Popular building materials like sand-concrete blocks are prized for their adaptability and longevity. They are frequently utilized in construction to build foundations, walls, and other structural components. These blocks are a sensible option for both residential and commercial projects because they combine the durability of concrete with the affordability and simplicity of sand.
Sand, cement, and water are precisely mixed during the sand-concrete block manufacturing process. To create the blocks, this mixture is poured into molds and compressed. The blocks are allowed to cure after shaping in order for them to solidify and become stronger. Every block is guaranteed to meet the necessary performance and quality standards thanks to this process.
The superior thermal insulation capabilities of sand-concrete blocks are one of their main advantages. They lessen the need for additional heating or cooling by assisting in the maintenance of a constant indoor temperature. These blocks also resist weather, fire, and pests, which lengthens their useful life and increases the security of buildings constructed with them.
Building with sand-concrete blocks encourages sustainability as well. Many times, locally sourced materials are used, which lowers the environmental effect and cost of transportation. Additionally, recycled materials can be used in the manufacturing process to further improve their environmentally friendly qualities.
- Description of blocks
- Types of blocks
- Characteristics of blocks
- Pros and cons of blocks
- Video on the topic
- How does raw material affect the strength of sand blocks.
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Description of blocks
Vibration pressing is used to create fine-grained concrete for this building material. Let’s examine the functions and areas of use of the sand concrete blocks.
You can view a video of the sand concrete block laying process in this article.
Types of blocks
Sand concrete blocks are classified into the following categories:
- By structure:
- Solid sand concrete block. They are used in the construction of load-bearing walls where the strength of the material is of great importance. Solid blocks can also be used to build columnar foundations for light buildings, cellar walls, or basements under a house. The latter option is only possible if it is possible to rely on a monolithic foundation slab.
- Hollow sand concrete block. They have technological voids of different shapes and sizes, which can be through or blind. The presence of voids leads to a decrease in the weight of the blocks and an improvement in the soundproofing properties of the material.
- By application:
- Sand concrete foundation block. Such blocks are produced solid (rarely, but hollow ones are also used). They are characterized by increased density and resistance to compression.
- Sand concrete wall block. This material is used to erect external and internal walls of a building.
- Facing block. Blocks have a smooth or relief surface that does not need further finishing. The following sand concrete blocks are very popular: torn stone (see. photo), corrugated surface, smooth. With the help of pigments added to the mass at the production stage, the blocks acquire a variety of shades.
- Sand concrete partition block. They are used for the construction of partitions inside the building. Partition blocks are produced in widths of 90-100 mm.
Characteristics of blocks
The following characteristics apply to sand concrete blocks (let’s compare them to brick and expanded clay concrete):
Characteristic | Sand concrete | Expanded clay concrete | Brick |
Frost resistance, cycle | 50-75 | 50 | 50 |
Strength, kgf/cm 2 | 200-500 | 35-300 | 50-300 |
Density, kg/m 3 | 1300-2200 | 1200-1500 | 1000-2000 |
Dimensions, mm | Main size: sand concrete blocks 200x200x400, 100x200x400 | 200x200x400, 100x200x400 | 65x120x250 |
Thermal conductivity, W/m*deg. | 0.56-1.15 | 0.15-0.45 | 0.3-0.8 |
Water absorption, % | 8 | 18-20 | 12 |
The kind, size, and production method all affect the blocks’ precise properties.
Pros and cons of blocks
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of sand concrete blocks.
Concrete blocks made of sand: advantages
- Durability. The service life of the material is 60-100 years.
- Frost resistance.
- Fire safety. Blocks can withstand up to 10 hours of open flame.
- Resistance to rotting, fungi, corrosion. By biostability, the material belongs to group V.
- High strength. Some manufacturers further increase the strength of blocks by adding reinforcing fiberglass or polypropylene fiber.
- Speed of construction.
- No shrinkage of the material.
- Small amount of mortar used in masonry.
- Good sound insulation.
- Economical. Due to the use of cheap ingredients in the production of blocks, the price of a sand concrete building will be 2-3 times lower than a brick building.
- Environmental friendliness. For the manufacture of blocks, environmentally friendly components of natural origin are used, which do not emit substances that threaten human health.
Sand concrete blocks and disadvantages:
- Quite a large weight of monolithic blocks. Because of this, the foundation of the building should be thorough.
- Thermal conductivity. Due to the absence of porous filler in the composition of the heat-insulation, sand concrete blocks are inferior, for example, of similar products from expanded clay concrete. Residential buildings built from these blocks are subject to compulsory insulation. Unheated buildings, such as garages, basements or cold warehouses, do not need further thermal insulation.
- Low vapor permeability.
- Blocks often do not have ideal geometry.
- A large scatter on qualitative characteristics of blocks of different manufacturers.
Sand concrete blocks have a wide range of uses: they are utilized in the construction of public and residential buildings, outbuildings and commercial spaces, garages and warehouse structures, basements, fences, and ventilation ducts.
Crucial! Block structures made of sand concrete work well with any kind of finishing.
Made from a combination of sand, cement, and water, sand-concrete blocks are adaptable building materials that combine strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness for a range of construction projects. They are made with exact measurements and careful mixing, then molded and cured to provide the right level of hardness and structural integrity. The main features of sand-concrete blocks are examined in this article, which also gives a concise synopsis of the methodical manufacturing process. This makes it simple for professionals and do-it-yourselfers to comprehend and utilize.
Topic | Description |
What are Sand-Concrete Blocks? | Sand-concrete blocks are building materials made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water. They are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for various construction projects. |
Manufacturing Process | The process involves mixing sand, cement, and water to form a paste. This mixture is then poured into molds and compacted to remove air pockets. After molding, the blocks are cured for several days to achieve maximum strength. |
Sand-concrete blocks are a versatile and durable building material that offers several advantages for construction projects. These blocks are made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water, providing a strong and resilient structure suitable for various applications. Their manufacturing process is straightforward yet effective, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
Sand-concrete blocks are made by precisely combining the raw ingredients, then molding and curing the mixture. By using this process, blocks with consistent dimensions and qualities can be produced, which makes working with them during construction easier. Sand-concrete blocks are an affordable and ecologically friendly option because they are made from locally available materials.
Sand-concrete blocks are well-known for their strength as well as their ability to insulate sound and heat. Because of this, they are a great option for both residential and commercial buildings, increasing comfort and energy efficiency. Their resilience to weather and longevity further increase their allure for a range of construction applications.
In general, contractors searching for affordable and environmentally friendly building materials will find that sand-concrete blocks are a dependable and useful choice. They remain a popular option in the construction industry because of their ease of manufacturing and wide range of applications.