Types of Concrete Block Used in House Construction

The concrete blocks are very lightweight and are used while constructing external and internal walls. These blocks are categorised into two major groups, namely, solid concrete blocks and hollow concrete blocks. The different types of hollow concrete blocks are mentioned below.

1. Concrete Stretcher Blocks

2. Concrete Corner Blocks

3. Cellular Lightweight Concrete Block

4. Column concrete blocks

5. Jamb Concrete Blocks

6. Concrete Pillar Blocks

7. Partition Concrete Blocks

8. Lintel Concrete Blocks

9. Bullnose Concrete Blocks

10. Paving Blocks

11. Fly Ash Concrete Blocks

It was the only brick era in the construction industry many years ago. The architects and builders recommended the traditional red brick while constructing all the buildings and structures, either larger or smaller in size. Until then, the construction industry chose to replace the traditional bricks with ones that could fulfil all the needs of the changing time. 

What Are Concrete Blocks?

A concrete block is primarily used as a building material in the construction of walls. It is also called a concrete masonry unit (CMU). It is one of the best products used in construction. The concrete used to make concrete blocks is a mixture of the powdered portland cement, gravel, water and sand. It produces a light grey block with a fine surface texture and a high compressive strength.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONCRETE BLOCKS.

During construction, these blocks help save a lot of time because of their standard dimensions. It can be used in several areas, such as homes, fireplaces, multifamily developments, commercial structures, schools, universities, and more. The advantage of concrete blocks is that they are more tensile than bricks, and they are an ideal component in erecting walls and can be used for other purposes.

What Are The Different Types of Concrete Blocks Used While Constructing A Building?

Depending upon the structure, shape, size and manufacturing processes, concrete blocks are categorised into different types. The two major types of concrete blocks are mentioned below.

• Solid concrete blocks

Solid concrete blocks are widely used in construction but are quite heavy in weight because they are manufactured from dense concrete. These types of bricks are strong in nature, and it provides good stability. Solid concrete blocks are very suitable in load-bearing structures and are highly preferable. These concrete blocks are available in many sizes and are generally larger than normal bricks.

• Hollow Concrete Blocks

Hollow concrete blocks contain a void area greater than 25 per cent of the gross area. The solid area of hollow bricks should be more than 50 per cent. The hollow part may be divided into several components based on an individual’s requirement. They are manufactured from lightweight aggregates. They are lightweight blocks and easy to install. The hollow concrete blocks are further divided into various categories mentioned below.

WALL MADE OF HOLLOW CONCRETE BLOCKS.

1. Concrete Stretcher Blocks

The concrete stretcher blocks are utilised for joining the corners in the construction of a structure or building. Stretcher blocks are one of the widely used concrete hollow blocks in construction. They are usually laid in such a way that the length is parallel to the face of the wall.

2. Concrete Corner Blocks

Corner concrete blocks are particularly used at the ends or corners of masonry. The ends can be windows, door openings and so on. They are arranged so that their plane end is visible to the outside, and the other end is locked with the stretcher block.

3. Cellular Lightweight Concrete Block

The cellular lightweight concrete blocks are made with cement, foam, and fly ash. It is very lightweight and also provides good insulation against sound and temperature. These blocks are fire-resistant as well. These blocks are used to construct the parapet walls, compound walls, adjoining panels, and more.

CELLULAR LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BLOCK.

4. Column Concrete Blocks

A column concrete block is a square block with a single, square or rectangular hole in the middle. These types of blocks are put one above another to create column designs. Once these types of columns are established, one might set a metal rod in the middle to help stabilise the structure.

5. Jamb Concrete Blocks

Jamb concrete blocks are used when an elaborate window opens in the wall. They are connected to stretchers and corner blocks. For the provision of double-hung windows, jamb concrete blocks are very useful in providing space for the casing members of the window.

6. Concrete Pillar Blocks

The concrete pillar blocks are also known as double corner blocks. It is one of the best choices to go ahead with for building pillars. It is manufactured in a specific way so that the double corners are left uncovered when used. These are also used to make piers and are available in vast quantities.

7. Partition Concrete Blocks

In general, the partition concrete blocks are used to build partition walls. Partition blocks are similar to pillar blocks. They have a larger height than their width. The hollow part of partition concrete blocks is divided into two to three components in the case of partition blocks.

PARTITION CONCRETE BLOCKS.

8. Lintel Concrete Blocks

A lintel concrete block or beam block is used for the purpose of provision of a beam or lintel beam. A lintel beam is generally provided on the top portion of doors and windows, which bears the load coming from the upper part. Concrete lintel blocks have a deep groove along the length of the block. After placing the blocks, this groove is filled with concrete along with reinforcement.

9. Bullnose Concrete Blocks

The bullnose concrete blocks are similar to the corner blocks and hold similar properties. However, both types have different shapes. The bullnose blocks have a round-shaped edge. These concrete block types can either have one side rounded or both sides curved; depending on their preference, people can purchase the variations. While constructing, if a worker needs rounded edges on the corner parts, they will generally use the bullnose blocks to assemble things into the right place.

10. Paving Blocks

The paving blocks are constructed with reinforced cement concrete. It is usually found in rectangular or square size. Paving blocks are normally laid on the shoulder part of the highway, and these are painted with the paint of high visibility to attract automobile drivers. These types of blocks are rigid in nature, increasing the probability of road accidents. Paving blocks are also used in parks, parking areas or sometimes in the footpath of any road. 

PAVING BLOCKS

11. Fly Ash Concrete Blocks

The fly ash concrete blocks are made with fly ash and water. Fly ash is a powdery substance which acts as a pigment to keep things in place. They are resistant to low temperatures and can curb the permeability issue. These blocks are generally grey, but the tone can vary depending on the particle colour. These particular blocks come in smaller shapes.

Concrete blocks are an innovative building product that can be the best option for everyone constructing houses, apartments, buildings or other structures. It holds multiple advantages and helps in reducing expenses. It can be used in the construction of commercial and residential buildings, internal partition walls, boundary walls, architectural decoration, and on the rooftop for heat protection.

The bottom line

Concrete blocks are small rectangular symmetric blocks which create a rigid wall. The walls made with these blocks have greater compressive strength than normal clay bricks and have less water absorption properties than traditional bricks. Concrete bricks are generally made of cement, sand, a slight amount of fly ash, and more. People who wish to have the best quality hollow concrete blocks for construction must consult the experts at Jindal Mechno Bricks. Explore the website to know more.