BLOCK

BLOCK

Blocks are larger than brick that usually required both hands to lift it for laying. The block can be laid quickly than bricks due to its side are larger. However, the bigger size of brick also causes less versatility in laying especially when building up ends or corner.

TYPE OF BLOCKS

1.     Clay block

2.     Concrete block

CLAY BLOCK

It generally extruded hollow units which have same manufacture material requires as the clay brick. After firing, clay blocks are dense, hard and brittle which make the blocks difficult to cut and fix.

Strength

The minimum average compressive strengths for clay blocks are;

Non-loadbearing walls/partitions              1.4 N/mm²

Facing and common blocks                       2.8 N/mm²

Blocks for loadbearing internal walls        2.8 N/mm²

                 the figure above refer to the typical clay wall and partition blocks

Concrete blocks

It can be either dense or lightweight. The lightweight concrete block can be 0ne-third the weight of dense block which have following advantages:

·        Can be handle easily and quicker to lay

·        The air in lightweight block provide better sound

·        Provide thermal insulation

·        Can result in lighter foundation and structural members

·        Can be cut and chased with hand tools and hold nails and screws without plugs.

TYPES OF CONCRETE BLOCKS

1.     Solid blocks which have not formed holes or slot

2.     Cellular blocks with cavities which do not pass through

3.     Hollow block which having cavities that pass through

1) Solid blocks

          
2)  Cellular blocks

                                         

3)Hollow block

                                  

Strength

The minimum crushing strength of concrete blocks are given below:

	Concrete density1 kg/mm3	Strength N/mm2
Dense aggregate	1500-2000	2.8-3.5
Lightweight aggregate	700-1500	2.8-10.5
Autoclaved aerated	400-900	2.8-7.0

 Weight of block divided by overall volume.

Drying shrinkage

Using of block with low drying shrinkage can avoid from shrinkage cracks.

Thermal and sound insulation

Thermal conductivity of block varies with density. However, the lightweight concrete blocks have better thermal insulation compared to those denser block.

Fire resistance

Block having a good fire resistance.

Durability

Facoy-made block have a good durable properties. 

Appearance

the appearance of the concrete block work is depend on the quality of block and mortal used beside also the bonding pattern of the block work.

EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE OF THE BLOCK MATERIALS

Hydraform interlocking block mansory has effectiveness in withstand the building  during earthquake. Hydroform interlocking block mansory have a few properties which are flexibility in the application and technically superior for making earthquake resistant building structure. In addition, to reinforce the stability of the building from collapse, block with vertical and horizontal cavities for reinforment are also available used in the seismic area.

Vertical Steel in Masonry

INTERLOCKING MASONRY FEATURES:

1)Interlocking block

Interlocking block

2)Interlocking profile

The locking of a male face of one block with the female face of another or the locking of the bed of one block with the ridge of the one below it is called Interlock.

Placing of Interlocking profile

3)Bed and Ridge

The recessed under surface of the block is referred to as the bed. The raised top surface of the block is called the Ridge.

Bed and Ridge

4)Block laying courses

Course of masonry with bonding

5)Campability for reinforment

 The interlocking block provide a easier and suitability in the reinforced against the    conventional mansory because of the grooves. Both vertical and horizontal reinforcement can be provided by means of the grooves and the size of the grooves can be vary from the situation.

6) Interlocking Masonry features

The interlocking blocks if made with fly ash based combination has following unique advantages over other comparable products:

• Density of masonry can be decreases in the range of 1300 - 1700 kg/m3 against the Conventional fired brick system (1920 kg/m3) in terms of unit weight. 

• High finish blocks have result in exposed finish aesthetic walls, saving on plaster & finishes.

• Blocks can be made with lower water absorption properties which enable them useful for wet applications.

• Dry-stacked masonry results in speedier constructions which save the time for the construction.

• Blocks can be made with reinforcement or conduit features facilitating Earthquake resistant construction which make the building more stable and strengthen.

• Blocks made are eco friendly as no burning is involved.

7) The Interlocking Building System

It comprises of three primary aspects:

(1) Interlocking Block

(2) Block making Machine

(3) Advantages of interlocked stacking of blocks 

8) The Interlocking blocks:

The blocks are of mainly of following size and dimension to suit standard application requirements. However size can be tailored for large quantity application requirements.

9) Interlocking Masonry system

The interlocking dry stacked masonry comprises of compressed earth blocks or fly-ash interlocking blocks that can be laid dry by stacked or using minimal mortar slurry in a stretcher bond.  Dry stacking is mortar which can precede the work with less method for constructing the masonry. Interlocking mechanism has provided resistance to applied loads. Dry stacking results in reduction of building costs due to saving in construction time, requirement for employ skilled labour and costly material especially cement and reusability of the blocks used.

Bonding-Steel Bars  & Conduits