Building blocks - types of structural elements that are manufactured at the factory. Their goal is the construction of suburban or multi-story buildings. In addition to houses, using these blocks you can build a foundation, various partitions and almost any other buildings.
Initially, this building material was used only as a replacement for bricks. However, now the scope of their use has increased significantly. This is because there are new types of building blocks that are easy to work with. They can be cut into any desired shape or make cuts for wiring. The main component of the block is concrete. Products come in many sizes - from the smallest to the largest. Whatever their external dimensions, quality always remains at a high level.
Many probably don’t even know what types of concrete building blocks are. In fact, there are many more than it might seem at first glance. So, the types of blocks:
- Arbolitovye.
- Expanded clay.
- Sawdust concrete.
- Cinder blocks.
- Foam concrete.
- Gas silicate.
- Polystyrene concrete.
- Sand concrete.
Fields of application
Since the various types of building blocks were first used in construction, they have become increasingly popular, and today it is a material that is used in many fields.
In monolithic construction, with their help, indoor and outdoor structures are installed. When erecting low-rise buildings, units are erected from the blocks, which serve as the main wall element. Also, these materials are one of the best for the construction of various production facilities.
Building blocks: types, sizes, price
Each species has its own properties. These are strength, frost resistance, weight, thermal conductivity, wall settling time, shrinkage, water absorption and cost. Also, different types of building blocks have a different composition. So, for example, foam concrete blocks consist of cement, sand and a foaming agent. Gas silicate and completely made without cement. It contains only sand, a foaming agent and an astringent silicate material.
Price policy
The cost of blocks, respectively, is also different. For example, one cubic meter of aerated concrete product will cost 3600 rubles on average. Expanded clay element measuring 390x190x188 mm will cost about 37 rubles apiece. The larger the dimensions, the higher the price. A cheaper option is cinder block. Its price ranges from 22 to 37 rubles. But you can find more expensive. One foam block will cost an average of 100-115 rubles.
Price fluctuations in the construction market are quite noticeable. This is because the cost is affected not only by the type and quality of the block. Much depends on the brand and authority of the manufacturer.
Main dimensions of blocks for exterior walls
- Length: 400, 600, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1800, 2100, 3300 mm.
- Height: 300, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 1600, 2200, 2500, 2700, 2800, 3000, 3300, 3900 mm.
- Thickness: 200-600 mm.
For interior walls
- Length: 400, 900-3300 mm.
- Height: 300-600, 1100, 2100, 2500, 2800, 3000, 3300 mm.
- Thickness: 160, 200, 250, 300 mm.
We have already figured out what are the building blocks. But how to choose the right type?
Advantages and disadvantages
In construction, different types of building blocks are used. What to choose for the construction to serve reliably for a very long time? Let's consider each type of block separately.
Expanded clay has a higher level of strength and frost resistance compared to others. These advantages provide a long service life, as well as the reliability of the design. Due to the lack of shrinkage in the future, you will not have to face such a problem as cracks and changes in the geometry of the walls. Also, the advantages include an affordable price. The disadvantages are a relatively uneven surface.
Foam block. Its installation is much simpler due to the most ideal (of all options) geometry and relatively light weight. The frost resistance of this unit is low, therefore, for a greater margin of safety and to extend the service life, it is necessary to properly insulate and isolate the structure. Also, the disadvantages include the high cost, a favorable environment for fungal formations and the inconvenience of fasteners.
Gas silicate block. First, we’ll figure out what are its advantages. Of all the other species, this material has the smallest weight and perfect geometry. Blocks can be mounted on glue.
Now the flaws. The material is characterized by a low level of strength and frost resistance. As a result, it can only be used in dry and warm rooms. Over time, cracks form due to shrinkage.
These blocks are used in the construction of single-storey and multi-storey buildings. Of these, erected cottages, utility buildings and garages. This building material is completely safe for human health, since only harmless substances are used in the production.
The worst types are slag and sawdust blocks. Their advantages are only in the low cost of the material. Cons are much more. These building materials are short-lived, as they have a low level of frost resistance.
Advantages of blocks over alternative building materials
- The time for building from blocks is about 5 times less than for a brick building.
- Mortar consumption is reduced.
- Due to the lower weight of the blocks, arranging the foundation is much cheaper.
- This material provides a high level of heat and noise insulation in the finished building. Also, the building will stand much longer.
- Their density is much lower even than the density of bricks. This allows you to save heat in the house and reduces heating costs.
Building blocks - types and characteristics
Gas silicate and foam concrete elements are often used in construction. The biggest advantage of these interchangeable blocks is the porous structure. It is also ideally even materials of the same size. They are used as insulation, as well as for laying walls and various partitions with wooden floors. The number of storeys when using these materials is not at all limited. The differences are only in production technology.
These blocks are universal. With their help, erect external and internal, bearing and non-bearing wall structures. They serve as the basis for partitions and jumpers in the house.
In second place in use are expanded clay and sand cement blocks. Sand cement, which consists of sand, cement and other additives, is very durable. Therefore, they are often used for the construction of foundations and basement floors. However, such a block is cold. And this does not allow to build residential buildings from it.
The structure of expanded clay blocks includes: cement, sand, expanded clay and other additives. Production consists of two stages. First, vibrocompression occurs. Then the resulting material is steamed. The filler is burnt clay granules, which significantly reduce weight and increase strength. Good indicators of heat and sound insulation make it possible to use blocks for building walls and partitions, even in rooms with a high level of moisture.
Using expanded clay technology, sawdust-concrete elements are also manufactured. The main difference is that instead of clay, wood sawdust and other wood waste are used.
Cinder blocks are also produced by this technology. However, blast furnace slag is included in the composition, respectively.
There are different building blocks, types whose characteristics are also significantly different, so the material should be selected very carefully, taking into account all the pros and cons of each variety.
Concrete
Before the various types of modern blocks appeared, only concrete was used. To date, they are somewhat inferior to newer counterparts, as they have a low level of thermal insulation. However, despite the fallen demand, they are often used for the construction of foundations and utility rooms.
Practical tips
- Pay attention to the blocks. Building species that have a yellowish color, it is better not to take. They have an excess of sand. This, in turn, reduces the level of strength.
- Feel free to inspect the building blocks. Types, sizes must comply with all directions. Check the geometry and inspect the blocks for cracks.
- Be sure to ask where the blocks for sale were stored. And do not buy if they were lying in direct sunlight.
- Also, you yourself should not store blocks in the open. Use awnings.
- Refuse delivery of blocks on pallets.
Today, the market for building materials is unusually wide, you can choose the right building blocks without any effort. The main thing is to know what to buy, otherwise there can be unpleasant consequences when choosing the wrong material.
So, we found out what types of building blocks are, characteristics, how they differ, which have advantages and disadvantages. As you can see, each of these types differs not only in cost, but also in technical characteristics. The main thing is to choose exactly the option that is best suited for your goals.