Interlocking concrete blocks have seen a surge in popularity due to their reliability and their adaptability to be used in a variety of situations.
In this blog, we at PPC Concrete Products will be answering the question ‘How high can you stack concrete blocks without mortar?
With many types of building solutions on the market, it could be challenging to know what option would suit your needs, whether you are building temporary storage or a retaining wall.
With 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.
Interlocking concrete blocks present an alternative to some construction needs. Let us tell you more about them.
With our blocks having the ability to be stacked, it is vital to know how high they can go to ensure the stability of your build and the safety of those around it.
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. 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.
Other concrete providers may offer “concrete lego blocks” The differences between the two aside from their names are nominal.
Other suppliers may offer alternative styles and sizes than us. As a result, you may be paying a premium price for it.
The pros 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
The cons of interlocking concrete blocks
- Difficult to move safely without the right machinery
- Sizes may not be favourable for certain projects (though we have various sizes)
- You must ‘unlock’ them before moving if the blocks are connected
- Can cause serious injury if not handled and moved safely
What are the applications of interlocking concrete blocks?
The applications of interlocking concrete blocks include, but are not limited to:
- 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
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
The size, weight, properties and interlocking nature of our blocks ensure their application in a variety of situations.
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.
Please get in contact with us to discuss if you have the correct machinery in order to move our blocks safely and without damaging your machinery.
How high can you stack concrete blocks without mortar?
As you know, our interlocking concrete blocks have the ability to be stacked atop one another, whilst being secured in place by the studs and recesses that facilitate the interlocking function of our blocks, reducing the need for mortar.
In regard to how high you can stack our blocks, any more than 5 may be too much. Though we encourage you to get in touch with us with how you would want to use the block, (a retaining wall, temporary buildings etc) so know the appropriate amount to stack in accordance with said project.
When it comes to any other suppliers of concrete blocks, they may have different or no interlocking features, so they may require mortar, in this case, the stacking ability may be reduced.
Why would you need to stack concrete blocks?
Stacking concrete blocks would be necessary in certain situations, for example, creating a retaining wall.
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.
Interlocking concrete block sizes and styles
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.
Is it better to use bricks or concrete blocks?
This is subjective to the situation they are used in, although bricks and smaller and therefore can provide a more custom level of design, they do take longer to place, not to mention the extra costs of mortar & manpower in order to lay the bricks.
Interlocking concrete blocks don’t require extra manpower, as long as they are placed in the desired area, you don’t have to worry about anything else.
Buy 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 high can you stack concrete blocks without mortar?’. 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
