Which type of material is typically used as thrust blocks?

Thrust blocks are critical components used in the installation of private fire service mains to prevent the movement and displacement of piping and fittings under pressure. The correct material used for thrust blocks is concrete.

Concrete is chosen due to its high compressive strength and durability, which enables it to withstand the forces generated by hydraulic pressure within the piping system. Since thrust blocks need to absorb and redistribute these forces to the soil or surrounding structure effectively, concrete's inherent properties make it an ideal choice.

While other materials like steel, plastic, and wood may serve various functions in construction and plumbing, they do not provide the same level of structural integrity and resistance to the dynamic loads associated with thrust conditions in fire service mains. Steel can corrode, plastic may not have sufficient strength, and wood is subject to deterioration and is not as effective in providing long-term stability in this context. Therefore, concrete remains the standard choice for constructing thrust blocks in these installations.