The future of solid concrete blocks in construction technology
Introduction
The construction industry involves masonry work, which divides the space created in a building into different categories based on its end-use, such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, washrooms, etc.
Today, concrete blocks are used extensively because clay bricks are not very eco-friendly.
What is a Concrete Block?
A concrete block is a building block built entirely out of concrete. It is then cemented with Mortar to form a strong, long-lasting structure.
Depending on the specific requirement/s, concrete blocks can be constructed out of hollow or solid concrete in various pre-defined sizes.
A concrete block can be used as a load-bearing wall, partition, or panel wall.
These are used in areas where suitable bricks or stones of suitable quality and strength are not available for masonry, but necessary aggregates are available.
Concrete Blocks Types:
Concrete blocks are of the following two main categories:
Solid Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks with holes
Solid concrete blocks are not commonly used in everyday applications. They are used for specific needs, wants, and requirements such as fire resistance, sound absorption, or impenetrability.
Solid concrete is made of aggregate, Portland cement, or sand. It consists of solid material that makes up at least 75 % of the total volume measured from the total dimensions. Solid concrete blocks are heavy. They support the structure well. These blocks are used in major masonry projects. They can be used in both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. Solid blocks come in larger sizes than traditional bricks. This means that concrete block masonry can be built in less time than brick masonry.
Solid concrete Blocks provide the following advantages:
Concrete blocks increase carpet area by decreasing wall thickness because they are narrower than brick masonry walls.
Concrete blocks provide better thermal insulation.
They protect interiors from sound pollution by absorbing sound better.
They provide additional fire protection
They provide protection to our agricultural land which would otherwise be mined for manufacturing clay bricks.
Because of their large size, concrete blocks are more systematic, quicker, and stronger.
They can be individually built to a larger size and shape.
When compared to brick masonry, concrete blocks have a lower mortar consumption rate but have an increased overall building strength.
Unlike traditional bricks, concrete blocks are uniform in size which reduces the use of plaster.
Solid concrete blocks are relatively easy to design.
These blocks are resistant to extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, storms and flooding.
Concrete blocks have been misused in the past, but with the growing usage of concrete blocks and the future trends concerning concrete blocks, there is no doubt that concrete blocks have evolved over time. The future trends of concrete machines include innovations such as:
Machines are getting more advanced and have higher capacities
Full Automatic machines are available with higher production rates
The future trend is moving towards decorative concrete
One of the latest trends is the addition of optical fibers in the concrete mix to create translucent concrete. The use of this concept of translucent concrete is growing in popularity.
Conclusion
Concrete blocks are one of the three main alternatives to brick, stone, and concrete blocks when it comes to construction. There are many benefits of using concrete blocks such as thermal insulation, light weight, and low cost, among others. There is no doubt that there is no better alternative in the future than concrete blocks. In fact, future trends indicate more advancements and improvements in concrete blocks production.
SD Conmix, the most reliable company when it comes to various types of RMC, is the major manufacturer and supplier in Bangalore. For robust concrete blocks, believe in the best! Believe in SD Conmix.