(fullscreen with narration)

VOBB block for a chain wall

 

Many thanks to David C. Lewis, PhD, from the College of Architecture, Art, and Design of  Mississippi State University located at Mississippi State, MS. We appreciate all comments to improve. We believe that all Americans should be able to live in a safe and affordable home.  The less money we spend on labor, the more we can spend on quality materials.  Labor walks off the job. Material stays on the job.

 

VOBB dry stack concrete block 1 Digging the footing out

VOBB dry stack concrete block 2

VOBB dry stack concrete block 3 Forming the footing.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 4

VOBB dry stack concrete block 5

VOBB dry stack concrete block 6 Pouring the footing

VOBB dry stack concrete block 7

VOBB dry stack concrete block 8 Mixing concrete to pour in the VOBB.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 9

 

"This last weekend by myself, which means carrying the block, figuring
our the corners, and leveling the block as needed, I was able to set about 250 blocks in about 6-7 hours.  The blocks are easy to lay, which translates into immediate gratification for me."

Assuming seven hours, that is approximately 36 VOBB per hour. As we know the hardest part is getting started and getting over the "fear" factor of something new, we expect an increase in speed with experience. However, it is most important that the VOBB be stacked "straight". If the wall is not straight before the grout is poured in, then the wall will not be straight afterwards.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 10 A double wall.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 11

VOBB dry stack concrete block 12

VOBB dry stack concrete block 13 Use shims where needed to have a level wall. (NOTE: We prefer small easy to work with shims. Even toothpicks will work in some cases. We also use BBQ skewers sometimes, as they are very cheap compared to buying large shims.)

VOBB dry stack concrete block 14

VOBB dry stack concrete block 15

VOBB dry stack concrete block 16

VOBB dry stack concrete block 17 Note: Corners and intersection make for a strong wall!!!!

VOBB dry stack concrete block 18

VOBB dry stack concrete block 19 Fill the grout to the top only on the top row.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 20

VOBB dry stack concrete block 21

VOBB dry stack concrete block 22 Cross stack the 12" VOBB to tie the two walls together.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 23

VOBB dry stack concrete block 24

VOBB dry stack concrete block 25

VOBB dry stack concrete block 26 Corners make for a very strong wall. Otherwise, the wall becomes like a wind sail and will easily push or blow over.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 27

VOBB dry stack concrete block 28

VOBB dry stack concrete block 29

VOBB dry stack concrete block 30

VOBB dry stack concrete block 31

VOBB dry stack concrete block 32 A beautiful corner/ending to make for a strong wall. A great use of the six-inch step down.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 33

VOBB dry stack concrete block 34 A VOBB clip. This is only to "help" keep the VOBB block straight until the grout is poured into the cavities.

VOBB dry stack concrete block 35

VOBB dry stack concrete block36

VOBB dry stack concrete block 37

VOBB dry stack concrete block 38

VOBB dry stack concrete block 39

VOBB dry stack concrete block 40

VOBB dry stack concrete block 41

As per Dr. Lewis: "Please note in the pictures that we are simply doubling up the block to form a retaining wall.  The inner wall will be one course lower so the concrete slab will rest on that wall as well as tie into it.".

We agree very strongly that having the slab poured on top of the VOBB with rebar into the slab will provide for a very secure foundation.

 

We appreciate the pictures from Neil. For a direct link, please see: http://picasaweb.google.com/astrum8/ConcreteBlocks
VOBB dry stack block

More pictures are to follow. This project is still in-progress.

Due to numerous different soil conditions, building codes, etc.,
VOBB makes no guarantees and/or warranties (expressed or implied).
Please contact a qualified engineer, architect or building inspector as needed.