Interlocking concrete blocks explained

Interlocking Concrete Blocks are becoming a popular and effective alternative to a variety of traditional building materials. They are a form of pre-cast concrete blocks, the defining feature is the studs and recesses at the top and bottom of the blocks that allow for secure attachment without the need of any binding materials.

Interlocking Concrete Blocks hold many advantages, and that’s not even considering some of the uses it allows for.

What can Interlocking Concrete Blocks be used for?

Here is a list of some of the uses that Interlocking Concrete Blocks can facilitate.

• 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

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 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

What are the best blocks for a retaining wall?

Interlocking Concrete Blocks are arguably one of the best blocks to use for a retaining wall? But why exactly is this? 

• Interlocking Concrete Blocks have a higher durability than wood and metal, especially outside amongst the weather in England. Its effectiveness or stability/durability is not diluted by rain, snow, or harsh winds.
  
  
• The studs and recesses of an Interlocking Concrete Block provide a secure attachment that requires either an extreme amount of velocity, or manual removal to become detached. 
  
  
• Because it needs no bindings, you are saving money that would have been otherwise spent on cement, or other binding solutions.
  
  
• The immense weight of an individual Interlocking Concrete Block cannot be moved without mechanical assistance, this implies that a greater amount of interconnected Interlocking Concrete Blocks provides a larger weight. This increase in weight means that it is more than suitable to counter the weight of soil behind the retaining wall. This resistance is only improved with adequate footings.

Can I use wood or metal for a retaining wall?

Yes, either option is viable, but in comparison to Interlocking Concrete Blocks, they are inferior. Both wood and metal would require more reinforcement in the wall itself, this would happen by making sure the wall is thick, and has a suitable foundation.

Although both options can create functional retaining walls, the issue is the durability.

Metal has a greater resistance to impact than wood, but can easily rust in the rain.

And even though wood doesn’t rust, it has the potential to rot, resulting in weakness over time.

Can I use bricks for a retaining wall?

Yes, bricks can be used to erect a retaining wall, however it is a much more long-winded process as opposed to using Interlocking Concrete Blocks. Bricks are smaller and require binding, this means individually stacking the bricks, making sure to apply cement along the way.