block fill alternatives

[applor]

Hey guys,

So I've read the FB construction guide and they use the empty pre-mix concrete bags to fill the blocks that are not being filled with concrete.

I am getting my concrete delivered so I don't have anything in large enough quantity that can fill the blocks.
Is there something cheap and light that I can buy that will suit?
I am guessing scrunched up newspaper won't be strong enough to hold back the concrete?

Thanks

[cobblerdave]

Re: block fill alternatives

Gudday
Beer cartons and empties.......
Worked for me

Regards dave

[applor]

Re: block fill alternatives

heh yeah but I don't think I have enough to fill all those blocks by Monday when the concrete arrives:S

[cobblerdave]

Re: block fill alternatives

G'day
And you going to do the pour by yourself. Time to get some help .... And that might mean a few beers
Regards Dave
All jokes aside raid the local shops for some cardboard cartons, they'll do the job.

[applor]

Re: block fill alternatives

Heh yeah I've got my mum and sister helping. Just need to barrow it over and then bucket it into the form.
Trying to scrounge up what cardboard I can.

I am guessing that I should crumple the cardboard up to fill as much space as possible?

[cobblerdave]

Re: block fill alternatives

G'day
Roll up a 1/2 carton it will jam a tube up some crumpled on the top.
The cement bags are great as there sturdy when wet so a couple of plastic bags to protect the cardboard.
If you bucketing into the form a strong step up will help. A couple of blocks with a strong plank on the top. It's easier to pour below the waist height than above that.
Prepare early and check the run from the truck to the site. Fill any hollows and take out any bumps. And don't forget to pump up the barrow tires!
Good luck
Regards dave

[Greenman]

Re: block fill alternatives

Styrofoam from the electrical good retailers works and the flexible plastic tubs from Bunnys are good things to pour concrete into holes with. Just put in what you can lift without popping a hernia and hold the handles together, pours a treat.

Good luck with the job. The fun starts about .............. now.

[Greenman]

Re: block fill alternatives

Dave - You are morphing........... they are TYRES here!!

[cobblerdave]

Re: block fill alternatives

Dave - You are morphing........... they are TYRES here!!

G'day
Not morphing.... Speel check or predictive text... Same thing
Regards Dave

[Greenman]

Re: block fill alternatives

No sweat Dave. Hard to resist some times and the respect is there.

[Tscarborough]

Re: block fill alternatives

You can also use asphalt shingle to cover the empty cells, it is strong enough to hold up.

[applor]

Re: block fill alternatives

Thankyou all for your help. I have been trying to stockpile as much cardboard as possible so hopefully I can get by
I have a couple of solid plastic tubs to use for pouring concrete - empty seamungus tubs, should work great.
Also, they provide wheelbarrows so no probs there

[applor]

Re: block fill alternatives

Just realised, expanding foam might do the job well.

Turns out a few companies make expanding foam specifically for block filling too!
Might grab a couple cans

[Toomulla]

Re: block fill alternatives

Unless you have mountains of block just fill them all concrete is cheap the cartage on ready mix will be half the cost of the mix. One large wheelbarrow of concrete will do about 10 or 12 blocks