CHB Laying — All you need to know (within 15 minutes) — Part 1
I’ve had successes (and failures) after 5 years in the construction site. I’ll share with you the good tips and tricks. Learn in just 15 minutes, not 5 years.
Good practices = Safe Structures. Good practices can prevent damages from typhoons and earthquakes. Bad practices = Unsafe structures and higher costs in the long run due to repairs.
The following is a combination of book knowledge (NSCP and other sources) and practical experience from my masonry mentors (Construction Foremen, each with 30+ years of site experience; co-engineers, and architects).
CHB Laying = Masonry
- Masonry is the term for building structures by laying individual units (brick, stone, concrete block) and binding them (by cement mortar and rebar).
- In the Philippines, the Concrete Hollow Block is the common masonry.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Why use CHB Walls?
- Strong and durable
- Fire-resistant and Non-combustible
- Weather Resistant
- Cheap
- Availability. Materials are available anywhere in the Philippines
The Disadvantages?
- Complex installation process
- Labor intensive
All About Concrete Hollow Blocks
- The common types available in the market are CHB 6" and CHB 4"
Good Tips & Common Mistakes
- Whenever possible, get supply from a single manufacturer of CHB. Basing from experience, there are size differences per manufacturer.
- Beware of suppliers that deliver under-aged CHBs. Under-aged CHBs lack strength and will easily crack and crumble.
Watch out for Part 2: Rebars.