Interlocking Concrete Blocks have variations, but do these variations hold any substantial benefits? One of the variations is the rock face block, which we will be exploring today.
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘What are the benefits of using rock face blocks?’.
As an established and trusted concrete provider, PPC Concrete Products aim to provide solutions for people in the construction industry. We supply interlocking concrete blocks, jersey barriers, forklift blocks, and more.
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. Our supplies are fit for purpose and generally provide no issues with building regulations, not to mention being safe to use for a variety of construction needs.
The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whichever side you fall into, one of our concrete products could be the building block to successes you are looking for.
How are rock face interlocking blocks made?
Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved in making a rock-faced interlocking concrete block*:
- Mould Preparation: A mould is created with the desired rock-face pattern on its internal surface. These moulds can be made from various materials like metal or high-density plastic for durability during repeated use.
- Concrete Mix Design: A concrete mix is prepared according to specific engineering requirements. The mix will consider factors like the final strength, weight, and weather resistance of the block.
- Pouring or Filling: The concrete mix is poured or vibrated into the mould. Vibration helps eliminate air pockets and ensures the concrete fills all the details of the rock-face pattern on the mould’s inner surface.
- Curing: Once filled, the mould is left undisturbed to allow the concrete to cure properly. Curing time can vary depending on the mix design and weather conditions, but it typically takes several hours or even days.
- Demoulding: After sufficient curing, the mould is carefully removed to reveal the formed concrete block. The rock-face pattern should now be imprinted on the block’s surface.
- Finishing and Quality Control: The concrete block might undergo finishing processes like edge chamfering or cleaning to ensure it meets quality control standards for dimensions, strength, and surface texture.
- Sealing (Optional): In some cases, the block might be treated with a sealant to enhance its water resistance and durability, especially if used outdoors.
Additional Points:
- Interlocking Features: During the moulding process, indentations or protrusions are likely incorporated into the design to create the interlocking functionality between the blocks. These features might be separate from the rock-face texture itself.
- Colouring: While the natural colour of the concrete is most common, pigments can be added to the mix to achieve coloured rock-faced blocks.
*This is a general overview of the process, and the specific steps might vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of rock-face pattern being created.
What are the benefits of using rock face blocks?
Rock faced interlocking concrete blocks offer some benefits over regular interlocking concrete blocks. Here’s a breakdown:
Benefits of Rock Faced Blocks:
- Aesthetics: The primary advantage is their aesthetic appeal. The rock face texture creates a more natural look that can blend better with certain environments like gardens, landscapes, or areas with natural rock formations. Regular interlocking concrete blocks have a smooth, often plain appearance.
- Camouflage: The textured surface can help hide minor imperfections or stains on the block compared to a smooth surface, which might show dirt more readily.
Things to Consider:
- Cost: Rock faced blocks might be slightly more expensive than regular ones due to the additional texturing process.
- Grip: The textured surface might offer slightly more grip compared to a smooth block, but this wouldn’t be a significant difference for most applications like retaining walls.
- Purpose: If aesthetics are a priority and the blocks are visible in your project, then rock faced blocks could be a good choice. However, for purely functional purposes like hidden retaining walls or industrial applications, regular interlocking blocks might be a more cost-effective option.
In summary, rock faced interlocking concrete blocks provide a more natural aesthetic but might cost a little extra. Regular blocks are a good choice for functionality and tight budgets. The best choice depends on your project’s specific needs and priorities.
How does an Interlocking Concrete Block work?
Interlocking Concrete Blocks are a variation on the traditional concrete block, and can be argued are the most efficient kind of concrete block. These special pre-cast blocks do not require mortar in order to create a long-lasting and effective connection, and are available in multiple sizes.
Interlocking Concrete Blocks connect to each other via studs and recesses at the top and bottom of the blocks, respectively. Individually, concrete blocks are heavy, but once they are joined, they provide an excellent counterweight against exceedingly heavy applications like a retaining wall.
Considering the fact they do not require mortar to connect, it is safe to say you will be saving money that would otherwise be spent on binding materials, and even some labour costs.
Are rock face Interlocking Concrete Blocks made from actual rocks?
Depending on the manufacturer, there may be instances in which real rocks are used in the formation of a rock face interlocking concrete block. In other instances, there may be a special mould use which can allow the concrete to set in such a way that the finished surface looks like rocks had been used.
The benefits and uses of Interlocking Concrete Blocks
Benefits:
- 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
Uses:
- 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
How much is an interlocking concrete block?
If you are considering the cost of our interlocking concrete blocks, we encourage you to get in touch. 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, as well as the style of block you opt for.
However, if you’re still deciding whether 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 rock face 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 have a look at our FAQ.
In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘What are the benefits of using rock face blocks?’ Whilst also providing additional information including 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.
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