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Common Names

Some of the other common names for ecology blocks are the following- mafia blocks, barrier blocks, large concrete blocks, interlocking concrete blocks, interlocking V-wedge blocks, concrete lego blocks, large retaining wall blocks, jumbo blocks, storage blocks, 2’ x 2’ x 6’ blocks, precast concrete blocks, gravity wall blocks, and waste blocks.

Cost 

There are many other types of bin blocks, but ecology blocks are the most cost-effective version. Highway barriers (also known as jersey barriers) are more expensive and usually cost between $600-$800, while ecology blocks usually cost less than $200. 

Alternatives to Ecology Blocks

There are several alternatives to ecology blocks, but they are typically more expensive. For retainer wall alternatives, precast concrete panels or on-site poured concrete are typically better looking, but also significantly more expensive. Another option is modular retaining- it is easy to install, but is also limited in use. Gabion baskets are another option; it is basically a retaining wall made of medium sized rocks inside of a wire “basket”. Gabion baskets are permanent and aesthetically pleasing, but the wire can become rusty and wear out over time. 

For traffic and parking control alternatives to ecology blocks, jersey barriers are a durable choice, but they are more expensive and cannot be stacked. For residential projects, large stones can be used for landscaping, but they are irregularly shaped and cannot be stacked. Railroad ties are another alternative, but they  would need to be used in a low retaining wall, plus they will rot over time.

Environmental Benefits

When you use the ecology blocks, you are using recycled concrete. This is a win-win for your wallet and the environment for a few different reasons. First, using recycled concrete makes the price significantly less expensive than making new concrete. Second, it also keeps the old concrete out of the landfills. Third, there is less of a carbon footprint because you’re not having to make new concrete unnecessarily, which equates to less waste in general. All of these are fantastic reasons why ecology blocks are the go-to for certain building needs!

Common Use – Ecology Blocks in Retaining Walls

Using ecology blocks to build a retaining wall is the quick and cost effective way to build a retainer wall. Sometimes this type of retaining wall is called a gravity wall because it uses the weight of the ecology blocks to hold back the soil. 

The following is a general idea of how you would build a retaining wall. First, measure the area that you would want a retaining wall to be. Then, you need to decide how many blocks you would need. Then you need to get the ground to be level, possibly using an excavator. Then you set your first row. After that, you can continue with the other rows. For a retaining wall, it is best that the joints of the blocks do not line up, because it will add more strength and stability to the structure. 

There are a few important notes when building a retainer wall- you may or may not need to add a mesh fabric between your block row to add more resistance against the soil. Another important aspect is the drainage- if you are building a tall wall or if you have a lot of moisture, then you may need to install a drainage pipe. Additionally, you need to make sure the weight of the retaining wall is greater than the force of the soil to make sure it stays intact. Lastly when building a retainer wall, it is best to offset the blocks in order so the joints don’t line up, giving the structure more stability. 

Common Use – Ecology Blocks in Storage Bin

You can use the ecology blocks as a storage bin for rocks, compost, sand, mulch, road salt, etc. This is a great heavy duty way to keep the material from being blown away on your property. This is an easy way to set up a storage area because the blocks are stackable and there is no foundation or mortar needed. The types of places that would use block storage bins are the following- agricultural farms, feedlots, construction companies, landscaping companies, municipal public works yards, recycling and waste facilities, industrial facilities, warehouses. 

Common Use – Ecology Blocks in Traffic or Parking Barriers

Since the ecology blocks weigh thousands of pounds, people cannot pick them up and move them. One of the biggest purposes of these types of blocks is to deter vehicle traffic. Ecology blocks can be used in traffic in a variety of ways- to block alley entrances, vacant lots, driveways, road shoulders, construction sites, or even be used as a detour barrier during construction. All of these are important because it gives the owner peace of mind knowing that no one can enter or exit with a vehicle unless permitted.

Ecology blocks can also be used in other traffic capacities. You can use ecology blocks as parking lot barriers or even to block off an entrance. This causes people to not be able to park where you don’t want them to- such as unauthorized access, illegal parking, or camping. You can also use it to make sure that there is only one entrance to the property via vehicle, or even none. This can bring safety and security to the property without a lot of cost or effort.

Ecology blocks also serve as a “ram-aid” in front of stores or warehouses. Whether intentional or unintentional, a vehicle crashing into a storefront would cause massive destruction in terms of physical human damage or store damage. That’s why there are many stores with big rocks, boulders, or ecology blocks at their storefront. 

All of these traffic and parking barriers are a great low-cost choice when it comes to deterring traffic and boosting security on a property. They can be temporary or permanent depending on the need and the purpose of use. 

Use to Stop Theft

Another benefit of using ecology blocks is to use them to protect against theft. When you use the blocks as a physical barrier, you prevent people from using their vehicle to enter or exit your property with their vehicle. This makes it more difficult to rob someone because they have no fast getaway, thus making it much harder to actually rob or steal. Essentially, you can secure your perimeters, making the entrance and exit at a secure location or even blocking the only entrance and exit of a location. A great example of this is when construction sites close each day, they put a couple of big heavy blocks at the entrance so that no one can enter the site after hours. Thieves want to drive in with their vehicle and steal valuable equipment, then drive away. If they cannot drive their vehicle into the site, then they can’t really get away with any valuable equipment.

Some people just use a fence to block the entrance and exit of a property. While there are many benefits to fencing, it has its limitations as well. Thieves can cut the fencing or even drive through it in order to enter your property. When it comes to ecology blocks, there is no way that anyone could drive through the blocks. This makes sure that no vehicles come and go throughout your property.

Installation 

Typically, you can have the ecology blocks delivered to your location in a semi truck or pick them up from a local manufacturing plant. Either way, you need to be prepared to unload the blocks using heavy machinery that you provide. You will need a skid steer, forklift, or crane for unloading the blocks and moving them from that point on. The equipment needs to be able to lift up to four thousand pounds for the full sized blocks. 

A Note About The Ground Level

When it comes to building with ecology blocks, the soil matters, especially when building a retention wall. You must make sure that the ground is totally level and that the soil is compact so that the foundation of the wall will be strong and last for years to come. You don’t want the wall to shift or collapse over time; you want it to be safe and strong for years to come. 

You will need several tools in order to make sure the ground is level. You will need an excavator to dig, a laser level to make sure that the ground is indeed level, gravel or crushed stone to add to the foundation layer, and a compactor to push down the gravel. You want to make sure that the ground is level from both side-to-side as well as from front-to-back. 

Please note that in some locations around the U.S., it is actually illegal to build retention walls because the soil and ground level cannot support it. You may be denied a permit application or require site-specific approval before being approved to use ecology blocks on unstable soil. Clay, peat, organic-rich soil, sand, silt, or fill dirt or construction debris cannot support a retention wall. 

Pros and Cons of Using Ecology Blocks

There are several benefits and limitations to using ecology blocks depending on the project. Some of the benefits include the following- ecology blocks are the low-cost option. There is not a cheaper option available; and you get your money’s worth when using them. Secondly, they are quick to install in comparison with other types of concrete structures. In just a few hours, your project could be finished, while if you used alternative materials, it could take much longer. Additionally, they are flexible for the future because you can move them as needed. Lastly, they are low maintenance compared to other types. 

On the other hand, there are some limitations to using these types of blocks. Firstly, you need heavy equipment in order to install. Secondly, these types of blocks are unsuitable for certain types of soil or terrain conditions. In fact, in some places, there are building regulations so that you can’t use ecology blocks in certain areas of the U.S that have weak soil. Lastly, another limitation for ecology blocks is that it is not very aesthetically pleasing compared to other materials. 

DIY Concrete Blocks

Some people would prefer the “do-it-yourself” method when it comes to obtaining their ecology blocks. If you try to make ecology blocks from scratch, you will need several items. You will need concrete mix, a block mold (which can be purchased or made at home), equipment to mix the concrete, and oil to coat the mold. An optional add-in would be rebar; using rebar to create a handle for the block could be a benefit when lifting the blocks with a crane or forklift.

Although it’s possible that it can be made from home, ecology blocks are priced so low that it generally makes more sense to purchase them from a manufacturer rather than to try and fabricate them at home. Many times it’s cheaper to buy and also significantly less work. However, there are some people with the skills and equipment to do it themselves and have very little cost.

Surface

Ecology blocks are made from recycled concrete, so that means the blocks could have some aesthetic inconsistencies. Furthermore, sometimes the ecology blocks are made from a mixture of different types of concrete, adding even more aesthetic inconsistencies to the surfaces. Remember, the ecology block is the lowest cost block available, not necessarily the best looking option. If you’re looking for something that looks nicer, you may need to look into different options.

There are some manufacturers that offer upgrades for the exterior surface of the ecology blocks. They can give the appearance a slate finish, river rock, brick, board-formed, sandblasted, or stucco finish. Even with these options, most people still prefer the unfinished surface.

Regulations and Permits

When using ecology blocks, you must follow the local building regulations. Many times you will need a permit in order to put up a retaining wall or an inspection from an engineer. Local zoning and ordinances could apply when you live in certain cities or towns. You may need to provide the design plans for drainage, erosion, etc. It’s important to do your homework in advance so that you can build without worry. 

“Hostile Architecture”

Another thing to note is that it is illegal to put ecology blocks on public property. While that may seem obvious, it has recently become a heated issue in several big cities in the U.S. Businesses or individuals place ecology blocks in public places to deter the homeless camp, illegal dumping, or illegal parking. They put the blocks in places like sidewalks, building perimeters, under bridges, etc. This makes it difficult, uncomfortable, or impossible for people to sit, loiter, or set up tents or encampments, thus stopping the homeless people from sitting, laying, or camping in those areas. Critics refer to this as “hostile architecture”. Critics view it as an unethical treatment and criminalization of the poor. On the other hand, business owners view their actions as a justified resistance against the poor leadership of their city and a reaction to the leader’s neglect of dealing with the issue of homelessness. This type of controversy has become common in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and others. 

Safety

You must be aware of and prepared that there are dangers when building things using heavy ecology blocks that can weigh up to 4,000 pounds. You must take all precautions necessary in order to have a safe and productive time building with them.

From the beginning, always make sure to use the proper heavy equipment. Some of the best machinery to use is a skid steer, excavator, forklift, and even a crane. Before moving the blocks, inspect each block and make sure that the rebar hook is not damaged.

The next thing you need to do in advance is to prepare your team. Make sure everyone on your team has a plan of action. Every team-member should be wearing steel-toed boots, construction vest, gloves, hard hat, and eye protection. Make sure that the entire team knows where to stand and what to do during the time that the blocks are being moved. Under no circumstances should anyone ever stand under or even close to a block when it is suspended in the air. Make sure to use a spotter who is standing in line of vision with the person operating the heavy equipment. All of these things are important when using heavy machinery and using heavy cement blocks.

Prepare your job site in advance. The most important thing to do is to make sure the ground where you are working is both level and compact. This is a crucial step that cannot be ignored. If the ground is not level or compacted, it could lead to blocks shifting or even falling over. When that happens, your entire wall becomes unsafe. 

When stacking rows on a retaining wall, it is best that the joints of the blocks do not line up, because it will add more strength and stability to the structure. Another rule of thumb is when stacking rows of blocks, never stack too high; it is up to the end user to ultimately decide what is safe for their job.=

If not done correctly, installing concrete blocks can be dangerous or even deadly. Take the extra time to do the job right from the beginning. Take proper precautions and follow through with precision to ensure that your project will be strong and secure for the long run. It is absolutely crucial for your safety and your team’s safety. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, ecology blocks are a cost-effective way to build multiple types of structures. Whether you are building a retention wall or using it to block traffic, whether you are using it for a construction site or as a storage bin, ecology blocks are a great choice for many projects. They are useful in many capacities and serve a multitude of purposes at a low cost rate. Use them in your next project or outdoor need!