Can I lay these blocks "Intact" for hardcore layer

[kujina]

Hello

I am going to build a workshop / gym in the garden. The concrete base will be 4 x 5 meters. I have many of these blocks (pictured below) left over from the base of the old shed.

My question is can I just lay these down intact to form the sub-base hardcore type layer, or should I break/crush them all up with a sledge hammer?

As you can see each block is about 2 inches thick

 

[JamesBeasley]

Personally I wouldn't. Being that it is a 'temporary' structure you might get away with it obviously depending on what weight you are putting on it.

If it were me I would use type 1 on terram. Can't beat it with a stick!!

 

[cowboyontheloose]

Throw them in smash with sledge hammer,Very good hard core by the looks of it

 

[ColJack]

I don;t see the point in smashing them..

surely the idea with hardcore is to compact it into something resembling a solid mass?
if it's already a solid block then it can't get much more solid..

I would however use several layers and stagger the joints to interlock it a bit, otherwise sections may sink..

 

[cowboyontheloose]

I don;t see the point in smashing them..

surely the idea with hardcore is to compact it into something resembling a solid mass?
if it's already a solid block then it can't get much more solid..

I would however use several layers and stagger the joints to interlock it a bit, otherwise sections may sink..

lol

 

[kujina]

I don;t see the point in smashing them..

surely the idea with hardcore is to compact it into something resembling a solid mass?
if it's already a solid block then it can't get much more solid..

Thats what was thinking but can anyone explain why I definitely should not keep them whole?

 

[jono_h]

Perhaps the only problem with leaving them whole is that they may not lie fully flat on the ground - in theory it may only be supported at either end, forming a kind of lintel.

Maybe a thin layer of sand underneath would be a wise idea?

 

[noseall]

Granular hard core will lie better. Smash 'em.

The ground beneath may even give a little, a granular based sub floor will settle better.