Category: Structure & materials
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
Blockwork is building external and internal walls with concrete blocks and mortar, commonly 10, 15 and 20 cm thick, in solid, hollow and thermally insulated types.
Why it matters on a project
Straight courses and proper tying into columns decide how much plaster is needed and whether cracks appear later.
Measurement and pricing
Measured in square metres per thickness with openings deducted; lintels in linear metres.
Worked example
A 5.0 × 3.0 m wall = 15 m² less a 1.0 × 2.2 m door = 2.2 m², net 12.8 m². A 40 × 20 cm block gives 12.5 blocks per m², so 160 blocks before waste.
Common mistake
Building without tying blocks to columns with dowels or mesh, so vertical cracks appear where wall meets column.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between insulated and ordinary block?
Insulated block has an insulating layer inside for better thermal performance and is mostly used for external walls.
Is blockwork laid straight on concrete?
It is laid in mortar on the ground beam or slab after waterproofing, tied into the columns.
Related terms
- Plaster (render)A cement or gypsum layer applied to walls to level them before paint or cladding.
- Thermal insulationMaterials reducing heat transfer through walls and roofs, required by the Saudi Building Code.
- Quantity take-offExtracting quantities from drawings under defined measurement rules, with a reference for every figure.
- Reinforced concreteConcrete containing steel reinforcement to resist the tensile forces concrete alone cannot carry.
Read next
- Work out quantities with our free calculators: concrete, tiles, paint and plaster. Open the calculators
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