![]() Loadbearing block buildings using block bearing walls without any steel or concrete columns are common for multi-family housing. Both types have the same minimum strength requirements, but strengths up to 2 or 3 times the minumum strength are possible. Normal weight block are made from heavier aggregates (sand & gravel) and are cheaper to buy. Lightweight block insulate better, have greater fire resistance and are slightly more costly, but are cheaper to lay. Lighweight block are made using lighter aggregates (pumice, scoria or expanded clay and shale) mixed with heavier aggregates. The aggregate may be natural (sand, gravel, pumice, scoria, volcanic cinders) or manufactured (expanded clay or shale). Modern concrete block are made from cement and aggregate. You may be able to find some, but they are normally used in hidden places like underground coal mines. Strictly a junk product from a uniformity, quality and appearance standpoint. They used waste cinders from trains and coal burning furnaces. ![]() The common technical term is loadbearing concrete masonry unit (CMU) as described in codes (IBC) and standards (ASTM).Ĭinder block is an old term that was used for the low quality units made mainly in the east between 1900 and about 1940. Most people in the construction business understand what it is. The common acceptable and descriptive term is "concrete block". Looking for cinder block will not get far on the web because you are not looking for the correct item. I have seen this and similar walls built in the U.S. There is no continuous footing, but is built on a series of piers that can be excavted by a DIYr and can avoid all the utilities (if you know where they are). This is an interlocking system for privacy walls that can be built by DIYrs. In addition to conventional masonry, one other construction method you may be interested in is the Allan Fence Block. There are numerous examples (high winds, earthquakes) where walls were turned into instant concrete patios or walkways. Anything 6 feet high and 8 inches wide has a tendancy to fall over when pushed unless it designed and built properly. In addtion, you may want to have it designed so it doesn't fall on top of someone (like your kids). If you are building a concrete block wall 6 feet high you probably will need a permit.
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