With many types of building solutions on the market, it could be difficult to know what option would suit your needs. In this blog we at PPC Concrete Products will be answering the question, ‘How high can you build concrete blocks?’
With the necessity of time and cost efficient building solutions being needed, as construction output in Great Britain has seen an increase, alternatives to traditional brick and mortar builds are required for those looking to save time and money.
Are concrete blocks & interlocking concrete blocks the same?
As building regulations came into being in England, the requirements of having fire proof 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. 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.
Depending on the size of the block that is chosen will affect the number of studs that are on the block. In regards to the sizing, interlocking concrete blocks don’t need mortar to be held in place. This means the speed of building is improved, whilst using less manpower.
When it comes to concrete blocks, the differences between the two aside from their name are nominal. The functionality is the same, and the only variants will be the sizes, amount of studs/recesses or styles, such as the ‘rock face’ option we offer. Other suppliers may offer alternative styles and sizes than us and as a result, you may be paying a premium price for it.
The advantages of interlocking concrete blocks includes:
- 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
- Resistent 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
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 you build concrete blocks?
Whether its concrete blocks or our interlocking concrete blocks, they 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.
How much do these blocks cost?
How much are interlocking concrete blocks?
For anybody wondering how much are interlocking concrete blocks, their is no set price for Interlocking concrete blocks because it will depend entirely on your project, preference, size, and quantity you need. Along with this, offloading and installation is available via a third-party. This is why we strongly encourage you to contact us on our website to get your quote.
How much are concrete blocks?
Again, much like our blocks, it is hard to to tell you the exact price another supplier will offer you, especially when each project is different. The amount of blocks, as well as the size and additional material mixed with concrete (if that is offered) will always fluctuate the prices from supplier to supplier. It is always good practice to get in touch with a supplier to obtain a quote for the work you are needing the blocks for and understanding what services and options they offer.
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.
PPC Concrete range
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, 1800 x 600 x 600 concrete block can weigh as little as 1380KG, 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 much more 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. 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.
Contact us 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 high can you build 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
