Understanding the Difference Between Concrete Bricks and Blocks.

Concrete masonry, including both bricks and blocks, has been a cornerstone of the South African construction industry for decades. Emerging in the early 1900s, these materials initially served rural areas and saw a surge in use after World War 2 due to the housing boom and the advent of mobile block-making machines.

The main difference between a concrete brick and a concrete block is their size. Concrete bricks are smaller, usually between 190mm and 220mm long, while concrete blocks are larger, ranging from 300mm to 650mm.

Applicable Concrete Bricks and Blocks SANS Standard

The standard that regulates concrete masonry is SANS 1215: 2008. This standard specifies the physical properties and testing methods required to acquire product certification from the SABS or from a third party certification body, for example, CMA Certification Services.

Example of a Concrete Brick.

Example of a Concrete Block

Size and Modular Coordination

Although the specific dimensions for concrete masonry units are outlined in Appendix F of SANS 1215, buildings designed to the 100mm standard module follow the guidelines in SANS 993. This involves a nominal joint thickness of 10mm. Typical modular wall thicknesses are 90mm, 140mm, and 190mm, with permissible sizes being 90mm, 110mm, 140mm, 190mm, and 230mm.

In practice, the market includes various sizes, often based on the "imperial" brick size of 222x106x73mm or its multiples, extending up to block sizes of 448x224x224mm. Some units, such as 222x90x73mm, are designed to meet the minimum requirements of SANS 10400, though they do not conform to modular or imperial standards.

Construction Practices

For blocks (hollow units), modular coordination involves using a 100mm module (90mm wide plus a 10mm mortar joint) or its multiples, streamlining the construction process. Concrete bricks are laid on a full bedding face of mortar, while hollow blocks are laid using shell bedding across the width of the face shell.

Quadra Concrete Equipment manufacturing quality concrete blocks.

Manufacturing Quality concrete masonry units with Quadra South Africa and partners

Quadra South Africa, in partnership with our European industry leaders, offer advanced solutions for precast concrete manufacturing, including both brick and block manufacturing machinery. Quadra south Africa and Partners provide a range of equipment such as concrete brick and block making machines, precast concrete molds, precast concrete unit curing chambers, composite and wooden production pallets, concrete mixers, and mineral sorting systems, all designed to improve the efficiency and quality of your concrete masonry.

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To conclude

The primary difference between concrete bricks and blocks is their size, which influences their specific use in construction projects. With innovative products from Quadra South Africa and its partners, the industry can meet the evolving demands for quality concrete bricks and blocks.

Find out how Quadra South Africa can help you produce quality concrete block pavers by contacting Quadra South Africa today. Click the button below.

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Referrences:

1. AfriSam, n.d. Bricks and Blocks. AfriSam, [online] Available at: https://www.afrisam.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/55.-Bricks-and-Blocks.pdf [Accessed 2 August 2024].