Calculation of Concrete Blocks and its various types used in civil projects

History of Concrete Blocks: Though history records the use of concrete blocks by the Romans, Greeks and even Egyptians (some of the two-tonne blocks that make up the Pyramids are believed to be a primitive form of concrete), modern-type blocks were first cast, albeit in modest quantities, in around the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1827, Joseph Aspidin devised the basic mix that we would still recognise today. The mix, cast in wooden moulds, consisted of powdered limestone and clay mixed with water.

Today, the immense versatility of concrete blocks is demonstrated in their use throughout a building from its foundation walls, through cavity walls, monolithic walls, partition walls, separating walls and as a component of ?beam and block? flooring. Concrete blocks? advantageous properties are reflected in their myriad of variations of strength, insulating and sound-reducing properties.

Types of Concrete Block

There are mainly three types of Concrete Block:

1. Dense aggregate block
2. Lightweight aggregate block
3. Aerated concrete or ?aircrete? block

Dense aggregate block

The blocks are made of Portland cement, natural aggregate or blastfurnace slag. The usual mix is 1 part of cement to 6 or 8 of aggregate by volume. These blocks are as heavy per cubic metre as bricks, they are not good thermal insulators and their strength in resisting crushing is less than that of most well burned bricks. These blocks are used for internal and external loadbearing walls, including walls below ground.

Lightweight aggregate block

The lightweight aggregate is a kind of coarse aggregate which is used in the production of lightweight concrete products like concrete block, structural concrete, and pavement. The shape of the lightweight aggregate used in concrete can be cubical, rounded, angular, or of any other shape. The shape and texture can directly affect its workability.

Aerated concrete or ?aircrete? block

The blocks are made from cement, lime, sand, pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and water. PFA is mixed with sand and water to form a slurry. This is then heated before being mixed with cement, lime and a small amount of aluminium sulphate powder.

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