Paddy Engineering Consultant

Most asked question from a would be house owner is always how many blocks do I need to get my building completed. Hence this topic is written with illustrations to make it easy for you to do the calculations yourself from the plan your architect gave you. The plan above is for a 2 bedroom bungallow, so we are going to start from the basics having in mind these factors- i)The lenght of a block is 0.45m or 450mm or 18″ ii)The width of thickness varies -150mm or 6″ and 225mm or 9″ which are most common. ii)Taking for a general or average purpose, the blocks laid from foundation to dpc(german or oversite concrete) is 4 coaches/levels. From dpc to the base of window another 4 coaches,from base of window to top of window another 5 courses, then from top of window to base of roof another 3 courses, neglecting the lintel or concrete on top of the window. Now with these parameters let calculate the planbelow which has a wall of 150mm or 6″ all through. Add the length and breadth of

Foundation of building as the name implies is the starting of a building construction on site really. Types of building, nature of soil and environmental conditions are the major determinant of type of foundation you will use for your building. 1)Strip foundation-This is the most common type, it is mainly used where you have strong soil base and non-waterlogged areas. Most small buildings of just a floor are constructed with this type of foundation . Depends on the structural engineers recommendation , the depth of your foundation could be from 600mm to 1200mm mostly for small scale buildings . When the soil is excavated, a level at which the concrete will settle evenly is established, then concrete is poured this may be from 150mm(6”) thick to 450mm(18”) thick depending also on building after that block is set round the trenches at the center of foundation ,the foundation usually follows the block lines. The blocks are then layed to d.p.c level before another concrete is poured on

Many do mould blocks onsite using masons and labour to do the job and claims is cheaper but I don’t think so when you consider the advantages the engine moulded has over hand-moulded. (1)Engine moulded blocks compacts better because greater pressure is applied through the engine , the sand are better compacted and gives better products to the hand-moulded. (2)The engine- moulded blocks are faster to produce, therefore a deal of time is saved which helps in reducing the general project construction time. (3)The engine- moulded is also finished with a smoother surface which helps the bricklayer during laying and gives the building a nice look. (4)The engine moulded blocks process helps to reduce theft, imagine you having a limited time to monitor the forming of the blocks with engine, what would have taken one month to do will be done in three days or less depending on the capacity of the engine. You can take less time to monitor the materials used like cement, quantities of s