Interlocking concrete blocks seem simple in their look, but their application is wide and surprising for those who aren’t familiar with construction. Making them a valuable asset to use on any build.
In this blog, we will discuss the versatile uses of interlocking concrete blocks: exploring their application in construction.
As an established and trusted concrete provider, PPC Concrete Products aim to provide solutions for people in the construction industry. Alongside interlocking concrete blocks, we also provide concrete barriers.
For any building project, knowing the options you can select when it comes to concrete solutions can be extremely helpful when it comes to protecting access to your project, building it, and possibly saving you money.
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.
The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whether your work is private, or industrial, we are here to help.
What are interlocking concrete 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. 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 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
- Needs machinery to unlock connected blocks
- Some would argue they aren’t aesthetically pleasing
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.
Do Interlocking concrete blocks need binding?
No, one of the many unique features of interlocking concrete blocks is in the name. The ‘interlocking’ part refers to a simple yet effective mechanism that uses studs and recesses in order to interlock the blocks with one another. Resulting in a secure structure.
Consequently, through the use of the studs and recesses, there is no need to use any binding elements such as cement in order to keep the blocks securely attached with each other.
Bricks that are bound with cement are of course sturdy and a trusted method of building structures, but over time the cement can weaken, or the brick itself, especially if there are consistent environmental factors. This may result in a brick coming loose, or the cement withering away. With interlocking concrete blocks, there is no such problem.
Versatile uses of interlocking concrete blocks: exploring their application in construction
Interlocking concrete blocks, despite their simple appearance, lends themselves to a large variety of applications, rendering other options almost obsolete, the efficiency, durability and ease with which these blocks can be installed make it one of the first options any smart construction operative would consider.
Here are some of the applications in which interlocking concrete blocks can be used within.
- 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
Why are interlocking concrete blocks so popular?
As you can see by the wide list of uses, interlocking concrete blocks are popular due to the speed in which they can be installed, they don’t require cement in order to dry, they don’t require foundations before being installed (most of the time.)
Most, if not all construction projects operate on a timeframe, using interlocking concrete blocks that significantly speed up the process, give the build operatives more time to focus on other aspects of the build, and ultimately finish the project even faster than expected.
Can Interlocking concrete blocks be broken?
Yes, interlocking concrete blocks can be broken, however, this would take significant force that can only be created by heavy machinery, or consistent heavy impact. Rest assured that interlocking concrete blocks can not be broken by mistake (unless dropping it from a very high height).
Concrete is durable by nature, there is little that can affect it in block form.
Styles of interlocking concrete blocks
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.
How much do interlocking concrete blocks cost?
If you are considering the cost of our interlocking concrete blocks, we strongly encourage you to get in touch with us. Having a solid idea of what you intend to use the blocks for, including the space they’re going into, and how much you need will make it easier for us to give you a quote.
Understandably, the cost will be dependent on the amount required, and the sizes of the individual blocks you require.
However, if you’re still deciding whether or not to use our blocks, and would like specific questions to be answered in relation to your project, we are happy to provide all the information you need once you get in contact.
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 shared the versatile uses of interlocking concrete blocks: exploring their applications in construction. 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
