Concrete Hollow Blocks and Masonry

These flashcards cover key concepts related to concrete hollow blocks and masonry, including definitions, materials, types, and testing standards to help prepare for the exam.

What is a Concrete Hollow Block (CHB)?

A large rectangular brick used in construction, made from cast concrete, like Portland cement and aggregates.

What are the raw materials for manufacturing Concrete Hollow Blocks?

Cement, sand, gravel, and stone powder.

What role does cement play in Concrete Hollow Blocks?

Cement bonds sand, stone, and other materials together after mixing with water.

What is masonry?

Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid and bound together by mortar.

What are the two main types of masonry?

Non-structured/non-load-bearing and structured/load-bearing.

What is a hollow load-bearing concrete block?

A concrete block intended to carry loads aside from its own weight.

What characterizes a solid load-bearing concrete block?

It is made of solid masonry without steel reinforcement and is used in limited applications.

What is a hollow non-load-bearing concrete block used for?

Used for fences and wall partitions, and is not intended to carry loads.

How are concrete building tiles different from clay tiles?

Concrete tiles are cured at approximately 60 degrees Celsius and are not fired.

What standards are related to Concrete Hollow Blocks testing according to ASTM?

ASTM C90, ASTM C476, ASTM C55, ASTM C1634, ASTM C129, ASTM C139, ASTM C744.

What is a Concrete Hollow Block (CHB)?

A large rectangular brick used in construction, made from cast concrete, like Portland cement and aggregates.

What are the raw materials for manufacturing Concrete Hollow Blocks?

Cement, sand, gravel, and stone powder.

What role does cement play in Concrete Hollow Blocks?

Cement bonds sand, stone, and other materials together after mixing with water.

What is masonry?

Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid and bound together by mortar.

What are the two main types of masonry?

Non-structured/non-load-bearing and structured/load-bearing.

What is a hollow load-bearing concrete block?

A concrete block intended to carry loads aside from its own weight.

What characterizes a solid load-bearing concrete block?

It is made of solid masonry without steel reinforcement and is used in limited applications.

What is a hollow non-load-bearing concrete block used for?

Used for fences and wall partitions, and is not intended to carry loads.

How are concrete building tiles different from clay tiles?

Concrete tiles are cured at approximately 60^{\circ}C and are not fired.

What standards are related to Concrete Hollow Blocks testing according to ASTM?

ASTM C90, ASTM C476, ASTM C55, ASTM C1634, ASTM C129, ASTM C139, ASTM C744.

What are the common standard thicknesses for CHB?

Standard thicknesses usually include 100\text{ mm} (4 inches), 150\text{ mm} (6 inches), and 200\text{ mm} (8 inches).

What is the purpose of the hollow cores in CHB?

The cores reduce the overall weight of the block, provide thermal insulation, and provide space for vertical steel reinforcement and grout.

What is the typical composition of mortar for CHB laying?

A mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water, typically at a ratio like 1:3 or 1:4 depending on strength requirements.

How long is the standard curing period for concrete masonry units?

Units are typically cured for 28 days to reach their maximum specified compressive strength.

What is the difference between Mortar and Grout in masonry?

• Mortar: A thick mixture used to bond blocks together at the joints.
• Grout: A high-slump (fluid) concrete poured into the block cores to encase reinforcement and bond the units into a solid wall.