Interlocking concrete blocks are a unique asset to anyone undergoing a construction project, but how do you interlock concrete blocks?
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. Our supplies are fit for purpose and generally provide no issues with building regulations, not to mention being safe to use for a variety of construction needs.
The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whichever side you fall into, An interlocking concrete block may be an option to help keep your site secure regardless of its shape.
Let us tell you more about the uses and benefits of interlocking concrete blocks below.
The basics of interlocking concrete blocks
As building regulations came into being in England, the requirement of having fireproof dwellings was compulsory, this was achieved by subsequent houses being made of stone and brick. Interlocking concrete blocks present a modern alternative.
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 the 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
Contact us for more information on our interlocking concrete blocks.
How do you interlock concrete blocks?
Regular concrete blocks can’t interlock, they must be connected with cement. However, our interlocking concrete blocks are specifically made to interlock with each other, this is how it is achieved.
Our blocks interlock by placing the blocks on top of one another, aligning the top block’s underside recess to the bottom block’s stud that is on the top. In order to connect a group of blocks, make sure that the top block is between two blocks beneath it, resulting top block’s recesses covering the two blocks’ studs on one side.
Our interlocking concrete blocks should be handled with heavy-lifting machinery such as a telehandler.
What happens if you don’t interlock the concrete blocks?
Purposely not using the blocks interlocking feature means you’ll be placing the blocks on top each other incorrectly, meaning they will not be stable and has a chance of falling and hurting yourself and other members of the public/workers on site.
Can I use cement on interlocking concrete blocks?
It is not recommended to use cement in conjunction with interlocking concrete blocks, this is because the interlocking features are more than enough to ensure stability , using cement will result in the blocks being unable to be disconnected, which may be required for projects that only require the blocks for a temporary amount of time.
Are interlocking concrete blocks load-bearing?
Yes, interlocking concrete blocks are load-bearing to a degree. Our concrete blocks have the ability to be stacked upon each other, so they can tolerate a certain amount of weight.
But that being said our interlocking concrete blocks have the potential to have 5 blocks stacked upon each other. Our standard-sized blocks are 60cm in height, with 5 stacked together this would equate to 300cm, which is exactly 9 feet & 10.11 inches high. This height is more than enough for applications such as a retaining wall and more.
Stacking our interlocking concrete blocks is easy, safe and secure through the studs and recesses that are on all of our blocks, Once connected, they are not loose. The beauty of this method is that it eliminates the need for cement to bind the blocks.
Interlocking concrete block sizes and styles
Our team at PPC Concrete Products supplies different types of interlocking concrete blocks. 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.
Do interlocking concrete blocks deteriorate?
Like with any building material, over an extended period of time, they will deteriorate in one way or another, the same can be said for interlocking concrete blocks, depending on where the environment they are in.
Interlocking concrete blocks only detriorte when they are frequently subject to forceful impacts over a period of time, otherwise, they are weatherproof and durable.
You can tell if a interlocking concrete block is deteriorating when a large part of its mass is loose, or crumbling away, if this happens on a smaller scale around the edges of the blocks, this is nothing to worry about as it is general wear and tear, and should not alter the effectiveness of the blocks.
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.
Purchase 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 ‘How do you interlock concrete blocks?’, whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction solutions that we offer.
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
