With many types of building solutions on the market, it could be difficult to know what option would suit your needs. Interlocking concrete blocks provide a great option in permanent and temporary structures, but of course, there are questions about their application.
In this blog we at PPC Concrete Products will be answering the question, ‘How high can interlocking blocks go?’
The prominence of bricklaying in England actually came into effect as a result of the great fire of London in 1666. As a result of the mass level of destruction, in 1667 ‘the rebuilding act of London’ was instituted and amongst other stipulations stated that all subsequent homes and dwellings must be made of brick or stone (as they are fire resistant). Thus the UK’s first building regulation was implemented.
As time has gone on, new innovations in building and construction have meant there are far more convenient options available to make the structure you need. One of which is an interlocking concrete block.
The Interlocking block
With the necessity of time and cost-efficient building solutions being needed, as construction output in Great Britain has seen an increase, interlocking concrete blocks are a great solution for your construction needs.
Interlocking Concrete Blocks are a multi-purpose, reliable and efficient addition to anyone within construction. Whether it’s a private landowner or an architect, interlocking concrete blocks can prove to be a vital addition to any building. But what are interlocking 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. Built with unique profiles and features, which allow them to fit perfectly into each other without the use of any mortar. Instead, the cementitious blocks simply snap together with each other.
Interlocking Concrete Blocks are made to be used as part of the building process since they’re affordable. It can be used as a temporary or permanent feature, this is why many home remodelling projects employ interlocking blocks as a building material. Additionally, there are many benefits when using this type of concrete construction material.
The advantages of interlocking concrete blocks include:
- 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
Alongside these benefits of interlocking concrete blocks, they can be used to create:
- Material Storage bays
- Blast walls
- Salt stores
- Crash protection
- Flood protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Culverts
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
And much more.
How High can interlocking blocks go?
Interlocking blocks can be stacked upon each other securely, but how high can interlocking blocks go? Well, by design these aren’t meant for tall structures, a general rule of thumb would be that 10 blocks is the maximum you can stack.
Though we do advise if you are considering an order, to get in touch with us and ask directly, as this could change depending on what blocks you order/ their usage.
laying interlocking blocks
Laying interlocking concrete blocks depending on their size, weight and quantity would require the use of a telehandler or other machine capable of lifting and placing concrete blocks. The process of laying them depends entirely on the reason for their usage, if serving as a temporary partition, the floor may not need to be treated before placement. However, if it’s for the extension of a home for example, foundations need to be set and flat.
However, generally, floors do not have to be treated before laying an interlocking concrete block. It just depends on the structure that is being made and whether it is temporary or permanent.
After the lowest blocks are placed, the blocks placed on top ‘click’ into place via the pre-cast recesses and studs at the bottom and top of the block respectively. This process is repeated until the desired structure is created.
Our Interlocking block options
Our team over 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. After drying, 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.
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, an 1800 x 600 x 600 concrete block can weigh as little as 1380 kg, this can fluctuate as different types of concretes have different levels of density.
Although it is almost impossible to move these without heavy machinery, the weight of these blocks serves to reassure you of their stability.
Fork Lift Blocks
We also specialise in forklift blocks for those who don’t have access to telehandlers or other specialist equipment to transport and place their blocks. Ideal for Security barriers, traffic management, Blocking Entrances, test weights, and counterweights.
Another different type of interlocking concrete block is the jersey barrier.
Jersey Barrier Blocks
Our heavy-duty Jersey Barriers interlocking blocks easily lock in to place next to one another making the creation of barriers a breeze. Whether it’s a barrier for a construction site, or for separating lanes on the road, Jersey barrier blocks are the solution.
Cost-effective
The cost of manufacturing Jersey Barriers is very cost-effective and due to their interlocking system, our barriers can be easily picked up and used elsewhere saving money through repurposing.
Ultimate Security
Our Jersey Barriers are heavy-duty interlocking blocks that provide the ultimate anti-vehicle perimeter protection. They can also be used for flood protection, site security, edge protection and temporary works.
Easy to Install
Due to the simple interlocking system our Jersey Barriers easily lock in to place next to one another making the creation of barriers a breeze.
Longer lasting more durable
All our concrete Jersey Barriers are made on-site using our own moulds from locally sourced raw materials. Our Barriers go through rigorous testing and have to pass the strictest of quality control procedures.
Get in touch with us today
Considering the variety of sizes, styles and uses available for concrete interlocking blocks, it is always best to consult an expert whenever considering an investment to create a structure of any sort. That is why we at PPC Concrete products are proud to be a trusted supplier of interlocking blocks. Get in contact with us to get a quote as soon as possible.
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 ‘What are the disadvantages of interlocking concrete blocks?’ Whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction and the benefits of 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
