AMBAGAN, JEROME V.

JUNE 24, 2015

CMTL01E/ CE-401
#1

ASSIGNMENT

CONCRETE BLOCK
A concrete block is primarily used as a building material in the construction of
walls. It is sometimes called a concrete masonry unit (CMU). A concrete block is one
of several precast concrete products used in construction
In the use of concrete blocks for the walls of buildings, the stress to which
they are subjected is almost entirely one of compression. In compressive strength
well-made concrete does not differ greatly from ordinary building stone.
Engineers for a number of important properties: high structural capacity,
resistance to fire, resistance to water, variety of aesthetic possibilities and
insulating and acoustical advantages.

COMPOSITION
Concrete blocks are made from cast concrete (cement and aggregate),
usually sand and fine gravel for high-density blocks. Lower density blocks may use
industrial wastes as an aggregate. Lightweight blocks can also be produced using
aerated concrete.

TYPICAL PROPERTIES OR NORMAL STRENGTH CEMENT CONCRETE

Density : 2240 - 2400 kg/m3

(140 - 150 lb/ft3)
Compressive strength : 20 - 40
MPa
(3000 - 6000 psi)
Flexural strength : 3 - 5 MPa
(400 - 700 psi)
Tensile strength : 2 - 5 MPa (300
- 700 psi)
Modulus of elasticity : 14000 41000 MPa (2 - 6 x 106 psi)
Permeability : 1 x 10-10 cm/sec

Coefficient of thermal expansion

:
10-5 oC-1 (5.5 x 10-6 oF-1)
Drying shrinkage : 4 - 8 x 10-4
Drying shrinkage of reinforced
concrete : 2 - 3 x 10-4
Poisson's ratio : 0.20 - 0.21
Shear strength : 6 - 17 MPa
Specific heat capacity : 0.75
kJ/kg K (0.18 Btu/lbm oF (kcal/kg
o
C))

STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES
While concrete blocks vary by type, their primary structural property is
compressive strength. The American Concrete Institute's (ACI) Publication 318,
"Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete," contains the structural
property standards for concrete and 7-day and 28-day testing methods used to
insure that the concrete blocks manufactured meet or exceed building codes
throughout the United States. ACI's 228.1R-03, "In-Place Methods to Estimate
Concrete Strength," outlines the standard in-place strength tests that estimate
concrete strength during construction or estimate concrete strength during the
evaluation of existing concrete block structures. Inserting rebar (steel rods) into the
cells (the openings in blocks--most blocks have holes for ease of construction) or
solid grouting the cells produces a significantly stronger concrete block.

WATER RESISTANCE
Permeability and porosity vary by unit type, but generally concrete blocks absorb
water. A mixture of coarse and fine particle material during manufacture produces a
significantly more waterproof concrete block wall. The amount of cement used in
the manufacture of concrete blocks affects the block's permeability; a mixture rich
in cement produces a less permeable block. Facing the blocks with a mixture of
cement and fine sand, using waterproof compounds during manufacture or applying
one of the various washes available after erecting the blocks prevents the
penetration of water.

FIRE RESISTANCE
Fireproof properties vary by coverage area and unit type. ACI's 216.1-97/TMS
0216.1-97, "Standard Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Concrete and
Masonry, Construction Assemblies," provides information on the fire-resistance
rating, sometimes called the fire rating, of concrete blocks. This document contains
various tables that include the fireproof values for the various aggregate-type
concrete blocks, utilized in restrained or unrestrained conditions, and their
corresponding fire ratings. Utilizing concrete blocks in any building design
significantly increases its fire code rating.

AESTHETIC PROPERTIES
The aesthetic properties of concrete blocks, once utilitarian and gray, have
become more important. Concrete block manufacturers now produce concrete
blocks in a wide range of colors, textures and finishes that architects utilize to great
effect, depending on the building design. Concrete block manufacturers develop
new concrete block shapes and sizes to meet an ever-evolving construction market.

INSULATING PROPERTIES
The insulating properties of various concrete blocks vary by manufacturer,
and are dependent on the density of the block. Thermal conductivity tests
performed by manufacturers determine the insulating properties. By reducing the
concrete block density by volume and producing a lower-weight block,
manufacturers increase the heat-insulating properties of the blocks. Solid grouting
the cells of concrete blocks increases the insulating properties of a concrete block
wall.

ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES
The acoustic properties of any concrete block structure depend on the form of
construction, the junctions and connections between the blocks and the properties
of the materials used during manufacture of the blocks. Following concrete block
installation recommendations as provided by the ACI and other organizations
significantly increases acoustic control within the building.

References :
http://www.ehow.com/list_6369546_properties-concrete-blocks.html
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/concrete-properties-d_1223.html