As interlocking concrete blocks have seen a surge in popularity over the years, it is only natural that people have questions about them, a question we are frequently asked is ‘Do interlocking concrete blocks need cement?’
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 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.
The basics of 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.
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
Disadvantages of using interlocking concrete blocks
- Can’t be moved without machinery
- Can topple over if not placed on level ground
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 cement and why is it needed?
Cement is a form of paste that has been used for thousands of years, it is used in order to bind bricks and other building materials together for the purpose of creating structures. Cement starts in a thick, gelatinous paste, which eventually dries and hardens. It’s the glue of the construction world.
Although the ingredients for cement are different over time and location, it is generally made from limestone and clay, amongst other ingredients.
Do interlocking concrete blocks need cement?
No, interlocking concrete blocks bypass the need for any binding elements such as cement. As the name suggests, the ‘interlocking’ part refers to the ability of these blocks to create a secure connection between each other through studs and recesses.
This means, that in instances where you want to build a wall with interlocking concrete blocks, all you need to do is stack them, making sure the studs on top of the base block have connected with the recesses on the block above it and so forth.
In the long term, using interlocking concrete blocks can save money that would otherwise be spent on cement, and time that would otherwise be spent on applying the cement and waiting for it to dry properly before proceeding.
Can I use cement on interlocking concrete blocks?
You can use cement on them if you choose, but it is a pointless endeavour, the studs and recesses used to connect our interlocking concrete blocks are secure enough to not warrant a need for cement. Using cement when it isn’t needed would only be a waste of your time, money and resources.
Additionally, if this was for a temporary build or you want to move the blocks after assembling, it would be near impossible if the blocks have cement binding them together on top of already being secured together. The blocks can be unlocked if required. We don’t see why you would need cement on them.
Where can interlocking concrete blocks be used?
Interlocking concrete blocks can be used on construction sites, as well as personal projects for your home, or on almost any site. Generally, the foundations do not have to be cleared before placing the blocks, meaning they can be placed almost anywhere.
How much do interlocking concrete blocks weigh?
In regard to the weight of the blocks, it will vary from size to size, and from the concrete being used. But as an example, 1800 x 600 x 600 concrete block can weigh 1560 kg, this can fluctuate as different types of concrete have different levels of density.
Styles of interlocking concrete blocks
Our team at PPC Concrete Products supplies different types of interlocking concrete blocks. Though we have a variety of options when it comes to the interlocking concrete blocks that we make.
The way our blocks are made is by having a casting of the dimensions mentioned below and depending on the option chosen, the cast is then filled with concrete. Each block has a Lifting pin anchor system embedded in the concrete at the point of casting – this is how the blocks are moved once the concrete is set.
After setting, the cast is then removed and the blocks are transported to their destination.
we offer the option for your block to be:
- Standard Blocks
- Flat Top Standard Blocks
- Rock Face Block
- Rock Face Flat Top Block
To view what these options look like, take a look at our gallery.
Here are our size options:
- 300 x 600 x 600
- 600 x 600 x 600
- 900 x 600 x 600
- 1200 x 600 x 600
- 1500 x 600 x 600
- 1800 x 600 x 600
- 400 x 800 x 800
- 800 x 800 x 800
- 1200 x 800 x 800
- 1600 x 800 x 800
Half and thirds of the sizes displayed are also offered with your order if needed.
How much do interlocking concrete blocks cost?
If you are considering the cost of our interlocking concrete blocks, we strongly encourage you to get in touch with us. Having a solid idea of what you intend to use the blocks for, including the space they’re going into, and how much you need will make it easier for us to give you a quote.
Understandably, the cost will be dependent on the amount required, and the sizes of the individual blocks you require.
However, if you’re still deciding whether or not to use our blocks, and would like specific questions to be answered in relation to your project, we are happy to provide all the information you need once you get in contact.
Order interlocking concrete blocks 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 answered the question ‘Do interlocking concrete blocks need cement?’ Whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction and the benefits of our interlocking concrete blocks.
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
