Interlocking concrete blocks are a perfect permanent or temporary solution for many applications.
The blocks, like giant Lego concrete blocks, interlink with each other to build an impenetrable secure structure or divide.
What Are Interlocking Concrete Blocks
Interlocking Concrete blocks are pre-cast concrete blocks created in a special mould. The blocks fit together (like Lego) without needing mortar, making them a quick solution for many applications requiring a strong barrier.
What Are The Benefits of Concrete Blocks?
The interlocking concrete blocks are a quick, easy and affordable option for a permanent or temporary feature as part of a building process or for many other applications that require a strong, stable barrier with excellent tensile strength.
The concrete blocks can withstand all kinds of weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, as they have excellent freeze-thaw resistance.
Interlocking concrete blocks require little maintenance and can act as an efficient flood barrier.
Because of thickness, composition and strength, an interlocking concrete block wall is an excellent option for building a fire break or containment area for fire protection – to help prevent a fire from spreading.
Interlocking concrete blocks are a low-cost alternative for creating a covered storage bay to protect expensive agricultural equipment from the elements.
The advantages of interlocking concrete blocks include:
- Sustainable
- Size flexibility
- Sound resistant
- Low maintenance
- Quick, easy and hassle-free to install
- Resistant to extreme weather conditions
- You can stack them on top of each other
- No need for mortar, saving time and money
- No need for shuttering or steel reinforcement
- Suitable for temporary and permanent applications
- More durable and lasts longer than a Gabion basket
- In most cases, no foundation required before installing
- Fire-resistant properties can help mitigate the spread of fire
- Blocks are easy to move with standard lifting equipment like a telehandler
- The blocks are unlikely to get displaced because of the interlocking function
How Do You Lay Interlocking Blocks?
You will need a suitable machine like a telehandler to lift and place the concrete blocks. The process varies depending on the application, such as whether the intention is for a permanent or temporary barrier.
The foundations must be set and flat if you intend to use the interlocking concrete blocks as a permanent solution. For temporary use, you will unlikely need to treat the floor. If you are uncertain, please call the Flowmix team. We are happy to advise on the best process.
Can You Lay the Concrete Blocks on Top of Each Other?
Yes. After laying the first layer of blocks, you place the next layer of blocks on top, and they click into place via the pre-cast recesses and studs at the top and bottom of the block.
How High Can You Lay Concrete Interlocking Blocks?
While you can’t build a high-rise tower block, realistically, you wouldn’t want to go above ten blocks high as the maximum.
Read: Ordering Ready Mix Concrete Gloucester: A Homeowner’s Guide
How Much Do The Concrete Blocks Weigh?
Flowmix provides an L1800 x H800 x W800 block, which weighs around 2400kg depending on the concrete density and type.
Think of it as the weight of two hefty shire horses. They are not going to blow over in a puff of wind. The heavy weight provides exceptional stability, even with multiple layers.
Flowmix also provides L1600 x H800 x W800 interlocking concrete blocks, half blocks and Jersey blocks.
Can you Build A Retaining Wall With Concrete Blocks?
Yes. Interlocking blocks made of concrete are a superb, affordable option for retaining walls. There’s no requirement for mortar or binding. The blocks snap together to provide a strong and stable structure.
We recommend chatting with the Flowmix team because retaining walls come in various sizes and shapes. Our experienced Flowmix team can advise you on the best way to proceed if you’re considering locking concrete blocks for your project.
Typical Interlocking Concrete Block Uses
- Culverts
- Blast walls
- Push walls
- Roadblocks
- Fire breaks
- Ground Banks
- Flood Barriers
- Retaining walls
- Crash protection
- Counterweights
- Industrial buildings
- Material Storage bays
- Security Barriers/Fencing
- Material Retaining Walls
- Traffic Calming/Segregation
- Custom Storage Bay Walls
- Waste & Recycling Facilities
Concrete Blocks that interlock are an easy and quick way to install a robust concrete structure without the hassle and cost of laying foundations, shuttering or steel reinforcing.
They are also a more cost-effective, durable, quicker and easier solution to Gabion baskets.
Read: Concrete Slump Test: What is it & Why Does it Matter?
How Flowmix Can Help With Your Project
Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide ready-mix concrete and mix on-site.
In addition, you can hire a 200′ concrete line pump to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up.
Flowmix has the BSA-approved Ready Mix Concrete Kitemark KM683844, a certification that “confirms a product or service’s claim has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts” (source BSI).
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
FAQs
How Do Interlocking Concrete Blocks Work?
Think of a Lego set with studs and recesses that fit together to create a solid block. That’s how these concrete interlocking blocks work at scale to build a solid wall.
How To Install Interlocking Blocks
After ensuring the surface is solid and flat, the operator lifts the concrete blocks into place using lifting equipment like a telehandler, placing one on top of the other. The operator aligns the studs so the concrete blocks interlock like a giant Lego wall.
Do Interlocking Blocks Need Mortar?
Interlocking Blocks are popular because they do not need mortar. They are a perfect option for a temporary build if a project is under pressure for time and you want to reduce unnecessary costs.
For help choosing the best interlocking blocks, contact the Flowmix team at Tewkesbury or Walsall.
What Are The Advantages Of Interlocking Blocks?
There are numerous interlocking block advantages of using pre-cast concrete blocks:
- They are easy to lift with equipment like a telehandler.
- Concrete block installation is quick and easy, with minimum effort.
- These weather-resistant concrete blocks are unlikely to become displaced because of the interlocking design.
- The concrete interlock system reduces construction time and manual labour costs.
- Concrete block drainage is superior to poured concrete as water passes through the small interlocking gaps.
- The heavy-duty concrete blocks are warp-resistant.
- An interlocking block system is an excellent fire barrier, and the concrete blocks are resistant to fire damage.
- No mortar is required, saving costs and reducing the time spent waiting for mortar to set.
- Saves construction time for projects experiencing time-pressure
Structurally stable and durable – there is also the opportunity to insert steel reinforcements for further strength and stability
What Is The Disadvantage Of Interlocking Blocks?
Interlocking blocks are an ideal solution for most projects. The only disadvantage is that insects can make their home in the lines between the blocks because there’s no need for mortar.
The other limitation is they aren’t suitable for two-storey buildings. Still, these are minimal issues, and the advantages of concrete interlocking blocks far outweigh the disadvantages.
Are Interlocking Blocks Easy To Maintain?
Interlocking block maintenance is easy. The concrete blocks are more flexible than poured concrete or large pavers. The primary benefit is that you can move and replace the blocks if needed. They can withstand extreme weather conditions.
To keep the concrete interlocking blocks looking fresh, scrub them or use a power wash to brighten them up and remove heavy grime build-up over time.
Can I Build A Retaining Wall With Interlocking Blocks?
Yes. Pre-cast interlocking blocks are the perfect solution for building a temporary or permanent retaining wall.
What is A Jersey Interlocking Block?
A Jersey interlocking concrete block is similar to the concrete barriers you see on the central line on a motorway. They’re typically used to separate traffic lanes to help prevent vehicle crossovers and minimise damage in the case of impact.
Jersey concrete blocks are useful for any application that needs a barrier that doesn’t require height.
Are Concrete Interlocking Blocks Better for the Environment?
In the drive for sustainable concrete solutions, interlocking blocks have many advantages. No other materials, such as mortar, are required for installation. The blocks are durable and easy to maintain. In addition, you need very little equipment for installation.
Interlocking wall systems are becoming a popular choice for construction to improve sustainability and reduce labour costs.
Where To Buy Interlocking Blocks In Gloucestershire?
Contact Flowmix, Tewkesbury, to discuss delivery of affordable interlocking blocks: 01684 217888
Where To Buy Interlocking Blocks In West Midlands?
Contact Flowmix, Aldridge, for your self-locking concrete blocks: 01922 741731