Concrete masonry units, also called concrete blocks, are products that can be used in all kinds of construction structures due to their very durability. The ability to be coated with a coating material or to be colored and shaped to have a different appearance when being manufactured is one of the features that provide this flexibility of use.
Different types of concrete masonry units are used for different purposes. The one suitable for lifting heavy loads is used on exterior walls, while the other type with low thermal permeability are used on walls of environments that require insulation. Some also serve as a backup wall. Although they are usually gray in color, they can also have an aesthetic appearance by being painted.
Concrete Masonry Units Dimensions
As with most building materials, the concrete wall units dimensons are expressed in two different values, nominal value and actual value. Written value is the value that occurs when mortar is added to the actual dimensions of the unit.
These products produced in different sizes are generally defined by their depth. For example, if the concrete block is to be used for the construction of a wall and its value is given as 15 cm, it should be understood that a wall with a depth of 15 cm will be obtained.
In order to use concrete blocks easily at the corners, there are also versions with existing dimensions but halved. These versions are preferred in order to prevent concrete wastes and labor wastage due to the division of the existing blocks into two.
Concrete Blocks and Sizes
Although the standard dimensions are generally as follows, some manufacturers and machines are also able to produce non-standard dimensions for the concrete masonry units sizes.
- 10 cm
- 15 cm
- 20 cm
- 25 cm
- 30 cm
The following table shows the standard dimensions:
| Size | Dimensions |
| 10 cm Full Block | 10 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm |
| 10 cm Half Block | 10 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm |
| 15 cm Full Block | 15 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm |
| 15 cm Half Block | 15 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm |
| 20 cm Full Block | 20 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm |
| 20 cm Half Block | 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm |
| 25 cm Full Block | 25 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm |
| 25 cm Half Block | 25 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm |
| 30 cm Full Block | 30 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm |
| 35 cm Half Block | 35 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm |
Properties of Concrete Wall Units
Concrete blocks must be manufactured in accordance with the International ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. These standards emphasize the strength of materials used in the construction of the block, moisture absorption, and many other performance characteristics.
Concrete wall units have three different categories according to their weight. Those weighing less than 48 kg are considered to be in the light weight category, those weighing between 48 kg and 57 kg are considered to be moderate weight and those weighing more than 57 kg are considered normal weight categories.
With GlobMAC’s fully and semi-automatic block making machines, you can produce blocks that meet world standards. Contact us for more information!