Can a Concrete Block Build a Better Foundation?

A well-built structure begins with the foundation, and concrete block construction supports some interesting suggestions for a better building method.

The concept of concrete block construction goes way back in time to Egyptian architecture, where nearly everything was built with huge slabs of limestone or granite, and most of these structures are still standing today. One could argue that most of them do not have the environmental or social stress testing their longevity on a yearly basis as western society does, but the fact remains that concrete block construction is able to withstand many years of freestanding alone.

Concrete Block

There are some issues in the difference between concrete block and poured concrete foundation construction that make for a pretty good debate. For instance, there is the issue of moisture, since blocks are installed dry and poured concrete is dried after pouring. And there is a question of pre-manufactured material versus on the spot mixing, as in the case of water-cement ratio just prior to pouring. But with elemental and chemical concerns, a newly constructed foundation, whether concrete block or freshly poured, will have settling and adapting challenges from the start, in many cases ongoing.

Concrete block reinforcement is an issue in any case, as with any concrete construction. Steel rods, and in the case of larger structures, poured concrete is added for adequate stability. In the case of a poured foundation, rebar reinforcement is laid out prior to the actual pouring.

The real issue is which approach to use. Both poured and concrete block methods present interesting pros and cons.