CONCRETE BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29832, 26 May 1962, Page 13

CONCRETE BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

New Method Of Reinforcing

Christchurch structural engineers and concrete block manufacturers have developed a method of building with concrete blocks which are strengthened with steel. Previously, concrete blocks have been used in buildings as panels only, the weight of the building being carried by reinforced concrete and beams.

Mr I. L. Holmes, a Christchurch consulting engineer, said that the method is of particular relevance to New Zealand because of the earthquake hazard. He said that in early work the reinforcing was done by threading steel rods through hollow concrete blocks after the blocks had been placed, and filling the remaining space with mortar. Later development of open-ended Ashaped blocks enabled the blocks to be placed after the reinforcing had been put into position. “The present developments with concrete blocks permit reinforcing in any building. Research is under way to develop suitable bricks for reinforcing in the same way,” said Mr Holmes.

Special blocks are available which allow horizontal and vertical steel to pass through the same block.

While the mortar surrounding the reinforcing was now put in as the wall was built up, it was expected that a machine would be available soon for pumping the mortar round the reinforcing, said Mr Holmes.