There are two main types of concrete blocks: solid and hollow. Both of these kinds of concrete blocks are often used to build walls, but they can also be used for other things. As you’ll see, not every solid concrete block is completely solid, but they are more solid than hollow blocks. We’ll talk more about the different kinds of concrete blocks, which are also called concrete masonry units (CMU).
You probably know about concrete blocks from your local hardware store, where you may have heard some of them called “cinder blocks.” This is because, in the beginning, cinder blocks were made in part from the ashes left over after coal was burned (often at coal-fired plants).
The cinders were used instead of sand and gravel in concrete, so the cinder blocks were lighter and didn’t last as long.
People also often mix up the words “concrete” and “cement.” Cement is one of the things that go into making concrete. About three-quarters of what you find in concrete are other things, like sand, gravel, and stone. To make concrete, water is mixed with a powder made of clay, limestone, and other things. This powder is called cement.
In fact, the history of concrete starts with a kind of natural cement that was made when limestone and oil shale were mixed together. It was first found in the area that is now Israel. Scientists think it is about 12 million years old. Cement was used to build the Great Wall of China and the Colosseum in Rome.
Bricks aren’t the only way to build a house. Concrete blocks are an alternative that has both pros and cons. Bricks are smaller than concrete blocks, so less cement is needed to hold them together. But because they have more moisture and are bigger than bricks, concrete blocks are more likely than bricks to move and crack when the foundation shifts. You can get the best deals on concrete blocks at the official website of Dunelm.
Choosing between Hollow and Solid Concrete Blocks
In construction, there are two main types of concrete blocks: hollow and solid. For projects like paving, where stability and durability are important, solid blocks are often used. You wouldn’t want to walk on a road with holes in it.
Hollow blocks are used to build fences and other large structures. Their holes take up more than a quarter, and usually more than half, of their cross-sectional area. They are lighter because of the holes, and you can use them to run wires or pipes through them. For more support, you can also put rebar through the holes.
Different kinds of Concrete Blocks
When it comes to solid concrete blocks, you won’t have as many options as when it comes to hollow blocks, but you’ll still have a few to choose from that can be used for different things.
Fly Ash Block
Fly ash is a fine powder that, when mixed with water, turns into something similar to Portland cement. (To make Portland cement, you mix finely ground or burned limestone with finely ground or burned clay or shale.) Fly ash is used in more than half of the concrete that is used in the United States. Fly ash can be used instead of cement concrete in road projects that need a lot of materials. This can save money.
Aerated Block and Autoclaved
Aerated autoclaved block, or AAC block for short, is a material that is both light and good at insulating against heat and sound. Even though it’s not as common as other types of concrete, it’s a good choice because it doesn’t catch fire and keeps heat in. Paving blocks are square or rectangular solid blocks that are used to pave, line the sides of roads (where they should be painted to make them more visible), and make walkways. Even though they usually look like bricks, they come in different sizes and colors, such as sandstone, tan, dark brown, charcoal, and light grey.
Lightweight Cell Block
The cellular lightweight block is a building material made of foam, fly ash, and cement. Like AAC, it is good at blocking out noise and keeping temperatures from getting too high or too low. It doesn’t catch on fire, doesn’t hurt the environment, and isn’t too expensive.
Clay Aggregate Block with a Larger Size
Expanded clay aggregate blocks are made of small pieces of fly ash and cement that are light and strong. They don’t get wet or catch on fire, and because they’re so light, they can reduce the overall weight of a structure by up to 50%. They also keep noise and heat from getting in.
Conclusion
Concrete blocks can be used for a variety of things in construction projects, like laying down a road, building load-bearing masonry walls, or making dividing walls. Savewithnerds has a website where you can find out more.
