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Last edited 16 Jul 2018

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Contents

[hide]
1 Introduction
2 Dense blocks
3 Lightweight blocks
4 Aerated blocks
5 Mortar mixes
6 Find out more
6.1 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

Introduction

Blocks are constructed using concrete or cement. They may include a hollow core to make
them lighter and to improve their insulation properties. They have been in use since the 1930s
when they were commonly used for the inner leaf of cavity walls. At this point they were made
from an aggregate of stone or industrial waste such as clinker or breeze, hence the term Featured articles and news
‘breezeblock’.
bsi consultation
They are now used for a wide variety of purposes such as the construction of load-bearing
walls, retaining walls, partitions and foundations.

A standard block is 440 mm x 215 mm, the equivalent of 3 bricks high and 2 long, the
maximum size that one person can comfortably lift. They are available in a range of widths
from 50 mm to 300 mm.

The kind of block selected for a particular application will depend on its:

Density.
Load-bearing characteristics.
Appearance.
Weight and handling properties. Your chance to comment on the draft BS 851188
Thermal characteristics, such as U-value or thermal mass. - flood resistance products and flood protection
products.

Dense blocks
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Dense blocks are usually made from cement, fine aggregate and course aggregate. They can
be produced in a range of crushing strengths and tend to be used for structural purposes, such
as foundations and load-bearing walls.

They generally have poor thermal insulation and readily absorb water, but have good thermal
mass.

Lightweight blocks

The advantage of lightweight blocks include their thermal insulation characteristics and ease of
handling. During the last 80 years a variety of aggregates have been used - clinker blocks (8
parts clinker to 1 part cement), and blast furnace slag. They may be slightly more expensive
than dense blocks

Aerated blocks
Rebuilding could take 20 to 40 years.

Aerated blocks are made from cement, lime, sand, pulverised fuel ash (from power stations).
They are popular for a number of reasons, other than their light weight and good thermal One Park Taipei
insulation:

Their closed cell structure means they have good resistance to water penetration.
They provide good fire protection.
They are easy to cut with a saw.
They can accommodate fixings such as screws and nails.

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks are manufactured by adding a foaming agent to
concrete and then hardening the blocks (autoclaving) with steam.

Mortar mixes

Mortar mixes should not be too strong. Mixes of cement : sand 1 : 3 are unsuitable because
they will not accommodate movement in the blockwork.

For above ground uses, they might include mixes such as:

cement : lime : sand 1 : 1 : 6

cement : sand with plasticiser 1 : 6
masonry cement : sand 1 : 5
cement : lime : sand 1 : 2 : 9

Below ground a slightly stronger mortar can be used, such as 1 : 0.5 : 4 cement : lime : sand. RSHP’s high-rise residential towers win a tall
buildings award for excellence.
Dense blocks are typically laid in mortars of average strength, 1:1:6 or 1:2:9. Stronger mortars
may limit movement and may cause cracking of the blocks, although they are sometimes
specified below ground level. Global cabling market

Find out more

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