DIVISION 4 – Masonry

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB), are one of the most
extensively used walling materials in the Philippines.
Some of the reasons for this is their relative low cost
when compared to other materials and speed of
installation by semi-skilled labourers. CHB walls are very
weak against lateral loads (pushing or pulling forces from
typhoon or earthquake). Adding steel reinforcing bars
vertically and horizontally inside the CHBs can increase
their resistance to lateral loads.
PRODUCT PACKAGING: Per piece
PRODUCT PREPARATION PROCEDURE:
Done in two different ways
By weight or volume. The most common method is by volume (e.g. using a bucket).
Mixture
For CHBs: Mix Proportion 1:7, as per structural engineer’s specification.
Water
Clean water should be used. Shall not exceed 28 litres per 40 kilograms per bag of cement,
slump test (as per ASTM C-143) shall not exceed 10cm, unless specified by a structural
engineer.
Common CHB mix
½ bucket of water, 1 bucket of cement, 7 buckets of sand.
Common mortar mix
1 bucket of water, 1 bucket of cement, 5 buckets of sand
Mixing time
If batch mixer is used, use accurate timing and measuring devices to operate as per
manufacturer’s instructions. Revolutions should be between 14 and 20 per minute.
Curing
After being removed from the mould, the CHBs should be covered with a plastic sheet or
tarpaulin and kept damp and shaded for at least 7 days in order to effectively cure. This can be
achieved by continually spraying them with water or keeping them under water in tanks. A
good curing process leads to less cracking and a stronger, harder, denser and more durable
concrete.
PRODUCT APPLICATION/INSTALLATION PROCEDURE:
All concrete hollow block will be carried out in accordance with the specification and
Project Quality Plan.
Handling and Storage of Materials
Blocks shall be delivered to site palletized, off loaded as near to the point of use
as practicable on a clean hard surface free from contamination by mud or surface
water.
Cement shall be stored off the ground, kept dry and used in order of delivery.
Store metal ties and straps under cover and protect them from damage and
distortion.
Preparation of Work, Materials and Components
When the materials and components are distributed to the work area, ensure that
the structure is not overloaded.
Plan for scaffolding material required for block work at heights. Plan for
additional manpower for lifting blocks at heights.
Set out anticipating the position of openings etc. in the work above to avoid
unnecessary cutting and adjustment of masonry units leading to incorrect or uneven
bonding.
Preparation of Mortar Mixes
Mortar shall be mixed by machine except for small quantities only (not
containing plasticizer). Hand mixing (if permitted) may be done on a watertight
platform.
Use mortars (other than retarded mortars) within 2 hours of mixing or as
specified.
Laying of Concrete Hollow Blocks
Spread the mortar along the corner
Use your trowel to spread a few slabs of mortar around the corner's base of the
footing. Spread the mortar 1" deep and 8" wide in the marked area. Continue to
spread the mortar to account for the distance of about three to four blocks.
Rebar should be on-place whenever laying is on-going.
Set the corner block
It is important to lay the corner block down first. Again, use a corner block if
they're available. Setting the corner first will ensure an even dispersal of the rest
of the blocks.
Apply mortar to the side
Apply mortar to each side of the concrete block using your trowel. You'll need to
apply at least an inch to each side. Once applied, position the block in the desired
location. Try to align the corner to the string set up earlier. Don't apply mortar to
outer edge of the corner. Try not to leave any gaps when applying mortar, or it’ll
weaken the bond between the blocks.
Continue to lay the concrete blocks
Start laying blocks from the corner or edge of the wall so you can work in one
direction. Apply mortar at the end of the block before you place the block
adjacent to it.
Check the Alignment
Before stacking more concrete blocks on top of your initial foundation, check if
everything is aligned. Use your mason's level by laying it on the first set of blocks.
Check both the outside and center section of the bricks. Tap the blocks for any
alignment adjustments while the mortar is still wet. Do not try to move a block
after the concrete has set. Measure the length and height every two or three
layers.
Apply mortar to the top
Place the mortar 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and use the same width as the width of the
block. You can then spread the mortar so it covers the length of about 3 blocks in
the direction that you are laying the blocks.
Stack the blocks
Lay the block down on top so the edge of the top block aligns with the halfway
mark of the bottom block. You'll recognize the pattern as a standard among the
construction sites. The top block will fit in between two bottom blocks.
Add reinforcement
If you built high walls, consider adding reinforcements. You can also use
reinforcements if the ground pressure on the site is not stable. Place the 1/4"
reinforcement rods into the openings with the ends overlapping about 2" or 3"
PRODUCT DISPOSAL PROCEDURE:
Step 1
Sort your concrete blocks into two categories: those that can be reused and those that cannot.
Concrete blocks that are chipped or broken should not be reused for building, but they can still
be recycled.
Step 2
Locate green contractors near you through the Green Contractor Guide (see Resources). Call
matching local contractors to see if they need cinder or concrete blocks for building projects. If
someone wants the blocks, arrange to have them removed. In this way, you don't have to
transport the blocks in your car for recycling, and you save resources because the blocks can be
reused in their current state without being processed.
Step 3
Find recycling centers near you that accept concrete blocks by going to Earth 911 (see
Resources). Enter your city or zip code in the location blocks and type "Concrete" in the search
bar. Then call matching recycling centers to find out when they are open. Load the concrete
blocks into your car or truck and drive them to the recycling center. Dispose of all broken or
subpar blocks in this manner, along with concrete blocks you can't give to a contractor.
REFERENCE: Key Messages CHB V1.1.pdf (sheltercluster.org)