Place Freestanding Wall Unit Not Again Wall

Installation Guide - Featuring Multipiece Retaining and Freestanding Wall Systems

How to Apply This Guide

This guide is designed to provide you lot with ideas likewise equally information on product use and installation procedures. Because bodily project weather condition vary, final wall design, including the incorporation of geosynthetic reinforcement, must be performed by a qualified engineer. While this guide provides full general guidelines, installation contractors should refer to construction drawings provided past a qualified local engineer for final specifications. Additional installation information is available online at anchorwall.com. Information includes basic wall construction and installation videos.

BEFORE Y'all Brainstorm

Advance planning and conscientious layout at the job site help ensure a successful retaining and freestanding wall project.
• Review the site plan to ostend lot lines, wall location, length and elevations.
• Sympathise on-site soils. Ideal soils are sand and gravel. For walls built in clay or poor soils, work with a local engineer to ostend the wall blueprint and the required soil reinforcement. Blackness or organic soils should not be used as backfill.
• Ostend the location of underground utilities.
• Seek all necessary building permits.
• Prepare a cartoon of the site with the wall location, lengths and elevations.
• Programme drainage to forbid erosion or buildup of water behind the wall. Consider where the h2o volition drain through the wall, where downspouts volition expel and whether there's an underground sprinkler. For walls greater than 3 feet in elevation, a perforated drainpipe is recommended at the base of the aggregate to quickly remove big amounts of h2o. Run across page ix for more than information on h2o management.
• Check the block delivered to ensure information technology is the correct color. Check the geogrid to confirm that it'due south the strength and weight specified in the applied science plans.
• Be certain to apply the right tools. Hand tools include a shovel, 4-pes level, expressionless-accident hammer, 2- or iii-pound hammer, chisel, manus tamper, hydraulic splitter and string line. Power tools include a circular saw with a masonry blade and a compactor.
• Always habiliment protective eyewear.

Retaining Wall Nuts

Segmental retaining walls typically fall into 1 of three categories.

GRAVITY RETAINING WALL

The starting time category – a gravity wall – is a retaining wall that does not utilise soil reinforcement. A gravity wall has elevation limitations specific to each production. An advantage of this blazon of retaining wall is that it requires a smaller work expanse behind the wall. A gravity wall relies on the weight and setback of the block to resist the soil forces being exerted on the wall.

GEOSYNTHETIC-REINFORCED RETAINING WALL

The second category is a geosynthetic-reinforced wall, which needs to be designed past a qualified engineer. In that location are (theoretically) no tiptop limitations with reinforced retaining walls, and they are used in larger applications. They require more work area behind the construction. The cake of soil is stabilized by introducing reinforcement layers into the soil mass behind the facing units. The larger the stabilized soil mass, the more soil can exist retained or held dorsum. The geogrid in the soil extends past the theoretical failure airplane and serves to create a large, rectangular mass of cake and soil, restraining the retained soil.

ANCHORPLEX™ Arrangement

The third category is the Anchorplex™ system, which offers a unique, nonconventional solution to problematic wall construction sites. It is a retaining wall built with Ballast™ products and structural backfill specified by Anchor Wall Systems, and backed by applied science support tools developed by Ballast. Employ of the Anchorplex system completely eliminates the demand for the structure of a mechanically stabilized world zone backside the wall facing and requires substantially less excavation than is commonly necessary in geosyntheticreinforced wall structure.

Retaining Wall Installation—Best Practices

Pale OUT THE WALL

• Have a surveyor stake out the wall's placement. Verify the locations with the project supervisor.

EXCAVATION

• Excavate for the leveling pad to the lines and grades shown on the approved plans and excavate enough soil backside the wall for the geosynthetic reinforcement material, if needed.
• The trench for the leveling pad should exist at least 12 inches wider than the cake you are installing and 6 inches deeper than the acme of the block. Encounter Diagram i

LEVELING PAD

• An amass leveling pad is made of compactable base cloth of iii⁄4-inch minus (with fines).
• The pad must extend at least 6 inches in forepart of and behind the start grade of cake and be at least 6 inches deep after compaction.
• If the planned form along the wall forepart will change superlative, the leveling pad may be stepped upwards in six-inch increments to match the grade change. Start at the lowest level and work upward whenever possible.
• Meaty the aggregate and make certain it's level forepart to back and side to side. Mist lightly with water earlier compaction. Run across Diagram 2

BASE Form

• This is the most important step in the installation process. Bury the base class of block.
• Begin laying block at the lowest tiptop of the wall. Remove the rear lip of the block by hit from the back and then that it will prevarication flat on the leveling pad.
• Place the get-go block level, front to back and side to side; lay subsequent blocks in the same mode.
• Place the blocks side by side, flush against each other, and make sure they are in full contact with the leveling pad.
• If the wall is on an incline, don't slope the blocks; step them upward so they remain consistently level. (Encounter page 7 for more data.)
• Use string line along the back edge of block to check for proper alignment.
• For multipiece products, use the largest unit, eighteen inches wide, for the base grade.
• Fill up cores (if applicable) and voids betwixt blocks with iii/4-inch free-draining aggregate prior to laying the next course of cake. Clean any debris off the meridian of the blocks. The Torpedo® base block is an option for walls upwards to maximum gravity superlative.

CONSTRUCTION OF SUBSEQUENT COURSES

• Clean whatsoever droppings off the superlative of the blocks.
• You can install these products using any combination of blocks.
• Identify the 2nd course of blocks on meridian of the base course. Maintain running bond. Pull each cake forward as far equally possible to ensure the correct setback. Run across Diagram 3
• Fill cores (if applicable) and voids between blocks with iii/4-inch free-draining aggregate prior to laying the side by side course of cake. Make clean whatever debris off the top of the blocks.
• For best results, use a filter fabric, which should be placed directly backside the wall extending from the lesser of the base of operations grade to the middle of the top course. This volition minimize material coming through the rough-hewn confront texture of these products. We recommend a non-woven, iv- to vi-ounce fabric. Come across Diagram 4
• Backfill with 3/4-inch free-draining aggregate directly behind the block, adding 6 inches at a time followed by proper compaction.
• Add soil fill backside the amass. Compact before the adjacent course is laid.
• Don't drive heavy equipment nearly the wall. Self-propelled compaction equipment should not be used within 4 anxiety of the wall.
• You may need fractional units to stay on bond. A circular saw with a masonry bract is recommended for cutting partial units. Use condom glasses and other protective equipment when cutting.
• Keep the wall bond by placing units in a staggered relationship to the course beneath.

DRAINAGE Design

• Each project is unique. The grades on your site will decide at what level to install the drainpipe.
• Identify the drainpipe as low equally possible backside the wall then water drains downward and away from the wall into a storm drain or to an area lower than the wall.
• Make full in the expanse behind the blocks with 3/iv-inch gratuitous-draining aggregate, at least 12 inches from the wall. See Diagram 5
• You may need to place and backfill several courses to reach the proper drainage level.
• Cover the drainpipe with a geotextile sock which acts equally a filter. The drainpipe outlets should exist spaced non more than every 50 feet and at depression points of the wall. In order for the drainage amass to role properly, it must go on clear of regular soil fill up.

COMPACTION

• Identify the backfill soil behind the drainage amass and compact with a mitt-operated compactor.
• Make certain the aggregate is level with or slightly beneath the top of the base course.
• Identify soil in front of the base of operations class and compact. The base course should exist cached.
• Go along to fill and meaty. See Diagram 7

GEOSYNTHETIC REINFORCEMENT (IF REQUIRED)

• Geosynthetic reinforcement is recommended for walls taller than gravity elevation walls situated in poor soils, supporting a driveway, etc. Consult a qualified engineer for design assistance.
• Cheque the wall construction program for which courses will demand geogrid.
• Clean any debris off the summit layer of blocks.
• Measure and cutting the geogrid to the design length in the plans.
• The geogrid has a blueprint strength direction, which must be laid perpendicular to the wall.
• Identify the front border of the material on the peak course, i inch from the face of the cake.
• Use the next course of blocks to secure it in identify.
• To continue it from wrinkling, pull the geogrid taut and pin the back edge in place with stakes or staples.
• Add together drainage amass backside the blocks, and so add together the soil and compact it. See Diagrams 6 and 7
• Place the front end edge of the geogrid on top of the block, making sure information technology's within i inch of the confront of the cake. Correct placement ensures that y'all maximize the connection strength and keep the batter consistent.
• A minimum of half-dozen inches of backfill is required prior to operating vehicles on the geosynthetic reinforcement. Avoid sudden turning or braking. Run into Diagram 7

FINISH Course AND SURFACE DRAINAGE

• Protect the wall with a finished grade at the pinnacle and bottom.
• To ensure proper water drainage away from the wall, utilize vi inches of soil with low permeability. This will minimize h2o seeping into the soil and drainage aggregate behind the wall.

SITE CLEANING AND RESTORATION

• Brush off the wall and pick upwards whatever debris left from the construction procedure.
• Notify the chore superintendent in writing of the project'due south completion and that it is ready for final inspection and acceptance.
• Planting vegetation in front and on top of the wall will help reduce the chance of erosion.
• Following these best practices for construction will ensure the successful installation of Ballast™ products.

Wall Patterns for Multipiece Retaining Wall Systems

WHEN TO USE A PATTERN

You can install the multipiece retaining wall system in a random blueprint using whatever combination of units. Just avoid vertical lines that span more than than ane foot in acme. If you are edifice a wall without geosynthetic reinforcement, use a pattern for inspiration or follow a pattern exactly. Pleasing random patterns can be built using an equal number of half dozen- and 3-inch-high blocks or using an equal foursquare footage of blocks in each size. These patterns are based on using an
equal number of blocks of each size in each height. When building a wall that includes geosynthetic reinforcement, using a pattern at the advisable spacing eliminates the demand to cut the geogrid. When using a design, begin at one edge laying the blocks as indicated. Install at least i repeat of the pattern to establish the pattern before proceeding to the side by side course.

SEQUENT™ PANEL INSTALLATION Design

ix-inch by 3-human foot installation pattern

This 9-inch-high past 3-foot-long installation blueprint uses an equal number of units of each face size to make a panel. This installation pattern is ane of many possible options. Others tin can be used for unlike appearances.

RANDOM-Wait INSTALLATION PATTERNS

24-inch by 9-foot installation pattern

This illustrates a 24-inch-loftier past 9-human foot-long repeating installation pattern. The installation pattern uses an equal number of units of each face up size. When your plan requires geogrid, this installation pattern is ideal because it eliminates cutting if the geogrid is at 24 inches.

eighteen-inch by 6-foot installation pattern

This illustrates an 18-inch-high by 6-foot-long repeating installation blueprint. The installation pattern uses an equal number of units of each face size. When your plan requires geogrid, this installation design is ideal because it eliminates cutting if the geogrid is at 18 inches.

12-inch by ix-pes installation blueprint

This illustrates a 12-inch-high by ix-foot-long repeating installation pattern. The installation blueprint uses an equal number of units of each face size. When your programme requires geogrid, this installation pattern is platonic because it eliminates cutting if the geogrid is at 12 inches

Capping a Wall

Xl™ CAP Direct WALL

The 40™ cap must be laid alternately, curt and long faces, for a straight line. Always offset capping from the lowest elevation. One time caps are aligned, caps should be glued in place using a concrete agglutinative.

CURVES*

Lay out the cap units side by side with same confront facing out (long faces for outside curves; short faces for inside curves). If there's a need to accommodate for project'south radius, make cuts at least every other cap every bit needed for the nearly
pleasing aesthetic.
• Minimum radius with 40™ cap: ii'2"

xc-DEGREE CORNERS

Saw-cut two caps to achieve a 45-degree mitered corner.

SHORTCUT CAP STRAIGHT WALL

The ShortCut® cap must exist laid alternately, narrow (N) and (West) wide faces, for a direct line. E'er commencement capping from the lowest elevation.

CURVES

Lay out the cap units side by side with same confront facing out (broad faces for exterior curves; narrow faces for inside curves). Occasional cut of some pieces may exist necessary.
• Minimum radius with ShortCut® cap: vii'half dozen"

ninety-DEGREE CORNERS

Identify ii caps together. Mensurate i½ inches from corners as shown. Utilize a straightedge to connect measurements and draw a line. Carefully cutting along the line to preserve both sides of the cut. Flip pieces "C" and "D" over to create corner.

40™ CAP OR SHORTCUT® CAP STEPPING Up CAPS

If the wall pinnacle changes, caps can exist stacked where the wall steps upwardly. Begin laying caps at the lowest top change and work your way toward the next step upward. Divide* a cap unit to fit. Place the split unit directly on top of the capped portion of the wall with all 3 split up faces exposed.

FINISHING

Afterward layout is complete and caps are saw-cutting or divide to size, carefully place physical adhesive on wall top form and then place caps.

** To split a block, use a hydraulic splitter or split manually past using a hammer and chisel to score the block on all sides. Pound the chisel on the same line until the block splits. If partial unit sides are not exposed, utilize a circular cut-off saw with a masonry bract to attain a tighter fit.

Stepping Upward the Base, Abutting an Existing Structure and Capping a Column

STEPPING Upward THE BASE LOWEST Signal

Walls built on a sloping form require a stepped base. Begin excavation at the everyman point and dig a level trench into the slope until it is deep plenty to suit the base material and one entire block.

Pace-UP

At this point, step up the height of i block and begin a new section of base trench. Keep to footstep-up as needed to top of gradient. E'er bury at least one full unit at each step.

ABUTTING AN EXISTING Structure

Kickoff COURSE

Begin with the offset block side by side to the wall and place the first course. Identify filter fabric behind the beginning two large units and extend information technology two feet along the existing structure.

Second Grade

Build the 2d course with standard installation techniques. A split unit is shown, just may not be necessary in every installation. Extend filter material to the top edge of the final course. A condom membrane may be placed betwixt the units and a non-physical wall to foreclose moisture damage to the structure.

CAPPING A COLUMN

At that place are numerous ways to cap a cavalcade. You can use the Ballast™ column cap, cap units, unmarried-piece units or natural stone. Using an Forty™ cap—This capping handling requires eight XL cap units. Each unit is cut as shown. Top with the v-inch square coupon. Employ concrete adhesive to glue all pieces when cap is complete.

** To split a block, employ a hydraulic splitter or split manually by using a hammer and chisel to score the block on all sides. Pound the chisel on the same line until the cake splits. If partial unit of measurement sides are not exposed, use a circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade to reach a tighter fit.

Daylighting Drainage and Drainage Swales

DAYLIGHTING DRAINAGE FIRST COURSE

To daylight drainpipes through a wall face, put them on compacted leveling pad aggregate placed behind the first course. Infinite these drains not more than 50 feet apart. Split ii inches off the forepart of ii adjacent large units to provide infinite for the drainpipe to exit through the face up.

SUBSEQUENT COURSES

Build this and remaining courses using standard construction techniques. Tip: To daylight through slope, run across Drainage Swales.

DRAINAGE SWALES

Design and operation of most retaining walls are based on keeping the reinforced zone relatively dry out. Appropriate drainage swales to help control water should be designed into the wall construction program

Steps in a 90° Wall

Base COURSE

Thoroughly compact the leveling pad. Lay out the base course according to the wall design. Place step units first, working from the heart to each side. It is very of import to backfill and meaty behind and along the sides of each course of pace units.

Kickoff Footstep COURSE

Identify the first grade of stride units directly on tiptop of the base course so there is no setback. Stagger them from the previous course and glue in place.

Second Footstep COURSE

Add together the 2nd class of steps, staggering them over the previous course to maintain running bail. Overlap the previous course past 2 inches and mucilage to the lower course. Identify and meaty soil fill prior to installing the next class.

SECOND WALL Form

Build the second class of the wall.

Third Stride Class

Get-go in the center, add together the third form of steps, lining upwards the units with the first form. Overlap 2 inches and mucilage in place.

ADDITIONAL COURSES

Build the third class of the wall. Echo wall and step courses until the wall is finished. Drainage tip: Drainpipe tin be placed behind the lowest step units at grade or behind each wall side by side to the steps.