An 8' wall back-filled with clay has 2500 lb/ft force pushing into the wall.

A 10' high wall has 4131 lb/ft force pushing into the wall. 



Flexural Strength Test Results

Poured walls (8" thick) = 765 PSJ

Concrete Block (8" thick) = 25 PSJ




Compressive Strength Results

Poured Walls (8" thick) = 4900 PSJ

Concrete Block (8" thick) = 1210 PSJ


Given the above data,  its easy to see that contractors should choose poured wall systems over block. 

A solid poured wall is 30 times stronger  than a block wall at withstanding the lateral pressure of fill dirt.  Take note.