Can You Build A Garden Wall With Concrete Blocks?
Can You Build A Garden Wall With Concrete Blocks?
Yes, you can use concrete blocks to build a garden wall because they are strong, easy to cut, and can be made in any shape or size you need. Concrete blocks are great for constructing walls to keep back soil after excavating a slope for a sidewalk, patio, or another landscaping project.
Block retaining walls are similar to freestanding block walls in most ways, but there are a few key distinctions.
It would be best if you remembered that concrete blocks are heavy and will require reinforcement in the form of steel bars. Because concrete is heavy, it is easy for the wall to collapse. You can reinforce the wall by making it thicker, which will also make it more sturdy and stable.
Concrete blocks should also be laid so that all mortar joints are horizontal when building a garden wall; this means that there should never be a gap between a block and the adjoining block if possible (this is known as Solid Masonry Construction).
Can You Fill Concrete Blocks With Sand?
Yes, you can fill concrete blocks with sand to create a solid mass for building walls or for supporting brick or stone on the top of a wall.
A gravel and sand mixture might help you achieve both, as it would provide the additional weight of a solid mass and the additional resistance of the sand. Over time, it might also provide a more even and stable foundation.
The advantages are that you’ll build a stronger and sturdier wall with concrete blocks, but at the same time, you’ll be getting rid of some weight.
Concrete blocks can also be filled with more than just sand. You can add aggregate to them for greater strength and density.
By adding rocks, stones, or gravel, but if that’s going to take up too much space in your recipe box and you don’t want to do this frequently, think about using precast concrete instead and setting it up like you would a standard foundation block.
Can You Shim Concrete Blocks?
Yes, you can shim concrete blocks. Building a wall without shimming will create a noticeable tilt in the wall, which can become more apparent over time. Wobble Wedge® strong plastic shims may be used to level concrete blocks and can withstand +2,000lbs of stress.
Use whatever wedge combination is required to get each precast concrete block level, which will make the wall more stable.
This is because there are always going to be some ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ parts of a concrete block, especially if you’re using recycled concrete blocks.
Shimming is usually done with metal wedges or strips inserted into the gap between the two surfaces to be aligned. They are used to level, adjust, or move items into line with each other.
What Is The Minimum Compressive Strength For Typical Concrete Blocks?
According to the ASTM C1201 standard, the minimum compressive strength for solid concrete blocks is 4.0 N/mmz. However, for blocks that will be used in a load-bearing capacity, the compressive strength should be at least 5.0 N/mmz.
Indeed, blocks with a compressive strength greater than 5.0 N/mmz are generally more resistant to denting and other damage and are more durable overall. It’s best to go with a product with the compressive strength you need from a company in your area or at least close by.
What Is The Gap Between Concrete Blocks?
Concrete blocks are typically 8x8x16 inches long and 7-5/8 inches high. This allows a 3/8 inch gap between the blocks to accommodate the vertical mortar joints.
Concrete blocks are a popular and affordable way to create a solid foundation, wall, or floor. However, the gap between the blocks can be a major issue. This gap can allow water, air, and other contaminants to seep into the block, which can lead to rotting and other problems.
To combat this issue, leaving a 3/8-inch gap between the blocks is important. This gap will allow the mortar joints to properly hold the blocks together, preventing moisture and contaminants from entering the block.
