What is Concrete Block Spacer? Their Uses and Construction

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Concrete block spacer is plastic or metallic molded installation equipment or tool employed for proper placement of masonry units. The concrete block spacer enables the installation of concrete block wall systems by anyone with a basic skill set. So, the purpose of concrete block spacer is to simplify masonry construction. Therefore, the use of such approach for laying brick masonry units would decline the need of tried and true method of laying concrete masonry units by skilled mason. Not only does  it improve the quality of the construction but also increases construction productivity.

Concrete Block Spacer - Uses, Construction

Objective of Concrete Block Spacer

The prime aim of concrete block spacer is to simplify the concrete block installation process.

Types of Concrete Block Spacer

There are various configurations of concrete block spacer which are used at different parts of masonry wall system:

1. Base Course Spacer
2. Running Spacer
3. Cut Block Spacer
4. Corner Spacer

Use of Concrete Block Masonry Spacer in Construction

Commonly, concrete blocks are laid on the same course to a string line. This masonry installation manner can be modified when concrete block spacer is employed. Masonry units can be installed on multiple courses within a mason’s reach area as the work progress along the wall. Trowels are used to apply mortar to the masonry units with the appropriate volume at the edges of the block. The concrete block pacers allow workers to apply mortar to the wall after the units are in place. The mortar can be pumped into place offering a higher production option. The use of concrete block spacer help masonry industry to overcome the challenge to find skilled workforce. This is because these spacers offer a construction masonry wall technique with workforce which can be trained easily and quickly. added to that, the recruitment task would be simplified hugely. Lastly, some of spacer may be used with concrete blocks that are specially manufactured to be used with these spacers. For instance, blocks with saw cut on face shells, as shown in Fig.4. However, other types does not require such preparations as illustrated in Fig.2.

Advantages of Concrete Block Spacer

1. To bridge the gap of the mortar joint.
2. Concrete block spacer aligns and interlock brick masonry units.
3. To accomplish the functional performance of creating a space for the mortar joint, alignment, and interlock of adjacent units.
4. Concrete block spacer helps transfer of weight without crushing the joint.
5. Use of concrete block spacer allows worker to increase daily heights of the wall.
6. Increases construction productivity.