SPECIALTIES OF CONCRETE BLOCKS

There are many specialties of concrete blocks. Concrete blocks are one of the widely used
materials in the construction industry worldwide. Below are the advantages of using concrete
blocks in construction.
Greatly reduced construction cost
By using concrete blocks on a building, the construction cost can be reduced. One of the
reasons for this is that concrete blocks are light, lighter than bricks. So the reduced load
of the blocks would enable engineers to reduce the loading capacity of the building
frame. This means that the frame of the building can be reduced in terms of size.
Termite resistant
Wood frame homes are tasty targets for these destructive insects, but not block homes.
Whats more, block homes are virtually resistant to dry rot, one of the major causes of
exterior maintenance.
Reduced maintenance cost
Moisture, which can undermine other building materials through rust or rot, has no
weakening effect on concrete. In fact, concrete continues to strengthen over time, which
is why concrete structures built thousands of years ago are still intact. It is also weather
and storm resistant.
Extremely durable
Concrete is one durable material. It is fire resistant and is also weather and storm
resistant. It could be thrown against anything and still be intact.
Design flexibility
Concrete block is an exceptionally flexible building material. Concrete block can be used
to build just about any type of house feature possible.



TYPES OF TESTS FOR CONCRETE BLOCKS
Compressive Strength
Compressive strength of the block is measured in a manner similar to that for concrete,
except that capping masonry block requires a much larger mould. The compressive
strength tester also must be modified to accommodate the block.
Sand-sieve analysis
A sieve analysis is a procedure used to evaluate the particle size distribution or
gradation of a granular material. The size distribution is often of critical importance to the
way the material performs its use in the construction industry. A sieve analysis can be
performed on any type of non-organic or organic granular materials including sands,
crushed rock, clays, granite, feldspars, coal, and soil.
Sand sieve analysis in concrete block testing is used to determine the particle size
distribution of sand. This is to ensure that the ration of material used is in accordance to
the required specification and requirement to the standards stated.
Wear resistant/durability test
The concrete blocks must undergo durability test before it can be used as a construction
material. The criteria for a concrete block to be deem fit for its use would be if it has
achieved the required strength or more. This test is required as the concrete blocks used
would be of achieved standards and able to go through the harshest of weather and
working conditions.