what will make a stronger wall block filled with concrete or solid concrete?

Question

the walls will be for a strom shelter. Was thinking solid concrete with rebar or blocks filled with concrete and rebar. Thickness will be 8 inches on both. I think that will be enough unless someone has a better idea. Thanks for all the help you can give.

Answer 1

Solid concrete, by far. Concrete blocks have small air chambers in them from the manufacturing process. This weakens the whole structure. Block may be sufficient for this application, if you pour a solid cap at the same time as you fill the chambers.

Answer 2

Hmm I am thinking that if this is going to be in the ground, then you dont need the concrete in the block walls...

Now, if its "not" going to be in the ground, then when you have expansion and contraction of the two different concretes, (because they werent poured at the same time and are not of the same density), then one will bust out the wall, or crack the walls, plus the rebar will also expand and contract at a different rate...

Walls, filled with concrete is "not" stronger, because if you take a bar, and have it hollow, and a rod and have it solid, place them on ledges the solid bar is weaker and will bow more than the hollow bar! Its the hollow that gives them the strenght, not the solid filled...

Check with an engineer and see if I am not right.

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 3

solid concrete with rebar in it

Answer 4

If you are thinking about making your own blocks, you could use straw as a strengthening medium.

Answer 5

I am an engineer.
Solid is stonger.
Underground or surrounded by brush or other structures would be stronger.

Answer 6

dont forget to band it also but your plan sounds solid

Answer 7

Your not planning on burying someone behind it are you ?