performance during

Concrete hollow a mixture of powdered construction

block (CHB) Portland cement, water, sand,
and crushed gravel. Honeycombing refers to voids or cavities that
are left in the hardened
light gray block with a fine concrete due to incomplete
surface texture and a high filling of the formwork or
compressive strength improper compaction of the
concrete
38-43 pounds. A typical concrete block
(17.2-19.5 kg) weigh can occur in varying sizes,
from small to medium to large
note: The shapes and sizes of most
common concrete blocks have holes or cavities reduces the total
been standardized to ensure cross-sectional area of the
uniform building construction. block

4-by-8-by-16 The most common block size. hollow blocks widely used in masonry as it
block and This nominal measurement reduces the construction time
6-by-8-by-16 includes room for a bead of and require less cement, steel
block mortar. which saves money

ADVANTAGES of Readily available product The weight of the construction

Concrete hollow Good thermal and sound is minimized and enhance the
block (CHB) resistance High fire resistance noise and thermal insulation
Can be reinforced to increase
lateral Resistance against reduces the construction time
earthquakes and typhoons and require less cement, steel
20+ years lifespan which saves money

Crushed coarse optimal for the manufacture of The nominal Length: 400, 500 or 600 mm
sand or gravel CHBs dimensions of the Height: 200 or 100 mm
concrete blocks Width: 50, 75, 100, 150, 200,
note: Avoid sand sourced from 250 or 300 mm
rivers and coastal areas (sea
sand). The quality of CHBs hollow concrete have one or more large holes
varies significantly from one blocks or cavities which are a
supplier to the next. pass-through block or not
pass through the block
Sand and gravel (SUPPLIERS) Widely
available in the Visayas region 50 to 75 percent hollow concrete blocks have
from local suppliers. solid material between ____ of
the total volume of the block
CHBs (SUPPLIERS) It is
recommended to procure Dimensions and The concrete block units shall
products from suppliers with Tolerances be made in sizes and shapes
products certified by the to fit different construction
Department of Trade and needs.
Industry (DTI) and Department
of Public Works and Highways Grade A Classifications of Concrete
(DPWH). Grade B Hollow Blocks
Grade C
General hollow and solid concrete
Specifications Of blocks shall be sound and free Load-bearing refer to structural elements in
CHB from cracks, broken edges, units a building or structure that
honeycombing, and other support and transfer loads,
defects that would interfere such as weight, forces, and
with the proper placing of pressure, to the foundation
block or impair the strength or
 These units are essential for Compressive Strength of
maintaining the stability and Blocks
integrity of the structure
Dimension In this step all the blocks
Non-load-bearing structural elements that do not Measurement should be verified and
units support or transfer significant calculated by the length, width
loads other than their own and height with steel scale
weight.
steel scale or The length, width, height are
Their primary function is to caliper ruler measured with ____ and
provide partitioning, enclosure, prepare a report of average
or aesthetics rather than length, width, and height of the
structural support. blocks

Removing or modifying them Density Test 3 blocks shall be taken to

does not affect the building's conduct this test
stability
100°c At first the block has to be
Grade A used as load-bearing units heated in the oven to ____
and shall have a minimum then the heated block need to
block-density of 1500 kg/m³. be cooled in the room
temperature
The concrete blocks shall be
manufactured for minimum Density Test Next measure the dimensions
compressive strengths of 3.5, of block to find out the volume
4.5, 5.5, and 7.0 N/mm² and weight of it, the density of
respectively, at 28 days the block is calculated form a
calculation and the standard
Grade B also used as load-bearing density of 3 blocks will be the
units and shall have a block final block density. The
density of 1500 kg/m³ but not formula is: mass/volume
less than 1000 kg/m³. (kg/m3 )

These shall be manufactured Compressive 8 blocks are taken to conduct

for minimum compressive Strength of Blocks this test all of them should be
strengths of 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 tested within 3 days after
N/mm² respectively, at 28 gathered in lab where the age
days. of the blocks should be 28
days.

Grade C used as nonload bearing units The compressive strength is

and shall have a block density calculated in the Compressive
of less than 1500 kg/m³ but Strength Testing machine,
not less than 1000 kg/m³. then getting the average
results of all 8 blocks
These shall be manufactured
for minimum average ASTM C90 Standard Specification for
compressive strength of 1.5 Loadbearing Concrete
N/mm² at 28 days. Masonry Units

ASTM C140 standard method for ensuring Standard contains minimum

CMUS and related concrete Specification for requirements that assure
Loadbearing properties necessary for
Concrete Masonry are precast rectangular blocks Concrete Masonry quality performance, including
Units (CMUS) used in construction projects Units specified constituent
for their reliability and materials, minimum face shell
durability and web thicknesses,
minimum compressive
Tests On CHB Dimension Measurement strength, permissible
Density Test
 variations in dimensions, and The block is checked for any
finish and appearance criteria breakage, chipping, or severe
deformation at the corner.
ASTM C129 Standard Specification for
Non-Loadbearing Concrete Assesses the block's
Masonry Units resistance to damage at the
corners
Standard These units are not suitable
Specification for for exterior walls subjected to Chisel Test To check the hardness and
Non-Loadbearing freezing cycles unless strength of the block surface.
Concrete Masonry effectively protected from the
Units weather Method:
• A chisel is used to strike the
ASTM C140 Standard for testing the surface of the block lightly.
compressive strength of • The surface is checked for
CHBS any cracks, chips, or
deformations
Standard for Dimensions; Compressive
testing the Strength; Absorptions Measures the surface
compressive hardness of the block
strength of CHBS
ASTM F680 Nail Test
FIELD TEST FOR Drop Test (ASTM 5276)
CONCRETE Corner Test Nail Test To determine the block's
HOLLOW Chisel Test resistance to penetration,
BLOCKS Nail Test (ASTM F680) typically focusing on the ease
Texture Test (ASTM C140) with which a nail can be driven
Shape and Size Test into the block.

ASTM 5276 Drop Test Method:

A nail is driven into the block
Drop Test To test the block's resistance using a hammer.
to impact and its overall The ease or difficulty of driving
durability when subjected to the nail is observed, as well as
sudden force (e.g., during how much the nail penetrates
handling or accidental drops the block.
during construction).
Evaluates the penetration
Method: resistance of the block
• A concrete hollow block is
dropped from a specified ASTM C140 Texture Test
height onto a hard surface
(e.g., concrete or a steel Texture Test To assess the surface texture
plate). of the block, which affects
• After the drop, the block is both its appearance and
inspected for cracks, chips, or durability.
breakage
Method:
Ensures the block can The surface of the block is
withstand impact without visually inspected for
breaking smoothness or roughness.
A tactile inspection is
Corner Test To assess the block's performed to feel for any
structural integrity, particularly irregularities or surface
the resistance of its corners to defects.
damage.
Ensures the block has a
Method: consistent and appropriate
A concrete hollow block is surface
subjected to a force applied to
one of its corners.
Shape and Size To ensure the block conforms CHB specimens should be cured for a specified
Test to the required dimensions for period (usually 28 days) before testing to ensure
proper installation. proper strength development
Number of samples:
Method: Multiple specimens should be tested to obtain a
The block is measured for its reliable average compressive strength
length, width, and height. Standards compliance:
The block's shape is visually Follow relevant building codes and standards when
inspected to ensure there are conducting the test to ensure consistency and
no deformations or accuracy
irregularities in form.
Importance:
Confirms the block meets This test determines the suitability of CHBs for a
required dimensions for proper specific structural application, ensuring they can
construction withstand the expected compressive loads.
Compressive involves applying a MINIMUM NET AREA COMPRESSIVE
Strength Test compressive load to the block STRENGTH OF A LOAD-BEARING CHB
until it fails, and then
calculating its strength by
dividing the maximum load
reached by the cross-sectional
area of the block; essentially
measuring how much
pressure the block can
withstand before breaking,
which is a crucial factor in
structural design using CHBs.

KEY POINTS ABOUT THE CHB COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH TEST

Testing equipment:
A universal testing machine capable of applying
controlled compressive load to the block specimen

Sample Preparation: COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF A NONLOAD

1. Select representative blocks from a batch. BEARING CHB
2. Ensure the block faces are flat and
perpendicular to the loading axis.

Data Recording:
The maximum load reached before failure is
recorded

Calculations:
Compressive strength = Maximum load /
Cross-sectional area of the block

Test Procedure:
1. Place the block specimen between the loading
plates of the testing machine.
2. Apply compressive load gradually and steadily
until the block fails.
3. Record the maximum load at failure.

Important Consideration: portland cement hydraulic cement produced by

Curing time: pulverizing clinker
hydraulic calcium portland cement consisting test for fineness of measures the average particle
silicates essentially of _____ cement size of cement

sulphate portland cement usually 300 grams grams of cement is used

containing ____ as an because it provides a
interground addition consistent and standardized
sample size
Joseph Aspdin an English stonemason,
patented Portland cement in Rubber Mold provides a flexible,
1824 non-reactive surface that
allows for easy removal of the
trowel a small hand tool used for cement paste or mortar
digging, applying, smoothing specimen once it has set
or
moving small amounts of Not less than 3 For ordinary portland cement,
particulate material. minutes the initial setting time should
be _____
balance used in determining
the weight of materials. AASHTO T 131 Time of Setting of Hydraulic
and ASTM C 191 Cement by Vicat Needle
spatula a long flat metal with handle​
used to mix the materials determine the time of setting
of hydraulic cement by means
pan used in containing the of the Vicat needle
materials during mixing
and weighing Method A: Method using the manually
Reference Test operated standard Vicat
Graduated used for measuring volumes​ Method apparatus
Cylinder (amounts) of liquids.
Method B permits the use of an
Vicat Apparatus used to find out the​ automatic Vicat machine that
consistency, initial setting​ has
time and final setting time​
of the cement. AASHTO T 154 Time of Setting of Hydraulic
and ASTM C 266 Cement by Gillmore Needles
Rubber Mold used to give the cement paste
structure​ covers the determination of
for testing. the time of setting of hydraulic
cement paste by means of the
quality and Testing methods for Portland Gillmore needles
performance cement are crucial because
they ensure the ___ of the plasticity paste can be moulded into any
cement in construction desired shape due to its ____

method of testing Setting time of When cement is mixed with

cement water, it hydrates and makes
1. test for fineness of cement cement paste. Within this time
2. weight about 300 grams of cement accurately cement continues with
and make a paste with 0.85 times the water reacting water and slowly
required to make a paste of normal consistensy cement starts losing its
3. the paste is then placed in the rubber mold plasticity and set hardened.
4. the small end of the rod is brought in contact This complete cycle is called
with the surface of the paste and quickly release ____
5. the penetration of the needle can be read on the
goals. the initial set is said to have occured when Cement paste cement fineness,
the needle cease to penetrate a point 5mm above setting time is water-cement ratio, chemical
the bottom of the mold affected by content (especially gypsum
6. the time taken for instant of adding water to the content) and admixtures
cement up to the moment when the needles cease
to penetrate a point of 5mm above the mold is Setting tests used to characterize how a
known as the initial setting time of a cement particular cement paste sets
note: For construction purposes, the Gypsum added to cement (typically
initial set must not be too soon 3-5% by weight) to regulate its
and the final set must not be setting time
too late
slows down this reaction,
normal hydration setting times can give some allowing proper workability
indication of whether or not a and strength development
cement is undergoing ____
flash setting Without gypsum, tricalcium
Initial Setting The time to which cement can (instant aluminate (C₃A) reacts rapidly
Time Of Cement: be moulded in any desired hardening) with water, causing ____
shape without losing it
strength Fineness refers to the particle size of
cement
The time at which cement
starts hardens and completely Fineness of It is measured by the sieve
loses its plasticity Cement test

The time available for mixing hydration rate, Fineness is a crucial factor
the cement and placing it in strength affecting its_____
position development, and
setting time
strength If mixing the cement and
placing it in position is delayed Curing Conditions process of maintaining
further, cement loses its ____ moisture, temperature, and
time conditions
Final Setting Time The time at which cement
Of Cement completely loses its plasticity Curing Conditions hydrate properly, ensuring
and became hard allow cement to strength and durability

The time taken by cement to Water-Cement he ratio of the weight of water

gain its entire strength Ratio to the weight of cement in a
concrete mix
initial setting time ____ possess a primary role in
strength & it is mandated that directly affects the strength,
cement paste or concrete is durability, and workability of
placed in position before it concrete
crosses _____
strong, durable, Maintaining the right W/C ratio
factors affecting Cement composition and ensures
initial and final Gypsum content crack-resistant
setting time of Fineness of Cement concrete
cement Curing Conditions
Water-Cement Ratio Admixtures substances added to concrete
Type of admixture used or cement to modify its
properties and improve
Tricalcium Silicate Provides early strength and performance in specific
(C₃S) contributes to initial setting. conditions

Dicalcium Silicate Enhances long-term strength They enhance workability,

(C₂S) development. strength, durability, and setting
characteristics
Tricalcium Reacts quickly with water,
Aluminate (C₃A) generating heat; influences
early hydration.

Tetracalcium Contributes to color and minor

Aluminoferrite strength gain.
(C₄AF)