QAQC in Construction

There are different types of building blocks used in Pakistan. Before discussing their prices and types. Let’s talk about their composition and history. HISTORY In contemporary construction, cement and concrete blocks are important and versatile building materials. They are mainly built for construction purposes. They are used in multiple  applications such as, for the construction of fountains, walls, floors, and walkways. Cement and concrete blocks have been in use for a very long time. The Romans used to build their colosseum and iconic structures with blocks. In the present time, blocks are used for modern constructions. Now, they are used for the fabrication of housing societies, commercial and industrial buildings. COMPOSITION Concrete blocks are composed of a mixture of cement and aggregates. Cement holds the other materials together. Sand and gravel gives strength and durability to the block. On the other hand, cement blocks are similar to concrete blocks, although they are...

1. Drying Shrinkage Concrete by nature is a porous material. This means that when it is curing, the water in the concrete takes up space. As concrete hardens, it loses its moisture through evaporation resulting in empty capillary pores and a slightly smaller shape. This process is known as drying shrinkage. Since concrete is very rigid, this shrinkage causes an increase in tensile stress, which may lead to, cracking, internal warping, or external deflection. Concrete cracks when the drying shrinkage stresses exceed the tensile strength of the concrete. The spacing and size of cracks depend on the amount of shrinkage, degree of restraint, and amount and type of reinforcement. Drying shrinkage is the number one reason for cracks in concrete. 2. Lack of / improper use of control joints Control joints are most commonly installed in slab-on-grade concrete that is used in places such as driveways, pavements, house slabs, basement floors, and industrial spaces.  Control joints are general...