Besser Block Alternative & Cinder Block Alternative


Besser blocks and cinder Besser blocks, though popular in construction, have certain inherent disadvantages such as high cost, longer construction time, mess & untidiness on site (OHS) QA during construction and more. If you are planning to construct strong walls, yet you want to refrain from using Besser blocks, here are a few alternatives that you can consider:
  1. Concrete formwork: Concrete formwork is extremely strong and offers the flexibility to construct straight or curved walls. Unlike Besser blocks, concrete wall forms do not need to be of standard thickness, and also, you can have wall openings in the shapes you want. However, concrete formwork is typically more expensive as compared to core filled Besser block walls.
  2. Dry Stack Blocks: With dry stack blocks, you do not need to hire a professional for laying blocks. These offer the advantage of the ease of installation but are typically structurally inferior to core filled blockwork and not as waterproof..
  3. Permanent Formwork: Permanent formwork walls are ideally suited for residential, commercial and industrial applications. These systems involve PVC or fibre cement moulds being joined together and filled with reinforcement and concrete. Permanent formwork is typically the lowest cost way to build reinforced concrete walls. .
  4. AAC blocks: An alternative to cinder blocks, these blocks are lightweight as they are manufactured with multiple tiny holes. These are easy to carry and cut, but like cinder have limited application. These walls are typically non load bearing. 
  5. Polystyrene Blocks: Again, a lightweight alternative to cinder blocks, polystyrene blocks need less labour and therefore are a cost-efficient alternative. As compared to concrete blocks, these lack durability and strength and therefore have somewhat limited use.
  6. The insulating concrete wall forms: These blocks are hand stacked and filled with concrete and reinforcement. These have insulation properties and can be cut as per the wall layout on site. However, the disadvantage of this wall is its durability and lack of resistance to impact.
  7. Lay flat formwork wall system: A breakthrough in permanent form system, lay flat formwork does away with the limitations of the traditional permanent formwork. It’s compact design enables 5 times more square meters of formwork to be delivered, dramatically reducing transport and material handling costs. It is also easier to cut to length saving on labour to install, and offcuts/waste have minimal volume saving cost of removing waste. With revolutional twin skin panel face and three reinforcement cradles it enables creating straighter walls This formwork enables up to 30% savings on other permanent formwork costs.
At the time when bottom lines are under pressure, lay flat permanent formwork offers the best alternative for residential, commercial and industrial construction projects. It not only saves on cost but also enables faster project completion, which further leads to cost-saving.