Concrete blocks

BY: CHEVOR CATO

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Page

What is a concrete block 3

Properties of a block 4
Dimensions of a concrete block 5
Purposes of a concrete block 6
 WHAT IS A CONCRETE OR CINDER BLOCK?

Otherwise called a Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU), a concrete block is

used in building construction to construct vertical walls from the
foundation upwards.
PROPERTIES OF A CONCRETE BLOCK

The concrete block is useful because of its many properties which are a s
follows:
• High structural capacity
• Resistance to fire
• Resistance to water
• A wide variety of aesthetic possibilities
• Good for insulation
• Acoustical advantages
 DIMENSIONS OF A CONCRETE BLOCK
The diagram below shows the dimensions of a common 6 inch concrete block.
 PURPOSES OF A CONCRETE BLOCK

The concrete block has many uses in the construction industry with
its main use being incorporated as the (load-bearing and non-load-
bearing, retaining) wall of a structure often reinforced with concrete
and steel. Other uses though include:
• Security barriers
• Traffic control
• Material bins
• Tent tie-downs
 What are the missing dimensions????

6”
16”

8”

CLASS ACTIVITY
Building a concrete block foundation
What is the other name for concrete blocks?

a) Wall Support Unit (WSU)

b) Wall Masonry Unit (WMU)

c) Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU)

d) Wall Strengthening Unit (WSU)

QUIZ
Which of these is a listed property of concrete
blocks?

a) Lightweight

b) Heavyweight

c) Easy to draw

d) High structural capacity

QUIZ
Which of these dimensions is correct for a 6 inch
concrete block?

a) Length 4” x Height 8” x Width 10”

b) Length 16” x Height 8” x Width 6”

c) Length 6” x Height 4” x Width 6”

d) Length 16” x Height 4” x Width 6”

QUIZ
Which of these is an alternate use of a concrete
block?

a) Dowel joint
b) Column footing
c) Traffic control
d) Step foundation

QUIZ
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