Concrete Hollow Blocks | A Comprehensive Guide

Concrete hollow blocks are used in massive quantities across most building projects worldwide. Because of their versatility, low costs, and durability, CHBs can be used for load bearing structures, commercial buildings, and residential homes. Their surge in demand due to energy-efficient construction has prompted mass production across the globe.

According to GlobeNewswire, the concrete hollow block market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 7.29% between 2024 and 2029. This is mainly because of expansion, but also because of climate change awareness and the need for energy-efficient construction.

But what qualities do these versatile building blocks offer the construction industry? And how are they manufactured to be so sturdy while remaining so lightweight? Lontto Block Machine has answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide to concrete hollow blocks.

What are the Main Features of Concrete Hollow Blocks?

The main features of concrete hollow blocks include their durability, lightweight mass, and durability. Hollow blocks are made with voids inside, but the concrete mixture itself is also a lightweight substance. Moreover, builders prefer working with these blocks because they are easy to carry and position during the building process.

The benefits of concrete blocks are twofold. Here’s a summary on why builders prefer using concrete hollow blocks, followed by how these hollow blocks benefit structures.

Benefits to Builders

Benefits to Structures

What Raw Materials are Used to Make Concrete Hollow Blocks?

The raw materials used to make concrete hollow blocks are:

• Cement – Binds materials
• Sand – Fills gaps and improves texture
• Gravel or Crushed Stone – Enhances durability and load-bearing capacity
• Water – Activates cement
• Lime – Increases workability
• Fly Ash – Reduces weight
• Gypsum – Regulates setting time

How are Concrete Hollow Blocks Produced?

Concrete hollow blocks are produced by block making machines like the blocks supplied by Lontto. These machines can be set to manufacture a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures according to the needs of the construction team. The process involves mixing, molding, setting, and moving the hollow blocks.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the concrete hollow block-making process:

1. Mixing – Raw materials are blended to form a uniform mixture
2. Molding – The mix is poured into molds and compacted
3. Curing – Blocks are kept moist to strengthen the cement bond
4. Drying – Excess moisture evaporates for durability
5. Quality Check – Blocks are inspected for strength and uniformity

What Types of Concrete Hollow Blocks Can Your Machine Produce?

All of the concrete block machines from Lontto can produce various hollow block sizes. The most common thickness of hollow blocks include 8-inch, 6-inch, 5-inch, and 4-inch variations. A single hollow block machine can be fitted with multiple molds, allowing it to produce concrete bricks of different sizes.

What are the Standard Dimensions for Concrete Hollow Blocks?

Hollow blocks dimensions will depend on the needs of any given construction team. The size of hollow blocks is presented in Width × Height × Length. The standard hollow blocks dimensions in the US are:

• 8 in × 8 in × 16 in – Most widely used
• 6 in × 8 in × 16 in – Lighter, used for partitions
• 4 in × 8 in × 16 in – Non-load-bearing interior walls
• 10 in × 8 in × 16 in – Heavier-duty applications
• 12 in × 8 in × 16 in – Maximum strength for large structures

What is the Ratio of Mortar for Concrete Hollow Blocks?

The ratio of mortar when making concrete hollow blocks typically has two variations. If the required mortar strength is M7.5, then the ratio of cement : water : sand will be 1 : 0.9 : 6.72. If the mortar strength needs to be M10, the ratio will be 1 : 1.07 : 6.35.

Here’s a quick breakdown of these two ratios.

Where are Various Concrete Hollow Blocks Used in Construction?

Various concrete hollow blocks are respectively used in the construction of floors, bottom walls of tall buildings, waterproofing, and insulation. Here’s a breakdown of how each building requirement calls for a different type of concrete hollow block.

Concrete Hollow Blocks FAQs

How do concrete hollow blocks differ from solid concrete blocks?

Concrete hollow blocks are different from solid concrete blocks because they are lighter and easier to manage. Solid blocks are denser, don’t have gaps, and have a different consistency than hollow blocks. Solid blocks are used for heavy load bearing walls, while concrete hollow blocks are used for lighter or no load bearing structures.

How are concrete hollow blocks installed?

Concrete blocks are installed in a staggered pattern and held together with mortar in between. Steel bars or mesh are often used to reinforce them within their hollow centers, and additional mortar, may be used to hold the joints of multiple hollow blocks together.

What is the lifespan of structures built with concrete hollow blocks?

The lifespan of structures built with concrete hollow blocks is typically several decades. If used in their proper application, concrete hollow blocks provide durability to large structures like commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and modern or refurbished homes.

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