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The Dimensions of Concrete Trench Blocks

Trench blocks, also known as foundation blocks, are designed specifically for use in constructing foundations for homes and other buildings. Made entirely from concrete, these blocks almost always conform to uniform face dimensions. Trench blocks also usually exhibit a set range of thickness dimensions. Comparing the size of concrete trench blocks to other common building materials, such as concrete blocks and bricks, helps determine their size relative to similar units.

  1. Face Dimensions

    • Trench blocks almost always conform to the same basic face dimensions. The face of the block consists of the top and bottom sides. Face dimensions, therefore, describe the length and width of a block. A standard trench block face measures 17.3 inches long by 8.5 inches wide. Therefore, trench blocks are more than twice as long as they are wide. Trench blocks include small notches and protrusions at the ends for connecting to other blocks in a foundation wall assembly – the face dimensions exclude these pieces.

    Thickness Dimensions

    • Thickness dimensions describe the height of the trench block, or the distance between the tops of the two block faces. Trench blocks come in varying thicknesses so builders can choose different blocks to meet their various applications. The thickness of trench blocks ranges from 8.5 to 14 inches, with intervals depending upon the manufacturer. Quinn Lite foundation blocks come in thicknesses of 8.5, 9.8, 10.8 and 11.8 inches, respectively. Celcon trench blocks, on the other hand, come with thickness measurements of 10, 10.4, 10.8 and 14 inches, respectively.

    Relative Size

    • A publication on building materials from the City College of Coventry in the United Kingdom compares trench blocks to other common building materials to give an idea of their approximate relative size. According to this information, an average-sized trench block is about the same size as two standard aggregate, or concrete, blocks, or 12 bricks and all related wall ties and mortar. The relatively large size of trench blocks makes them an obvious choice for saving time on foundation construction because you need far fewer blocks to make a wall from them than you would bricks or concrete blocks.

    Additional Information

    • Some companies manufacture products known as trench blocks that don't conform to the standard dimensions adhered to by other manufacturers. Stowell Concrete, for instance, manufactures trench blocks with uniform thickness and width measurements of 4 inches and 10.8 inches, respectively. The length of Stowell trench blocks ranges from 13.4 to 17.3 inches. In addition to dimensions, manufacturers usually provide mass, or weight, for trench blocks. The weight of trench blocks ranges from 22 to 65.5 pounds.

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Building Materials & Supplies
  1. The Best Anchors for Concrete Blocks
  2. Concrete Blocks & Foundation Movement
  3. How to Concrete a Trench
  4. The Sand to Mortar Ratio to Lay Concrete Blocks
  5. How to Dig the Trench to Install Concrete Edgers
  6. What Is the Difference Between a Hollow & Solid Concrete Block?
  7. Dimensions of Concrete Blocks
  8. What Is the R-Value of Insulated Concrete?
  9. The Limitations of Insulating Concrete Forms
  10. Dimensions of Portable Concrete Barriers
  11. What Is the Density of Standard Concrete Building Blocks?
  12. How to Lay Concrete Blocks in the Winter

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