Every construction project requires an understanding of concrete block dimensions when working with them. Concrete blocks are available in different sizes, each intended for a particular use. Understanding these blocks’ precise dimensions—width, height, length, and weight—will help to guarantee that your project goes as planned and satisfies all requirements.
Concrete blocks are adaptable building materials that can be used for both commercial and residential projects. They are perfect for walls, foundations, and other structural components because they offer strength and stability. But not every concrete block is made equal, and getting the right size is essential to getting the desired result.
The typical measurements of concrete blocks, such as their width, height, length, and weight, will be discussed in this article. You can choose the ideal blocks to use for your particular needs by being aware of these specifications. No matter if you’re building a multistory building or a garden wall, having accurate block measurements will make your planning easier.
To assist you in choosing the appropriate materials for your upcoming project, let’s examine the comprehensive specifications of concrete blocks. We’ll give you a thorough table outlining the different sizes that are available, so you’ll always have access to all the information you require.
Block Type | Width (cm) | Height (cm) | Length (cm) | Weight (kg) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Small | 10 | 20 | 40 | 18 |
Medium | 15 | 20 | 40 | 25 |
Large | 20 | 20 | 40 | 32 |
- Characteristics and features of FBS foundation blocks
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Choosing block sizes
- FBS blocks: product sizes
- How to choose the right size of FBS blocks
- Types of blocks according to GOST: FBS, FBP, FBV, FL and BF
- Manufacturers and prices
- Video on the topic
- Installation of FBS. We install foundation blocks WITH OUR OWN HANDS. construction work
- FBS blocks
- Foundation blocks FBS
Characteristics and features of FBS foundation blocks
Concrete mortar with a density of 1800–2400 kg/m3 is used to produce FBS. Three types of mixtures are assumed by the specification: heavy concrete with strength ranging from B3.5 (grade M50) to B15 (grade M200), with strength greater than B7.5 (grade M100), and minimum B12.5 (grade M15).
A minimum of F50 resistance to low temperatures, or the ability of the foundation block to endure at least 50 freeze/thaw cycles, should be shown by FBS. The block’s thermal conductivity is fairly high, but the foundation is unaffected by this. The ideal level of moisture resistance is W2.
The FBS’s dimensions are expressed in decimeters, rounded to the nearest whole number. The type of concrete used to make the FBS is indicated along with the dimensions: heavy (T), silicate (S), and expanded clay (P, with a porous base).
An illustration of how to interpret the markings on the FBS-24-4-6 T block is as follows: the foundation block is made of heavy concrete and measures 240 centimeters in length and 40 and 60 centimeters on each side. Marking can take many forms (dots, hyphens, spaces), but it always entails stating the primary quantities.
Due to the fact that the FBS weighs 260 kg, building the foundation requires specialized equipment; doing the work by hand is not an option.
Small-length foundation blocks are typically used for residential buildings, while the largest are used for multi-story and industrial buildings. A certain amount of dimension error is acceptable during the block production process.
- In height/width – deviation up to 8 millimeters.
- Length – no more than 13 millimeters.
- In cut – up to 5 millimeters.
It is crucial to consider the conformance of the dimensions and weight of FBS when purchasing and selecting blocks. Therefore, if the weight is less than the given amount and the dimensions are normal, this suggests that the material is not well compacted, which reduces the strength of the block. It is preferable to avoid using these kind of blocks when building the foundation.
The tops of the blocks have unique metal lugs that are designed to make installation easier. Steel or periodic metal profiles are used to make them. You can arrange small blocks without loops if needed. The GOST states that the blocks shouldn’t have any cracks or deformations. FBP, FBV, and other blocks are produced in addition to the primary types for use in the construction of public and residential structures.
Advantages and disadvantages
Studying all of the material’s characteristics, including the benefits and drawbacks that must be considered during construction, is crucial when determining the right size of FBS foundation blocks and completing the calculations for them.
- High quality of all products manufactured in strict accordance with GOSTs.
- Strict control of the entire technological process during production, which guarantees reliability and strength, compliance with the specified technical characteristics.
- Quick installation – the construction of a foundation and walls from blocks takes literally a few days.
- Ease of operation – installation does not require any special knowledge or skills.
- Large selection of sizes – most often the height and width of the blocks are standard, and the length can be any. But if necessary, you can find elements with almost any width, other parameters.
- Absence of complex requirements in operation – the blocks are not afraid of weather conditions, aggressive environments, can be used on wet soils.
- Long service life.
- Excellent frost resistance, moisture resistance, fire safety.
It is important to note that FBS has certain drawbacks, including the requirement for specialized equipment during installation (which raises labor costs), the significance of installing a layer of waterproofing in between joints, and the requirement for additional insulation.
It is far stronger than a prefabricated one when compared to a monolithic foundation, but prefabricated foundations are more cost-effective and practical for many kinds of structures.
Any construction project requires an understanding of the dimensions and specifications of concrete blocks. The main dimensions of typical concrete blocks—width, height, length, and weight—are listed in an easy-to-read table in this article. Builders and do-it-yourselfers can make sure they select the appropriate blocks for their unique requirements by having this information in an accessible format, which will result in stronger, more effective structures.
Choosing block sizes
Block sizes vary greatly from one another. Because of this, creating a foundation is fairly easy, and selecting an FBS that meets the necessary dimensions won’t be tough. Consider the loads that the foundation will eventually have to support as well as the requirement to distribute those loads equally throughout the base when choosing the dimensions.
The dimensions of the FBS determine the structure’s strength and bearing capacity, installation technique, "zero cycle" implementation time, and foundation cost. Consider the types of soil and the soil’s bearing capacity as well. Make sure to factor in the thickness of the building’s walls and floors, as well as the structure’s weight, strength, and necessary foundation area. The foundation blocks should be larger the heavier the structure and the less stable the soil.
Therefore, large elements are chosen for clay soils, and small FBS is used to build a foundation for coarse-grained soils. Using components of varying sizes results in the densest arrangement. Keep in mind this basic guideline when selecting blocks: five blocks should ideally make up each wall length.
FBS blocks: product sizes
The block production process typically presents serial sizes as standard, regardless of the brand used. You must order blocks from the factory or search for additional components if you need to purchase blocks in non-standard sizes.
- Length – 88, 118, 238 centimeters.
- Height – 28, 58 centimeters.
- Width – 30, 40, 50, 60 centimeters.
A marking indicating the length, width, and height in decimeters must be present on every block. These specifications have to be in line with GOST 13579-78. The type of concrete that is used to make the elements is indicated by the letters that are present next to the size.
FBS is produced in 15 standard sizes, according to GOST. The width, which ranges from 30 to 60 centimeters, is the primary feature of the measurements. There are three possible length variations, while the height is typically standard (apart from a 118-centimeter-long block, whose height is always 28 centimeters). The dimensions of the smallest and largest size elements are 88, 30, and 58 centimeters, respectively, for length, height, and width.
The typical block is a void-free, solid product made of reinforced concrete. Requesting a quality certificate from the manufacturer is crucial when selecting blocks because it ensures that the blocks meet all standards requirements.
How to choose the right size of FBS blocks
Foundations are built using a variety of blocks. A sweep of the base is made in order to precisely ascertain the dimensions and quantity of elements. This involves performing a conditional layout of all elements along the length and height of the structure’s basement wall on a special drawing. At least 25 centimeters should separate each block in the dressing.
The thickness of the building walls is taken into consideration when choosing the width of the FBS. A slight overhang of above-ground structures is permitted by the standard. The ledge on the sides should not be higher than 4 centimeters if you intend to construct walls out of brick. Blocks 60 centimeters wide are permitted for walls 64 centimeters wide, and blocks 50 centimeters wide are permitted for structures 51 centimeters wide.
Elements of varying lengths are arranged in the layout so that they are mounted uniformly and without protrusions, which determines the length of the FBS. It is preferred that each wall have no more than five elements.
In terms of height, walls and foundations are typically built using products that are 58 centimeters high. For composite (additional) elements, 28-centimeter blocks are utilized when a foundational opening is required for the input/output of networks, vents, etc.
The FBS’s weight is a crucial determinant when selecting the specialized tools needed to complete installation tasks. When planning the delivery of blocks to the location and loading/unloading components, this parameter is also crucial. The only FBS blocks that can be installed without the need for specialized tools are the 20x20x40 centimeter blocks.
Types of blocks according to GOST: FBS, FBP, FBV, FL and BF
According to GOST 13579-78, three types of concrete blocks are traditionally used for the construction of technical underground rooms, basement walls, strip/columnar foundations, walls of low (often unheated) buildings, and other structures operated at temperatures ranging from +50 to -70 degrees: FBS, FBP, and FBV. Both expanded clay concrete and heavy or silicate concrete are used to make them. These products should have a density of at least 1800 kg/m3.
FBS has the maximum strength indication and is a strong foundation block. Smaller products only have metal mounting loops; they are not strengthened. The longitudinal steel rods that reinforce the blocks as a whole greatly increase the weight and strength of the building components.
FBV blocks presuppose that the product’s cavity contains a longitudinal dimension. The installation of different utility lines requires this section. These products are made from concrete grade M100 or higher, utilizing the same technology as FBS. These blocks are typically ordered from the factory and are not frequently used in construction. The standard dimensions are as follows: width 40/50/60 centimeters, height 58, and length 88 centimeters.
The bottom of the element contains open square-shaped holes that are hollow and lightweight blocks called FBP. Blocks have a standard length of 238 centimeters and are constructed from concrete grade no lower than M150. The product’s cost can vary greatly based on its linear dimensions. FBP is utilized in the basement wall arrangement and foundation construction for industrial equipment.
In addition, there are blocks designated FL. These are trapezoidal in shape and are typically utilized as the foundation base for a strip or columnar structure. GOST 13580-85 governs the dimensions and specifications of these odd "pillows." The elements’ dimensions are as follows: height: 30 or 50 centimeters; width: 60 to 320 centimeters; length: 78 to 298 centimeters.
The largest blocks indicate a size of 298 by 200 by 50 centimeters, while the smallest have dimensions of 118 by 60 by 30 centimeters.
The exterior and interior walls of buildings belonging to commercial, industrial, and agricultural enterprises are constructed using BF blocks. Heavy concrete is used to make reinforced concrete strip blocks in compliance with GOST 28737-90 standards. The types of block cross-section sizes are limited to six.
Manufacturers and prices
It will not be difficult to locate concrete products of the FBS type and other blocks in Moscow and the surrounding areas as they are produced by numerous concrete plants. Although the production volume may differ, all reputable manufacturers promise excellent quality and strict adherence to the most recent GOSTs regarding technology.
"Plant of Industrial Construction Parts" is one of Russia’s biggest producers of FBS. Every product is made in compliance with GOSTs, is robust, and is of excellent quality. The starting price for foundation blocks is 1,200 rubles per piece on average.
The production of different concrete elements is the area of expertise for the Russian company "Vira." More than 400 products make up the assortment, and various kinds of foundation blocks are among them. Depending on the size and type, the price varies, but it typically starts at 1,650 rubles.
The company "Master" produces excellent goods. The factory produces a range of concrete block kinds, each with a variable price that is marginally less than that of other producers.
The expanded clay plant in Alexandria produces a range of concrete products. Small concrete blocks are in high demand because they can be used to build ground floors, basements, and semi-basements as well as load-bearing walls, columns, and fences. The precision of sizes is ensured by the unique forms in which each block is produced. The kind and dimensions of the component affect the price.
The construction industry receives high-quality products from the Zlatoust plant, including panels, stairs, road slabs, lintels, FBS, FVP, and FBP. Every concrete product is offered for a reasonable price; a foundation block costs 950 rubles per piece, on average.
Any building project requires an understanding of the dimensions of concrete blocks. Being aware of these blocks’ dimensions—width, height, length, and weight—will help you plan and carry out your project more effectively. Standard sizes guarantee consistency and dependability, which is important for installation ease as well as structural integrity.
Different needs can be met by the variety of sizes available in concrete blocks. The most typical measurements are 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches wide; the most common heights are 8 inches, and the most common lengths are 16 inches. These industry-standard measurements guarantee compatibility with other building materials and expedite the construction process.
A concrete block’s weight varies with its size and composition. The typical weight of standard concrete blocks is between thirty and thirty-five pounds, which allows them to be easily handled by hand while still being strong and long-lasting. Concrete blocks are versatile enough to be used in a variety of construction applications because of their balance of size and weight.
You can make better decisions for your building projects if you are familiar with the dimensions and specifications of concrete blocks. This information helps ensure that your structures are long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing in addition to assisting with accurate material estimation.