Concrete blocks used to build the foundation

For any building project, laying a strong foundation is essential, and obtaining stability and durability is largely dependent on the use of concrete blocks. These cement, sand, and gravel-mixed blocks are well known for their durability and adaptability in supporting a range of constructions. Concrete blocks offer a sturdy foundation that endures over time for use in infrastructure projects, commercial buildings, and residential dwellings.

The uniformity and predictability of concrete blocks’ size and shape makes them an excellent choice for foundations. Because of its consistency, construction workers are able to provide a solid foundation that equally distributes the weight of the structure above. Construction crews can quickly and effectively lay a foundation that satisfies structural requirements and follows architectural blueprints by stacking these blocks in a methodical manner.

Concrete blocks are prized for their ability to withstand moisture and pests, two common threats to the integrity of foundations, in addition to their structural dependability. Concrete blocks provide a durable barrier that helps maintain the stability of the building over time, in contrast to traditional materials that could be vulnerable to rot or termite damage. The longevity of the entire construction is increased by this durability, which guarantees long-term protection against environmental factors.

Concrete blocks also lessen the environmental effect of foundation construction, which supports sustainable building practices. Recycled materials are frequently used in their production, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Furthermore, concrete blocks’ thermal mass aids in controlling interior temperature, which may lower energy use for heating and cooling and promote eco-friendly building practices.

Because concrete blocks are strong, long-lasting, and simple to install, they are a common option for building foundations. They are perfect for a range of construction projects because of their exceptional resistance to weather and pests. Because concrete blocks require less labor than poured concrete foundations, using them can also save money and time. This article will assist you in making well-informed decisions for your building project by examining the advantages and useful considerations of using concrete blocks in foundation construction.

Types of materials used

Using ready-made concrete products and pouring structures at the construction site, you can build a house’s foundation. Standardized-size block samples are the most commonly used. They can serve as a foundation base for a house or as structural components for basement wall construction.

The mortars used in the production of concrete blocks are medium and heavy. These can have a rectangular, trapezoidal, monolithic, or air-cavity lightweight form. Every product has metal eyelets at the top for transportation purposes. Immediately after being laid out on the construction site, they are bent or chopped off.

The concrete block types are briefly described by design in the table.

There are three additional categories of products depending on the kind of concrete used:

• heavy (T) – characterized by increased density, resistance to high loads and low temperatures;
• silicate (C) – average category regarding technical characteristics;
• porous (P) – due to the content of expanded clay filler, a low weight of the concrete block is achieved, which is good for transportation, but reduces the strength characteristics.

GOST 13579 of 2018 governs the manufacturing process for all varieties of concrete blocks used in foundations. This section contains a detailed specification of the materials, design solutions, and physical parameters needed. For products like FBV, FBP, or FBS, for instance, you must use a solution whose density is greater than 1.8 t/cube.m. The same samples’ standardized sizes appear as follows:

• length – 0.9, 1.2 or 2.4 m;
• width – 0.3-0.6 m in increments of 0.1 m;
• height – 0.3 or 0.6 m (for hollow ones there is only one size – 0.6 m).

The dimensions of expanded clay concrete blocks are commonly given as 400 x 200 x 200 mm. The actual dimensions, which are 390*190*188 mm, differ slightly. Furthermore, this is consistent with both monolithic and hollow samples.

How much does a concrete block weigh?

The density of the material and the dimensions of the product determine how much a block weighs. With increasing mass, there is also an observed increase in strength indicators. For expanded clay blocks, for instance, the summary table offers technical details (weight per piece):

The weight of an expanded clay concrete block that has cracks or voids is determined by factors other than the technical specifications of the concrete mixture. Furthermore, five subtypes of hollow core samples are identified according to the quantity of different shaped holes (square, round, etc.). 2, 3, 4, 7, or 8 pieces are possible. The latter are actively employed in the construction of garages and utility buildings. These blocks can weigh between 10 and 15 kg each separately. In contrast, a full-bodied sample weighs more than 16–20 kg.

The expanded clay block, measuring 400 x 200 x 200 mm (390 x 190 x 188 mm), has an average density and weight. They apply to goods that have undergone factory drying. Actually, a certain amount of moisture is present in porous samples from construction sites, which raises the initial values.

Furthermore, the weight of an expanded clay block is affected by the manufacturer’s integrity. Slag or crushed stone screenings are frequently used in place of some of the expanded clay in order to lower the cost of the final product. Because of this, the mass is higher than expected, and the quality, strength, and thermal conductivity are typically lower than stated.

Depending on the type of mortar used, solid section foundation blocks (FBS) have the following reference indicators:

• heavy – 1.05-1.4 tons;
• silicate – 0.88-1.17 t.;
• expanded clay concrete – 0.79-1.05 t.

The weight parameters of FBS considering the dimensions are displayed in the table:

Many craftsmen double-check the information in the accompanying documents to ensure compliance with standards, thereby preventing the use of defective products. For instance, a foundation consisting of 2400*500*600 mm concrete blocks is intended to be constructed. According to the manufacturer, a cubic meter of the product weighs 2.5 tons. In other words, the building material’s density will be 2.4 * 0.5 * 0.6 * 2500 = 1800 kg/cube.m. The fact that this result meets the minimal requirement shows that the products that were chosen were of high quality.

By analogy, the weight of an expanded 400 x 200 x 200 mm clay block can be used to determine the quality. Some experts only perform visual examinations. These samples consist of roughly half of the volume filled with expanded clay filler, which has a fraction of up to 10 mm, and about 10% cement and water, 30% sand, and the remaining portion. The latter can be seen with the unaided eye. The recipe has been altered if the products weigh more than is reasonable. For instance, the amount of sand or cement has been increased, and dolomite, brick chips, or crushed stone screenings have partially or completely replaced expanded clay.

Concrete blocks are a great option for building foundations because of their affordability, strength, and durability. These building blocks offer a sturdy foundation for a variety of constructions, guaranteeing durability and resilience against external elements like dampness and temperature variations.

Because of their adaptability, concrete blocks can be used in a variety of foundation designs to meet different building requirements. These blocks offer flexibility and dependability and can be sized and shaped to meet specific project requirements, whether building a straightforward shed or an intricate residential structure.

Moreover, concrete blocks are a well-liked choice for builders and do-it-yourselfers due to their simplicity of installation. Because of their uniformity and manageable size, construction can be completed quickly and effectively, saving money and labor. Concrete blocks are also very accessible, which makes them a sensible option for a variety of projects.

All things considered, concrete blocks are a trustworthy and effective building material for foundations. They are the preferred choice for guaranteeing the stability and durability of any construction project because of their durable qualities, adaptability, and simplicity of use.

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