Hollow Concrete Blocks vs. Solid Concrete Blocks – There are two main types of concrete blocks used in the construction industry: hollow and solid. Fully solid blocks are often used for projects like paving, where stability and durability are important.

1. You wouldn’t want to try walking on pavement full of holes.
2. Hollow blocks, which have holes that take up more than one-quarter (and usually more than half) of their cross-sectional area, are used when building boundary fences and other large structures.
3. The holes make them lighter and can be useful when running wiring or piping through them.

You can also run rebar through the holes for greater stability.

Where is hollow block used?

Uses –

Hollow blocks are often used to build large structures like boundary fences. The reduced volume of concrete used to make each block adds up to a significant savings in cost for the materials for the whole wall. Their lighter weight also makes them easier to lift. The hollow cores also give adequate room to place reinforcing materials like steel bars if the design calls for reinforcing. Sometimes water pipes or electrical conduits are run through them. Fully solid blocks are used for paving and other projects where holes would be dangerous or inconvenient. Solid blocks can also hold more mortar between them than their hollow counterparts.

What are the uses of hollow bricks?

Typical single-wythe applications of hollow brick include commercial, retail and residential buildings; hotels; schools; noise barrier walls; and retaining walls. The second application of hollow brick is as veneer units. These brick are generally 3 to 4 in.

How strong is hollow blocks?

Table 6. Strength of hollow concrete block masonry wall.12.

Parameters	Hollow block concrete masonry wall	Brick masonry wall
Compressive strength (MPa)	8.56	5.35
Flexural strength (MPa)	0.46	0.28
Horizontal shear strength (MPa)	0.43	0.11
Diagonal shear strength (MPa)	0.37	0.09

Is hollow block good for construction?

Advantages of Hollow Concrete Block Masonry –

1. Rapid Execution of Work

Hollow concrete block are of uniform and regular size and it has less weight. This facilitates rapid execution of work.

1. Increase in Floor Area

It is possible to construct thin walls using hollow blocks. Therefore it helps to save space and increase floor area.

1. Reduces Construction Cost

Hollow block helps in saving construction materials and therefore use of hollow block reduces construction cost. Use of larger size concrete block reduces number of joints in work and hence helps in saving mortar.

1. Better Insulation Properties

Hollow concrete block have good insulating properties against sound, heat and dampness.

1. More Durable

Hollow concrete block masonry can safely withstand the atmospheric action and it requires no protective covering.

1. Employment of Unskilled Labour

Unskilled labour can also be employed in the construction of hollow concrete block masonry.

1. Good Bonding of Mortar & Plaster

Presence of rough surface on concrete blocks provides good bonding of mortar and plaster.

Why are hollow bricks used in construction?

Hollow bricks used mainly for providing insulation against heat as the air acts as an insulator. By providing hollow bricks the dead load of the structure could also be reduced.

What is meant by hollow block?

The concrete blocks in our country are in use for more than 30 years. Concrete offers flexibility in production which is not there in brick making. Also investment needed by way of land and capital is much less for the concrete block manufacture compared to the brick maker. Concrete blocks are produced in large variety of sizes either solid or hollow, dense or light weight, air cured or steam cured, load bearing or non load bearing can be produced manually or with the help of machines. Hollow blocks are defined as those blocks which have core wide area greater than 25% of gross area having one or more holes open at both sides. The most commonly used concrete blocks have a nominal length of 40cm, height of 20cm and nominal width of 8,10,15 and 20cms. In addition a wide variety of non-modular blocks and special shapes are available in market for different purposes. Materials for concrete blocks : Cement : Ordinary Portland Cement, Rapid hardening Portland cement, PPC, can be used. The partial replacement of cement by a pozzolana i.e. rice husk ash, flyash etc is also permitted. Aggregate : The maximum particle size of coarser aggregate is 13mm (10mm for hollow blocks). high proportion of fine aggregates are to be avoided as they increase the density. Cement Aggregate ratio : The proportion of cement aggregate must be found be trails with different ratios such as 1:6, 1:8, 1:10 up to 1:16 by weight depending upon the application i.e load bearing or non load bearing. Water cement ratio : Drinking water, should be used. As a simple test for cohesiveness, no excess water should be visible when a lump of concrete is squeezed in the hand, but if the sample is rubbed quickly on a smooth round metal bar or tube (2 to 4cm in dia), slight or film or paste should be brought to the surface. Production: Batching and mixing : Aggregates can be batched by volume or weight but by weight is more accurate. Cement should only be batched only by weight or using whole bags of 50 kgs. However, batching by volume using buckets etc is quite acceptable. The best Mixes are obtained with mechanically operated mixtures however; hand mixing if done should be on level smooth hard surface. Thorough mixing is essential to obtain cohesiveness. Since concrete begins to set within 30 to 60 minutes, only so much concrete must be prepared as can be used up before that happens. Moulding : Concrete blocks can be moulded by several methods, ranging from manually tamping the concrete in wooden or steel mould boxes to large scale production with egg laying mobile machines and fully automatic stationery machines. The blocks are compacted by hydraulic or mechanical tamping machines and vibrated for few seconds with intervals with complete compactness. The quality of blocks generally increases with the degree of mechanization. The blocks are demoulded immediately after compaction. Curing : The blocks are left to set and harden for 24 hours and then stacked in layers. Curing is done for 21 days by water spray. Steam curing may be resorted for quicker strength development. Solid and Hollow blocks possess several advantages such as economy, pleasing appearance, improve thermal comfort and reduced self weight. The BIS prescribes a minimum strength of 20 kg/cm2 for concrete blocks.

What is a hollow wall construction?

A typical cavity wall with mineral wool insulation during construction. A cavity wall is a type of wall that has a hollow center. They can be described as consisting of two “skins” separated by a hollow space (cavity). The skins typically are masonry, such as brick or cinder block,

1. Masonry is an absorbent material that can slowly draw rainwater or even humidity into the wall.
2. One function of the cavity is to drain water through weep holes at the base of the wall system or above windows.
3. The weep holes allow wind to create an air stream through the cavity that exports evaporated water from the cavity to the outside.

Usually, weep holes are created by separating several vertical joints approximately two meters apart at the base of each story. Weep holes are also placed above windows to prevent dry rot of wooden window frames. A cavity wall with masonry as both inner and outer skins is more commonly referred to as a double wythe masonry wall,

Which blocks are used in building and construction?

Concrete Blocks in Architecture: How to Build With This Modular and Low-Cost Material Concrete Blocks in Architecture: How to Build With This Modular and Low-Cost Material Mipibu House / Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados. Image © Nelson Kon Concrete blocks are a prefabricated material mainly used to build walls.

• Like bricks, the blocks are stacked together and joined with a mortar, usually consisting of cement, sand, and water.
• The blocks are hollow inside to allow for steel bars and mortar filling.
• These blocks come in a variety of dimensions and textures, from traditional smooth surfaces to fluted or rough finishes, as well as special units for corners or for beams with longitudinal reinforcements.

The dimensions of these blocks range from the classic 8x8x16 inches (approx 19x19x39 cm) which is meant for structural use, to a size of 8×3.5×39 inches (approx 19x9x39 cm) for partitioning walls. How can we incorporate them creatively into our designs? via Wikimedia, User: katorisi licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 Although the first blocks were manufactured by hand, nowadays they are produced in an automated way and thousands of blocks can be made per hour.

• However, by not requiring firing, each unit can be manufactured on site by unskilled masons.
• Mipibu House / Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados.
• Image © Nelson Kon In terms of its thermal behavior, a block wall can work well if the appropriate measures are taken.
• For example, it is essential to ensure the correct placement of the mixture in all the joints to avoid thermal bridges.

In addition, insulators –such as EPS or Glass Wool and Polyethylene as a vapor barrier– can be incorporated into the interior of the blocks to use as an exterior insulating plaster. Casa entre Bloques / Natura Futura Arquitectura. Image © JAG Studio Broadly speaking, its manufacture consists of 4 processes:

Mixing : After weighing, the appropriate amounts of water, gravel, and dry cement are mixed and then water is added. Molding : In a specialized machine, the mixture is compacted on molds that define the shape and size of its interior cavities and its exterior texture. This process is generally aided by mechanical vibrations. Curing : The blocks are put in steam ovens (low or high pressure) to harden. Cubing : The dry blocks are stacked in cubes to be stored.

Silent house / Takao Shiotsuka Atelier. Image © Takao Shiotsuka Atelier “The concrete commonly used to make concrete blocks is a mixture of powdered portland cement, water, sand, and gravel.This produces a light gray block with a fine surface texture and a high compressive strength,” say the creators of the site,

• Thus, the blocks have a good mechanical capacity, incombustibility, and acoustic insulation.
• Mipibu House / Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados.
• Image © Nelson Kon The basic block has been changing to provide more complete solutions, such as waterproofing.
• Some current models include additives added to the mixture that composes them in order to increase the surface tension of the block and hindering the passage of water.

There are also blocks with different edges to deflect the water away from its surface. Mipibu House / Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados. Image © Nelson Kon

When were hollow concrete blocks first used?

The first hollow concrete block was designed in 1890 by Harmon S. Palmer in the United States. After 10 years of experimenting, Palmer patented the design in 1900. Palmer’s blocks were 8 in (20.3 cm) by 10 in (25.4 cm) by 30 in (76.2 cm), and they were so heavy they had to be lifted into place with a small crane.

Is hollow block load bearing?

Types of Concrete Blocks –

1. Hollow Concrete Block (Open and Closed Cavity)
2. The hollow blocks are divided into below categories
3. Grade A

This type of block is used in a load-bearing unit and has a minimum block density of 1500 kg/m 3, These blocks are made with average compressive strengths of 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 7.0, 8.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 N/mm 2 at 28 days. Grade B The Grade-B type blocks are also used as load-bearing units and have block density between 1100 kg/m 3 and 1500 kg/m 3,

Why hollow blocks are preferred to solid blocks?

Advantages of Hollow Blocks Over Solid Blocks: –

1. Hollow blocks are light in weight thus dead load on structure is less thus consumption of steel per sq.ft will be lower to when solid blocks are used in masonry walls.
2. The cost of production of hollow block per unit is low as the raw materials consumed for a same sized block will be less as compared to a solid block
3. Hollow blocks are light in weight than solid ones so the productivity of masons working on masonary works will increase since its easy to handle and place these blocks as compared to Solid Blocks
4. The Jointing mortar requirement for Hollow blocks is less than Soild blocks as the surface area of application is reduced
5. Hollow blocks are better acoustic and thermal insulators as compared to Solid blocks. This will reduce the electricity consumed for heating and cooling the rooms inside the house

Happho’s Recommendation: Although Happho recommends using hollow blocks instead of Solid blocks for House construction, we prefer even more new technologies like AAC or CLC blocks for house construction. These blocks are light weight blocks made by creating small voids/pores (which are not interconnected) inside concrete. These blocks have all the advantages of the hollow blocks mentioned above.

Why thick wall are used in construction of cold storage rooms?

The cold storage are constructed with double wall because they trap air which is bad conductor of heat and won’t let the heat come in.

Why are hollow bricks used these days Class 7?

Is it possible to construct buildings that are not affected much by heat and cold outside? Answer Verified Hint: Hollow bricks are easily available these days so maybe it could help somehow. Many people used these hollow bricks as it reduces heat and makes the building cool.

1. Also this can be done by creating outer walls of buildings.
2. Complete step-by-step answer: Yes, It is possible to construct buildings which are not affected much by heat and cold which is outside.
3. Now this can be done by creating outer walls of buildings so that they have many trapped layers of air.
4. One possible way of doing this is to use hollow bricks, which are easily available nowadays.

A hollow brick is a unit whose net cross-sectional area in each and every plane parallel to the bearing surface is not less than 60% of its gross cross-sectional area which is measured in the same plane.Hollow bricks lowers the total weight of the construction and also helps in reducing the thickness of the wall of the building which will eventually help in increasing the life of the building and will also provide more space inside the building.

1. Many people used these hollow bricks as it reduces heat and makes the building cool.
2. Additional information: The thermometer that is used to measure our body temperature is known as a clinical thermometer.
3. Often electricity and fuels like coal and wood are used to keep our houses cool or warm.In the winter, woollen clothes are used.

Wool is a very poor conductor of heat. Therefore, there is air trapped in b/w the wool fibres. This air avoids the flow of heat from our body to the cold surroundings. Hence, we feel warm. Note: Observe the hint carefully, also it is very nicely explained in the heat topic for understanding the answer.

Why Philippines use hollow blocks?

Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB), are one of the most extensively used walling materials in the Philippines. Some of the reasons for this is their relative low cost when compared to other materials and speed of installation by semi-skilled labourers.

What industry is hollow blocks?

The growth of the building and construction industry is driving the global concrete hollow block and brick manufacturing market. The need for new housing units to serve the residential needs of the growing population in developing nations is stoking demand for concrete hollow block and paving blocks.

A concrete block or hollow block which is primarily used as a building material in the construction of walls is less susceptible to damage and it provides insulation as well. Hollow blocks are typically made of cement, sand and other raw material and are used as a building material in the construction industry.

In several countries direct investments in manufacturing and construction sectors have led to a significant expansion of the concrete block, hollow block, and paving block manufacturing market in recent years.

Which is better brick or hollow block?

Advantages of Concrete Hollow Blocks –

CheaperWhen compared to brick masonry, Hollow Blocks are far less expensive. They are known to cost Rs.1,500 less per cubic meter than brick masonry. This is not an insignificant distinction. According to reports, the cost of constructing a wall out of AAC blocks is 17.65% less than the cost of constructing a wall out of traditional bricks. Because these blocks are less expensive to construct, they are also easier to make, lowering the cost even further if built on site.Made from wasteHollow Blocks do not harm or deplete nature in any way as a result of their creation. They’re made of Fly Ash, which is a waste product from thermal power plants. Red bricks, on the other hand, consume top soil in their creation and manufacturing, depriving nature of its valuable protective layer of soil.Lighter in WeightWhen compared to red bricks, hollow blocks are lighter, allowing for greater workability, flexibility, and durability. Their dry density ratio lowers the dead load on structures, making them more efficient and ideal for modern structures.Sound ProofingSoundproofing can be a blessing for individuals who live in industrial regions, near busy roads and airports. When compared to brick buildings, concrete block walls have a larger density and hence provide better soundproofing. If your home is continuously surrounded by noise that prevents you from having a good night’s sleep, their effective acoustic insulation is a significant assistance. If you’ve ever lived in Pepsicola near the Tribhuvan International airport, you’ll understand the value of soundproofing.Space SavingConcrete blocks are frequently recommended by builders and contractors since they save a significant amount of space overall. The breadth is reduced, but the durability is not compromised.The typical bricks’ 9-inch walls are being phased out, especially in big cities where there is a lot of competition for space.StrengthConcrete blocks are believed to be more resistant to earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, all of which are becoming more common these days. Countries that promote and encourage the use of blocks place a high value on their durability in the face of natural disasters. The manner they’re built adds to their durability and strength.

What are hollow dense concrete blocks used for?

HOLLOW DENSE CONCRETE BLOCKS The hollow cores can be filled with poured concrete and reinforced with steel to form incredibly strong walls for applications such as agricultural sheds, commercial and industrial buildings, storage bunkers, pond and pool linings and retaining walls.