Do interlocking concrete blocks need cement?

Difference Between Interlocking Concrete Blocks and Concrete Barriers?

For people considering concrete products, knowing the difference between interlocking concrete blocks and concrete barriers would help greatly in knowing what to use for upcoming projects.

As an established and trusted concrete provider, PPC Concrete Products aim to provide solutions for people in the construction industry. Alongside interlocking concrete blocks, we also provide concrete barriers.

For any building project, knowing the options you can select when it comes to barriers and other concrete solutions can be extremely helpful when it comes to protecting access to your project, building it, and possibly saving you money.

PPC Concrete Products is here to provide the answers you may be looking for whilst giving you an insight into the quality concrete options we supply.

The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whether your work is private, or industrial, we are here to help.

What are Interlocking concrete blocks?

What are Interlocking concrete blocks?

Interlocking Concrete Blocks are a unique form of pre-cast concrete blocks that are designed to hold together by using pre-measured studs and recesses.​ These concrete blocks are built with unique profiles and features, which allow them to fit perfectly into each other.

If you are not sure which interlocking block is suitable for creating your concrete barrier, then get in touch with us today. Our expert team can advise you on your query and answer any questions you may have.

What are the advantages of interlocking concrete blocks?

  • Longer lasting and more durable than a Gabion basket
  • Quicker and less hassle to install
  • No need for mortar, saving you money and time
  • No need for steel reinforcement or shuttering
  • Resistant to extreme weather conditions
  • Fire-resistant properties, mitigating the spread of fire depending on structure
  • Little maintenance required
  • Often, no foundation is needed before installing
  • Sound resistant
  • Sustainable
  • Ability to stack them upon each other
  • Flexibility in sizes
  • Appropriate for temporary and/or permanent buildings
  • Unlikely to be displaced due to the interlocking function
  • Can be moved with standard lifting equipment

What are interlocking concrete blocks used for?

PPC Concrete Products supply interlocking concrete blocks, we can share with you what they are used for.

  • Material Storage bays
  • Blast walls
  • Salt stores
  • Crash protection
  • Push walls
  • Security barriers
  • Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
  • Retaining walls
  • Industrial buildings
  • Fire breaks
  • Counterweights
  • Roadblocks

What is a concrete barrier?

How much are concrete barriers?

Our concrete barriers are rectangular-shaped blocks of concrete with the ability to be interlocked beside each other, reinforcing their stability.  Their shape is wider at the bottom and slightly more narrow on the top.

Although the purpose of a concrete barrier is quite simple, its level of application is wide. Here is where concrete barriers be used.

  • On roads for traffic control.
  • For perimeter protection during events (crowd control), construction and more.
  • For temporary construction works.
  • To protect workers from hazards such as heavy machinery.
  • To ensure the safety of motorways and dual carriageways under work
  • For security barriers at open rail lines.
  • To support a large, temporary structure, such as scaffolding, a stage, or a marquee tent.
  • To block unwanted vehicles (e.g. blocking vehicles from getting into a secure location, such as an airport).
  • For docking next to waterways.
  • For creating parking bays.
  • For securing a vacant area.
  • For preventing fly-tipping.
  • To be used as a base for public seating, public artwork or a public garden feature.
  • For use in a public playground or skate park.

What are the dimensions of a concrete barrier?

The following dimensions of our concrete barriers are 900×2000 mm. This equates to 90×200 cm.

These dimensions display that concrete barriers aren’t tall structures, but more than tall and wide enough to barricade your site from vehicles, as well as let members of the public know that they should not be going beyond those barriers.

 

We encourage you to get in contact with us if you have any further questions regarding the dimensions of our barrier blocks.

Difference between interlocking concrete blocks and concrete barriers

The difference between interlocking concrete blocks and concrete barriers may not seem like a lot, considering the uses we highlighted earlier, although physically they are different.

Interlocking concrete blocks are taller than our concrete barriers, which happen to be longer than the blocks. The difference in shape also allows our interlocking concrete blocks to be stacked upon each other, whereas the shape of our concrete barriers can’t facilitate stacking.

Additionally, interlocking concrete blocks have a wider degree of use as opposed to barrier blocks, which can’t be used for anything beyond the uses of a fence.

Are there any downsides to concrete blocks and barriers?

Depending on your needs there may be a few downsides to each of these products, here are some things to consider:

Downsides to concrete blocks

  • They can’t be moved manually
  • They can topple if stacked too high

Downsides to concrete barriers

  • They can’t stack upon each other
  • They can be climbed over
  • Can become weaker if subjected to high-velocity impact on a regular basis

How long does concrete last?

Concrete is resilient by nature, it can last for a number of years and beyond without any serious degradation. The only exception to this is if the blocks or barriers are in an environment in which they regularly receive forceful impact.

Are interlocking concrete blocks better than concrete barriers?

It’s not a question of which is better, but rather, which is more suited to your needs. You could use interlocking concrete blocks as a safety perimeter for a site, but you may find you can cover more length with fewer concrete barriers.

Both options have a similar level of application, yet both thrive under specific usage. If you’re considering purchasing either of these concrete products, don’t hesitate to get in contact so we can advise you best in relation to the project you want to use our products for.

What is the cost of a concrete barrier?

What is the cost of a concrete barrier?

For those looking to purchase a concrete barrier for their site, the cost of the barrier will depend on a few factors including:

  • The perimeter it will be barricading
  • If you choose to use Interlocking concrete blocks or Jersey barriers
  • The number of blocks/barriers you require
  • The size of barrier you opt for

We encourage you to get in contact with us directly if you are considering using our products for your site. If you can outline the details of your project, we will be able to provide you with a quote as well as any guidance you may require if you need it.

Are concrete blocks and barriers made on-site?

No, our concrete products are prepared, moulded, dried and checked on our site before they are transported or collected. Making them on your building site would require more space than you can afford to give, this can present a health hazard on your site, which we wouldn’t want to create.

Purchase concrete products today

As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or take a look at our FAQ.

In this article, we hope to have shown you the difference between interlocking concrete blocks and concrete barriers?’ Whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction and the benefits of Jersey Barriers.

Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.

Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.

Address:

The Old Gasworks,

Higginshaw Lane,

Royton,

Oldham,

OL2 6HQ

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday – 8 AM til 4 PM

Tel: 01706 655245

Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google