However, cinder blocks are more subject to moisture, water seepage, radon gas, salt deposits, and efflorescence (white powdery residue) problems because of their high porosity. Compared to a heavyweight concrete block, a typical cinder block weighs only 26-33 lbs. There are builders that prefer cinder blocks because they are much easier to work with. Modern cinder blocks are usually made with volcanic pumice instead of cinder unless there is a nearby coal-fired power station or cement kiln to supply pulverized cinders or fly ash. “Cinder block” is an archaic term from the time when power plants and coke ovens in steel mills produced huge amounts of “cinders” from burning coal. Lower-density blocks may use industrial wastes, such as fly ash or bottom ash as an aggregate instead of the sand or fine gravel used to make true concrete. ![]() ![]() The typical high-density concrete block (8 x 8 x 16 inches with two cores) weighs 36-42 lbs. Compared to typical structural concrete, they are made with a higher percentage of sand and a lower percentage of gravel and water for a stiffer mixture that holds its shape when removed from the block mold. Standard (high-density) concrete blocks are made from cast concrete – Portland cement, sand, and gravel. CMUs may look similar, but there are big differences among them! Employing reinforcement bars and filling the hollow cores with concrete results in strong structural walls. CMUs are used for the construction of load-bearing foundation walls, basement walls, partition walls, exterior walls, retaining walls, and non-load-bearing partition walls. ![]() Concrete blocks and cinder blocks, as well as split face blocks and lightweight blocks, are all referred to as CMUs (concrete masonry units).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |