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Types of Concrete Blocks and Bricks

This document discusses different types of concrete blocks and bricks used in masonry. It identifies solid and hollow concrete blocks, describing 7 types of hollow blocks. It also identifies 3 types of bricks - common, face, and calcium silicate bricks used for their strength and resistance to heat. The purpose is to teach identification of block and brick types and their appropriate uses in construction.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
80 views8 pages

Types of Concrete Blocks and Bricks

This document discusses different types of concrete blocks and bricks used in masonry. It identifies solid and hollow concrete blocks, describing 7 types of hollow blocks. It also identifies 3 types of bricks - common, face, and calcium silicate bricks used for their strength and resistance to heat. The purpose is to teach identification of block and brick types and their appropriate uses in construction.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

In this lesson it was designed and inculcate in your mind.

This module will help you in mastering


the nature in masonry. It includes the Types of concrete blocks, bricks.

This lesson arranged to follow the standard sequence of the competencies.


This module contains one lesson only.

Lesson Types of concrete blocks, bricks.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:


 Identify the different types of concrete hollow blocks and bricks
 Know the uses of each blocks and bricks.

Types of Concrete Blocks or Concrete Masonry Units Used in Construction Types of Concrete Blocks or Concrete
Masonry Units Used in Construction
TYPES OF CONCRETE BLOCKS OR CONCERTE MASONRY UNITS USED IN CONSTRUCTION

Concrete block masonry which is also known as concrete masonry unit (CMU) have advantages over brick

and stone masonry. Concrete blocks are manufactured in required shape and sizes and these may be solid

or hollow blocks. The common size of concrete blocks is 39cm x 19cm x (30cm or 20 cm or 10cm) or 2

inch, 4 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch and 12-inch unit [Link], aggregate, water is used to

prepare concrete blocks. The cement-aggregate ratio in concrete blocks is 1:6. Aggregate used is of 60%

fine aggregate and 40% coarse aggregate. Their Minimum strength is about 3N/mm 2. ASTM C-90-91

specifies the compressive strength requirements of concrete masonry units.

Types of Concrete Blocks or Concrete Masonry Units


Depending upon the structure, shape, size and manufacturing processes concrete blocks are mainly

classified into 2 types and they are


 Solid concrete blocks

 Hollow concrete Blocks Solid Concrete Blocks

Solid concrete blocks are commonly used, which are heavy in weight and manufactured from dense

aggregate. They are very strong and provides good stability to the structures. So for large work of

masonry like for load bearing walls these solid blocks are preferable. They are available in large sizes

compared to bricks. So, it takes less time to construct concrete masonry than brick masonry.
Hollow Concrete Blocks
Hollow concrete blocks contains void area greater than 25% of gross area. Solid area of hollow bricks

should be more than 50%. The hollow part may be divided into several components based on our

requirement. They are manufactured from lightweight aggregates. They are light weight blocks and easy

to install.

Types of Hollow Concrete Blocks:

o Stretcher block

o Corner block

o Pillar block

o Jamb block

o Partition block

o Lintel block

o Frogged brick block

o Bull nose block

1. Concrete Stretcher Block Concrete stretcher blocks are used to join the corner in the
masonry. Stretcher blocks are widely used concrete hollow blocks in construction. They are
laid with their length parallel to the face of the wall.

2. Concrete Corner Blocks


Corner blocks are used at the ends or corners of masonry. The ends may be window or door openings etc.

they are arranged in a manner that their plane end visible to the outside and other end is locked with the

stretcher block.
3. Concrete Pillar Blocks
Pillar block is also called as double corner block. Generally these are used when two ends of the

corner are visible. In case of piers or pillars these blocks are widely used.

4. Jamb Concrete Blocks


Jamb blocks are used when there is an elaborated window opening in the wall. They are

connected to stretcher and corner blocks. For the provision of double hung windows, jamb

blocks are very useful to provide space for the casing members of window.

5. Partition Concrete Block


Partition concrete blocks are generally used to build partition walls. Partition blocks have larger

height than its breadth. Hollow part is divided into two to three components in case of partition

blocks.
6. Lintel Blocks
Lintel block or beam block is used for the purpose of provision of beam or lintel beam. Lintel beam

is generally provided on the top portion of doors and windows, which bears the load coming from

top. Concrete lintel blocks have deep groove along the length of block as shown in figure. After

placing the blocks, this groove is filled with concrete along with reinforcement.

7. Frogged Brick Blocks


Frogged brick block contains a frog on its top along with header and stretcher like frogged brick.

This frog will help the block to hold mortar and to develop the strong bond with top laying block.

8. Bullnose Concrete Block


Bullnose blocks are similar to corner blocks. Their duties also same but when we want rounded

edges at corner bullnose bricks is preferred.

Types of bricks

BRICKS- are manufactured from clay and other minerals processed into a workable consistency, molded to sizes and
fired in kiln for stronger, more attractive products.
Kinds of Bricks

1. Common Bricks are bricks made from clay such as the ordinary commercial and a common use for interior
and exterior designed bricks.

2. Face Bricks- are bricks made from clay materials used on exposed exterior and interior masonry walls and
other architectural application where the size, color and texture are especially important.

3. Calcium Silicate Bricks - are bricks made from clay or non-clay materials used in furnace construction
where resistance to temperature as high as 178o C is required.
Direction: Box and write on the space provided the words/the different masonry materials which you can find in
the word puzzle.

Write your answer here:

1.__________________________________

2.__________________________________

3.__________________________________

4.__________________________________

5.__________________________________

6.__________________________________

7.__________________________________

8.__________________________________

9.__________________________________

10._________________________________
Answer Key

An answer key may be included for teachers use only (separate sheets)
Writer: Insert Name Here
School:
Division:
Illustrator: Insert Name Here
School:
Division:

Common questions

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When choosing masonry units, factors such as project requirements (load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing), aesthetic considerations, thermal and moisture performance, structural integrity, and ease of installation must be evaluated. Budget constraints and long-term durability criteria also play significant roles. Solid blocks provide strength and stability, while hollow blocks offer lightweight and versatile solutions. Additionally, environmental conditions like climate can dictate the choice between clay-based bricks and concrete blocks .

Calcium silicate bricks offer high-temperature resistance, suitable for furnace construction, a significant advantage over common bricks, which are primarily used for interior and exterior design without specific temperature constraints. Compared to face bricks used for exposed walls and aesthetic purposes, calcium silicate bricks are valued for their durability under thermal stress rather than appearance. However, face bricks provide better finish options, crucial for architectural applications where aesthetics take precedence .

Partition concrete blocks, with their larger height compared to breadth and hollow parts divided into components, optimize space usage within interior walls. They allow for efficient partitioning without compromising on structural integrity, facilitating flexible space design and efficient load distribution across non-load-bearing walls .

Concrete blocks, due to their larger size and specific configurations, significantly reduce the number of units required for a given area, enhancing construction speed and labor efficiency compared to traditional bricks. Their varied configurations and inherent strength allow them to be used in multiple structural roles, decreasing the need for additional materials and reducing setup time .

Bullnose concrete blocks are similar to corner blocks but include rounded edges, making them ideal for aesthetic purposes or when smooth, rounded corners are required in construction. These are typically used where appearance and smooth transitions at the edges of walls are prioritized, unlike standard corner blocks which focus on basic structural integrity of corners .

Solid concrete blocks are dense, heavy, and provide good stability, making them suitable for load-bearing walls and large masonry works. They are preferred over brick masonry due to larger size and quicker construction. Hollow concrete blocks have a void area greater than 25% of their gross area, making them lightweight and easy to install. They are manufactured from lightweight aggregates and are used for various purposes such as partition walls and providing structural components like pilasters, lintels, and corners .

Lintel blocks serve as critical structural elements in masonry construction, forming a beam over door and window openings to bear the load from above. The groove in the block, filled with concrete and reinforcement, ensures strength and stability across the opening, preventing sagging and distributing weight evenly . This construction method enhances durability and safety in building designs .

Jamb blocks are preferable in construction scenarios involving elaborated window openings, as they provide space for casing members of double-hung windows. They connect to stretcher and corner blocks, enhancing the structure's integrity around window areas . When the architectural design requires frequent window assemblages, jamb blocks offer a practical solution .

The manufacturing process of concrete blocks involves using a cement-aggregate ratio of 1:6 with 60% fine and 40% coarse aggregate, contributing to their strength and stability. Their production allows for precise shaping and sizing, crucial for consistent quality and structural requirements in construction. Solid blocks, made from dense aggregate, ensure heavy and stable structures, while hollow blocks, made with lightweight aggregate, are designed to be easily installed and suitable for non-load-bearing applications .

Frogged brick blocks, featuring a depression called a "frog," enhance mortar adherence and create strong bonds between layers, improving structural integrity. This feature is especially beneficial in areas requiring additional strength and stability, as it allows for better load distribution and minimizes slippage between blocks during seismic activities or loading shifts .

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