A standard size 8×8x16 8 inch concrete line block weighs 38 lbs. The weight ranges from 26 – 55 lbs depending on size and the average is 40 lbs.
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4x8x16 4 inch solid – 32 lbs.
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8×8x16 8 inch solid top block – 50 lbs
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4x8x16 4 inch concrete line block – 26 lbs
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6x8x16 6 inch concrete line block – 32 lbs
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10x8x16 10 inch concrete line block – 49 lbs
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12x8x16 12 inch concrete line block – 55 lbs
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Average weight of the 7 sizes is 40 lbs.
Concrete weighs 150 pounds per cubic foot. Here is the breakdown:
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58 lbs of sand
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19 lbs cement
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59 lbs stone
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14 lbs water
Concrete blocks aka cinder blocks are used in the construction industry in building walls. It can also be referred to as Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU). They are usually brought to the construction site when ready. In most cases, they have either one or several hollow cavities to make them lighter.
The raw materials used in making the blocks are cement, water, gravel, and sand. To make a perfect block, you have to ensure that there is a higher concentration of sand and lower amounts of gravel and water, which happens in normal construction.
This makes sure that it doesn’t fall off when removed from the molding material and that it is hard as required.
When cinders are used in place of gravel and sand, you end up with a cinder block. The result is a block that is a deep grey, coarse texture, more strong and an increased value in thermal insulating compared to a concrete block.
The lightweight blocks, also known as cellular, are made by using clay, slate, or shale in the place of granule and sand. In this case, the shale, slate, and clay are made by crushing the materials and subjecting them to heat of about 2000 degrees F. This temperature leads to bloating of the materials due to gas release as a result of the burning of the particles inside.
Concrete blocks can either be made by machines or may be man-made. The block is then cured by placing it in a water tank for around 14 days. Be sure to place fresh water at intervals of four days.
You then dry the blocks for a whole month before considering them fit for construction. For easy drying, place the concrete blocks in a horizontal manner. Drying enables total shrinkage before being used, which is quite essential as it makes them stronger.
Concrete Blocks Classification
Hollow Concrete Blocks
This category has three types which are grade A, grade B, and grade C. The least density for grade A is 1500 kg, and it’s used in construction load-bearing walls. These weigh the least.
Grade B density is less than 1500 kg, and just like grade A, it’s used in making load-bearing walls. Grade C, on the other hand, has a density of more than 1000 kg and is not used in bearing walls.
Paver Blocks
They are pure concrete blocks and come in different shapes. They are used for decorating outside spaces like the parking lot, sidewalks, driveways, industrial floors, petrol stations, among other external places.
Solid Concrete Blocks
They have a specific manufacturing strength which is at 4.0 to 5.0 N/mm. Their density should not be less than 1800 kg.
AAC blocks
The Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks are also known as hollow or lightweight blocks. They are made from ground sand, cement, pulverized fly ash. Additives are also included for stabilizing and aerating air bubbles.
The combination is then allowed to settle in steel molds, after which it’s cut in desired shape and size.
