1. Student: xxxxxxxxx AEC 204 Lab December 5, 2006
Concrete Blocks
Student: xxxxxxxxx
AEC 204 Lab
December 5, 2006

2. What is a Concrete Block?
Made of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water
Manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes
Standard block is the 8”x8”x16” hollow core masonry unit

3. Cinder Block? Concrete blocks contain gravel aggregate
Cinder blocks contain coal cinder aggregate
Due to the coal cinder aggregate, cinder blocks are lighter than concrete blocks

4. Concrete Block Size
Nominal size of standard concrete block is 8”x8”x16”
Actual size is 7-5/8”x7-5/8”x15-5/8”
Difference of 3/8” leaves room for the mortar joint which allows for easy planning and measuring
Standard block height is 1/2 the width of the face which is perfect for running bond

5. Concrete Block Shape
Hollow cores reduce the weight of the block and allow space for rebar, insulation, or concrete filling
Tapered core provides an easy grip and larger surface area for mortar
Blocks with two cores are more balanced which makes it easier for masonry workers to lay them

6. Necessary Tools Brick trowel Mortar boards Mortar mixer Line stretcher
Construction line
Masonry ruler
Shovel
Mortar bucket
Water bucket
Level

7. Before Installation Remove any debris from application area
Set up mortar boards and stacks of blocks

8. Before Installation
Mix mortar
Place on mortar boards

9. Step 1 Starting in the corner, apply mortar to base
Place first block and check alignment and joint thickness

10. Step 2 “Butter” next cement block and place beside first block
Tap into place and check with level

11. Step 3 Finish building up the corners Scrape away excess mortar
Set up construction line

12. Step 4 Apply more mortar to base and lay block
Tap into place using construction line as a guide

13. Step 5 Continue laying block until wall is complete
Use a jointer to form the mortar joints if necessary

14. Clean Up Scrape away all excess mortar from wall and floor
Wash mortar off of trowel, mortar boards, and mixer
Brush wall if necessary

15. References