This document discusses different types of blocks used in construction, including their manufacture, sizes, uses, and advantages/disadvantages. It describes load-bearing blocks, non-load bearing blocks, lightweight blocks, foundation blocks, and more. Guidelines are provided for safely handling, storing, and preparing blocks for construction work, as well as considerations for cold weather.

1. BLOCKWORK
There is a wide variety of size and type used
within the construction industry today. Let us
look at some examples.

2. Blockwork
Block manufacture:
Blocks are produced in a range of shapes and sizes.
The face side is usually 450 x 225, the thickness varies
from 60 mm up to 150 mm and the weight from 6.3
to 15 kg.
They are produced in solid, hollow and multicut format.
Multicuts enable a bolster cut to be made without
wastage.
Walling built with pre-cast blocks may be divided into
two main categories:-
Load bearing - Non- load bearing

3. Load Bearing Blockwork
 The blocks are pre-cast in moulds and
compacted with the aid of vibration, or moulding
machines involving the use of compressed air, or
a combination of both.
 These blocks are usually made of concrete
comprised of cement and aggregate.
 The cement is usually Portland cement and a
variety of aggregates are used.

4. Load Bearing Blockwork
Advantages:
 Greater strength
 Cheaper than
lightweight blocks.
Disadvantages:
 Typical Solid Block
 Heavy to handle.
 Difficult to cut

5. Non-Load Bearing Blockwork
 These can also be pre-cast in moulds
but others are produced in slab
format and cut to size when set.
 These blocks are usually made with
a variety of lightweight materials and
cement such as Breeze or Clinker
Waste coke or ash and cement,
Burnt clay.
 Manufacturers names
include:
"Thermalite"
"Celcon"
"Lica"
"Lignacite"

6. Non-Load Bearing Blockwork
Advantages:
 Easy to handle, Can be
cut, drilled and chased
easily
 Good heat insulation
 Reduces the load on
foundations
Disadvantages:
 Absorbs a lot of moisture
 Easily broken by careless
handling.

7. Lightweight Aircrete Block
Sizes:
Manufactured in
widths of
75, 100,150 and
200mm.
Uses:
Lightweight Internal
Partitions, inner leaf
of cavity wall
610 x 100 X 215mm Blocks

8. Standard Size Blocks
Lightweight Block: 100 mm
440 mm
215 mm
440mm
100mm
215mm
Dense Concrete Block

9. Cellular Block
Sizes:
Manufactured in
widths of
75, 100 and150
Uses:
Lightweight
partitions

10. Foundation Block
Sizes:
Manufactured in
widths of 100mm
and above
Uses:
Below ground to
carry cavity walls.
May be lightweight
or dense
Typical section of brick/block below DPC.
Note:
Dense foundation block should be
lifted by two people

11. Thermalite Hi -Strength Trenchblock
Note: hand holes for
easier lifting
Strip Foundation
block size:
440 x 300 x 215mm

12. Dense Concrete Block
Sizes:
Manufactured in
widths of 100,150
and 225mm
Uses:
Used for load
bearing and
exposed work in
industrial buildings.
‘T’ Junction wall in 100 mm dense
concrete block
Metal Frame

13. Hollow Block
Sizes:
Manufactured in one
size only 440mm long
x 215mm wide by
215mm deep
Uses:
Used for load bearing
and hard-wearing
walls in industrial and
agricultural buildings.

14. Reveal Block
Uses:
Used to close the
cavity at door and
window openings.
Vertical DPC projecting
Cavity closed using block
Internal
skin of
block
Proprietary cavity closer

15. Handling Blocks
 Blocks are usually delivered
on pallets and should be
stored on a hard level base
or on battens on drained even
ground.
 Example of blocks being
dangerously stacked, when
the the bands are cut ,the
blocks will fall causing
damage or injury

16. Handling Blocks
 Blocks must not be tipped or
rough handled. Move blocks
in packs by mechanical
means, stacking no more
than 2 pallets high
 Take care when moving and
stacking blocks ready for
use. load blocks out to just
above two block courses in
height
 Stack as close to the work
where possible, if unsure ask
your supervisor

17. Preparing the work area
Before work can commence,
the working area must be stacked.
out with bricks and blocks.
The objective is to:
1. Stack bricks and blocks safely,
within easy reach of the bricklayer.
2. Space boards at the corners of the
building and not more than 3 m
apart along the wall length.
3. Level the ground off for easy
walking and block up the mortar
boards about 600 mm from the
face of the wall.

18. Cold weather conditions
Blocks should not be laid
When the temperature
is at or below 3°Centigrade
and falling or unless it is
1°Centigrade and rising.
Covering unfinished work
at the end of the day (and
not just in cold weather).
Keep sand protected by
providing cover and
heating