Prior to the invention of interlocking blocks, engineers had only relatively more time consuming and expensive options for constructing retaining walls in buildings. A solution such as a gabion basket or a crib wall system was not always beneficial in terms of cost of convenience.
Thankfully, the advent of interlocking retaining wall blocks has ensured that retaining wall projects are now more cost effective and more speedily realised than in the past. Interlocking precast concrete blocks are also called “Lego” blocks due to their resemblance, on a larger scale, to the children’s toy. There are many advantages to using interlocking blocks for retaining walls. Here are just a few.
- Speed of Installation
Retaining walls must usually be constructed quickly. This is both for reasons of cost but also for safety. A retaining wall is necessary to stop the collapse of unstable ground, and therefore it needs to be put into place in a short timeframe. Traditional retaining walls took some time to construct. Interlocking concrete blocks are extremely quick to install.
The interlocking blocks can also be installed quickly by fewer workers, and the labour force does not need to be as highly skilled as with traditional concrete wall methods. This cuts down on cost and also increases the speed of installation. In addition, the way the interlocking blocks are installed means that workers are not at risk of being injured or trapped if an embankment fails.
- Economical Cost
The speed of installation, described above, naturally brings down the cost of the retaining wall project. And there are other cost advantages too. For example, the interlocking blocks are normally much cheaper to produce than traditional concrete elements. This is because they are mass produced. Many blocks can be made in the same process, to the same specifications, which ensures not only uniformity of finish but a more cost-effective finished product. Many engineers choose interlocking concrete blocks because they help to bring down the overall cost of a project without sacrificing quality.
- Good Availability
Precast concrete interlocking blocks are produced in bulk. This means there is a stock of blocks in storage, ready at short notice for projects. An engineer can order the product “off the shelf” for a quick turnaround. The blocks are also delivered quickly and can be installed quickly.
- Enhanced Flexibility
Interlocking concrete blocks also provide a project engineer with a great deal of flexibility in terms of project design. The interlocking blocks are available in a wide variety of finishes, including natural stone colour and finish, brick, and other colours. Precast concrete does not have to be simple or boring in terms of finish. And the blocks are also available in a variety of styles and shapes. This ensures that there will be a solution to any design problem. Interlocking concrete blocks are a versatile choice for modern building projects.
