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Concrete blocks, made from a mix of Portland cement, aggregate, and water, can be solid or contain holes. Cinder blocks are made with fly ash or bottom ash. Aerated concrete blocks are lighter but more expensive. Different sizes and shapes are available for various purposes. They are often used in utilitarian structures and can be painted or coated for a more attractive appearance.
As the name suggests, a concrete block is a building or building block made from concrete. Concrete is a blend of Portland cement, aggregate, and water. Often the aggregate used in the production of concrete blocks is fly ash or bottom ash. Both fly ash and bottom ash are the residues, or ash, resulting from the burning of coal. Hence, some concrete blocks are known as cinder blocks.
Cinder blocks can be made in almost any size, but some of the most common are 6 X 8 X 16 inches (15.24 X 20.32 X 40.64 cm) and 8 X 8 X 16 inches (20.32 X 20.32 X 40.64 cm). These blocks weigh 40 to 45 pounds (18.14 kg to 20.41 kg). The blocks can be solid or contain large holes in the middle. There are also concrete blocks, called cinder blocks, manufactured to the specifications of the common red brick.
A lighter concrete block, manufactured from aerated concrete, is also available for the construction. This type of block is known as aerated concrete block (AAC) or as an autoclaved aerated concrete block (ACC). This type of cinder block is produced from a mix containing a binder with smaller portions of cement than the more common block and aluminum powder aggregate, along with water for mixing. While just as strong as regular cinder blocks, AAC blocks are much lighter. AAC block is, however, much more expensive than common concrete block, so it is not widely used.
The most common concrete block is cored, with two or three holes in the center of the block. This is done for a variety of reasons. First, this reduces the weight of the block. Second, rebar or long steel bars may be inserted through the webs to reinforce a load-bearing block wall. Thirdly, the cores in the block can be filled with sand or gravel in a further reinforcing procedure.
Other sizes and shapes of concrete blocks are also available for different purposes. There are notched blocks for door and window sills and angled blocks for corners. There are also wedge shaped blocks on a straight base known as capping units. Additionally, there are header and bull nose blocks. Special blocks can be obtained to suit the unique needs of any type of masonry structure.
Concrete block, due to its rather bland appearance, is used more frequently in utilitarian structures than for residential construction. The blocks can, however, be painted or coated with a thin colored concrete veneer to make them more attractive. The blocks are also jacketed to ensure adequate weather resistance and to provide additional insulation within the structure.
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