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Types of Concrete Blocks & Their Uses

Masonry has been around since ancient times. Although, the materials went from stone to modern day concrete blocks. There are mainly two types of concrete blocks used in construction- hollow blocks and solid bricks. Both are used to construct walls but can be repurposed for other structures. Concrete blocks are also known as concrete masonry units (CMU) and can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, based on your preferences and budget. This article has much-needed details that you should be aware of before choosing the type of concrete block that is perfect for you.

 

Similarities

Both types of concrete blocks are strong and durable. They were previously called cinder blocks because cinders generated in coal plants were used instead of sand and gravel in the composition of concrete blocks. Now the key components that make up the concrete blocks are concrete, sand, gravel, stone, and water in appropriate proportions. The mixture is shaped into uniform blocks with a smooth finish. Both blocks are more preferable than red bricks because they are cost-effective, use less mortar and water, are machine-made, produce minimum environmental waste, and are highly durable. These blocks can be fashioned into other structures that can come in handy during interior design, gardening, landscaping, and home decor. These blocks are also resistant to salinity and most weather effects.

 

Concrete Hollow Blocks

Concrete hollow blocks are primarily used to construct walls, fences, and other large structures. These blocks have holes that cover equal to or more than half of the cross sectional area of the block. The hollow cores bring a myriad of advantages. For example, they make the blocks lighter and easier to carry around. Construction becomes a lot faster and affordable as a result. Running wires, pipes, and rebar through these holes are also much easier, and also adds to the strength & stability of the building. There are three grades of concrete hollow blocks:

  • Grade A: these blocks have the highest density, more than or equal to 1500 kg/m3
  • Grade B: these blocks have a density somewhere between 1000 to 1500 kg/m3.
  • Grade C: these blocks have a density lower than 1000 kg/m3.

Typically Grades A and B are used in load-bearing walls. Grade C blocks are used in non-load-bearing walls. Hollow blocks are also used as planters, retaining walls, foundations, steps, or fire pits.

 

Concrete Solid Bricks

These are also a type of concrete hollow block but the difference is that these can have ‘less hollow’ variations. So you can have fully solid blocks or mostly solid ones. They are bigger in size than concrete hollow blocks. They are excellent when used in paving, because it offers more stability. Imagine the uncomfortable experience of having to walk on pavements filled with holes! They are also great for creating walls that offer strong protection from winds, making them more preferable in hilly and coastal areas. Solid bricks can also be used as landscaping installations and interior decor, but because it is solid it has less versatility than hollow blocks. 

These blocks can come in a variety of colors and sizes. Customize however you want with bti Building Products. Depending on your budget and construction needs, we can help you decide which building product is perfect for you. Order now by calling 16604, or visit www.btibuildingproducts.com to check out our unipavers and pavement tiles too.

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What are the Advantages of Using Pavement Tiles?

Pavements have been popular since ancient times. The Romans used mosaic-like patterns as superficial surface covering across most of their floors. Paving materials were relatively simple such as asphalt, concrete, cobblestone, etc. But modern times and modern applications require innovative solutions. They are now highly sought after by developers and homeowners involved in independent construction. Today’s pavement tiles can practically be used anywhere. In fact, pavement tiles have a variety of advantages that make them highly useful in construction and landscape architecture. 

 

Versatility

You cannot go wrong with the versatility of pavement tiles. As mentioned before, they can be used anywhere. In Bangladesh they are particularly used in parking lot floors, walkways, footpaths, driveways, roads, patios, and other outdoor flooring platforms. They are also used to add to the aesthetics of landscaping in gardens and rooftops. Many dirt roads or damaged floors are now replaced with pavement tiles for this reason. Pavement tiles can be used in commercial projects, residential complexes, industrial yards, inside homes, basements, and more. 

 

Aesthetics

When a person walks through a dirt road the experience is not pleasant. It can damage the feet and lead to an unpleasant experience. If the dirt road is covered with pavement tiles it appears more elegant and the walking experience becomes more refreshing. Therefore, pavement tiles add more elegance to any floor. This is exactly why they are popular materials to explore in landscaping. Their earthly natural tones make sidewalks and other outdoor floors appear extra charming.

 

Eco-friendliness

The Romans and many ancient nations used pavements using stones or asphalt that were impermeable, meaning water could not drain into the surface under the pavement. This is very harmful to the natural systems of the Earth. Therefore, modern construction allows appropriate water drainage. Pavements and other types of outdoor floors should be made of pavement tiles to facilitate controlled water drainage into the soil for the benefit of the environment. It prevents unwanted surface runoff or buildup of water in the area and prevents soil erosion.

The manufacturing process of pavement tiles is also eco-friendly. They are fully machine-made with no production of harmful waste and toxic smoke. They are made by mixing concrete with a coloring agent, which is then poured into a mold of a particular shape. The mixture is allowed to set into the mold shape and harden. 

The application process is also simple and environmentally friendly. When the tiles are ready they are placed on the floor space which is evened by a foundation of stone and sand layers. The tiles require no adhesive to stick together. The gaps are simply filled with sand. The entire structure is then evened out via edging. 

 

Easy to Install & Customize

Due to their uniform structure and shape, pavement tiles are very easy to install. Once placed on the floor they require very little maintenance. They are placed on the ground and evened out simply by edging, and require no adhesive. Pavement tiles are very smooth and homogenous in shape so when they are placed on the ground they appear evenly spread out.

You can customize them into whatever size you want and pick your own color if needed. By customizing their size you may be customizing their PSI strength so bear that in mind. They do come in many shapes and colors to give off an attractive floor finish, so feel free to explore! 

 

Strength & Durability

Pavement tiles have high PSI strength and can withstand high load, making them very durable. They are flooring materials and need to withstand the load of many footsteps over time, therefore it makes sense for their immense strength. Since they are tough and require little maintenance they can be managed very well. 
Are you impressed by the numerous benefits of pavement tiles? Order your first 1000 pieces of bti pavement tiles from us for elegant floorwork. Call 16604, or Whatsapp: +8801313401405 or visit www.btibuildingproducts.com to know more!

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How to Ensure Sustainable Home Construction

Global climate issues combined with over consumption of fossil fuels have governments thinking of renewable and sustainable resources. Many countries have made significant progress regarding eco-friendly approaches, and Bangladesh is also not behind. Yet, the recent flooding in Sylhet and load-shedding across the country has sparked the debate of how we can do better. The government has made the use of concrete hollow blocks mandatory by 2025 to eradicate the environmental issues created with traditional red bricks. This means that the construction industry is also now at the forefront of ensuring sustainability. People are highly encouraged to build eco-friendly homes. Here is how you can build one too!

 

Use Concrete Hollow Blocks

Many people in our country still prefer the age-old method of using traditional red bricks for construction. There are several disadvantages with bricks. For example, their production in the kilns result in massive air and water pollution. Red bricks are also more prone to weather damage. They are also not too resistant against salinity, dampness, or sound. Traditional bricks are also not great with thermal insulation, and use too much water taken straight from the environment. With so many negativities, it makes sense to choose better alternatives. Concrete hollow blocks are a fine example. They are eco-friendly because their production is completely machine-made with little pollution or wastage. Since they are machine-made their finishing is smooth, allowing them to be perfectly stacked on top of one another without too much use of mortar, raw materials and water from the environment. One concrete hollow block can replace the use of five red bricks! Use of concrete hollow blocks is also more cost-effective and less time-consuming for this reason. To top it all off, concrete hollow blocks are damp resistant, soundproof, salinity resistant, regulate temperatures duing summers and winters, and also more durable. 

You can also choose our concrete solid bricks which have very similar properties. You can use concrete solid bricks and hollow blocks to build your home along with a boundary for security. 

 

Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are available across most homes in Bangladesh and for good reason. It is a great renewable form of energy that is used as electricity. Installing them on top of buildings is also relatively inexpensive, so make sure to use them generously!

 

Make the Most of Landscaping

Plants can actually help keep the indoors fresh, well-ventilated and cool, which is especially necessary during the summer. When indoors are relatively cool you will not need to use air conditioners or fans much. Consequently, less electricity will be required. Make gardening and plants a staple in the rooftop and balconies. Concrete hollow blocks can also be used to install certain landscaping and interior design elements, which shows how versatile it truly is. Landscaping and sustainable interior designs are not only pretty to look at but also very cost-effective and eco-friendly. Try to incorporate reusable items and recycled materials during the design process.

 

Keep Home Automation Features

Smart Home features can make life incredibly comfortable and easier. If you use them properly, you can save on a lot of electricity. For example, you can use automated curtains to block out intense sunlight during the afternoon and reduce heat build up in your interiors, or use remote controlled air conditioners in certain times of the day to reduce usage of electricity. Automated drying racks, light sensors, fingerprint security lock, smart hub, and many other Smart Home elements are available at Get Smart by bti. Give it a try for a cosier lifestyle.

 

Choose Pavement Tiles & Unipavers for Flooring

Pavement tiles and unipavers from bti Building Products are ideal choices when it comes to flooring. They can be made in custom sizes according to your specifications and come in different colors. Pavement tiles can be used to create elegant footpaths, driveways, parking lot floors, rooftop floors, walkways, and more. Unipavers also offer versatile flooring options and can be used in a similar manner. Just like the concrete hollow blocks, our pavement tiles are also made sustainably with an eco-friendly approach. Pavement tiles can also be used as flooring for your gardens and balconies as landscaping elements.

Using eco-friendly building materials will not only create a sustainable home that will last a lifetime, but also save the planet. Taking the first step is not too late. Build your home only with the best building materials in Bangladesh. To order our building products call 16604, or Whatsapp: +88013130401405 or visit www.btibuildingproducts.com

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Why Choose Concrete Hollow Blocks Over Fly Ash Bricks?

Masonry has been in use since ancient times. Back then masonry was done using stones only, but nowadays there are several units of masonry. While traditional brick and mortar are still the popular choice in some countries, Bangladesh has taken a new direction almost a decade ago. The use of concrete hollow blocks will become mandatory by 2025, and as a result a large number of developers now use these blocks for construction. Fly ash bricks are also used in some cases. This blog will let you know the pros and cons of using both types of masonry units so that you choose the building product most suitable for you.

 

Fly Ash Bricks: Pros & Cons

Fly ash bricks are made from fly ash, cement, lime, gypsum, and sand. They can be used in load-bearing and non-load bearing walls, and also in high rise structures, large factories, power plants, irrigation work, etc. Fly ash bricks are well insulated from fire, strong and sturdy even when transported around, uniform in size therefore easy to apply mortar to, and also provides good thermal insulation. 

While we have mentioned the main advantages, there are several disadvantages as well. 

  • Each brick has less mechanical strength. To reinforce the strength you will have to add more mortar or marble waste, which adds more to the costs. 
  • Fly ash bricks come in limited sizes. If the size is too large it can break during transportation.  
  • Fly ash bricks cannot absorb heat that well. So, it is not really helpful during the winter seasons or colder regions.
  • They are heavier than concrete hollow blocks.
  • Concealed wiring is difficult with fly ash brick structures. Use of steel is also not possible in its masonry work.

 

Concrete Hollow Block: Pros & Cons

Concrete hollow blocks are made from several raw materials including cement, aggregates, water, sand or gravel. Sometimes industrial wastes such as fly ash are also added to the mixture. These blocks have one or more large holes, with the solid part being 50-75% of the total block volume. The cavities are meant to reduce the total cross-sectional area of the block. They have a wide variety of uses. The blocks can be used to create interior and exterior load bearing or non-load bearing walls, curtain walls, panel walls, partition walls, to back stone walls, floodproofing, building fireproof walls, retaining walls, and piers etc.

So why are concrete hollow blocks so popular in masonry? Here are some of the benefits!

  • They are lightweight and very durable, so there is less unusable load which saves reinforcement steel. However, concrete hollow block structures can be generously reinforced with steel.
  • They are eco-friendly as they incorporate use of industrial by-products as raw materials. Unlike clay bricks which are burnt and cause air pollution, concrete hollow blocks are machine-made and do not harm the environment. They also do not use topsoil unlike clay bricks, which saves agricultural lands from destruction.
  • They are easy to install, meaning the masonry work takes less time compared to other construction materials.
  • Concrete hollow blocks have amazing thermal insulation, making them ideal for use in all regions and climates. Because of their versatility, the blocks are readily used in landscaping and interior designs as well.
  • Hollow blocks are relatively soundproof and also weather-resistant as they are less prone to water absorption.
  • They enhance earthquake resistance of buildings!
  • Since they are machine-made they have a smooth structure, making them easy to work with. They also consume less mortar for this reason, thus saving costs and time.
  • They come in a wide number of sizes. You can set custom sizes according to your preferences and purpose.

Concrete hollow blocks and fly ash bricks have similar properties too. They are both grey in color, have similar dry densities, and have good termite resistance. Therefore, you should choose what suits your plans best based on the information provided in this article. They have their own pros and cons, but both are excellent for masonry. However, if you are interested in our concrete hollow blocks, call us at 16604, or visit www.btibuildingoroducts.com or Whatsapp: +8801313401405.

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4 Eco-friendly Building Products Used in Sustainable Construction

The real estate industry of Bangladesh is largely dependent on clay bricks for a variety of reasons. However, these bricks not only harm the environment but also increase the overall cost of construction. Planned urbanization, sustainable construction, and a safe environment now call for alternative building materials. By choosing eco-friendly building products, we can prevent environmental hazards and also save construction costs at the same time. Among the innovative building materials used worldwide, Concrete Hollow Blocks are considered superior to other conventional materials such as burnt clay bricks. Our approach to green construction does not limit to hollow blocks only. Over time we have introduced several other eco-friendly products such as Concrete Solid Brick, Unipavers, and Pavement Tiles which are undoubtedly great construction solutions.  

 

Concrete Hollow Block

Unlike the traditional red bricks, hollow blocks do not need to be burnt; they are made from automated processes which means they cause no harm to the environment and come out with smooth finishing. The hollow blocks of bti Building Products are fireproof, damp-proof, earthquake-resistant, and most importantly eco-friendly. On the other hand, the soil used in the conventional method of making bricks is collected from the surface of agricultural land. As a result, the amount of our agricultural land is decreasing day by day which is threatening our food security. A study found that on average, about 600 acres of agricultural land is being lost every day which is more than 1% of the total cultivable lands. This means Concrete Hollow Blocks are a great alternative to clay bricks.  Above all, the government has announced Concrete Hollow Blocks to be made mandatory by 2025 whereas we have been producing and using our blocks since 2016. Thus, when it comes to innovation in construction, we are always one step ahead.

 

Concrete Solid Brick

Just like Concrete Hollow Blocks, solid bricks are also an innovation in construction. They also have almost the same properties just as hollow blocks. They come in different sizes and uniform shapes. Concrete Bricks are made with powdered portland cement, concrete, water, sand, and gravel. Being made of concrete, solid bricks are strong and increase the durability of construction. Unlike the traditional red bricks, it has less salt which makes its salinity negligible. Our Concrete Bricks are far more durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. This makes any construction long-lasting and sustainable as it does not require the use of clay bricks. The amount of noise pollution and heat transfer is comparatively 40% less, and the solid bricks are able to adapt to any kind of weather change.

 

Pavement Tiles

Pavement tiles have also paved the way for green construction. When you are done with construction, you may need to make sidewalks, entryways, driveways, or more. Pavement Tiles are highly suitable for making driveways, walkways, entryways, rooftops etc. The Pavement Tiles of bti Building Products are made in automated machines using state-of-the-art technology without any involvement of manual labor. Moreover, their easy installation process is ideal for gardening and landscaping. They are not just kind to the environment but also add elegance to your tracks.  

 

Unipavers

Unipavers are primarily used as flooring materials. Our Unipavers are made of cement, coarse sand, fine sand, pea gravel, and stone dust. They are locally sourced and machine-made. This is how we utilize recycled materials so that they do not cause any harm to the environment. They are getting seemingly popular because they are easy to install and highly durable. Hence, they are widely used in footpaths, walkways, pavements, driveways, factory yards, and garden landscaping. Unlike other flooring materials, they can be customized according to your preference, so you can choose the size, shape, and colors of your choice.  

 

An exemplary approach to green construction

We always believe in green construction and thus we incorporate greenery in each of our projects. That’s why we implement earthquake-resistant designs with fire safety measures. Because we understand that a catastrophe does not just harm one individual only but also the environment and an entire community. bti Building Products has been using eco-friendly building materials for ensuring green construction from the very beginning. Moreover, we use solar panels in all our projects to reduce energy consumption. Through nature-integrated designs, be it on rooftops, entryways, gardens, or wherever possible, we make sure that every home is sustainably made.   

We have only one earth, so it is our solemn duty to protect the only home we have by incorporating and using eco-friendly building materials as much as possible. This is how we can reduce the harmful emission of carbon to save the environment before it’s too late.

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Concrete Hollow Blocks Are Fireproof Myth Busted!

Our happiness largely depends on how safe we feel at home. Choosing an eco-friendly building material to build your dream home not only saves the environment but also saves your overall construction costs. Among all the innovative building materials used worldwide, Concrete Hollow Blocks are considered to be superior to other conventional materials such as burnt clay bricks. Their excellent fire-resistant features help to keep the blaze at bay. They do not emit harmful chemicals, unlike the traditional red bricks. There are other reasons why this particular product tops all the other building materials.

One of the main reasons that the hollow blocks do not catch fire is the reason for the inflammable materials they are made of. When exposed to high temperatures, they do not even discharge any baleful chemicals. Flammable materials, on the other hand, combine oxygen that facilitates the flame to cause and spread the fire easily. The raw materials used in hollow blocks are cement, stone dust, coarse and fine sands, along with pea gravel. They consume less energy and no harmful gases are emitted which makes them non-flammable and ensures the safety of buildings. 

Another major factor of the hollow block being fireproof is it is low in thermal conductivity. This implies that even if a building catches fire it takes less time to spread in the entire building. Its load-bearing capacity and structural features do not let it catch fire easily even if any building is set on fire, the non-combustible materials protect it from spreading fire. Nevertheless, not all kinds of concrete blocks are fireproof. Hollow blocks consist of cement and other aggregated materials that are needed to protect any structure from catching fire.  

Above all, the presence of concrete in the hollow block does not cause any chemical reaction. Concrete can withstand fire for up to four hours. Although it depends on the other aspects of our homes such as furniture, fixtures, fittings, etc. Unlike wood and steel, concrete takes less time to spread fumes. Of course, only the presence of concrete does not ensure that a building will not catch fire. It just follows a concrete structure to spread the flame from one area to another contrary to a wooden structure.  

To sum it up, hollow blocks prove to be a great choice for construction in minimizing the danger of fire. Now that the myth is busted about whether Concrete Hollow Blocks are fireproof or not, you can undoubtedly choose this material for building a safe haven for your family.

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Usage of Concrete Hollow Block in Bangladesh

Ever since modern construction started in Bangladesh, people mostly relied on using traditional red bricks for construction. The reasons are obvious. Producing red bricks requires cheap labor. Its raw materials are readily available. However, with increased reports of global warming and environmental degradation already adversely affecting Bangladesh, experts are now considering alternatives. Since producing red bricks is very harmful for the environment, environmentally conscious developers and manufacturing industries have moved on to a far better choice – concrete hollow blocks. 

 

Our Story

Concrete hollow blocks are very popular in other countries for masonry, constructing boundaries, floodgates, and a wide range of other functions. Bangladesh was largely unfamiliar with it. In 2011, bti Building Products started manufacturing concrete hollow blocks from its factory in Dhamrai. It was an innovative move, since most developers were still using red bricks. We recognized the genius behind the production of concrete hollow blocks and its potential to change the construction scenario in our country forever. 

 

Why Choose Concrete Hollow Blocks

Concrete hollow blocks are machine-made, which means every edge will be seamless, smooth, with an overall perfect finishing. Since there is no physical labor or time-consuming manual work involved in production, it saves both time and costs. Red bricks require extreme high temperatures and conditions for manufacturing, but concrete hollow blocks can be easily made in normal conditions, which again saves time and costs, and also prevents them from harming the environment. Its raw materials are readily available and sustainable, which means you will not have to worry about raw materials supply. The production process requires much less water and cement compared to red bricks. Since concrete hollow blocks are cheaper and quicker to produce, your construction time is also reduced. These are great advantages, which encouraged many developers to use the blocks in their buildings. 

 

One red brick unit is equivalent to five units of concrete hollow blocks. This aspect also helps in ensuring faster, cost-effective construction. The mineral composition of red bricks can deteriorate with time, and water from the atmosphere can add to the damage.  Concrete hollow blocks are weather-resistant and soundproof, something that red bricks are not. Homes made with these blocks remain warm in the winters and cool during the summers as a result. With time, a building made of red bricks can lose its durability and strength, but a building made of concrete hollow blocks becomes stronger and tougher with time, making it more resistant in the wake of natural calamities. When weights are compared, you will realize concrete hollow blocks are way lighter than red bricks, making its use even more convenient.

 

A New Generation of Building Blocks

The concrete hollow block manufacturing industry is now worth a staggering 90 billion taka. The Government has declared that all buildings should be made of concrete hollow blocks, and by three years it will become mandatory for construction firms to use these blocks only. The move was made to ensure prevention of the environmental damage caused by red brick kilns. The demand is soaring to the point that now many kiln owners are moving to manufacture concrete hollow blocks instead of red bricks. A massive challenge is to familiarize non-urban people with hollow blocks, who are still not aware of the damage caused by traditional red bricks. Even if they understand the benefits of hollow blocks, they would try to buy from small companies who produce cheap hollow blocks, but of low-quality. To avoid such situations, it is always best to procure blocks from a reliable name. 

If you are an individual hoping to build your dream home, or a developer all set to embark on a new construction project, ask bti Building Products for concrete hollow blocks. We have been producing it since 2011 and have been leading the industry since then, with rigorous testing conducted by engineering experts and use of top-notch raw materials. Our high-quality concrete hollow blocks are sure to impress you!

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5 Reasons You Should Use Concrete Hollow Blocks

In a densely populated country like Bangladesh, it is crucial to keep pace with the ever-growing housing needs of every citizen. Consequently, the dependence on domestic construction materials is also on the rise and one of them is Concrete Hollow Blocks. As a result, the prices of building materials are soaring but the price of concrete hollow blocks in that sense is quite moderate. This superb building material brings about a myriad of benefits for construction which is why it is seemingly getting more popular day by day. Hollow blocks do not require any gas, burning coal, fertile soil, and do not emit carbon dioxide in any way. In short, it is completely an environmentally friendly building material. Not only that, this product offers various advantages, unlike the traditional red bricks. Let us explore more about its benefits.

 

Strength and Safety Like None Other

Concrete hollow blocks are widely used because of their unbeatable durability. The compressive strength depends on the composition of the blocks. They are made with high pressure and vibration which make them durable to last for decades. Moreover, their ability to withstand heavy loads and their lightweight nature reduce the overall weight of the building. The stable foundation and the ability to withstand heavy loads provide great safety from earthquake havoc and other natural disasters.

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Superior Quality

The housing sector is rapidly getting dependent on the hollow blocks because of their superb quality. They are made in automatic machines with cement, crushed stone, soil, stone dust, etc. Whereas terracotta bricks are made only with clay. As a result, the durability of terracotta bricks decreases day by day. They are also fragile and susceptible to damage. On the other hand, the stability of the hollow blocks does not deteriorate over time. Consequently, hollow blocks when used in walls do not get weakened or stained easily.

Cost-effective Construction

The biggest aspect of using hollow blocks is that the construction cost is comparatively less than the traditional red brick. Cement-sand is less required in the masonry of concrete block walls. Additionally, it reduces the weight of the building and the construction also takes less time than usual. One block is capable of replacing 5 red bricks which ultimately reduces the construction cost. Being made of concrete makes it even stronger and increases the durability of construction with the passage of time. Hollow blocks come in uniform sizes and the consistent finish makes them easy to install and speeds up construction. Another positive aspect is that walls made of blocks can be finished with paint which reduces the overall cost of interior decoration.

 

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Adaptable to Any Weather

The hollow blocks are not only durable but also adaptable to any kind of weather change. They are highly capable of withstanding any form of weather be it sunny or stormy. The houses built with hollow blocks remain cold in summer and hot during winter. Concrete Hollow Blocks from bti building products are made with high-quality raw materials such as fine sand, Sylhet sand, pea gravel, coarse, etc. These materials make the blocks remain unaffected by natural disasters. So undoubtedly, hollow blocks are an ideal choice for ensuring a solid foundation for any construction. Another important factor of hollow blocks is that their hollow nature prevents sound and heat thus making your walls soundproof and damp proof. In contrast, walls made with red bricks get easily moistened and damaged especially during monsoons.

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Environment-friendly

Unlike the traditional red bricks, hollow blocks do not need to be burnt; they are made by automatic machines which means they cause no harm to the environment. On the other hand, fertile soil is needed to make red bricks. As a result, agricultural land is being used in all the traditional and modern fuel-saving brick kilns, and automatic brick factories in Bangladesh. Furthermore, wood is being used as fuel in almost all traditional brick kilns. Imported coal, even gas, is being used as fuel. Thus, the use of fertile soil is wasting agricultural land which is why using agricultural land for brick production is now banned in China and India. However, according to a study by the House Building Research Institute (HBRI), “The cost of building construction could be brought down by 25 percent with the use of eco-friendly materials like hollow blocks, instead of traditional bricks.” The government has already announced to completely ban the use of traditional red bricks from 2025 to save the environment. So, from now on, it is better if we adopt to use hollow blocks for any construction project.

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It is crystal clear that the benefits of hollow blocks are numerous which is why their popularity is also increasing very rapidly. However, in terms of low-cost construction, high-quality finish, earthquake resistance, and most importantly ensuring a safe and solid foundation for your family, there is no alternative to using concrete hollow blocks. So, if you are worried about your upcoming construction then concrete hollow blocks from bti building products will undoubtedly be an ideal option for you.

History of Concrete Hollow Blocks
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Our Impact in the History of Hollow Blocks

The typical scenario in Bangladesh for decades has been the use of traditional red bricks during construction. Normally one would believe that they have been around for a very long time, but the truth is concrete hollow blocks have also been used since ancient times. In fact, concrete mortar was first used by the Romans around 200 B.C to bind already shaped stones into buildings. Since then, concrete hollow blocks have come a long way. The blocks also made its way in Bangladesh, and bti Building Products was a pioneer to bring them to the forefront of building materials since 2010.

 

How it Started

 

The Romans were famous for using concrete mortar. In Naples there were formations created using small precast blocks. Much of that technology was lost after the fall of the Roman Empire. It was only in 1890 that the revolution started, when Harmon S. Palmer of the United States patented the hollow concrete block that he designed himself. His block was so heavy it had to be lifted around with a crane, but nevertheless, it became incredibly popular. Soon, as many as 1500 companies started using concrete hollow blocks for construction. The first home made entirely of concrete hollow blocks was built in 1837 in Staten Island, New York. The reason there was a sudden boom in its use was because the materials required to create it were available in abundance. The raw materials are easily available even now. Back then all blocks were made by hand. On an average, a person could create 10 blocks per hour. 

 

How it is Made

 

A concrete hollow block is precast, meaning it is already shaped into a block and hardened before use in construction. The sides of the block may be seamless and smooth or etched with design. The block can have one or two hollow cavities within, and can be stacked atop each other with mortar. This way you can build the wall according to the desired length and height. Although it was previously made by hand, it is now made with highly efficient machines that can produce 2000 blocks per hour. All our concrete hollow blocks are precast in our Dhamrai factory, and then used in our construction. Raw materials include use of cement, water, sand, and gravel in different ratios, but further components can also be added. For example, cinder blocks are made by also adding volcanic cinder or granulated coal into the mixture. Lightweight blocks are made by adding clay, shale, or slate instead of sand. This means concrete hollow blocks can be easily modified and serve different purposes based on their different properties. Each type of block would have a certain set of properties. 

 

Various chemicals may also be used to alter the properties, such as modifying curing time and compressive strength. Pigments can be added for color and glaze can be added for decorative effects.

 

Why Use Our Concrete Hollow Blocks

 

bti Building Products uses lightweight hollow concrete blocks for construction purposes. It is not only a more eco-friendly approach to construction, but it also reduces time and costs. On top of that, even the government has amped up the use of concrete hollow blocks. They are also set to become mandatory in construction by 2025! Since we have led the real estate industry for decades, it only made sense to mass produce concrete hollow blocks for everyone who wants to reap its benefits. Our blocks are designed in such a way that it provides a great level of advantages. Our blocks can form lightweight buildings, which means less prone to earthquakes, are incredibly resistant to water degradation and weather issues. These blocks are vermin proof and fire proof as well, and salinity proof too. Traditional red bricks lack these properties, which is why our concrete hollow blocks are also used to create garages, factories, warehouses, offices, etc. Their adaptability and flexibility to modification allows their use in landscaping and interior design for a more urban, modernistic look in a building. 

 

When manufacturing, we at bti Building Products always take into consideration the client’s requirements. So any additives to be added and any modifications are done with proper consultation. Concrete hollow blocks used for landscaping and interior designs are obviously slightly different in terms of properties than those used to make residences. We can provide all sorts of customization or changes. If you do not want hollow blocks, we also manufacture concrete solid bricks. Both concrete hollow blocks and solid bricks are quality controlled by experts in the field of construction. 

 

Now that you know the great history of concrete hollow blocks, are you interested in building something with it? If so, it is an excellent choice. They form structures that are energy efficient and durable against all odds. You will not be disappointed with our concrete hollow blocks. Call 16604 or Whatsapp: +8801313401405 for any inquiries. 

 

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5 Unique Ways to Use Concrete Hollow Blocks

Concrete hollow blocks are largely known to be the most eco-friendly solution when it comes to construction. Minimal costs, lower usage of building materials, and less pollution are some of the advantages attributed to construction using concrete hollow blocks. However, these magic blocks are not just great for construction, but also for adding some spark to your home environment. These blocks are useful in too many ways, so we have found a few creative methods that you can easily apply while building or renovating your home!

 

For The Love of Plants

Are you someone who wants to stay connected to nature? Looking for your own green corner? Concrete hollow blocks can easily serve your gardening skills. They can be loyal plant carriers by safely containing soil and other nutrients for your seedlings to grow into full-blown plants. The best part is that you can build the blocks into any structure. Whether it is a tower or a pyramid full of blocks, you can get creative and plant anything accordingly. You can also define the amount of space that your mini garden will take over in the room or terrace. Succulents and vegetables and even flowering plants can be grown with hollow block planters.

 

Smart Repurposing

You can join the trend of upcycling items in your home with the twist of concrete hollow blocks. Whether it is extra seating or a DIY side table, you can easily use these blocks to create these furniture at a shockingly low price. Such furniture would ideally look great in terraces and balconies, but they can also be used in bedrooms to give a more rustic feel. Just stack a few blocks together and then add a hard plank of wood on top, sprinkle some pillows and cover with a brightly colored cloth and you have a neat little seating arrangement. A nightstand or a side table would be made the same way but would require less number of blocks minus the pillows. Maybe add a little lamp, and a few books?

 

DIY Outdoor Bar

Visiting night clubs or parties through the traffic is painful nowadays, and with the pandemic going on it also feels a little restricting to have some fun while social distancing rules are still applicable. Instead, why not create your own mini bar with concrete hollow blocks stacked on top of another? You can paint the blocks with multiple colors that suit your interiors and then place a console table on top to complete the look. Then use the hollow part of each block to place drinks and some decorative pieces.

 

Concrete Risers

Instead of store-bought risers for your furniture, simply use concrete hollow blocks of the same height underneath each piece of furniture. The best part is that you can use these hollow block risers to stash secret items and even shoes to save space. The blocks will also help add a rustic touch to your interiors.

Did this blog help? There are plenty of other ways to explore the versatility of concrete hollow blocks. Their durability and strength means that you can build absolutely anything with them. Take your creativity to the next mode with these amazing DIY hacks with concrete hollow blocks.

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