These steps are established as a guideline only. ThermoBlock accepts no responsibility for the use of these guidelines, or the accuracy of the information derived from their uses.
Due to the fact that ThermoBlock makes one block shape utilizing a one-quarter bond system, coupled with its easy field sizing, estimating doesn’t require ordering of corner blocks, half blocks, etc. One simply needs to determine the square foot of wall area to utilize ThermoBlock. Follow these easy steps to figure your needs for your ThermoBlock project:
- Determine walls on plan that will utilize ThermoBlock and highlight them.
- Add dimensioning or measure the lineal feet of wall area.
- Measure the heights and lengths of these walls.
- Multiply length by height to determine total square feet of wall area.
- Divide total square feet by 1.77. This will give you total blocks needed. Window and door openings are generally not deducted and often represent a reasonable waste factor for block quantities. If openings are deducted, a 5 to 7% waste factor is normal but may vary with complexity of plan and experience of crews.
- Consult engineering report to determine vertical reinforcement schedule and number of horizontal bond beams. This can usually be found in a wall section of the plans as well.
- Typical above grade applications have vertical reinforcement every 16” on center. To find the number of these, simply divide the lineal footage of wall area by 1.33.
- Rebar: to obtain the correct rebar sizing for your application, consult your engineering report or wall section of the plans. Utilizing the formula described in item 7, determine the quantity of vertical rebar in the wall system. This will also give you the number of IBS vertical studs in the wall system. When estimating rebar for these applications it is important to multiply the total lineal footage by 1.25 to compensate for the lap on the rebar when tied.
- To obtain horizontal rebar quantities, consult the engineering report or wall section of your plans. Once the number of horizontal bond beams has been determined, multiply that number times the lineal feet of wall area to arrive at the total quantity of horizontal rebar. Multiply this number times 1.25 to allow for lap on rebar when tied.
- Horizontal bond beam blocks can be determined by using lineal footage of horizontal rebar divided by 2.66. This number should be subtracted from the total number calculated in step 5.
- Concrete: vertical concrete cells are determined by multiplying quantities established in step 7 by .0065. This will give you the total cubic yards of concrete in the vertical cells.
- Horizontal concrete in bond beams is determined by dividing the total number of bond beam blocks as described in step 10 and dividing that number by 40. This will give you the total cubic yards of concrete needed for horizontal bond beams.
- Concrete pumping: consult local concrete pumping companies to determine these costs. It is important to note the number of lifts of concrete to be placed in the wall. Typical lifts are accomplished in 4-5 foot increments. 2” trailer mounted grout pumps are the most economical types of pumps and will accomplish pumping of 3/8” aggregate concrete. When ordering concrete, consult the engineering report to determine the PSI strength required (usually 3000 psi). Be sure to notify the redi-mix company that you require a 3/8” aggregate pump mix.
- Labor: installation labor requirements vary greatly depending on complexity of the building envelope and skill of the crews. Ranges for above grade applications may be as much as $2-5 per block. Consult with a certified installer in your area to determine a proper budget estimate for installation.