Block · Sizes pending
Cementitious — indicative fig. M·17
Fire Data pending Embodied carbon 0.10kgCO₂e/kg LowCompressive >=15MPa StructuralDesign life 100yr Durable
Hollow CMUs in 90, 140, 190, and 290 mm series widths; standard unit size is 390 x 190 x 190 mm. Baines Masonry reports concrete unit compressive strength f'uc >= 15 MPa for Betta Block and Dense Weight ranges.
01 Physical
Density 1850-2200kg/m3
Specific gravity 1.85-2.20
Porosity 30%
Water absorption 7.2%
UV resistance excellent
Chemical resistance good
pH tolerance 3 – 11
Surface roughness 2.5mm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 0.2-0.4MPa
Compressive strength >=15MPa
Flexural strength 0.1-0.3MPa
Shear strength 0.2-0.4MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.22
Impact resistance moderate
Creep resistance 0.5×10⁻⁶/MPa
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 1.1W/m·K
Specific heat 900
Thermal expansion 10×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Fire resistance level System dependent
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 100-130kg CO2e/tonne
Embodied energy 800-1100MJ/tonne
Recyclability 85-100%
Recycled content 0-30%
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 100years
Maintenance interval 10years
Warranty period 10years
Material cost (range) $2.50-$6.00AUD/unit
Material cost (per unit) $55-$90AUD/m²
Market availability Widely available nationally
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Standard modular size (390 x 190) with common series widths 90/140/190/290 mm
- Baines Masonry units report f'uc >= 15 MPa
- Hollow cores allow reinforcement and services
Constraints
- Properties vary by manufacturer and mix design
- System-specific fire/acoustic ratings depend on wall configuration
- Core filling increases weight and material use
08 Applications
A1 Loadbearing walls (single and multi-storey)
A2 Non-loadbearing partitions
A3 Fire-rated wall assemblies
A4 Acoustic barriers
A5 Retaining walls (core-filled and reinforced)
A6 Commercial and industrial construction
A7 Residential construction
A8 Basement walls
A9 Boundary walls
A10 Privacy screens
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.