What is it used for
Residential Construction
Used for building walls, foundations, and other structural elements in homes due to their strength and durability.
Commercial Construction
Suitable for constructing commercial buildings, offering a balance of strength, thermal insulation, and fire resistance.
Industrial Construction
Ideal for constructing industrial facilities, where the blocks' durability and load-bearing capacity are crucial.
Dimensions
Length: 440 mm
Width: 215 mm
Height: 100 mm
Volume: 0.00946 m³
Weight: 14.5 kg
What it’s Made From
Cement
The primary binding material, providing strength and durability to the block.
Aggregates
Includes sand, gravel, and crushed stone, which add bulk and stability to the block.
Water
Essential for the hydration process, which allows the cement to bind the aggregates together.
Additives
These can include materials like fly ash, slag, and chemical admixtures to enhance workability, durability, and strength.
Variations
Dense Concrete Block
Description: High-density block made with a higher proportion of aggregate, offering exceptional strength and durability.
Applications: Ideal for load-bearing walls, foundations, and basement construction.
Manufacturer: Hanson Thermalite Shield Block
Lightweight Concrete Block
Description: Made with lighter aggregates like expanded clay or shale, reducing weight while maintaining adequate strength.
Applications: Used for partitions, infill panels, and non-load-bearing walls.
Manufacturer: Quinn Lite Pac Aerated Block
Aerated (Aircrete) Block
Description: Contains air pockets, making it lightweight and offering good thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
Applications: Suitable for internal and external walls, providing enhanced energy efficiency.
Manufacturer: H+H Celcon Standard Block
Installation
Tools Required
Trowel | Spirit level | Tape measure | Brick hammer
Materials Required
Concrete blocks | Mortar mix | Water | Reinforcement bars (if needed)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Preparation: Clear the site and lay out the foundation lines.
Mix Mortar: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing mortar.
Lay First Course: Start with a mortar bed, place the first row of blocks, and check alignment.
Add Reinforcement: Insert reinforcement bars if required for additional strength.
Build Up: Continue laying blocks with mortar, ensuring each layer is level.
Final Checks: Ensure all blocks are properly aligned and joints are filled with mortar.
Technical Specification
Compressive Strength: 7.3-10.4 MPa
Water Absorption: < 15%
Thermal Conductivity: 1.13 W/mK
Density: 1800-2100 kg/m³
Certification
BS EN 771-3: British Standard for concrete bricks and blocks.
ISO 14001: Environmental management standards ensuring sustainable production practices.
Purchasing Quantities
Single Units
Ideal for small projects or repairs where only a few blocks are needed.
Pallets
Commonly sold in bulk, with each pallet containing around 72 to 88 blocks depending on the size and type. This option is suitable for medium to large construction projects.
Truckloads
For large-scale construction projects, blocks can be purchased by the truckload, which includes multiple pallets.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability Considerations
Concrete block production involves significant energy use and CO2 emissions. However, incorporating recycled materials and using low-carbon cement alternatives can mitigate environmental impact.
Eco-friendly Alternatives
Consider using blocks made from recycled aggregates or low-carbon cement to reduce the environmental footprint.
Waste Reduction
Accurate planning and ordering can minimize waste. Surplus blocks can be recycled or reused in other projects.
Energy Efficiency
Concrete blocks contribute to the thermal mass of buildings, helping to maintain stable indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency.
