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centuries. Revolutionary changes in manufacturing technology and material sciences have made multi sized, shaped, colours and textured blocks a reality. They are used as both structural and non-structural components and have been the preferred building blocks in the western world. They are fast replacing traditional bricks and other masonry products in India too.
The two types of concrete blocks are, Regular concrete blocks Light weight concrete blocks
from strong aggregate and used for load bearing walls. For partial load bearing and non load bearing walls light weight aggregates are used to make the blocks. Steam curing is adopted generally since it enables these blocks to be laid within a short period after casting. Concrete blocks are manufactured based on the job requirements. Hence no standard size of concrete blocks. Concrete Association of India (CIA) recommends face thickness should not be less than 5cm and net area should be at least 55 to 60% of gross area.
have an uniform thickness everywhere. The corner block is first placed and positioned accurately. Mortar is applied to other end and one block is positioned to the end and aligned. The level of the course is checked after placing a few blocks. If necessary blocks are tapped with additional mortar such that mortar thickness is 2cm and on the ends. The first course is checked to be in plumb before placing second and additional courses.
As done in rick laying the successive courses are laid in such manner
to break the joints vertically. For vertical joints the mortar is applied to projection at the sides of the block. The courses are built starting from the corners only. Verticality and horizontality are checked at regular intervals. Four vertical edges of the final block and the edges of opening are covered with the mortar and pushed in position. Face of masonry may be points by running a tool. Weathered, V-shaped or concave types of joints are recommended to shed water easily.
CONSTRUCTION OF COLUMNS
Columns are used in places whenever a large pressure to be
transferred through large bearing surface. Columns form the integral part of the wall or it can be a separate unit. The columns are made of standard stretcher and corner blocks or other special shapes are used. For stability the hollows within the blocks may be filled with plain or reinforced concrete.
concrete with wooden plugs. The door and windows are screwed to the wooden plugs. It is also fixed with lintel with small dowels of mild steel. At base of window or door course of solid concrete block masonry is laid It is extended to adjacent walls to at least 30cm distance on either side. Lintels are also hollow channel shaped sections which can be filled with concrete and steel reinforcement provided at bottom.
corner block and filled with concrete. In order to increase the strength of the wall, reinforcement is provided at the horizontal joints. This provision makes expansion cracks which may occur due to moisture and change of temperature may be reduced. Two horizontal bars of 6mm diameter are placed one each on the face of the wall. Instead of steel rods welded steel mesh may be used wherever needed.