Concrete blocks are fundamental building materials used in the construction industry. They are made up of a mixture of cement, sand, aggregates (such as crushed stones or gravels), and water.
As you all know, the construction industry in India is at its peak, and the use of cement blocks is widely spread due to their adaptability to various structural needs, ease of installation, and affordability.
Generally, concrete blocks are available in various shapes and sizes, which will be discussed in the latter part of the article.
Manufacturing Process of Concrete Blocks:
Concrete blocks manufacturing process involves 5 different steps:
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Automated Raw Material Batching for consistent quality
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Planetary Mixer For High-Quality Concrete blocks
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Automatic-strength vertical Block machine
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Curing and Drying
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Strapping and Stocking
The process of automated batching involves gathering the necessary raw materials, including aggregates in various proportions, into a planetary mixer. The planetary mixer is used to blend the dry materials, cement, and water, resulting in a uniform concrete mixture.
The mixture is loaded into the hopper of an automatic block-making machine, which applies pressure to compact the mix and form well-structured concrete blocks, providing a maximum strength of up to 15 MPA.
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO LEARN IN-DEPTH ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF CONCRETE BLOCKS.
Types of Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks, or cement blocks, are primarily categorized based on their composition, size, and intended applications. There are 2 common types of concrete blocks used in India: hollow and solid blocks, each with various variations.
Both hollow and solid concrete blocks have specific construction uses, such as walls, foundations, steps, and other building structures. The choice between hollow and solid concrete blocks depends on the intended application and the properties required for specific construction purposes.
Hollow Concrete Blocks
Hollow concrete blocks are a popular building material in India because of their flexibility, lightweight design, and thermal insulation capabilities. Hollow concrete blocks come in different types and sizes, which are mentioned below:
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Stretcher Block
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Pillar Block
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Lintel Block
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Jamb Block
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Column Block
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Corner Block
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Split Face Block
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Partition Block
Solid Concrete Blocks
Solid concrete bricks are widely used for their strength, durability, and versatility in construction. Apart from normal solid concrete blocks, which are heavy in weight, solid blocks can be categorized into different types, as mentioned below.
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Fly Ash Block
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Autoclaved Block
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Paving Block
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Lightweight Block
What are the Different Sizes of Concrete Blocks?
Concrete blocks come in various sizes and shapes. The standard sizes of concrete bricks are 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch unit configurations. However, the precision of concrete blocks, also known as concrete masonry units (CMUs), comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile building material widely used in construction. The most common shape for precision concrete blocks is rectangular, which is available in various dimensions. Standard concrete blocks typically measure 6 inches in width, 8 inches in height, and 16 inches in length. The choice of size and shape of concrete blocks depends on the intended application and the properties required for specific construction purposes.
Brick vs Concrete Blocks:
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Property
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Concrete Blocks
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Bricks
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Strength
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Higher compressive and tensile strengths are suitable for high-rise buildings, earthquake-prone regions, and load-bearing walls.
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Lower compressive and tensile strength.
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Durability
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More resistant to insects and burrowing animals.
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Susceptible to damage by insects and burrowing animals.
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Waterproof
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Less prone to water damage, can be sealed for external walls.
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Prone to water damage, susceptible to damp weather and mold formation.
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Thermal Insulation
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Lower thermal conductivity, better heat absorption for warmer interiors.
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Higher thermal conductivity, less effective in keeping interiors warm during cold seasons.
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Environmental Impact
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Lower impact due to requiring less cement in mortar joints and recycling materials.
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Higher impact due to more cement usage and fewer options for recycled materials.
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Cost
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Generally more expensive, but a good investment for durability and longevity.
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Less expensive and less durable.
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Weight
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Heavier and more challenging to transport and install.
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Lighter and more accessible to carry.
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Cement Block Price:
The prices of concrete blocks depend on the size, location, and various other factors like quality, quantity, and more. Below are the concrete block prices in Karnataka.
8-inch Concrete Block Price: 50 to 60 per piece
4-inch Concrete Block Price: 29 to 39 per piece
6-inch concrete block Price: 40 to 50 per piece.
The Best Cement Blocks in Karnataka
Alpha Concrete Blocks is the best cement block manufacturer and supplier in Karnataka. Refer to the below section to learn the difference between Alpha Concrete Blocks and Regular Blocks.
Difference Between Alpha Concrete Blocks and Regular Cement Blocks:
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Alpha Concrete Blocks
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Other Concrete Blocks
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Accuracy in Raw Materials
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Present
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Not - Present
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Vertically Compressed Blocks
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Present
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Not - present
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Made From Imported Machinery
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We use machines imported from Germany and Finland.
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They use the local machinery.
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Water Absorption
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Absorbs very small amount of water
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Absorbs 30% more Water
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Strength
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Upto 15 MPA
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3 - 5 MPA
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Curved Edges
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Present
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Not Present
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Alpha Supply Concrete Blocks is available in the below-listed cities:
Concrete Blocks all over Bangalore
Concrete Blocks in Davanagere
Concrete Blocks in Chitradurga
Concrete Blocks in Tumkur
Concrete Blocks in Mysore
Concrete Blocks in Hassan
Cement Blocks in Kolar
Concrete Blocks in Ramanagara
Conclusion:
The right choice of concrete blocks can significantly impact the durability and longevity of your construction project. It is crucial to consider factors such as thermal conductivity, environmental impact, cost, weight, and other distinguishing features when making your decision. Taking the time to choose the right concrete blocks will ensure the strength and quality of your home or building.
