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What is the weight of an 8 x 8 x 16 inch concrete block made with sand and gravel?

  1. 30 pounds

  2. 40 pounds

  3. 50 pounds

  4. 60 pounds

The correct answer is: 40 pounds

The weight of a standard 8 x 8 x 16 inch concrete block made with a typical mix of sand and gravel is around 40 pounds. This weight is derived from the density of concrete, which typically ranges from 130 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. For a concrete block of the given dimensions, the volume can be calculated to be approximately 0.67 cubic feet (8 inches = 0.67 feet, 8 inches = 0.67 feet, and 16 inches = 1.33 feet; so, 0.67 x 0.67 x 1.33). When multiplying this volume by the average density of concrete, the resulting weight aligns closely with the 40-pound estimate. This understanding is crucial for contractors, as knowing the weight of building materials helps in planning for transportation, handling, and structural load calculations on construction sites.