Counterweight Blocks for Modular and Portable Structures
Structural Ballast Solutions for Temporary and Relocatable Buildings
Elite Precast counterweight blocks provide a safe, efficient and proven solution for modular and portable structure ballast. Designed to deliver consistent weight and stability, our precast concrete counterweight blocks are widely used to support temporary, semi-permanent and permanent modular installations where traditional foundations are not practical or permitted. Manufactured in the UK, Elite Precast counterweight blocks are trusted across construction, infrastructure, education, healthcare, utilities, events and commercial sectors to stabilise modular buildings while maintaining flexibility and speed of installation.
What Are Counterweight Blocks (Kelly Blocks)?
Why Modular and Portable Structures Require Ballast
Modular and portable buildings are often installed on sites where excavation, piling or permanent foundations are restricted due to time, cost, access or ground conditions. These structures must still resist wind loads, uplift and lateral forces while remaining compliant with safety and building regulations.
Precast concrete counterweight blocks provide structural ballast by adding mass at ground level, delivering stability without ground penetration. This allows modular structures to be installed, relocated or removed with minimal site disruption.
Why Choose Elite Precast
With decades of precast expertise, in-house engineering support and a proven delivery record on projects of every scale, Elite Precast is the partner specifiers trust. We pair robust, repeatable manufacturing with the flexibility to engineer bespoke solutions when a standard product will not do.
Key Applications
Elite Precast counterweight blocks are commonly used with:
Modular offices and welfare units
Portable classrooms and education buildings
Healthcare and clinical modular units
Site cabins and accommodation blocks
Temporary retail and commercial units
Plant rooms and service modules
Temporary housing and accommodation solutions
Relocatable buildings on brownfield or restricted sites
Our blocks can be configured to suit single units or large multi-module structures.
Temporary Modular Installations
For short-term or relocatable modular buildings, counterweight blocks allow rapid deployment without permanent foundations. This makes them ideal for construction compounds, temporary schools, pop-up facilities and event-based structures. Benefits of counterweight blocks include:
No excavation or concrete foundations
Fast installation and removal
Reduced programme time and costs
Minimal ground disturbance
Reusable ballast across multiple sites
Permanent and Semi-Permanent Modular Structures
Counterweight blocks are also suitable for permanent or long-term modular buildings where flexibility and speed are still required. Manufactured from high-strength, durable concrete, Elite Precast blocks provide long-term stability with minimal maintenance. Advantages for permanent modular use include:
Long service life and weather resistance
Consistent, engineered mass
Reduced foundation construction costs
Suitable for hardstanding, rooftop or constrained locations
Compliance with UK construction standards
Benefits
High-density concrete for reliable ballast performance
No ground penetration – ideal for restricted or sensitive sites
Integrated lifting points for safe installation and relocation
UK manufactured for quality assurance and dependable lead times
Flexible sizes and weights to suit different modular designs
Reusable and sustainable solution aligned with modern construction methods
Engineered for Your Environment
Design, Engineering and Compliance
Elite Precast counterweight blocks are produced under strict quality control processes and designed to meet relevant British Standards and industry best practices. Lifting points are cast in to support safe handling in accordance with site lifting plans.
Ballast requirements for modular and portable structures should always be confirmed by a qualified structural engineer, taking into account wind loads, building height, location and duration of use.
Featured products
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are counterweight blocks used with modular buildings?
They provide stability and resistance to wind and uplift forces without the need for permanent foundations or ground penetration.
Are counterweight blocks suitable for temporary modular buildings?
Yes. They are ideal for temporary and relocatable structures and can be reused across multiple installations.
Can counterweight blocks be used for permanent modular buildings?
Yes. They are commonly used in permanent or semi-permanent applications where traditional foundations are impractical.
Do counterweight blocks need to be fixed to the building?
This depends on the building design. Some systems rely on mass alone, while others incorporate restraints or brackets.
Are lifting points included as standard?
Yes. All Elite Precast counterweight blocks include integrated lifting points for safe handling and placement.
Can you supply blocks for large modular complexes?
Yes. We supply counterweight blocks for single units through to large multi-module developments.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. Elite Precast offers nationwide delivery using trusted logistics partners.