07-01-2016, 05:12 AM
Well here is my opinion on cement blocks, also locally called "hollow tile".
First off block construction required masonry skills. That takes experience.
Second, unreinforced masonry is extremely dangerous in an earthquake. Proper sizing and placement of rebar and concrete grout is needed. That requires engineering.
Third, Cement blocks have a high thermal mass coefficient. That means they gain heat slowly all day and give off that heat slowly all night. Like any rock or mineral will do. This is not a lifestyle improvement in the tropics.
While I, as a master carpenter, have abandoned wood frame as an economically and structurally sound building system, in my analysis cement block rates better than wood. I study the negative and positive attributes of building systems and prefer those with the longest list of positives and shortest list of negatives. A variety of systems meet my criteria.
Regarding wood frame: Business, industry and government do not invest in wood frame. A poor investment with high maintenance and short lifespan. For some reason only residential housing is in the grip of the wood industry. You have to ask yourself why. I could go on at more length but choose to keep this short. Everyone gets to make their own decisions.
First off block construction required masonry skills. That takes experience.
Second, unreinforced masonry is extremely dangerous in an earthquake. Proper sizing and placement of rebar and concrete grout is needed. That requires engineering.
Third, Cement blocks have a high thermal mass coefficient. That means they gain heat slowly all day and give off that heat slowly all night. Like any rock or mineral will do. This is not a lifestyle improvement in the tropics.
While I, as a master carpenter, have abandoned wood frame as an economically and structurally sound building system, in my analysis cement block rates better than wood. I study the negative and positive attributes of building systems and prefer those with the longest list of positives and shortest list of negatives. A variety of systems meet my criteria.
Regarding wood frame: Business, industry and government do not invest in wood frame. A poor investment with high maintenance and short lifespan. For some reason only residential housing is in the grip of the wood industry. You have to ask yourself why. I could go on at more length but choose to keep this short. Everyone gets to make their own decisions.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator