Sand-cement blocks (from cement and concrete): types, properties and characteristics

Sand-cement blocks are a common building material valued for their adaptability and durability. They are created by combining cement and sand. These building blocks are frequently utilized in residential and commercial construction projects. Many architects and builders favor them because of their strength and simplicity of use.

Sand-cement blocks come in a variety of forms, each with special qualities and traits. The ratios of cement to sand in the mixture, along with any other materials or treatments, are frequently the cause of the variations in these blocks. It is essential to comprehend these differences in order to choose the appropriate kind of block for a given building application.

Sand-cement blocks’ strength, density, and capacity for thermal insulation are among their key characteristics. These blocks are perfect for load-bearing walls and other structural applications because they are made to withstand a lot of weight and pressure. Their composition and density also enhance their thermal efficiency, which helps control interior temperature and boost energy efficiency.

In general, sand-cement blocks are a dependable and effective choice for a variety of building tasks. Builders can improve the longevity and functionality of their structures by learning about the various types and their unique characteristics. The many varieties of sand-cement blocks, their essential characteristics, and the advantages they provide for building will all be covered in this article.

Type Properties and Characteristics
Hollow Sand-Cement Blocks Lightweight, good for insulation, less durable compared to solid blocks
Solid Sand-Cement Blocks Heavy, strong, and durable, good for load-bearing structures
Interlocking Sand-Cement Blocks Easy to assemble, reduces mortar use, good for DIY projects
Permeable Sand-Cement Blocks Allows water drainage, ideal for pavements and landscaping

Features of blocks

Blocks can be made from sand and cement by vibrating pressing the preparation of building materials. This method makes the building material more durable and stops air voids from forming. Sand, water, and high-grade cement are needed to make such a block.

Sand and concrete must be thoroughly mixed before adding the necessary amount of water to create a solution for preparing a building material. After that, the final mixture is put into a unique container and delivered to a vibrating table. The solution is compacted using vibration, and extra air is naturally expelled from the mixture. The resulting block is then thoroughly dried, making the building material usable.

The cement-sand block may be hollow or solid. The foundation, which supports the weight of the entire building, is primarily laid with the solid type. The building’s walls are made of hollow.

A hollow version might have variously shaped voids inside of it. The slab weighs less than a solid version because of these voids. Because less building materials are needed to produce a block with a void inside, it improves sound insulation, keeps heat in the house, and is a more cost-effective material for construction.

The solid version is extremely durable and has a solid structure. It is utilized in foundation construction as a result.

The purposes of cement-sand blocks vary, and there are multiple variations available. Some are used to make partitions, some are meant to be load-bearing walls, and still others are meant to be facing material for buildings.

When building load-bearing walls, slabs are laid in a row and may be alternated with solid blocks. During production, the slabs are made slightly wider. When internal walls and partitions are being manufactured, a narrower form is employed.

When building such walls, heat conductivity decreases and sound insulation is reduced. A facing material is a type of material used to create walls with a distinctive decorative pattern on one side. This kind stands out due to its strength and resistance to water.

Advantages

A slab with this kind of frost resistance, which can range from F = 25 to F = 150, has several advantages. Strong buildings can be constructed by using these slabs to construct load-bearing walls because of their high strength, which also increases the building’s capacity to support weight.

Since this material essentially doesn’t absorb water, mold won’t grow and the house won’t get wet. One of the benefits of using sand-cement blocks is that there is less building shrinkage while the structure is being constructed. The fact that this building material resists fire is an advantage.

The structure can withstand direct flame for ten hours. A structure made of these bricks can also tolerate extreme heat and cold because it is not afraid of temperature changes.

You should be aware that this building material is composed of eco-friendly materials if you care about the environment.

Its durability and low cost define it. The building has a service life of over 75 years. The main benefit of sand blocks is that they don’t require any specialized construction equipment to construct a building; this makes them stand out for their excellent sound insulation. These products are employed in the building of residential and commercial buildings.

Properties and characteristics

The blocks have several technical qualities, including the following, which demonstrate the dependability of the building material: they are incredibly durable.

  • after 2 months the blocks are ready for laying;
  • the solution sets after 3 hours;
  • the prepared solution must be used within 2 hours;
  • the material consumption is 1.8 kg of solution per 1 m³.

Portland cement can be added to the blocks during the manufacturing process to give the building material frost resistance, increase density, and lessen corrosion risk.

The material’s traditional composition is made up of sand and cement in a 1:3 ratio. Sand is replaced with a sand and gravel mixture to lessen the composition’s concrete content.

If you want to make the slabs yourself, you can purchase a pre-made sand cement mixture and dilute it yourself, adding water only as needed to reach the right consistency. These prefabricated mixes contain various fillers, which are identified on the container and may be tiny or large. Large sand cement is better suited for making facing building materials, whereas fine sand cement is used to create extremely strong blocks.

Types of blocks

This building material is conditionally divided into the following types:

  1. Foundation block, which is solid. The material has no voids, which makes it super strong. The standard size is 40x20x20 cm.
  2. Hollow blocks, they can have from 2 to 8 holes, which allow you to keep the heat in the walls. Despite the presence of holes, the strength of this product remains high, and the consumption of building material for the manufacture of the building is reduced.
  3. Facing, one side of the block always has a decorative pattern. Such slabs decorate the facades of the building.
  4. Partition. Used to create walls inside the premises. Such slabs are slightly smaller than solid ones in size.
  5. Wall blocks, which are used to build internal walls, but are wider than partition blocks.

A combination of cement and sand, sand-cement blocks are a strong and adaptable building material. They are available in different varieties, each appropriate for a particular set of building requirements, be it partitions, load-bearing walls, or ornamental elements. Selecting the appropriate block for your project becomes easier when you are aware of its qualities and types.

The strength, longevity, and resistance to weathering are the main qualities of sand-cement blocks. Because of these blocks’ superior thermal insulation qualities, buildings can use less energy. Their ability to insulate sound also helps to create a quieter interior atmosphere.

The construction process can be accelerated considerably by using sand-cement blocks because of their uniform size and ease of handling. Additionally, they are affordable, offering a dependable and sensible solution for a range of construction projects. You can make sure that your construction has longevity and structural integrity by choosing the right kind of block.

A combination of cement and sand, sand-cement blocks are a strong and adaptable building material. They are available in a variety of varieties, each with special qualities and traits appropriate for various building applications. These blocks are a popular option for both residential and commercial projects because of their strength, cost-effectiveness, and reputation for thermal insulation. Comprehending the distinctions between types and attributes facilitates the process of choosing the appropriate block for particular uses, guaranteeing peak efficiency and durability of the building.

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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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