How Heavy Is A Concrete Block? You might know about concrete blocks from your nearby hardware store, where they might be referred to as cinder blocks. This is because cinder blocks were initially made using leftover cinders from burning coal, often at coal-fired plants. Further, these cinders were used instead of sand and gravel in concrete, making cinder blocks lighter and less durable. Concrete blocks serve as an alternative construction material compared to bricks, having both advantages and disadvantages. Their larger size means less cement is required in mortar joints for binding. On the other hand, due to their moisture content and bigger dimensions, concrete blocks are more susceptible to movement and cracking in the event of foundation shifts compared to bricks. However, concrete blocks come in different sizes and types, each with its own weight characteristics. The Weight Of Concrete Blocks Available From Suppliers Solid concrete blocks, made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, display different weights depending on their sizes. Moreover, here's a rough breakdown: ● 4-inch Solid Concrete Block: About 45-50 pounds (20-23 kg) ● 6-inch Solid Concrete Block: Around 70-75 pounds (32-34 kg) ● 8-inch Solid Concrete Block: Approximately 90-100 pounds (41-45 kg) ● 10-inch Solid Concrete Block: About 120-125 pounds (54-57 kg) ● 12-inch Solid Concrete Block: Roughly 150-160 pounds (68-73 kg) The weight of concrete blocks is measured in both pounds per cubic foot and kilograms per cubic meter. Need more details? More info: How Much Does A Concrete Block Weigh?
Concrete Block Weight per Cubic Foot ● Typical weight: 19 to 39 lbs (9 to 18 kg) per cubic foot ● Denser concrete block: 39 lbs (18 kg) per cubic foot ● Medium-density block: 35 lbs (16 kg) per cubic foot ● Lightweight concrete block: 19 lbs (9 kg) per cubic foot Concrete Block Weight per Cubic Meter ● Typical weight: 1100 to 2300 kg per cubic meter ● Dense concrete block: 2300 kg per cubic meter ● Medium-density block: 2000 kg per cubic meter ● Lightweight concrete block: 1100 kg per cubic meter These weight variations are crucial considerations in construction projects where the choice of block size impacts overall structure stability. Besides, builders must account for these weight differences to ensure: ● Proper load-bearing capacity ● Adherence to structural design specifications Concrete Blocks: Hollow vs. Solid In the construction industry, concrete suppliers commonly provide two types of concrete blocks: hollow and solid. Hollow Concrete Blocks Hollow concrete blocks, characterized by openings that occupy more than a quarter (usually more than half) of their cross-sectional area, are preferred for building boundary fences and other sizable structures. The presence of holes reduces their weight, proving advantageous for tasks involving wiring or piping installations. Additionally, these holes offer the option to thread rebar through them, enhancing overall stability.
These are categorized into three grades: ● Grade A: Minimum density of 1,500 kg/m3. ● Grade B: Density below 1,500 kg/m3. ● Grade C: Density exceeding 1,000 kg/m3. Grades A and B find application in load-bearing concrete block walls, while Grade C is suitable for non-load-bearing walls. Solid Concrete Blocks Solid concrete blocks resemble grey bricks, albeit larger. They prove effective in constructing walls that offer protection against harsh weather conditions, particularly strong winds. Moreover, these blocks find utility in various projects, including garden walls, planters, retaining walls, foundations, steps, and firepits. It finds application in projects such as paving, emphasizing stability and durability—qualities essential for surfaces like pavements where having holes is undesirable. While solid concrete blocks are generally heavier than their hollow counterparts, they often come at a lower cost. Types of Hollow Concrete Blocks Hollow concrete blocks are available in diverse sizes, such as: ● 100 mm x 200 mm x 400 mm ● 150 mm x 200 mm x 400 mm ● 200 mm x 200 mm x 400 mm While commonly grey, they can also be found in colours like tan and dark red. Further, there are several options to consider: ● Stretcher Block: Stretcher blocks are used in construction to link the corners of masonry units. They are positioned with their faces parallel to the wall.
● Pillar Block: Pillar blocks, also known as double corner blocks, are primarily used for constructing pillars or piers. Also, these blocks, a common sight in building supplier stores, are designed with visible ends. ● Lintel Block: Lintel blocks, also called channelled or beam blocks, feature a U shape. Constructors fill the grooves formed by this shape with concrete and reinforcing bars. This makes them suitable for lintel beams, often placed on top of doors and windows. ● Jamb Block: Jamb blocks have shallow grooves across two holes and a deeper groove at one end. Moreover, they create space for window casing members, frequently used in double-hung windows. ● Column Block: Column blocks, typically square with a single hole, can be stacked to form columns, often reinforced internally. ● Corner Block: Corner blocks are placed at the corners or ends of windows and doors. The exposed side faces the exterior, while the stretcher side runs parallel to the wall. ● Split Face Block: Splitface blocks resemble pillar blocks but feature a rough, jagged texture on one edge, exposing the inner aggregates. Although porous, they have a lower risk of termite infestation and are less prone to fire damage. ● Bullnose Block: Bullnose blocks, akin to corner blocks, have rounded edges. They serve similar purposes but with a distinctive rounded design. ● Partition Block: Partition blocks, taller than they are wide, resemble concrete pillar blocks but with a narrow profile. Yes, it almost resembles wide goggles when viewed straight-on. Types of Solid Concrete Blocks When it comes to solid concrete blocks, your choices might not be as varied as with hollow blocks, but there's still a selection to consider for various purposes. Fly Ash Block Created by mixing fly ash with water, fly ash blocks act like Portland cement. Moreover, there are two classes:
● Class C, high-calcium with less than 2% carbon ● Class F, low-calcium with 5% to 10% carbon Used in road projects, fly ash reduces CO2 emissions, enhances resistance to cold weather, and minimizes cracking and permeability issues. It can also create a detailed surface. While available in various colours, fly ash bricks tend to be smaller for durability reasons. Aerated Autoclaved Block (AAC Block) AAC blocks are lightweight, providing excellent: ● Sound insulation ● Temperature insulation Comprising 80% air, they are easily shaped, but their strength is lower than dense concrete, requiring reinforcement for load-bearing purposes. Typically white to light grey, AAC blocks find use in sidewalls, partition walls, steel pillars, and infill panels, available in different shapes and thicknesses. Paving Block Square or rectangular solid blocks that help in paving, road shoulders, and walkways. Paving blocks come in various sizes and colours, including: ● Sandstone ● Tan ● Dark brown ● Charcoal ● Light grey Cellular Lightweight Block Consisting of foam, fly ash, and cement, these lightweight cellular blocks provide insulation against sound and extreme temperatures. Environmentally friendly and cost-effective, these light
grey blocks are customizable and suitable for wall panels, compound walls, and parapet walls. Besides, different densities allow use in both: ● Load-bearing applications ● Non-load-bearing applications Expanded Clay Aggregate Block Made of lightweight aggregates of fly ash and cement, expanded clay aggregate blocks are: ● Waterproof ● Fire-resistant Their lightweight nature reduces the overall structural load by up to 50%, providing insulation against sound and temperature variations. Moreover, moulded into different sizes and densities through kiln firing, they offer versatility in construction. Related info: How Many Concrete Blocks On A Pallet? Takeaway The weight of a concrete block is never consistent and depends on a group of different aspects. However, if you break it down according to the said aspects a lot of things become clear. You can then choose the option that suits your construction project better and ask your concrete supplier to ship it your way.For guaranteed quality, contact Pro-Mix Concrete.