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.