What is Mafia Block?
Definition of Mafia Block in Construction
Term used to describe the concrete blocks that are made by most concrete supply companies out of the washouts from their concrete mixers.
Years ago, these blocks were only made as a place to put the concrete, and if they were needed for storage bin walls or barricades, they were utilized. The development of the concrete barrier has changed this and many concrete suppliers manufacture these blocks in different profiles to be used on highway projects or retaining walls. The term mafia, is a self explained reference due to the abundance of Italian American concrete suppliers in the Northeast, particularly New York City.
Pictures of Mafia Blocks
These authentic blocks show the deterioration that is so typical of a real mafia block. The wash out concrete from trucks returning to the yard was used to create these blocks of concrete. Due to the quality of the concrete at the end of the load as well as the abundance of wash down water that was introduced the blocks deteriorate very rapidly. The blocks were used to create storage bins, designate roadway areas and stop traffic from entering dangerous or limited access areas.