Are you interested in interlocking concrete blocks? Although these popular building material is fairly commonplace now, when were interlocking concrete blocks first used in construction UK? This blog will attempt to answer this.
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, An interlocking concrete block may be an option to help keep your site secure regardless of its shape.
Let us tell you more about the uses and benefits of interlocking concrete blocks below.
Interlocking concrete blocks explained
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. 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 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
Disadvantages of using interlocking concrete blocks
- Can’t be moved without machinery
- Can topple over if not placed on level ground
What are interlocking concrete blocks used for?
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
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
Contact us for more information on our interlocking concrete blocks.
When were interlocking concrete blocks first used in construction UK?
There is very little information out there that explains the first usage of interlocking concrete blocks in construction in the UK. That being said, regular concrete blocks have been in use since the 1850s, so it is entirely plausible that a concrete block with an interlocking feature had been used at some point for construction since that time.
Are interlocking concrete blocks used in construction now?
Yes, interlocking concrete blocks are used regularly in construction projects presently. As we highlighted earlier, interlocking concrete blocks have a large range of applications, making them useful for almost any kind of construction project, from retaining walls to a barrier, and much more.
Why do interlocking concrete blocks interlock?
The interlocking feature of our blocks is there to facilitate stability and security. These blocks have the potential to be stacked as well. Interlocking them distributes the stability of the overall structure it is helping to create.
A better level of stability means that the structure will be far less likely to overturn or become unbalanced. Interlocking the blocks also reduces the need for mortar.
How long do interlocking concrete blocks last?
Concrete is resilient by nature, it can last for a number of years and beyond without any serious degradation. The only exception to this is if the blocks are in an environment in which they regularly receive forceful impact.
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 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.
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.
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.
Do interlocking concrete blocks need cement?
No, interlocking concrete blocks bypass the need for binding elements like cement. As the name suggests, the ‘interlocking’ part refers to the ability of these blocks to create a secure connection between each other through studs and recesses.
This means, that in instances where you want to build a wall with interlocking concrete blocks, all you need to do is stack them, making sure the studs on top of the base block have connected with the recesses on the block above it and so forth.
In the long term, using interlocking concrete blocks can save money that would otherwise be spent on cement, and time that would otherwise be spent on applying the cement and waiting for it to dry properly before proceeding.
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 answered the question ‘When were interlocking concrete blocks first used in construction UK?’, 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
