With many types of building solutions on the market, it could be difficult to know what option would suit your needs, whether you are building temporary storage or a retaining wall.
In this blog we at PPC Concrete Products will be answering the question, ‘How much weight can a retaining wall hold?’
This question is extremely important and knowing the answer can save you from a fallen retaining wall and repair expenses. Firstly let us explain a bit about retaining walls.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls are vital in order to organise land in order for development or to make it safer in a populated area, some people opt to use wood, or traditional brick & mortar for their retaining walls whilst we present an alternative option in our interlocking 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.
As these alternatives require less manpower and time, one of which is interlocking concrete blocks. Which we will explain more about shortly.
A variety of blocks or gabion baskets can be used to secure a retaining wall. Though another viable and time-efficient method that can be used is interlocking concrete blocks.
If you want a simple and efficient method, Interlocking concrete blocks is the way to go. You do not need to fill a retaining wall when using our interlocking concrete blocks. Below, we explain the building of a retaining wall using our blocks.
Building a basic retaining wall
The first factor before building an interlocking retaining wall is determining the depth of the foundations otherwise known as the footings. If the soil is firm and well-drained, 300mm should be enough. Alternatively, if the soil is not as firm and unstable, 450mm would be suitable. (This will vary depending on the need for the foundation, size, project etc).
After the foundation has been measured, made and set, placement of the concrete blocks can take place to the desired height.
As there is no need for mortar or any binding facilitation, interlocking the blocks via stacking so their studs and recesses connect will be more than enough to guarantee a stable structure.
We understand retaining walls can come in different lengths, shapes sizes and for clients who have different needs. So to show you our abilities and expertise, we have a review for you to read that highlights and reviews a job we did for JO Transport.
What are retaining walls used for?
Retaining walls can be used for a variety of reasons, these can include:
- Asthetics : For landscapers or property developers having an a asthetic piece of land can drive the value of a property up, as well as give the area more character.
- Making the most of the space – Retaining walls can be useful through installing terraces, which are a series of steps are built within the slope of a hill.
- Organisation & safety : Though self explanatory, unoragnised land that doesn’t have retaining walls where they ought to be, can lead to safety issues depending on the circumstances.
- Creating a flat surface : Like our Job for JO transport for example, creating a flat surface at their carpark in order to support their vehicles is an example of uses for a retaining wall.
How much can a retaining wall hold?
There are many different types of retaining walls. Along with this, the height and length of the retaining wall also comes into play when it comes to assessing the amount of weight it can take.
This is not ‘one size fits all’ considering the variables at play. Interlocking concrete blocks can be used in the creation of a retaining wall and yet again, the measurements for the wall will be an important factor in deciding how much the retaining wall can hold.
We strongly urge you to get in contact with us to help you determine the weight your wall will need to hold and if interlocking concrete blocks are the best option for you. Let us tell you more about them below.
PPC Interlocking concrete blocks
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.
Other concrete providers may offer “concrete blocks” the differences between the two aside from their names 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
- 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
What are interlocking concrete blocks used for?
As we at 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
- Flood protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
And much more.
Interlocking concrete 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. 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 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.
PPC Concrete Products – here to help
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 much weight can a retaining wall hold?’ 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
