Optimization of the physical and mechanical characteristics of building blocks

Abstract

The work we have done is issue of a national research projectdevoted to understanding the reality of manufacturing concreteblocks in the town of Tlemcen (Algeria). A survey was developedby a twenty sites of production of concrete blocks, to identify themeans, formulation and materials used in their manufacture. Theresults of this survey allowed us to locate the production sites inTlemcen and to determine the nature of products manufactured.Also, an experimental program allowed us, to characterize in thelaboratory the physical and mechanical properties of blockstaken from some representative sites. These blocks are generallyof an absorption coefficient high average and poor resistance tocompression with a valid value for the dimensional changesbetween extreme state shrinkage and swelling.