Lightweight Blocks

1. Burnt Clay Bricks (Traditional Red Bricks) Description Made by burning clay in a kiln, a basic part of different types of bricks used in India.Commonly used in load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls among many types of bricks available today. Advantages Disadvantages High compressive strength (3.5–10 MPa) High self-weight Good durability Quality varies Works efficiently with construction brick types Environmentally less friendly (kiln burning) Impact on Structural Design Increases dead load, leading to: 2. Fly Ash Bricks Description Manufactured using fly ash, cement, sand, and water.Uniform shape and quality similar to other different types of bricks on the market. Advantages Disadvantages High strength (7.5–12 MPa) Needs curing Low water absorption Brittle compared to clay bricks Environment-friendly option in construction brick types Impact on Structural Design Moderately economical for types of blocks 3. AAC Blocks (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks) Description Lightweight, precast foam concrete blocks — one of the most popular types of blocks today. Advantages Disadvantages Very lightweight (1/3 of a red brick) Lower compressive strength (3–4 MPa) Thermal & sound insulation Requires special masonry skills Faster construction Needs external protection from moisture Large sizes reduce mortar usage in lightweight concrete blocks Impact on Structural Design 4. CLC Blocks (Cellular Lightweight Concrete) Description Foam-based lightweight concrete blocks (non-autoclaved), considered among modern types of blocks. Advantages Disadvantages Lightweight Lower strength Good insulation Dimensional inaccuracy Cheaper than AAC Slower production Impact on Structural Design 5. Concrete Solid & Hollow Blocks Hollow Blocks Used widely in external/internal wallsStrength = 3.5–7 MPa Solid Blocks Used where a higher load capacity is required Advantages Disadvantages Faster construction Heavier than AAC / CLC Good sound insulation Needs a skilled mason for alignment High durability Impact on Structural Design Moderately economical structural design among construction brick types 6. Stabilised Mud Blocks / Compressed Earth Blocks Description Made from soil, sand, cement/lime using a manual or mechanical press — eco-friendly types of bricks. Advantages Disadvantages Very eco-friendly Quality depends on the soil mix Good thermal performance Not suitable for high-rise structures Cost-effective Impact on Structural Design 7. Porotherm Clay Hollow Blocks Description Hollow terracotta blocks by Wienerberger, etc.A premium option among modern types of bricks. Advantages Disadvantages Lightweight Expensive Excellent thermal insulation Requires skilled labour Sound-proof Fast construction Impact on Structural Design Ideal for tall buildings COMPARISON OF DEAD LOAD (Approx.) Material Density Relative Load Red Brick Masonry ~1800 kg/m³ Highest Solid Concrete Block ~1600–1800 kg/m³ High Hollow Concrete Block ~1200–1500 kg/m³ Medium Fly Ash Brick ~1400–1600 kg/m³ Medium Porotherm Block ~650–800 kg/m³ Low AAC Block ~550–750 kg/m³ Lowest CLC Block ~600–800 kg/m³ Low Structural Cost Impact Summary 1. Dead Load Reduction AAC / Porotherm reduce wall weight by 60–70%Leads to: 2. Construction Speed & Cost Larger block sizes → less mortar, faster workReduces labour costs in all construction brick types 3. Suitable Applications Material Best Use Red Brick Small buildings, traditional projects Fly Ash Economical urban projects AAC High-rise, commercial, large housing CLC Low-rise economical housing Concrete Blocks Basements, partitions, robustness required Porotherm Premium residential/commercial high-rise Mud Blocks Eco-friendly, low-rise buildings Final Recommendation for Economical Structural Design For high-rise and cost-efficient construction, use: For low to mid-rise, use: These give the maximum structural savings while maintaining performance across all different types of bricks used today. Explore more: If planning to build your dream home?Check out Eternal Foundations—a helpful guide to building a strong, safe home that lasts for generations.📩 For a free e-book, email me at kapil.chawla@tesproconsultants.com