Concrete Masonry
Although concrete blocks and concrete structures have been in use over a hundred years, concrete masonry has taken an altogether new form in the recent years because of the wide variety of shapes, colors, textures and sizes of not just concrete blocks but entire concrete structures as well.
Where is concrete masonry used?
Concrete masonry is used in wide variety of structures. From residential to commercial buildings, roadways to bridges, landscape projects to enormous dams, every constructed building is the work of concrete masonry at its best. Qualified professionals or concrete contractors, engineers, architectural designers and homeowners alike have experimented with the versatility of concrete masonry for various purposes. The artistic flexibility offered by concrete masonry has led to the construction of many strikingly beautiful and aesthetically superior buildings which are used for various purposes in all parts of the world.
Concrete masonry at work
Concrete is mainly a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and water. It may contain other aggregates according to its use in the construction of any structure. The materials required to prepare concrete are mixed together in certain ratios. Certain other reinforcements in the form of formwork and steel may be needed to build concrete structures. The concrete is poured into the forms and the surface is then worked smooth. Finishing may be done in a variety of textures and designs using paper or adhesive stencils. The concrete is then left to cure for a particular number of days depending upon the structure and the strength required. The curing process may last from a couple of days to approximately a month.
Safety measures when handling concrete masonry
The first step towards handling masonry is to know that masonry can be quite heavy. Hence it is necessary to make use of wheelbarrows or other such device for transporting material from one place to another. Lifting masonry physically may cause injuries to the back. Concrete masonry material may also cause damage to the eyes due to concrete dust. Safety goggles are recommended along with gloves and clothing with long sleeves for protection of hands and arms when working with concrete masonry.
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