Interbloc block types and when to use them.

This article outlines the range of Interbloc block types and sizes and when and how to use each type to deliver the best solution.

Introduction

The Interbloc precast wall system consists of 11 different block types across three different sizes; 1200mm, 1800mm, and 600mm. 

The size refers to the facial length of the block. The height and depth of the block remain 600mm x 600mm. 

All Interbloc blocks are solid, vibrated certified concrete with no steel reinforcing inside the block.


Interbloc Block Range:

 

1200Std_Side1

1200 Standard

Dimensions: 1200mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 1000kg

Lifting: 1 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 2 x 60mm reinforcing ducts at 600mm centres.

The 1200 standard block is the foundation of the Interbloc precast wall system. It is placed in a running bond pattern, meaning that each layer overlaps the one below it. This pattern ensures that the shear key, a protrusion on the side of the block, is fully engaged, providing maximum strength and stability to the wall. The 1200 standard block is typically used in 80-90% of any Interbloc wall structure.

  • The running bond pattern is a common way to lay bricks or blocks. In this pattern, the blocks are staggered so that each layer overlaps the one below it. This creates a strong bond between the layers and helps to prevent the wall from collapsing.
  • The shear key is a protrusion on the side of the block that helps to interlock the blocks together. When the blocks are placed in a running bond pattern, the shear keys engage with each other, creating a strong bond that resists forces trying to separate the blocks.
1200FT_Perspective>Train

1200 Flat Top

Dimensions: 1200mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 1000kg

Lifting: 1 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 2 x 60mm reinforcing ducts at 600mm centres.

Flat top blocks are used on the top row of an Interbloc structure to provide a clean finish and to make it easier to attach roof structures. They are also available with recessed reinforcing ducts to accommodate the nut and washer of the vertical reinforcement.

  • Clean finish: The flat top of the block provides a smooth, finished surface that is free of mortar joints. This makes it a good choice for areas where a clean appearance is desired, such as the top of a wall or a roof.
  • Easier to attach roof structures: The flat top of the block provides a stable surface for attaching roof structures. This can be done using bolts or other fasteners.
  • Recessed reinforcing ducts: The recessed reinforcing ducts allow the nut and washer of the vertical reinforcement to be recessed into the block. This helps to protect the reinforcement from the elements and prevents it from being damaged during construction or maintenance.
1200FB_Perspective_Train

1200 Flat Bottom

Dimensions: 1200mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 1000kg

Lifting: 1 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 2 x 60mm reinforcing ducts at 600mm centres.

Flat bottom blocks are commonly used for the bottom layer of a wall. They can serve two purposes:

  • Increase friction and sliding resistance between the ground and the structure. This is done by providing a flat surface that makes it more difficult for the wall to move.
  • Provide a physical barrier to leachate and prevent cross-contamination between structures. Leachate is a liquid that can seep through the ground and carry contaminants. A sealant is often applied to the flat bottom blocks before they are placed to prevent leachate from reaching the wall.

NB: Flat bottom blocks can not be used with top and bottom fixing kits. 

1200Capper

1200 Capper

Dimensions: 1200mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 580kg

Lifting: 1 x 1.3t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: No reinforcing ducts.

A capper block is primarily used for two purposes:

  • To prevent the accumulation of material on top of a wall. This is especially important in bulk storage areas, where materials such as grain or aggregate can build up and create a hazard. The capper block provides a pointed, smooth surface that prevents material from accumulating at the top of a bin.
  • As a traffic delineation barrier. Capper blocks can be used to mark the edges of walkways, parking areas, and other traffic areas. This helps to prevent accidents and keep people safe.

Both of these purposes serve important health and safety functions. By preventing the accumulation of material on top of a wall and delineating traffic areas, capper blocks can help to prevent injuries and property damage.

1200Base

1200 Base 

Dimensions: 1200mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 810kg

Lifting: 2 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 1 x 60mm reinforcing duct at 600mm center.

A 1200 base block is typically used on the base row of a wall, especially in bulk storage applications. This is because the base block has a wider footprint than a standard block, which helps to spread the weight of the wall over a larger area. This is important in bulk storage applications where the wall may be subjected to heavy loads.

The base block is also used in situations where a new structure is being built on an existing concrete foundation that would not otherwise be able to support a block wall. The base block helps to distribute the weight of the wall more evenly over the foundation, reducing the risk of the foundation sinking or cracking.

1800Std_PerspectKlaw (2)

1800 Standard 

Dimensions: 1800mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 1500kg

Lifting: 2 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 2 x 60mm reinforcing duct at 600mm center.

The 1800 standard block is primarily used for two purposes:

  • To join a dividing wall of a bulk storage bin into a back wall. This is done by placing the 1800 block on every alternating layer, starting at the corner of the bin. This ensures all blocks are interlocked and the wall is structurally sound.
  • To start or finish a running bond pattern. The blocks are staggered so that each layer overlaps the one below it. The 1800 block is used on every alternating layer at the start or end of the pattern to create a flush end to the wall.
1800FT_Perspect

1800 Flat Top 

Dimensions: 1800mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 1500kg

Lifting: 2 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 2 x 60mm reinforcing duct at 600mm center.

The 1800 flat top block is used in conjunction with the 1200 flat top block at the top of a wall to create a flush finish and to facilitate the attachment of a roof structure to the top of the wall.
1800FB_PerspectKlaw

1800 Flat Bottom 

Dimensions: 1800mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 1500kg

Lifting: 2 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 2 x 60mm reinforcing duct at 600mm center.

The 1800 flat bottom block and the 1200 flat bottom block are used together on the base row of a wall to create a seamless finish between the structure and the underlying foundation. This can help to:

  • Prevent leachate flow: When used with a sealant, the flat bottom blocks create a physical barrier that can help to prevent leachate from flowing under the wall.
  • Increase friction between the wall and the foundation: The flat bottom blocks provide a larger surface area for friction to develop, which can help to prevent the wall from sliding. 
600Std_Perspective

600 Standard 

Dimensions: 600mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 500kg

Lifting: 2 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 1 x 60mm reinforcing duct at 600mm center.

The 600 standard block can be used as an alternative to the 1800 standard block for starting or finishing walls. However, when used as a replacement for the 1800 block, the 600 standard block should only be placed in between two layers of blocks. This is because the 600 standard block is lighter and more susceptible to point loads.
600FT_Perspect

600 Flat Top 

Dimensions: 600mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 500kg

Lifting: 2 x 2.5t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: 1 x 60mm reinforcing duct at 600mm center.

Similar to the 600 standard block, the 600 flat top block can be used in conjunction with 1200 flat top blocks to finish a running bond pattern on the top layer of a wall to facilitate a roof structure. The 1200 flat top block should be used with vertical reinforcing to resist any point loads from moveable plant operating inside a structure. 600 flat top blocks are also commonly used in conjunction with Interbloc capper blocks on corners and T intersections of walls. Finally, 600 flat top blocks can be used as temporary marquee weights.

600Capper

600 Capper 

Dimensions: 600mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 290kg

Lifting: 1 x 1.3t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: No reinforcing duct.

The 600 capper block is used in conjunction with the 1200 capper block to start or finish a running bond pattern on the top layer of a wall.

600Angle

600 Angle 

Dimensions: 600mm wide x 600mm deep x 600 high

Weight: 250kg

Lifting: 1 x 1.3t Ancon Unilift Anchor

Other: No reinforcing duct, 45 degree angle.

The 600 angle block is used at the end of walls as an alternative to the 1800 or 600 standard block. When a 1800 or 600 standard block is not used, the wall steps back at each layer. The 600 angle block provides a smooth 45-degree finish to the front walls of a recessed bin and serves a health and safety purpose by creating a physical barrier to people climbing up the stepped walls.

Foot Blocks

Footbloc’s are little concrete inserts for standard blocks. They are primarily used where flat bottom blocks are unavailable or where top and bottom fixing kits are being used. Once inserted into the shear key recess at the bottom of the block - the footbloc is secured in place using expansion foam. 

Tip: Avoid choosing the 1800mm range with the intention of reducing the total amount of blocks required. 1800 blocks are designed to be used sparingly in the construction of a wall. As a result they make up a small percentage of manufacturing capacity and output and do cost more than the 1200 range.