The best concrete block for retaining wall is an integral part of the overall main structure and should serve a variety of purposes. One of the most important tasks that these blocks perform when used as part of a retaining wall is to reduce water pressure on the soil beneath it, creating a bubble-like effect which keeps rain from getting into the ground. In addition, they are often used to create decorative ground covers and pathways.
Envirostone concrete block is made from self-healing concrete and will not crack or split in normal weather conditions. It’s best for exterior, interior and landscape applications such as retaining walls, patios, pool surrounds, walkways and steps.
One of the most common uses for concrete blocks is in retaining walls. Retaining walls are used to hold back soil or other material that would otherwise be at risk of falling down a slope or embankment. They are typically made from concrete blocks or bricks with mortar, and they can either be constructed horizontally or vertically. The first step in constructing a retaining wall is deciding on the material that will be used for it, which depends mainly on budget and durability concerns. Here are some popular types of concrete block for constructing retaining walls:
Cored Concrete Block
- Cored concrete block is a concrete block with holes in it. It’s made of concrete, like regular concrete blocks are, but the spaces between the blocks are filled with sand and gravel.
- A cored concrete block is very similar to a solid one: it’s a common type of masonry unit (building material) used for retaining walls and other structures.
- Cored blocks are typically used as infill for poured-in-place walls or for veneer applications such as window heads and door openings where there is not an exposed face on top of the wall assembly.
Cellular Concrete Block
Cellular concrete blocks are made of reinforced concrete, which is the material used to build most buildings and structures. The cellular structure is what gives it its name, as it has open cells that allow for breathability and drainage. This makes them ideal for retaining walls and floors subjected to intense moisture.
Cellular concrete blocks are lightweight compared to other types of block construction because they lack reinforcement steel bars; they also have low cost per square foot due to their ease of manufacturing at large volumes. Because they’re non reinforced, these blocks do not require any special tools or machinery for installation a huge benefit for contractors who need their projects completed in a timely manner.
The high thermal insulation value of cellular concrete makes them perfect for retaining walls that will be exposed directly above ground (rather than being buried underneath dirt or gravel). When used as part of a foundation system with proper drainage installed below grade level, cellular concrete blocks can help prevent groundwater leakage from entering your basement or crawl space area.
Split Face Concrete Block
If you’re looking for a strong, durable concrete block to use in your retaining wall, consider using split face concrete blocks. These blocks have one side that has been split apart so they can be stacked together easily. They are also known as cored or cellular concrete blocks because they contain cores of sand and gravel that help reinforce their strength. The core gives the block extra support so it doesn’t break apart when hit with heavy forces or pressure such as the weight of dirt pushed against it by a retaining wall being built in front of it.
Stretcher Concrete Block
A stretcher concrete block is a type of construction unit which is mostly used for making retaining walls, sound barriers, and the like. The blocks consist of cement mixed with sand and water as well as other additives that give them strength. They are then baked to harden them and give them their final shape.
The overall length of this particular kind of block is 36 inches long while its width varies between 6 inches and 8 inches in most cases. This means that each individual block will have a small hollow space between its outer face (which forms the exterior surface) and its inner side where it meets another block or any other structure forming part of your project’s foundation or wall.
concrete block for retaining wall
Concrete blocks are the most common type of stone used for retaining walls. Concrete block has a high compressive strength, making it an excellent choice for retaining walls that need to withstand heavy loads. They can be used both in mortared and unbonded situations, making them versatile in their application as well.
However, there are several types of concrete blocks available on the market today including those made from natural materials such as sandstone or limestone which may have different characteristics than those made from cement-based materials. For example, granite and other natural stones will expand when they get wet while they shrink when they dry out again; this means that their size will change relative to temperature over time.
Final words
It’s important to note that the type of block you use will depend on the size and weight of your project. For smaller projects, cored blocks are a good choice because they’re lighter than other types of blocks. If you have a larger project that needs more strength or durability, cellular or split face blocks may be better options for you! It also important to consider whether your concrete block retaining wall will need any special features like reinforcing steel bars or rebar channels when determining which type of block would be best suited for your needs.
