Interlocking concrete blocks, a sustainable and cost-effective building solution

Interlocking bricks have surged in popularity within the construction market, owing to their myriad advantages over conventional ones.

Available in various materials, sizes, and designs, interlocking bricks offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, with prices starting at sh2000 a piece and above. Factors such as strength, application, brand, and more contribute to their pricing.

One compelling attribute of interlocking bricks is their superior resistance to earthquakes. Unlike conventional bricks, which often fail to evenly distribute seismic loads across structures and rely solely on mortar for support, interlocking bricks feature a self-locking pattern that uniformly disperses seismic forces throughout the entire structure. This inherent characteristic enhances their resistance earthquake.

Another significant benefit is the elimination of plastering. Engineer James Okot notes that this not only saves time and money, compared to conventional wall construction but also results in a sleek finish.

A thin layer of paint can provide a polished appearance, thereby substantially reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, the installation of plumbing and pipe work is simplified due to the absence of chiselling for creating pipe conduits.

Additionally, walls constructed from densely packed bricks tend to retain warmth due to their high density, limiting airflow. In contrast, interlocking bricks possess lower density, facilitating better air circulation and consequently cooler interiors. This design reduces reliance on air-conditioning systems, thus curbing power consumption and conserving funds.

Moreover, the construction process using interlocking bricks is more accessible for unskilled labourers. Unlike conventional bricks, which necessitate skilled labour to ensure accurate measurements and levelling, the construction method for interlocking bricks is simpler to grasp. This streamlined process reduces labour costs, rendering it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs.

Architect Muhamad Nsereko highlights the significant reduction in overall construction costs when using interlocking bricks. Omitting the need for plasterwork results in substantial savings on cement, sand, stone dust, and mortar expenses.

While the initial cost of interlocking blocks might be higher, the construction expense remains three times lower compared to using clay bricks, primarily due to the lower cement costs and reduced labour fees.

“While interlocking blocks are expensive to buy, the cost of construction is three times cheaper than when using clay bricks because there will be a high cost of buying cement in large quantities, and paying for expensive labour,” explained Nsereko

However, differing opinions exist within the industry. Abby Jingo, an engineer with Interlocking Soil Cement Blocks Uganda, contends that building with concrete interlocking blocks can be expensive compared to using interlocking soil cement blocks. Joseph Ssekajugo, a concrete block manufacturer, says interlocking blocks are not widely used in construction due to their perceived high cost.

 "A 9x9 concrete block is cheaper than one interlocking block, despite the latter's smaller size and coverage area," Ssekajugo says, whose observation underscores the pricing challenge facing interlocking blocks in the construction market.