Cement versus Clay

Edy Gusano says on Mar 17, 2009, 21:12:

Very well communicated!

Edy

You want perspective on how big things are over here in South America? take a bus from Barranquilla down to Argentina and back!

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Alma del Norte (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 17, 2009, 21:39:

Alma del Norte (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 17, 2009, 22:11:

vicshere says on Mar 18, 2009, 05:11:

hey Frank
they could be using concert blocks for the second floor between the concert joists so as not to pour a slab...its often done

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miamimike says on Mar 18, 2009, 08:03:

Buy that Blocklayer a 4 foot level--those columns on the left in Pic 1 &3 do not appear to be at true 90 degree angles to ground. Or maybe I've heard one beer too many and I'm leaning,,,LOL When you can visually see the lean over such a short span as in the Pic, they are off by quite a bit. They appear to be leaning a few degrees to the right. Our Condo Bldg has concrete blocks in all levels with poured concrete floors reinforced with rebar and its very strong. Has held up well for the last 30 years so if utilized correctly, concrete blocks certainly can be used past the first floor.Roof is also poured concrete. An interesting little tutorial on basic cncrete block construction.Step 5--very important and while construction materials vary from locality to locality, building principles(right angles, plumb walls, level courses of blocks ect) are universal no matter what country you are in. I personally would rather have good concrete blocks in place of those red clay blocks pictured but that's my preference.

http://www.dixieline.com/blocks/concreteblock1.html

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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Lowell says on Mar 18, 2009, 08:09:

I'm sick of brick and concrete. I want to enclose a part of my upstairs patio. For structure and sides, it's going to be nothing but wood, bamboo, wood panneling and PVC. Shinny sheet metal for the roof and big screened windows with a sliding screen door. Security isn't a problems as it's high and above my computer/playroom. With material onsite, I do that project in less than a week.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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vicshere says on Mar 18, 2009, 08:27:

frank they build small thin beams (depending on the span) or actually they are working like joists which have a key on each side they are like 16" ( depending on the length of the block) apart then they lay the block on top of the joists in the key and then add the floor prep about 2 " of motor cement mix and then the ceramic tile...its very water tight actually and somewhat light weight...much more so than a concrete

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miamimike says on Mar 18, 2009, 08:42:

Frank--I see some of these concrete block projects here in Miami with the same construction(or lack off) quality. 6 foot walls running uphill, downhill ect over short spans then what the minimum wage blocklayers(many undocumented btw) do is stucco the walls with concrete to disguise how far off the courses are running, a cheap trick to disguise shoddy workmanship . Most homeowners never know(or if they do they con't care) but on large heavy construction jobs this level of workmanship will never pass muster. Then again, big building jobs require Journeyman level carpenters, blocklayers, masons ect. When the walls put up by these handymen eventually tip over and breakup, they(homeowners) will care but the contractors are long gone by this time. Cannot rely on our local building inspectors to know the difference, most of them have never picked up a trowel or level in their lives!

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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vicshere says on Mar 18, 2009, 09:43:

also remember it doesnt realy matter if the clay brick is out of level and crooked as the "freza" will staighten everything out in the end

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vicshere says on Mar 18, 2009, 09:57:

yes which is somewhat hollow therefore light in weight
actually the floor is about 8" thich counting the block
by the way the 2" in my view should have wire mesh...but i see many or none use it

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vicshere says on Mar 18, 2009, 11:12:

yea the plumbing would be run to the nearest wall longitudly ( or between the joist)....just like we do back home with wood joist....if the hole is small enough drill through the joist...its actually very easy

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mcheasley says on Mar 18, 2009, 12:36:

Frank, When we start building the finca outside Medellin at the end of the year i am going to call you.... I feel like i went to construction school today.... Great Info! .... I might have to call Vic also..... Make it a GREAT DAY...........

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vicshere says on Mar 18, 2009, 12:55:

also remember that the longest run i have seen is about 3.5 meters then the joist get to high and too thick and it doesnt pay and usally the W/C are along a wal of some sort

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