
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our frequently asked questions page. We understand that you may have some questions about our services, and we're here to provide you with the answers. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out to our support team for further assistance.
Can you deliver same day? Yes
Environmental, Spill Containment and Flood Control must call before 6:00AM
to guarantee delivery - Please reach out ASAP- 1-877-336-7771
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FAQs Part 1:
Basic Specifications and Dimensions-
1. What are the standard dimensions of a full bin block? Concrete Bin Blocks vary in size and weight, they include the 6'x2'x2', 5'x2.5'x2.5', 4'x2'x2', 2.5x2.5x2.5 and the 2'x2'x2'.
2. How much does a single 6-foot block weigh? A standard 6-foot block weighs approximately 3,600 lbs. Due to the nature of recycled concrete aggregate, weight can fluctuate by roughly 3–5% depending on the specific mix.
3. What is the weight of a half-block (3'x2'x2')? A half-block weighs approximately 1,800 lbs. These are ideal for staggering joints in a "running bond" pattern (like bricks) to increase wall stability.
4. What does "V-Wedge" mean? The V-Wedge refers to a continuous "V" shaped tongue-and-groove system cast into the blocks. This allows them to lock together both horizontally and vertically. The V-Wedge offers superior lateral shear resistance.
5. Do the blocks have a smooth finish? While they are industrial-grade, the finish is generally smooth. However, because they are made from recycled concrete, you may see minor surface variations from aggregate exposure.
6. Are there different "top" styles? Yes. We offer Round Top, Cross-top, V-Wedge and Smooth Top blocks. Smooth tops or caps are often used for the final layer to create a clean look.
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Part 2: Engineering & Structural Stability-
1. Can I build a retaining wall with these? Yes, bin blocks are excellent for gravity retaining walls. Their stability comes from their massive weight resisting the pressure of the material behind them.
2. How high can I stack blocks for a material bin? For indoor or sheltered material bins, stacking 3 high (6 feet) is standard. For outdoor walls subject to wind or heavy soil pressure, professional engineering, backfilling and or geogrid is recommended for anything over 6 feet.
3. What is a "Gravity Wall"? A gravity wall is a structure that relies solely on its own weight to resist the pressure of the earth or material it is holding back. Bin blocks are the quintessential gravity wall component.
4. Can these blocks withstand impact from heavy machinery? Yes. They are designed for scrap yards and recycling centers where front-end loaders frequently bump into them while scooping materials.
5. Are they fire-rated? Concrete is a non-combustible material with excellent fire-resistance ratings. This makes them ideal for separating combustible materials like mulch, plastic, or scrap tires.
6. What is the PSI of the concrete used? Our blocks typically range from 3,000 to 4,500 PSI. Since they are made from recycled concrete, they often exceed the strength of standard residential concrete.
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Part 3: Installation & Ground Prep-
1. What kind of base do I need? The best base is a 6-to-12-inch layer of compacted crushed stone or a leveled concrete pad.
2. How do I ensure the first row is level? Leveling the base material is the most important step. Use a laser level or a long spirit level.
3. Do I need any specialized tools for offloading?
Typically the blocks are offloaded with a Crane, Fork, Telehandler or Skidsteer, please make sure the Lifting Capacity is rated to lift more than the blocks weigh and your equipment must also be able to lift the blocks off of a semi that has a 5'deck.
4. How many blocks can a crew set in one day? An experienced operator with one ground person can easily set 50 to 100 blocks per day, depending on site access and how level the base is.
5. Can I use these for temporary structures? Yes. Because they are dry-stacked (no mortar), you can disassemble the wall and move the blocks to a new location at any time without damaging them.
6. What is "Scrubbing the Base"? This is the process of sliding the block slightly back and forth as you set it onto the gravel base to ensure it is seated firmly and hasn't trapped any large loose stones underneath.
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Part 4: Environmental & Sustainability-
1. Why use recycled concrete instead of new? Recycled concrete reduces landfill waste and requires no new mining of aggregates. It offers the same structural performance as "virgin" concrete but at a lower environmental and financial cost.
2. Do recycled blocks look different? They may have a slightly more "industrial" look with minor color variations, which most contractors find perfectly acceptable for site infrastructure and containment.
3. Are there chemicals in the recycled concrete? No. We use clean, structural concrete bypass. It is the same material used in bridge decks, building foundations, and highways.
4. Do these blocks help with LEED points? Yes, specifically under the Materials and Resources category. Using 100% recycled content and sourcing locally are major contributors to green building certification.
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Part 5: Logistics & Ordering-
1. How many blocks fit on a truck? Typically 13 blocks.
2. Do you deliver to residential areas? We primarily serve commercial and industrial sites. Residential delivery is possible, but you must ensure a flatbed truck has enough room to turn around and that your equipment can offload the blocks.
3. Who is responsible for offloading the truck? The customer is generally responsible for offloading. The truck driver will arrive and unstrap the load, but you must have a forklift or loader ready to move the blocks.
4. How much does shipping cost? Shipping is calculated based on mileage from our nearest yard to your location.
5. Can I pick them up at your yard? Yes, provided you have a vehicle/trailer rated for the weight (e.g., a heavy-duty dually truck with a tandem axle trailer for 2-4 blocks).
6. Do you offer bulk discounts? Yes. Projects requiring 100+ blocks often qualify for volume pricing. Contact us for a custom quote.
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Part 6: Specialized Use Cases-
1. Can I use these for flood protection? Yes. The massive weight is excellent for water diversion.
2. Can I anchor a fence to the top of the blocks? Yes. You can drill into the concrete with a hammer drill and set expansion anchors or epoxy bolts to secure fence posts or railings.
3. Are they suitable for docks and boat ramps? Yes, their weight prevents them from washing away. However, in saltwater, the internal steel eyelet will eventually corrode, so consider this for long-term submerged use. In special cases you can have the eyelet manufactured with a fusion bonded epoxy or have the rebar galvanized
then shipped to us to be placed in each block.
4. Can bin blocks be used for equestrian riding arenas? Absolutely. They are popular for creating "kick-walls" or retaining banks around arenas because they are durable and won't rot like wood.
5. What is the lifespan of a concrete bin block? In most environments, these blocks will last 50 to 100 years. They are essentially built to withstand decades of exposure to the elements.
6.Can I use concrete bin blocks as a foundation for a steel building? Yes
Concrete bin blocks are frequently used as a foundation system for pre-engineered steel buildings, garages, carports, and other light-frame structures. They provide substantial mass and bearing surface area to anchor the structure securely. This approach is often favored for temporary installations, remote sites, or where traditional poured concrete foundations are too expensive or impractical.
7. Can we use concrete blocks for hoop tent or fabric structures? Yes
For hoop tents, which are often used for agricultural storage, workshops, or temporary shelters, bin blocks serve primarily as heavy ballast and anchor points. They provide the necessary weight to resist wind uplift. The tent's base plates, purlins, or ground anchors are typically bolted directly to pre-drilled holes in the top or side of the blocks.
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​Feel free to call for a quote today.
Direct - 1-877-336-7771
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