Cinder Block Dimensions and Features

In the construction world, both cinder block and concrete block are used interchangeably even if they are entirely different products. Even though they look alike, they are not the same.

 The features of the cinder block, its compositions, and cinder block dimensions as per ASTM standards are explained below.

What are Cinder Blocks?

Cinder blocks are concrete blocks that are made out of fly ashes or coal cinder materials instead of sand or gravel. Hence, the composition of cinder blocks are:

1. Water
2. Cement
3. Ash 

Cinder Block; Image Courtesy: https://mbdou42.ru/

 

They are basically light in weight and light in load carrying capacity which makes it suitable to construct a garden or retaining wall. But, don’t ever imagine the use of cinder blocks in substantial construction projects.

Features of Cinder Blocks

• The cinder blocks mainly have a hollow rectangle-shaped structure. Cinder block dimensions are based on the standard recommendations given in ASTM C-90.
• The strength of cinder blocks is less which restricts its use in all places.
• The cinder blocks are subjected to buckling or bowing whose repair is costly.
• It lacks sufficient tensile strength.

Cinder Block Dimensions

The common dimensions in which cinder blocks are available in the market are listed below. They are represented as depth x height x length.

1. 4 inch cinder blocks
2. 6 inch cinder block 
3. 8 inch cinder block

1. 4" Cinder Block Dimensions

Name	Nominal Size (L*W*H)
Solid pier	8" x 4" x 4"
Solid pier	8" x 4" x 8"
Solid pier	12" x 4" x 8"
Solid pier	16" x 4" x 4"
Solid pier	16" x 4" x 8"
Hollow pier	16" x 4" x 4"

2. 6" Cinder Block Dimensions

Name	Nominal Size (L*W*H)	Actual Size (mm)
Hollow Strechter	16" x 6" x 4"	406 x 152 x 101 mm
Hollow Corner Sash	16" x 6" x 4"	406 x 152 x 101 mm
Solid pier	16" x 6" x 4"	406 x 152 x 101 mm
Solid Corner Sash	16" x 6" x 4"	406 x 152 x 101 mm
Hollow Corner Sash	8" x 6" x 8"	203 x 152 x 203 mm
Hollow pier	14" x 6" x 8"	355 x 152 x 203 mm
Hollow Strechter	16" x 6" x 8"	406 x 152 x 203 mm
Hollow Corner Sash	16" x 6" x 8"	406 x 152 x 203 mm
Hollow pier	16" x 6" x 8"	406 x 152 x 203 mm
Solid pier	16" x 6" x 8"	406 x 152 x 203 mm
Solid Corner Sash	16" x 6" x 8"	406 x 152 x 203 mm
Solid Corner Sash	18" x 6" x 8"	457 x 152 x 203 mm
Hollow Corner Sash	18" x 6" x 8"	457 x 152 x 203 mm
Hollow Strechter	18" x 6" x 8"	457 x 152 x 203 mm
45 degree angle	21" x 6" x 8"	406 x 152 x 203 mm

12" Cinder Block Dimensions

Name	Nominal Size (L*W*H)	Actual Size (mm)
Solid pier	16" x 12" x 4"	390 x 140 x 190 mm
Solid pier	16" x 12" x 8"	390 x 95 x 190 mm
Solid Corner Sash	16" x 12" x 4"	390 x 90 x 90 mm
Solid Corner Sash	16" x 12" x 8"	390 x 95 x 190 mm
Hollow Corner Sash	8" x 12" x 8"	390 x 90 x 90 mm
Hollow Corner Sash	16" x 12" x 8"	390 x 140 x 190 mm
Hollow Double Sash	16" x 12" x 8"	390 x 95 x 190 mm
Hollow pier	16" x 12" x 8"	390 x 90 x 90 mm
Hollow Strechter	16" x 12" x 8"	390 x 140 x 190 mm
Hollow Strechter	16" x 12" x 4"	390 x 95 x 190 mm
Hollow Corner Sash	16" x 12" x 4"	390 x 90 x 90 mm
Hollow Return Corner	16" x 12" x 8"	390 x 95 x 190 mm

The cinder blocks are constructed with open cells. These cells can either take reinforcement or additional concrete to increase the resistance of the unit. 

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