solid cement blocks or bricks for construction

[kraghum]

let me know if you require the detailed costing, i can share. PM me if you require it

[realgoogler]

hi raghu,
does the price list given includes labor+materials. Are you saying for 28sqft house const. costing you ~60lakhs with marble floor and all.
thanks.

[kraghum]

Yes it's includes everything exept Interiors

[kanukaushik]

plz send me d details tooo on kanu.d.leo@gmail.com

[nr75]

Hello ,

Fascinated with exposed bricks construction , want to try atleast some walls on my home .
I have seen some houses with walls of solid clay bricks left exposed . They say it is lacquered for protection.

Request if any one can suggest some sources close to bangalore and cost/ brick. Any draw backs with this option?
thanks,
nr75.

[CityBrick]

Hi all,

Can anyone suggests which is a better option (solid blocks or bricks) to construct considering the long life of building,
walls being smooth , avoiding cracks etc.,

I'm eagerly waiting to get this answer to decide and construct

Raj

Bricks are the better option as they have very high insulation properties.

[hkrish]

Dear All,

This is a good discussion on Cement blocks vs Bricks vs Compressed Earth blocks
Im also in same confusion on which one to choose. Here my views & inputs so far found.

(1) Solid Cement Blocks - Most of the villas in bangalore are constructed with this.
Please make site visit and review them.
I find these blocks to be EXTREMELY heavy compared to any blocks used (hollow, compressed bricks or red bricks).
One needs to lift with both hands and for a wall which is raised 10-12 feet, with 9-10 SCBs piled one above other, the load
it gives on the load bearing wall gives an uncomfortable feeling for me. Though everyone says, they increase the foundation,
somehow when we go for G+2, with such heavy blocks, more deeper the foundation, more better.
Also noticed is comparitively hot inside, compared to my friends who are building using bricks and CEB (Compressed earth blocks)
Villa builders prefer this for faster construction compared to bricks i suppose. Price wise also it comes to 25-35 per SCB depending upon
brand.

(2) Bricks: I love bricks over SCB just for the strength it contributes when compared to its individual weight.
When one takes the Individual-Brick-Strength Vs Individual-Brick-weight,
brick is the clear winner compared to SCB, but loses out on cost.

(3) CEB (compressed earth block): Seem to combine pros of both SCB and brick.
It has the cost advantage similar to SCB, (or may be even cheaper than SCB), and stability wise as per many of the videos below, it
is much better than a brick.

Making & Stabiltiy videos
(1) Since they're mixture of 5-10% cement, 80% clay 10% red soil, and compressed, the first feeling i got is,
will they be water/rain resistant. But since they're mixed with binding element like cement, i think they jel-up during
the inital 4 days of curing. Following video answers it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YX6mEypDUs

(2). Block should not break if dropped from height of 2 mts (thought it may chip away in edges)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV0zoDKrl_I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAdZmlwmveQ (watch from 2:16 onwards for comparision with hollow block)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zqmQ895MhM
My friend built his full G+2 house using CEB, and interiors are really cooler.
He used 10% cement instead of 5% and his drop test passed

(3) Load bearing capacity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeVqM3gcntA

(4) Wall strength
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKx6b2NOoU

@kraghum, what is the average per block price ? Though you might have saved on per-block price, did you loose for labour.
How many bricks they made per day.
Did you ask your architect regarding stability reports before going ahead. Please share some details if you have any.
This will help everyone of us.

Regards
Hari

[tara_m]

Hi Hari
thanks for sharing the inputs its pretty comprehensive Do you know the contacts of folks who are experienced in CEB ?
Thanks

[nethra30]

@kraghum,

Hi Raghu,
Saw your estimation sheet of 40*40 plot from architect, can you please let me know the architect details.We are thinking of eco friendly home.
And i think by now construction is over, was the estimation equal to your actual..?

Regards,
Nethra
nethra.30@gmail.com

[satish muniyappa]

hi, this is satish muniyappa, an architect, go for cement blocks ther are many benefits, for further details contact xxxxxxxxxxx

You can explain those benefits here in forum rather than asking to contact you.We would like you to share your knowledge in the forum that will help many.
Personal marketing is only allowed when moderators feel you are sharing your knowledge genuinely
Edited by Admin