Sizes, marking and manufacturing of foundation blocks

Greetings and welcome to "All about Concrete," your one-stop shop for all things concrete and building. We go into the important specifics of foundation blocks in this article, including their sizes, markings, and production method.

As the base upon which entire structures rest, foundation blocks are essential to the construction process. They are made to support different kinds of buildings and the weights they carry, and they are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Comprehending these dimensions is essential to guaranteeing the steadiness and durability of any building endeavor.

A precise process is used during the manufacturing of foundation blocks to guarantee their strength and durability. These blocks are typically formed of concrete or other composite materials, and they go through molding and curing processes. In the manufacturing process, the blocks are also marked with critical information that builders and inspectors need to know, like batch numbers and load-bearing capacities.

There are various uses for marking foundation blocks in the building sector. It gives essential details regarding the block’s specifications, assisting builders in choosing the appropriate parts for their undertakings. In order to guarantee quality and dependability, markings frequently contain information about compliance with industry standards, such as ASTM or ISO requirements.

Gaining an appreciation for the dependability and quality of foundation blocks requires an understanding of the manufacturing process. Strict guidelines are adhered to by manufacturers to guarantee strength and consistency in each block produced. Since foundation blocks are the cornerstone of any building’s structural integrity, this attention to detail is essential.

Keep checking back as we explore every facet of foundation blocks, giving you important details about their dimensions, labeling, and production method. "All about Concrete" can help you learn and make decisions about building materials, whether you’re an architect, builder, or just interested in the subject.

Manufacturing technology

Specialized businesses that manufacture FBS blocks strictly in compliance with GOST include:

• heavy concrete with an average density of 2400 kg / m³;
• expanded clay concrete (1800 kg / m³);
• lime-lime concrete (2000 kg / m³).

The standardized class for compressive strength is B7.5 for the first two materials and B15 for the final one. Cement of grade M100 or higher is used in manufacturing (many manufacturers prefer M200).

Specifically designed collapsible metal forms are used in the production of FBS blocks.

The following is the technological process:

• Before pouring concrete, all walls are lubricated with a special compound (to prevent the solution from sticking to the form).
• Then this container is filled with the finished solution.
• Then, using immersion vibrators, the concrete is compacted.
• Metal transport loops are installed in the not yet hardened solution.
• After the concrete has gained primary strength, the form is disassembled and the manufactured block is left for final drying.

For details! In the process of making FBS blocks, internal reinforcement is not used. The word "solid" refers to the fact that the block is made entirely of concrete without the need for additional metal reinforcement.

The production of FBS blocks can be accelerated thanks to modern technologies without sacrificing the dependability and quality of the final product. Currently, automated universal units are used by specialized businesses to vibrate and mold blocks. A unique concrete solution, referred to as semi-dry, that is based on M200 cement is utilized in the block-making process.

We examine the dimensions, markings, and manufacturing process of foundation blocks in this article from "All about Concrete." Foundation blocks are essential building materials because they give structures stability and support. Comprehending their dimensions facilitates the effective planning and implementation of construction projects. These blocks have markings that provide information about their quality and specifications, assisting builders in choosing the best materials for their projects. Examining the production process for foundation blocks provides insight into the procedures used to guarantee the robustness and dependability of building foundations. By demystifying these essential components, this article hopes to equip readers with the knowledge they need to make wise decisions about their construction projects.

Sizes and marking of FBS blocks

FBS blocks come in three length sizes: 880, 1180, and 2380 mm (with a maximum allowable deviation of ±13 mm from the GOST value). 300, 400, 500, or 600 mm (±8 mm) is the width. The most widely used blocks have a height of 580 mm (±8 mm), and only FBS 1180 mm long blocks with a height of 280 mm are made.

The block marking is composed of a letter abbreviation (FBS), followed by a dot and the geometric dimensions (rounded to whole values in decimeters). The type of concrete used in manufacturing is then indicated by a dash and a letter (T for heavy, P for porous fillers, and S for dense silicate).

For instance, in the event that the factory applies the FBS12 marking to the side (or end) surface.6.6-t, which indicates that the FBS block is 1180 mm long, 600 mm wide, and 580 mm high in front of you. Its construction involved the use of heavy concrete. In comparison, FBS24.3.6-t measures 2380 mm in length, 300 mm in width, and 580 mm in height.

Technical characteristics

According to GOST, FBS blocks are distinguished by:

• average density of concrete used in production – from 1800 to 2400 kg/m³;
• compressive strength class – from B7.5 to B15;
• overall dimensions (length, width and height);
• weight – from 230 to 1960 kg;
• size and configuration of the mounting steel loop;
• type of concrete from which they are made: it can be heavy, with filler (expanded clay) or silicate;
• frost resistance – from 50 to 200 full freeze/thaw cycles;
• The concrete brand in water resistance – W2;
• strength – usually not less than 100 ÷ 110 kg / cm².

Application area, advantages and disadvantages

FBS blocks are employed in the building of

• prefabricated or prefabricated-monolithic strip foundations;
• basements;
• retaining walls to strengthen the landscape;
• domestic and warehouse premises.

Without a doubt, FBS blocks have the following benefits:

• high quality and strict compliance with the declared overall dimensions, and, as a result, high reliability, since they are manufactured in factories in compliance with all necessary requirements for the material used and production technology;
• long service life;
• high moisture and frost resistance;
• convenience and ease of installation, which significantly reduces the time of foundation construction (after all preparatory work, the construction of the foundation usually takes only 3 ÷ 4 days);
• high compressive strength;
• use for masonry of an ordinary sand-cement mortar (that is, there is no need to purchase special expensive adhesive compounds);
• the possibility of designing foundations of various sizes, since the blocks have three types by length (often you can do without even using additional parts made from full-size elements during construction).

The following are some drawbacks of these blocks:

• Experts recommend constructing foundations based on FBS only on dry and sufficiently strong soils. This significantly limits the scope of their application.
• The need to use special lifting equipment for installation (for information: the weight of one product, depending on the size and material of manufacture, ranges from 0.23 to 1.96 tons).
• When using FBS blocks, the overall strength of the foundation is less compared to, for example, a monolithic strip foundation.

The process of making a foundation from FBS blocks

If the properties of the soil permit, you can only construct a foundation using FBS blocks.

The most common type, though, are what are known as prefabricated monolithic foundations. Such grounds and traditional monolithic strip foundations differ primarily in that concreting is only necessary when positioning the upper and lower armored vehicles. We provide the following short, step-by-step instructions for building a block-monolithic foundation:

• First of all, we mark and digging the trench (by analogy with the standard strip base).
• On the bottom of the trench we pour a layer of sand (10 ÷ 20 cm thick) and thoroughly trigger with a vibrating plate.
• Then we pour the same layer of crushed stone and also carefully compact.

Speaking of which, When applied as a spatricial on clay soils, gratzing—a concoction of sand, gravel, and cement—becomes faster than the surrounding soil and shields the base’s lower surface from erosion.

• Equip low formwork for the lower armored carrier.
• We put dense polyethylene into it (to prevent rapid moisture removal).
• We install a two-tier reinforcing frame (the lower layer is working, the upper one is structural).

• We pour concrete mortar.
• After reaching 20% ​​of the strength of the "sub-concrete" (this is approximately a day after pouring the mortar), we begin installing FBS blocks using a crane. We start laying from the corners of the base (the technology is similar to brickwork) and do it on sand-cement mortar, which also needs to fill the vertical cavities between the products. We make the second and subsequent layers "staggered" with overlapping blocks.

Crucial! Using a level, we ensure that each block is installed correctly both vertically and horizontally.

• After finishing laying the products, we arrange the formwork for the upper armored belt.
• We install a reinforcing frame inside it and fill everything with concrete mortar.

For details! In addition to leveling out any unevenness that may arise during block installation, the upper reinforcing belt also evenly distributes loads across the entire foundation strip and boosts the strength of the entire base.

• We partially expand the external masonry joints and fill them with a special mixture (with a waterproofing additive).
• We carry out all the necessary work on waterproofing the foundation.

• And only after that we backfill the trench.

For anyone working on building or landscaping projects, it is essential to comprehend the dimensions, markings, and production processes of foundation blocks. Foundation blocks are available in different sizes to meet the needs of different types of buildings. These blocks, which come in a range of sizes from 8 by 8 inches to larger variations, serve as the foundation for structures and guarantee stability and durability.

When it comes to marking, foundation blocks are frequently marked with information about their manufacturer, composition, and load-bearing capacity. By assisting engineers and builders in choosing the appropriate blocks for particular uses, these markings guarantee both safety and adherence to building codes.

Although there are differences in the manufacturing processes for foundation blocks, in order to achieve the required strength and durability, concrete or cement is typically mixed with aggregates and additives. Molds or automated machinery can be used to shape and size blocks into a variety of shapes and sizes, guaranteeing uniformity and quality throughout batches.

It’s crucial for anyone thinking about using foundation blocks for their projects to speak with experts to choose the right size and kind depending on the weight of the intended structure, the state of the soil, and other environmental considerations. For the foundation to function properly and be stable overall, these blocks must be installed and aligned correctly.

To sum up, foundation blocks are vital parts of construction that give buildings and outdoor structures the necessary stability and support. Builders and homeowners can contribute to the structural integrity and longevity of their projects by making informed decisions based on their understanding of the products’ sizes, markings, and manufacturing processes.

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