower than in foam concrete. This explains the absence of microorganisms (mold) inside polystyrene concrete structures.
• For comparison: a structure made of polystyrene concrete wall blocks is 0.015 W/mK warmer than a structure made of wood (with equal wall thicknesses), i.e. by 10%, not to mention the foam concrete structure.
• In terms of frost resistance, polystyrene concrete is 50% higher than foam concrete of the same grade.
• Unlike foam concrete, polystyrene concrete is resistant to solvents, gasoline, oils, weak solutions of acids and alkalis;
• Excellent waterproofing while maintaining vapor permeability.

Cutting technology

This operation can be performed at the laying stage, when it is necessary to saw off the edges of blocks that extend beyond the marked line, as well as to create holes for communications. Cutting technology involves a professional tool (manual or mechanical).

The main types of cutting that are carried out with tools are:

1. 
   Dry method . The cutting apparatus is immersed from the surface deep into the wall. The resulting dust is removed with an industrial vacuum cleaner.

2. Wet method . It is considered labor-intensive, but less dusty. For a special cutting tool, a circle with water is installed, which is supplied during operation of the mechanism and sprayed from a special hole onto the surface.

For wet cutting, diamond-coated wheels are used. The work uses hand cutters, wall saws, seam cutters, rope machines, and saws.

Concrete cutting is carried out only after a series of preparatory works: gating, drilling, crushing, and grinding.

For detailed information on all methods of cutting concrete blocks, follow the link.

Installation activities

Reinforced concrete blocks are installed on different surfaces during installation:

• Tape bases.
• Concrete pillows.
• Sand and gravel bases.

The solidity of the prefabricated structure is ensured by the use of sand-cement composition or concrete during laying. The end grooves provide a reliable concrete connection - a kind of lock.

The installation of the elements is carried out by a construction crane, ensuring a gap of up to 4 cm, which is concreted. After installation of the entire masonry, special compounds are used to waterproof the foundation. A couple of days after the completion of the foundation work, work on the further construction of the building can be resumed.

Pros and cons of the material

When building concrete walls, the following advantages of the material are taken into account :

1. Frost resistance and high thermal insulation properties.
2. Structural strength to mechanical stress, earthquake resistance.
3. Resistance to precipitation (water), good vapor permeability.
4. Fire resistance and environmental friendliness of the composition.
5. Sufficient noise and sound insulation.
6. Durability and reliability.
7. Ease of installation due to low weight, processing, and high installation speed.
8. Versatility of use, variety of finishing options.
9. Resistant to mold and mildew.

According to experts, the disadvantages are::

1. A gray shade that needs finishing and additional processing to match it.
2. Cost of some types of material.

The advantages of concrete walls far outweigh the disadvantages. And the cost may increase due to the unstable situation in the construction market, long construction periods, and the need for a large volume of materials.

Device

The block has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped made of concrete. Structurally, to ensure performance characteristics, the product is reinforced with steel reinforcement.

The end planes have vertically placed cavities, allowing for connection when forming masonry. The upper plane provides for the presence of two mounting brackets, which, if desired by the client, may not be installed. This building material is produced at enterprises producing reinforced concrete structures.

Calculation of quantity and cost

To correctly calculate the required number of blocks by room volume, you can use an online calculator. Many companies involved in the sale of concrete blocks and their installation on site offer website calculator services. The calculation, for example, can be done using the link here.

This calculation takes into account:

• general dimensions (L x W x H);
• the perimeter of all walls;
• price for 1 piece;
• wall thickness;
• weight of one block;
• masonry mesh;
• thickness of the mortar in the masonry;
• height of the wall in the corner.

The general formula for calculating blocks looks like the photo below:

It is better to entrust the calculation to professionals . Builders will not make mistakes, as they are interested in high-quality and efficient execution of the client’s order.

More information about the cost of the material in this article.

Secondary use of reinforced concrete blocks in the construction of buildings

To build a basement foundation, build a garage or other small non-residential building, you can safely use used reinforced concrete blocks. This will allow you to significantly save on material, which will lead to a cheaper construction process.

Using used reinforced concrete blocks will allow you to save significantly

However, when purchasing used reinforced concrete blocks, you should weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of this measure. The main advantage is the relatively low price of concrete blocks 200x200x400 mm. It is only 40 rubles. per piece, while the price of a concrete block 20x20x40 cm from the manufacturer is about 70 rubles.

Before purchasing used reinforced concrete blocks, it is recommended to check each element for structural integrity, correct geometry of the product, and for the presence of visible microcracks, defects and corrosion processes in the reinforcement. Products must have intact fasteners.

Important! When purchasing used reinforced concrete blocks, you should find out the conditions and period of operation of the products, which is important for choosing the area of ​​further use and applying protective measures.

Used foundation blocks are not recommended for use in high humidity and under conditions of reduced loads.

When purchasing secondary blocks, they must be carefully checked for defects

Construction time

The approximate time frame for constructing walls made of concrete blocks depends on how long ago the foundation was built. According to many experts, the longer the foundation of a building stands and settles, the more strength the concrete will gain . The timing of foundation shrinkage depends on the type of soil and can take 1-1.5 years.

Then, after installing waterproofing, they begin to build walls from blocks. Here, the period for concrete to gain strength is acquired at a favorable temperature, which should be above + 5°C. Temperatures up to +20°C are considered ideal.

In warm weather conditions, the construction process goes even faster. This is especially active in the first 7 days, during which the laid concrete is able to gain from 50 to 70% of its strength. Then the construction of the laid blocks is stopped for 1 month, after which further work can continue.

Areas of use

Concrete block is a common material among wall materials; it is used in private and public construction. Both low-rise buildings and high-rise buildings are erected from concrete blocks.

What are concrete products used for:

• Foundation installation;
• Construction of basement premises;
• Fencing;
• Construction of load-bearing walls and interior partitions.

Blocks are used to construct the following buildings:

• Residential buildings, cottages and dachas;
• Utility and utility rooms;
• Industrial buildings - warehouses, factories, barns, etc.;
• Public institutions - educational, healthcare, law enforcement, shops, etc.

Concrete blocks are also used in landscaping local areas. Many consumers use the material for the construction of fences and fence posts. Sheds, gazebos, summer kitchens and various outbuildings made from concrete blocks are strong and durable.

Facade concrete blocks are used for cladding buildings; they have many colors and textures, which allows you to choose the material in any style.

Products of non-standard shape: specialists often use U-shaped and U-shaped concrete blocks to drain water and hide communications.