Residential Retaining Wall Installation Guide for Allan Block ...

2015-2008, 2006 Allan Block Corporation, Bloomington, MN Phone Ph: 952-835-5309 Fax: 952-835-0013 Doc. # L0631-0715

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Table of Contents

Allan Block Allan Block is a leading provider of patented retaining wallsystems. For over twenty five years Allan Block has beenbringing innovative products to the landscape community.We can provide quality and performance to any project withour complete line of products. You can be confident you aremaking the right choice with any Allan Block product.

Visit our website at allanblock.com to find information aboutGoing Green with Allan Block or to locate your closest AB dis-tributor for pricing, availability, color selection and much more.

AB Fieldstone Collection NEW 2-3 AB Europa Collection 4-5AB Collection 6-7Plan the Wall 8-9Design the Wall 10-15Water Management 16-17Job Site Considerations 18Working with Soils 19Basic Installation 20-21Geogrid Installation 22-23Patterned Wall Installation 24-26AB Fieldstone Installation 27-29Curved Walls 30-31Corners 32-33 Curves and Corners with Geogrid 34-35Stepping up the Base 36-37 Stairway Installation 38-41In-Wall Planters and Terraces 42-43Water Features 44Lighting 45Step Downs 46-47Parapets and Posts with AB Fieldstone 48-51Finishing Options 52-53Const. & Inspection Checklist 54Estimating Charts 55AB Courtyard Collection 56-57

Charts and TablesAB Fieldstone Product Specs 2AB Europa Collection Product Specs 4AB Collection Product Specs 6Maximum Wall Heights - Gravity Walls 10Soil Reinforcement Chart (geogrid) 23Wall Pattern Block Quantities 26Radius Chart 31Estimating Charts 55

Page

AB Fieldstone CollectionFacing Series: SierraColor: Sandstone

AB Europa CollectionAB Abbey Blend Pattern

Allan Block has thesystem to satisfyevery design

Allan Block has thesystem to satisfyevery design.

Expand Your Outdoor Living Room

Enhance the beauty of your home with Allan Block. From elaborate designsto simple garden wall projects the possibilities are endless. Whether you arebuilding your dream home or improving your current surroundings, you cantrust Allan Block. Our distinctive products and experienced people canmake your vision a reality.

The Possibilities are EndlessAllan Block has been used in thou-sands of unique applications through-out the world. For more informationvisit our web site at allanblock.com fora full library of photos and instructionalmaterials. Contact your local ABDealer for product availability.

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AB Europa Collection

AB Europa Collectionwith AB Old Country Courtyard

AB Europa Collectionwith AB Old Country Courtyard


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Have a tablet?Download ourmaterials foriBooks.


Photo Gallery and Video LibraryEasily navigate through our vast selection of project photos for great ideas. Watchour detailed installation videos to learn the correct process for using our products.Estimating ToolsQuickly determine the quantities of all materials needed for your project, ensuring yourproject is successful right from the start.Residential Retaining Wall App - NEW

Use your smart phone or tablet to quickly estimate your retaining wall project. Receive a detailed presentation showing the different retainingwall collections that you can choose from for your project. Also includedare detailed cross section drawings and complete material estimate infor-mation you can bring to your local supplier that is provided.

Product Details and Installation GuidesWith several product lines to choose from to complete your project, you will be sureto find the best option as well as complete detailed installation guides to help youalong the process of planning, designing and building your project.Training EventsLocate a DIY seminar or training event close to you to see a hands-on demonstrationof the Allan Block products. Talk to experts to learn tips and tricks that will help withyour project.Where to BuyFind a local distributor with the best services, available colors and products by en-tering your zip or postal code. Looking for a contractor to do the job, ask the localdistributor for their list of certified and trained contractors.QuestionsVisit allanblockblog.com for a great resource on the Allan Block products that in-cludes FAQs and helpful information.

Additional SupportAsk your local AB Dealer about the HOW TO INSTALL DVD for Residential RetainingWalls up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) high. For taller walls see our AB Commercial Retaining WallManual for walls over 6 ft. (1.8 m) high or visit our website for complete details.

1

AB CollectionAB Courtyard

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AB Courtyard CollectionAB Courtyard Collection

Create Elegant, Beautifully Textured WallsThe AB Courtyard Collection is a versatile two-sided patio wallsystem that can enhance the beauty of your landscape andbackyard. Use the walls and posts/pillars to add privacy orseparation between landscape elements. The timelessbeauty and the simplicity of use make this a product of choice.Combine AB Courtyard and Allan Block retaining walls to create stunning landscapes. The interlocking blocks easily fittogether without mortar or pins. Simplicity, quality and lastingvalue, you get it all with the AB Courtyard Collection.

From elaborate patio enclosures to simple weekend proj-ects, the AB Courtyard Collection allows you to easily createbeautiful and durable stone-like structures. This versatile sys-tem can meet any design need. Create elegant and stylishsurrounds with old world charm for any landscape.

See our website for complete details or ask your local dealertoday for a copy of the How To Install DVD or the AB Court-yard Collection Installation Guide.

AB Collection with AB Old Country Courtyard

AB Old Country Courtyard


Visit us at allanblock.com to find everything you need.

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Download the

AB Courtyard

Estimating

App Today

Download the

AB Courtyard

Estimating

App Today


Name Setback Coverage Weight Approximate DimensionsGreen, Natural,Friendly

AB Fieldstone Collection


Actual dimensions, weights andsetbacks will vary by manufac-turer. Check with your localAllan Block Dealer for exactspecifications and color avail-ability. Cap blocks are alsoavailable.


The First Green Concrete Retaining Wall SystemAB Fieldstone is our Green retaining wall product. This two-piecesystem has a facing unit and an anchoring unit. When combinedmake for a new innovative retaining wall block that is lighter-weightand user friendly. Allan Block has opened the door to many ben-efits that are not only Green, but Natural and Friendly as well.

Table 1

2

SAU - short anchoring unit, LAU - long anchoring unit

812 facing unit with SAU 6 0.7 sq ft. approx. 60 lbs 8 in. H x 13 in. D x 12 in. L 16 blk per m2 30 kg 200mm H x 330mm D x 300mm L

812 facing unit with LAU 6 0.7 sq ft. approx. 90 lbs 8 in. H x 23 in. D x 12 in. L 16 blk per m2 40 kg 200mm H x 585mm D x 300mm L

824 facing unit with SAU 6 1.3 sq ft. approx. 125 lbs 8 in. H x 13 in. D x 24 in. L 8 blk per m2 55 kg 200mm H x 330mm D x 600mm L

824 facing unit with LAU 6 1.3 sq ft.approx. 185 lbs 8 in. H x 23 in. D x 24 in. L 8 blk per m2 85 kg 200mm H x 585mm D x 600mm L

Anchoring unit -availablein two universal sizes andproduced with local recycled materials.

Facing unit - available in different sizes and Series styles. Each Serieshas varied block facesto ensure a randomlook, just like you wouldsee in nature.

Some of the facing unitsare manufactured with atextured side eliminatingthe need for extra blockswhen building corners orending walls.

Facing Series: SierraColor: Rustic Creek

5 ft(1.5m)

10 ft(3.0m)

20 ft(6.0m)

30 ft(9.0m)

40 ft(12.0m)

50 ft(15.0m)

1 course 8 in. (200 mm) 5 10 20 30 40 50

2 course 16 in. (400 mm) 10 20 40 60 80 100

3 course 24 in. (600 mm) 15 30 60 90 120 150

4 course 32 in. (800 mm) 20 40 80 120 160 200

5 course 40 in. (1.0 m) 25 50 100 150 200 250

6 course 48 in. (1.2 m) 30 60 120 180 240 300

To switch to AB Fieldstone 824 facing units, simply divide the number shown above in half.

Capstones 4 8 15 23 30 38

Note: Capstones add 3.5 in. (90 mm) to your total wall height.

5 ft(1.5m)

10 ft(3.0m)

20 ft(6.0m)

30 ft(9.0m)

40 ft(12.0m)

50 ft(15.0m)

1 course 8 in. (200 mm) 4 7 14 21 28 35

2 course 16 in. (400 mm) 7 14 28 41 55 69

3 course 24 in. (600 mm) 11 21 41 62 82 103

4 course 32 in. (800 mm) 14 28 55 82 109 137

5 course 40 in. (1.0 m) 18 35 69 103 137 171

6 course 48 in. (1.2 m) 21 41 82 123 164 205

To switch to half-width blocks (AB Jumbo Jr or AB Palermo), simply double the numbers shown above.Capstones 4 7 14 21 28 35

Corner Blocks 1 for each course that steps down.1 for each course with a corner.

Note: Capstones add 4 in. (100 mm) to your total wall height. Corners should alternate with left and right hand blocks.

5 ft(1.5m)

10 ft(3.0m)

20 ft(6.0m)

30 ft(9.0m)

40 ft(12.0m)

50 ft(15.0m)

2 courses 8 in. (200 mm) 7 14 28 41 55 69

3 courses 12 in. (300 mm) 11 21 41 62 82 103

4 courses 16 in. (400 mm) 14 28 55 82 109 137

5 courses 20 in. (500 mm) 18 35 69 103 137 171

6 courses 24 in. (600 mm) 21 41 82 123 164 205

7 courses 28 in. (700 mm) 24 48 96 143 191 239

To switch to half-width blocks (AB Junior Lite or ABBordeaux), simply double the numbers shown above.Capstones 4 7 14 21 28 35

Note: Capstones add 4 in. (100 mm) to your total wall height.

AB Collection orAB Europa Collection


Estimating the Number of Blocks NeededAllan Block makes it easy to estimate materials. Use the Estimating Charts below to quickly estimate the amount of blockand capstones that will be needed for your retaining walls up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) high. You can also our Estimating Software or Residential Retaining Walls App to calculate the block as well as the amount of basematerials, drain pipe and AB Reinforcement Grid needed to complete the project. Call or visit your local Allan Block Dealeror go to allanblock.com to download the FREE Estimating Software or iTunes for our App.

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Most municipalities require permits for walls over 4 ft. (1.2 m). Contact your local AB Dealer, city building official or a localengineer for assistance.For projects taller than 3 ft. (0.9 m), we recommend using the larger sized blocks or building patterned walls. For informationon determining the best block choice for your project go to allanblockblog.com.


Patterned WallsFor the AB and AB Europa Collections see page 26for a detailed chart on the amount of blockneeded.

For patterned walls using the AB FieldstoneCollection with a 50/50 mix, divide the numbershown above in half for the amount of 812 unitsthen divide this number in half again for theamount of 824 units needed.

Approx. number of full-size blocks needed (AB Stones, AB Classic, AB Dover)

Wall Height Wall Length

Approx. number of half-high blocks needed (AB Lite Stone or AB Barcelona)

Wall Height Wall Length

Approx. number of 812 facing units neededWall Height Wall Length

allanblock.com


AB Fieldstone - Green, Natural and FriendlyThe back of the AB Fieldstone is the anchoring unit which ismade from recycled materials. The front of the block is thefacing unit which is made to immulate the look of naturalstone. By putting them together we have the best of bothworlds - a recycled product that maintains a beautiful anddistinctive look of natural stone.The manufacturing process of the facing units allow them tohave many differing natural looks, styles and colors, whichare called Series. There are currently four Series to choosefrom, the Sierra, Cascade, Colonial and Heritage Series, withadditional ones in development (see allanblock.com).This user-friendly product has unlimited possibilities.

3

Facing Series: SierraColor: Rustic Creek

Facing Series: ColonialColor: Sandstone

Facing Series: SierraColor: Sandstone

Construction & Inspection Checklist

Review wall design plans for:A. Compliance of site to latest site plan

Does the site plan and wall layout coincide with current site conditions? Have all slopes above and below the walls been taken into account on

the plans? Do the section drawings match the topography of the job-site? Have site utilities been accounted for? Are there any recommendations for changes to the site plans to accommo-

date the wall?

B. Review of reported soil conditions with on-site soils engineer

Are on-site soils consistent with soilparameters used in wall design?

Does the site show indications ofmultiple types of soil, and has thisbeen accounted for?

Is there evidence of landfill areas on site?

Has the owner contracted with ageotechnical engineering firm foroverall / global stability outside thewall design envelope (H tall by thegreater of 2H or He + L long)?

C. Review of above-grade water management with project civil engineer

Has surface runoff been accounted for in the site design? Will this site be irrigated? If storm drains become inoperable where will the water migrate to? During renovation of land will temporary drainage be an issue?

D. Review of below grade water management with wall design engineerand general contractor

How and where will drain pipe be installed? Is it possible to vent drain pipe to daylight? Is venting to a storm drainage system an option? Will outlets be located and protected from blockage or damage?

E. Surcharges

Have all surcharges been accounted for? During construction are there any temporary surcharges that should be

accounted for?

To ensure that the basics of the retaining wall project are covered, use the fol-lowing construction and inspection checklist. For a thorough procedure use thislist as a guide to prepare your project specific checklist and to review the mostcommon points. It may also be used during the bidding process or a pre-con-struction meeting to ensure that all special provisions are complied with. Alwayscheck the local building codes, document any changes to the plan in writing,and notify the wall design engineer with any concerns on water management.

Construction & Inspection Checklist

Review Construction Details andProcedures: A.Mark station points for top and bot-tom of wall elevation and change inwall direction.

B. Identify changes in grid lengths, lo-cation of grids, and types of grid tobe used.

C.Determine and locate proper basesize for each section of wall.

D. Verify that the correct type andcolor of block has been ordered anddelivered to the job.

E. Verify that the foundation soil and re-tained soil conform to design re-quirements.

F. Verify that infill soil meets design stan-dards.

G.Verify that compaction testing willbe performed, who is responsible, atwhat intervals of locations along thewall, and what coordination will berequired.

H. Determine what method will be usedto verify construction materials,methods, and sequence of construc-tion. (ie: written documentation of asbuilt, full time inspector on site, photo-graphic documentation.)

I. Wall contractor is responsible forquality control of wall installation perthe approved plans. The owner orowners representative is responsiblefor engineering and quality assur-ance of the project.

54 Visit allanblock.com for more information.

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AB Dover 6 1 sq ft. approx. 80 lbs 8 in. H x 10.5 in. D x 18 in. L 11 blk per m2 36 kg 200mm H x 265mm D x 460mm L

AB Palermo 6 0.5 sq ft. approx. 35 lbs 8 in. H x 9.5 in. D x 9 in. L 22 blk per m2 16 kg 200mm H x 240mm D x 230mm L

AB Barcelona 6 0.5 sq ft. approx. 40 lbs 4 in. H x 10.5 in. D x 18 in. L 22 blk per m2 18 kg 100mm H x 265mm D x 460mm L

AB Bordeaux 6 0.25sq ft.approx. 20 lbs 4 in. H x 10.5 in. D x 9 in. L 45 blk per m2 9 kg 100mm H x 265mm D x 230mm L

Old World Antique



Actual dimensions, weights andsetbacks will vary by manufac-turer. Check with your localAllan Block Dealer for exactspecifications and color avail-ability. Caps and corner blocksare also available.

AB Europa CollectionThe AB Europa Collection captures the hand-laid stone effectthat brings distinction to any project. The blocks can be usedseparately or blended together for outstanding results. Theunique texture creates a stunning look and gives old worldcharm to any landscape.

Table 2

4

AB Abbey Blend PatternFrom the AB Europa Collection, blend theAB Dover, AB Palermo, AB Barcelona andthe AB Bordeaux together to create pat-terned walls.

Name Setback Coverage Weight Approximate Dimensions

AB Fieldstone Collection - with caps


Finish your wall withplantings or mulchin place of caps.

Capping Tighter Curves Place two caps on the wall with the back of each cap tight together. Agap will appear in the front.

Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front ofthe wall.

Measure out this distance (x/2) on the back of each of the cap and mark. Draw a line from the mark to the front corner. Use a masonry saw to cut each cap.

Finishing Walls with Plantings or Mulch Allan Blocks patented raised front lip provides a built-inedging for landscape rock, mulch, grass or soil.

AB Collection - with rocks

AB Collection - with mulch

AB Collection - with caps

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allanblock.com


AB Europa Collection and AB Abbey Blend PatternsThe pleasing aesthetics of the AB Europa Collection make itthe best choice when looking to add an old world elementto your outdoor living space.

Available in beautiful blended colors with an elegant, time-worn feel, the AB Europa Collection is sure to please. Useone block shape or a combination to build impressive patterned walls for outstanding results.

5Visit allanblock.com for more information.

Capping Walls

Allan Block Capstones are available to finish the top of the wall. The raised front-lip provides a perfect built-in edging where you can simply use rock, mulch, grassor planting soil to complete the wall with an attractive, natural look. See page28 for information on capping AB Fieldstone walls.

Capping Curves Place two caps on top of the wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly betweentheir widest point.

Set another cap on top of the first two caps and mark where they overlap onthe bottom of the center cap.

Remove the center cap and cut along the marks. Set the middle cap back in place so the three fit tightly together. Repeat as often as needed to cap the entire curve. It is a good idea to secure caps with a high strength flexible masonry adhesiveonce they are all cut.

AB Collection

Finish yourwall with style.

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Finishing OptionsFinishing Options

Capping Corners Cut caps at 45 angles to complete theoutside corner.

It is a good idea to secure caps with ahigh strength flexible masonry adhesiveonce they are all cut.

Finish yourwall with style.

allanblock.com

Classic Cut Stone

Best SingleBlock Choice

AB Stones 12 1 sq ft. approx. 75 lbs 8 in. H x 12 in. D x 18 in. L 11 blk per m2 34 kg 200mm H x 300mm D x 460mm L

AB Jumbo Jr 6 0.5 sq ft. approx. 35 lbs 8 in. H x 9.5 in. D x 9 in. L 22 blk per m2 16 kg 200mm H x 240mm D x 230mm L

AB Lite Stone 6 0.5 sq ft. approx. 35 lbs 4 in. H x 12 in. D x 18 in. L 22 blk per m2 16 kg 100mm H x 300mm D x 460mm L

AB Junior Lite 6 0.25 sq ft. approx. 18 lbs 4 in. H x 12 in. D x 9 in. L 45 blk per m2 8 kg 100mm H x 300mm D x 230mm

AB Classic 6 1 sq ft. approx. 75 lbs 8 in. H x 12 in. D x 18 in. L 11 blk per m2 34 kg 200mm H x 300mm D x 460mm L

AB Collection


Table 3

Actual dimensions, weights andsetbacks will vary by manufac-turer. Check with your localAllan Block Dealer for exactspecifications and color avail-ability. Caps and corner blocksare also available.

AB CollectionThe AB Collection gives a smooth fluid finish to any outdoorliving space. Use the blocks individually or blend them together to create patterned walls that will define your spacefor years to come. Enjoy the beauty and durability of this collections classic cut stone look that adds distinguished styleto any landscape.

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AB Ashlar Blend PatternFrom the AB Collection, blend the AB Classic,AB Lite Stone, AB Jumbo Junior and the AB Junior Lite (if available) together to create patterned walls.

Name Setback Coverage Weight Approximate Dimensions

allanblock.com

Curved Parapets

AB Dogbone unitsdo not connect tofacing unit behind

Long anchoringunit (LAU)

Wider Curved ParapetsCurved parapets can easily be incorporated with any wider parapet application.For curved parapets to work, the walls need to have a wider spacing betweenthem to fit the AB Dogbone units and allow the turn of the curve. The back slotsof the facing units will not line up through the curve so using a standard parapetwidth is not possible. A minimum of two AB Dogbones units are needed per fac-ing unit. To create the curve, start on one side of the parapet and install the 812 facingunits in the direction of the curve or serpentine. Keep the front of the facingunits tight together. If building a tighter curve, start on the outside curve sideof the wall to limit any gaps that could appear. Install entire length of this sideof the parapet wall, ensuring all facing units are level.

Install one dogbone unit in the first facing unit in the curve to determine place-ment of back side of parapet. Place the back of an 812 facing unit againstthe end of the dogbone unit or spaced away farther to determine width ofthe parapet. Dogbone units will not connect the facing units together oncurves.

Once the spacing between the facing units is determined, measure betweenthe backs of the two facing units and/or create a jig (piece of wood cut tosize) to easily determine spacing of facing units for the rest of the wall.

Install the remaining facing units to create the back side of the curved parapetwall using the measurement or spacing jig the length of the wall.

Start placement of the staggered dogbone units. Place one dogbone unitper each facing unit the length of the wall. Dogbone units will not connectthe facing units together. Adjust and align facing units as needed to fit.

Carefully install wall rock in a 4 in. lift (100 mm) to the height of the lower dogboneunits the length of the entire wall. External jigs or supports may be required.

Place second dogbone unit in each facing units on top of the wall rock andlevel with or just below the top of the facing unit. Ensure each facing unit hasa minimum of two dogbone units. Finish course by installing wall rock in a 4 in.lift (100 mm) to the top of the facing unit the entire length of the wall.

If ending a curved parapet at a post or vertical end, cutting facing units tocreate the transition may be required.

Install additional courses in same process, offset from the course below. Thefacing units can be randomly flipped upside down to give different facing ap-pearances.

Retaining Walls and ParapetsIf installing a parapet on top of an AB Fieldstone retaining wall, stack facing unitsso they are staggered from the blocks below so the seams are offset from thecourse below creating a clean transition. Use a course of long anchoring units (LAU) on the top course of the retaining wallto create a level surface to build the parapet on for easy installation.

Capping ParapetsCheck with your local distributor for available options to cap the top of the parapetsbased on the width installed. Secure in place with a flexible concrete adhesive.Using a capping option that is slightly wider than the parapet is recommended.The extra overhang will create a nice finished effect.

Parapet graphics are to show facing unit and ABDogbone placements. All parapet installationsneed to include wall rock in cores.

Staggered AB Dogboneunits, two per facingunit


AB Collection and AB Ashlar Blend Patterns Any outdoor space should be designed to be a functional extension of your home and garden. The AB Collection is the perfect choice for small garden walls up to taller retaining walls.

The modular blocks allow you to create beautiful patternsso you can have the landscape of your dreams with the traditional, clean line look of the AB Collection.

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Wider Parapets - Example 1Building wider parapets will use some of the same installation details as a standardparapet. A minimum of two AB Dogbones units are needed per facing unit. De-pending on the width chosen, cutting a block may be necessary to create theend of a wider parapet. Here are two examples on how to end the parapet wall. Starting at an end of the parapet, install two 812 corner facing units perpendi-cular to each other, textured side facing out. Place a bead of flexible concreteadhesive between units to hold in place during construction (optional).

Place 812 and/or 824 facing units running down both sides of the parapet tothe length desired. To finish, repeat previous step using two 812 corner facingunits, textured sides facing out, to finish the first course. Ensure all facing unitsare level.

Start placement of the staggered dogbone units. Place one dogbone unit pereach facing unit the entire length of the wall. Dogbone units will not connectthe facing units together.


Place second dogbone unit in each facing units on top of the wall rock andlevel with or just below the top of the facing unit. Ensure each facing unit hasa minimum of two dogbone units. Finish course by installing wall rock in a 4 in.lift (100 mm) to the top of the facing unit the entire length of the wall.

On additional courses, use the same process as above, but reversing the cornerblocks placement to stagger the seams from the course below. The facing unitscan be randomly flipped upside down to give different facing appearances.

Repeat this process to height desired.

Wider Parapets - Example 2Wider parapets can be created by adjusting how the end is built. In this exampleone facing unit will need to be cut at the end of every course. Starting at an end of the parapet, install two 812 corner facing units side by side,textured side facing out, to create the end (A). Place a bead of flexible con-crete adhesive between units to hold in place during construction (optional).Install facing units running down both sides of the parapet in the pattern andlength desired. Ensure all facing units are level.

Install dogbone units as shown above in 4 in. (100 mm) lifts. On next course, change the corner facing units placement by using two 812corner facing units (B) and an 824 facing unit (C). The 824 facing unit (C) willneed to be cut to fit. Place a bead of flexible concrete adhesive between unitsto hold in place during construction (optional).

Repeat this entire this process to height desired.

Wider Parapets with CornersFollow the standard parapet instructions on page 48 for facing unit placement tocreate the corner. When possible, always start the project at the corner. A mini-mum of two dogbones units are needed per facing unit, secure corner with a flex-ible concrete adhesive to hold in place during construction (optional). Space out parapet to the width desired. Place dogbone units and wall rock asdone previously in 4 in. lifts (100 mm) to top of facing unit. Dogbone units willnot connect the facing units together. External jigs or supports may be required.

Parapets and Posts Cont.Parapets and Posts Cont.

AAB

BC

Wider Parapet - Example 2

Cornerfacingunits

Wider Parapets - Example 1

AB Dogbone unitsdo not connect tofacing unit behindon wider parapets


Cut a block tocreate corner

Block extends into create corner

AB Dogbone units donot connect to facingunit behind on widerparapets

Wider Parapets with Corners

50 Visit allanblock.com for more information. Visit allanblock.com for more information.

824 facing unitcut to fit space

SoilsClay soils put more pressure on a wall than sandy soils because they hold mois-ture. Identify the soils at your site.

To identify the soils, a good test is to pick up a small handful of the soil in the palmof your hand and squeeze it to form a ball. Take a sample from at least 12 in.(300 mm) below the surface.

Job Si te ConsiderationsLot LinesYour city will have a copy of your lot sur-vey on file. The survey will not only iden-tify property lines, but will provide anaccurate scaled template of your siteto help with planning.

UtilitiesBuried utility lines are not only danger-ous, they may prevent you from locat-ing your landscape project where youwant. Call the local utility companiesand have these lines marked.

PermitsBuilding permits may be required if thewall is above a certain height. Checkto see what your local city code re-quires. An approved engineered walldesign or an Allan Block pre-engineeredsolution may be needed in order to geta building permit. Contact your localAB Dealer for more details.

NeighborsIt's always nice (and smart too) to letyour neighbors know about your projectbefore you begin.

Plan for Potential

Clay SoilsClay soil will stick together to form a ball. Claysoils retain moisture which will add pressure behind the walls. Typically most soils will beclassified as clay and can be used in your project. However, they may require additionalreinforcement.

Sandy SoilsSandy soil, will not stick together because theyare granular with no silty fine particles. Thesesoils allow for good drainage and are ideal forbuilding walls.

Organic SoilsOrganic soils will stick together but will not holdonce the pressure is released. They should onlybe used to finish off the top 8 in. (200 mm) of awall.

NEVER use organic soils to build the wall.

8

A detailed site plan drawn toscale will help foresee designand construction challengesand provide an accurate refer-ence for estimating. This will be-come your working or approvedplans for the project.


Plan for Potential

allanblock.com

Install the first facing unit (C) to start the inside parapet. Align the first receivingslot of the facing unit to slide onto the dogbone unit (C). This will connect andalign the outside (B) and inside (C) parapet walls.

To create the inside corner, one facing unit will need to be cut to ensure the re-ceiving slots for the dogbone units line up. To find this space, place the nextfacing unit to match up with fifth receiving slot from the corner in the oppositedirection as the previous block placed (D).

Install a dogbone unit in the fifth receiving slot between the outside and insidefacing units just installed. Adjust alignment of facing unit so back slots line upproperly so dogbone unit connects the two units together.

Measure the space and cut an 812 facing unit to finish inside corner (E). Build out the parapet wall in both directions with 812 and/or 824 facing unitsin the pattern and length desired. Ensure all facing units are level.

Start placement of the staggered dogbone units. Place one dogbone unitper each facing unit the length of the wall. Adjust alignment of facing unitsas needed for proper alignment and the dogbone unit connects the facingunits together.


Place second dogbone unit in each facing unit on top of the wall rock andlevel with or just below the top of the facing unit. Ensure each facing unithas a minimum of two dogbone units. Finish course by installing wall rock ina 4 in. lift (100 mm) to the top of the facing unit the entire length of the wall.

On additional courses, use the same process as above, but reverse the direc-tion of the outside corner block and the cut block on the inside of the corner.This ensures the seams from the block do not line up with the next course - lock-ing the courses together.

Repeat this process to height desired finishing at a post.

PostsStand alone posts are built using four corner facing units per course. These blockshave a textured side as well as a face. Wider posts can be built by adding cutor full length 812 facing units between each corner facing unit.Every facing unit needs to have one AB Dogbone unit to secure it in place. Placea bead of flexible concrete adhesive between units to hold in place during con-struction (optional). Fill posts with wall rock in 4 in. (100 mm) lifts to allow for stag-gered placement of AB Dogbone units.

Posts and Standard ParapetsWhen building posts within the wall or ending a wall, corner facing units are notnecessary where the wall meets the post as the textured side will not be visible.If the last post course extends above the parapet height, four corner facing unitswill then be needed.On alternating courses, where a parapet wall meets a post, you will need to cutan 812 facing unit in half to offset from the seams below to allowing for properAB Dogbone installation.

Cut ablock tocreatecorner

Block extendsin to createcorner

Place block soslots line up forAB Dogboneplacement

12

54

3

AB

C

Cornerfacingunits

Posts

Cornerfacing units

Block extendsin to createcorner

12

4 3

812facingunit

812facingunits


Staggered AB Dogboneunits, minimum twoper facing unit

Cornerfacing unit

812 facing unitscut in half onevery other coursePosts and Standard Parapets

5

Cut ablock tocreatecorner


D

E

Create Curb Appeal

Add an Outdoor Patio or NewLiving Area

Build a Raised Garden

Increase Your Usable Space

Feature Water Accents

Beautify Your Entryway

Correct a Drainage Problem

Enhance Your Landscape withFlowing Curves, Stairways orPlanters

Imagine thePossibilities

Reasons forLandscaping

Vegetation and the EnvironmentExisting trees and other vegetation can be designed into the wall layout asneeded. New plantings can be added to enhance the total landscape. Anyplantings directly behind the wall need to be done carefully as not to disturb anyreinforcement that may have been added when the wall was built.

The Base or FoundationYou must build on solid ground. If your site has soft, wet soils, or if the area waspreviously excavated, the foundations soil may need to be replaced with goodbase materials and firmly compacted.

Determining Wall HeightA detailed understanding of the site ele-vations and grade changes are neededto determine wall heights. Starting at thelowest point, mark your grade changesin 1 ft. (0.3 m) increments on the plan.Sketch in the drainage patterns.

Cut and Fill

Fill WallLocationGrade

Grade

Cut WallLocation

9

If building on a hill or a slope, the place-ment of your wall will determine how muchsoil will need to be removed or broughtonto the site.A "cut" site is where you cut into the hillsideand remove the soil. You will need to de-cide ahead of time what will be done withthe excess soil.A "fill" site is where you will need extra soilsto fill in behind the entire wall. You willneed to plan ahead to have good backfillmaterials brought onto the site.


What affects wall design?Consider the possibilities.

AB CollectionAB Courtyard Collection

What affects wall design?Consider the possibilities.


ParapetsThe AB Fieldstone Collection can be used to build beautiful retaining wall structuresand is versatile enough with its two-piece design, to build free standing parapetsfor patio enclosures, seating walls, fencing or planters. Finish off the top of a re-taining wall or raised patio with a seamless transition, or build it on its own on anexisting surface. There are 2 options for building parapet walls: Standard - where the AB Dogbones connect the facing units together. Easily buildcorners and parapets with posts. Offers the smallest width, for straight walls only.Wider - where the AB Dogbones act as anchors in the wall rock allowing anysize width to be created. Works well for straight and curved walls.

AB Dogbone UnitsAB Dogbone units are half the height of the AB Fieldstone facing units and require aminimum of two per facing unit on installation. We recommend installing one at thebottom and one at the top of the facing unit in a staggered effect with wall rock inbetween.

Standard Parapets with CornersStandard parapets are built so the AB Dogbone units connect the back of the ABFieldstone facing units on either side of the parapet, connecting the two sides to-gether. Corners are easily created and finishing the end is done by installing apost. The facing units can be randomly flipped upside down to give different fac-ing appearances. For curves, see the wider parapets section. Starting at the location of the corner, install an 812 corner facing unit (A) on theoutside of the parapet wall. Place an 812 facing unit perpendicular againstthe outside corner unit (B) to create the corner. Ensure the textured side of thecorner unit is facing out. Place a bead of flexible concrete adhesive betweenunits to hold in place during construction (optional).

Build out the parapet wall in both directions with 812 and/or 824 facing units inthe pattern and length desired.

Place one dogbone unit in the facing unit (B) to assist with placement of the in-side parapet wall.

AB Fieldstone CollectionSierra Series

Creating OutdoorSpaces Has NeverBeen Easier

48

Parapets and PostsParapets and Posts

Creating OutdoorSpaces Has NeverBeen Easier

allanblock.com

812 FacingUnit

Staggered AB Dogboneunits are connected toboth facing units

Cornerfacingunit

AB DogboneUnit


Standard Parapets

Staggered AB DogboneUnit placement

BA

C

Without exception your wall and landscapewill come together with a detailed design.Use the chart below to find the maximum height that the wall can be built beforereinforcement is required. Typically most soils will be considered clay. For sandconditions outlined in the table the soil must be a clean, granular material. Seepage 8 for information on soil types and descriptions.

Table 4

The first step is to

determine if you

need a Gravity or

Reinforced Wall.

Designing a Retaining Wall

Gravity WallsGravity walls rely on their own weightand setback to hold up the soil behind them.

Reinforced WallsReinforced walls use layers of geogridto combine the soil and block to-gether to form a reinforced soil mass.


Condition aboveretaining wall

Soil Type AB Stones only of AB Collection12 (Ref)

AB and AB Europa Collections6 (Ref)

AB FieldstoneShort AnchoringUnit (SAU)6 (Ref)

AB FieldstoneLong AnchoringUnit (LAU)6 (Ref)

1 ft. 8 in. 1 ft. 4 in. 1 ft. 8 in. 4 ft.0.5 m 0.4 m 0.5 m 1.2 m

3 ft. 10 in. 3 ft. 1 in. 3 ft. 7 in. 7.0 ft. 1.1 m 0.9 m 1.1 m 2.1 m

Clay Silty Sand

Clay Silty Sand

2 ft. 8 in. 2 ft. 4 in. 2 ft. 8 in. 4 ft. 4 in.0.8 m 0.7 m 0.8 m 1.3 m

4 ft. 8 in. 4 ft. 1 in. 4 ft. 4 in. 7 ft. 4 in.1.4 m 1.2 m 1.3 m 2.3 m

Clay Silty Sand

Maximum Wall Heights - AB Gravity WallsResidential Applications

Table 4 is based on Clay soil having an internal friction angle of 27 (Ref) or better and a Sandy soil having an internalfriction angle of 32 (Ref) or better. All heights based on exposed wall heights and include a cap block. The gravitywall heights shown above do not account for seismic loading. Check with a local engineer for assistance if youare in a seismic area. Final designs for construction purposes must be performed by a local registered ProfessionalEngineer, using the actual conditions of the proposed site. *The Surcharge loading category above assumes asolid surface such as concrete, asphalt or pavers having a suitable supporting subgrade.

Level

Slope 3:1

Surcharge*100 psf(4.7 kPa)

31

Chart Example: A 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall wall insandy soil with a level surface above can bebuilt with AB Stones of the AB Collection andwould typically not require reinforcement,but will require review by a local professionalengineer.

3 ft. 6 in. 3 ft. 2 in. 3 ft. 7 in. 5 ft. 10 in. 1.0 m 0.9 m 1.1 m 1.8 m

5 ft. 4 in. 4 ft. 7 in. 5.0 ft. 8 ft. 6 in.1.6 m 1.4 m 1.5 m 2.6 m

Please note that the gravity wall chart provided has specificheights for specific site and soil conditions. If you are not sureof your site conditions we recommend being conservativewith your wall heights or use geogrid in your wall. See our ge-ogrid wall chart on page 23.

Wall Heights listed are for reference only.



Designing a Retaining Wall

allanblock.com

Step Downs with AB FieldstoneCreating a step down is similar to building an outside corner as it usesthe same facing units that are manufactured with a textured side andhas the same placement of the anchoring units. Install the facing units up to the step down location. Install the facingunit with the textured end perpendicular to create a corner, with thetextured face placed to face out.

Split an anchoring unit in half. Take one half and remove the bottomlip and place in the facing unit that was used to create the step down.See below for details on modifying an anchoring unit.

The next anchoring unit will be installed in the first two facing units thatlead up to the step down. This anchoring unit will span two facing units. One of the wings of this unit will need to be removed to allow placement.

Use the other half of the previous anchoring unit in the next slot toget pattern back so each facing unit has its own anchoring unit.

Use a flexible masonry adhesive to secure the corner units in place.

Modify half an anchoring unit by removing lip to secure the facing unit.

Install the half of an anchoring unit.

Remove bottom lip ofanchoringunit

Half anchoringunits

Remove wingfrom anchoringunit

Full anchoring unit, spanningblocks to securestep down

Modifying Anchoring Units for AB Fieldstone Removing the wings of the blocks will be needed on projects withcurves, corners or step downs. For smooth outside curves, removeone or both of the wings from the back of the anchoring units andtighten the radius of the curve. Break wings off with a hammer andchisel in the existing score line to obtain a clean break.

When working with corners and/or stepping down a wall, split ananchoring unit in half to tie the corner together. Split the block byusing a hammer and chisel to make a break down the center ofthe block.

On some projects you will need to modify the bottom lip of theblock to fit on the course below. Use a hammer and chisel andtap along the lip to remove.

Removewings

Removebottom lip

Split anchoringunit in half



Allan Block wall showinggeogrid placement

Contact your local Allan Block Dealer for AB Reinforcement Gridand detailed installation instructions.

AB ReinforcementGrid

Under certain conditions, the block weight and setback alone do not provideenough structural support. Allan Blocks Reinforcement Grid provides a simplesolution by creating a solid structure with more resistance to soil pressure and sur-charges. AB Reinforcement Grid is simple to install; just roll it out along the wall onthe appropriate courses for residential walls under 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall.

AB ReinforcementGrid is available in 2 sizes: 3 ft. and 4 ft.rolls that are 50 ft. long(0.9 m and 1.2 m by15 m). Use the charton page 23 to findwhich size you needand how many layersyour wall requires.

The amount your wall leans into the hillis called setback. AB blocks come inapproximate setbacks of 6 and 12.The 12 (Ref) set-back will providebetter leverageand require lessreinforcement.

Slopes Surcharges Setback

A slope abovethe wall will addmore pressureand weight, whileslopes below thewall may makethe wall unstabledue to sliding orerosion. Avoidslopes greaterthan 3 to 1 with-out first consultinga local engineer.

Any added weight above your wall is called a surcharge. Patios, swim-ming pools and driveways are com-mon residentialsurcharges. Yourwall may needadditional sup-port if a sur-charge is present.For commercialapp l i ca t i o n scontact an engineer. See the Soil Reinforcement Chart on page 23.

Conditions above and behind the wall will determine how tall thewall can be before reinforcement is needed.

Surcharge100 psf(4.7 kPa)

Slope above

Slope below

Setback

AB Reinforcement Grid is bi-axial(strong in both directions) and can besimply rolled out along the wall. Othergeogrids are uni-axial (strong in onlyone direction) and must be installedrunning from the front of the block tothe back of the excavated area.

31

11

When the Wall Needs Reinforcement

End your wallwith ease.End your wallwith ease.Stepping DownOne of the unique benefits that sets Allan Block apart from other wall systems is a great variety of options for ending andstepping down walls. With Allan Block, you can turn wall ends into the hillside with smooth flowing curves, corners or simplestep downs. No other wall system gives you as many choices for finishing off your wall project.

Turn-insThe simplest and easiest method of ending an AllanBlock wall is to use smooth flowing curves that turn backinto the hillside.

For a gradual step down, use the half-high blocks - AB LiteStone from the AB Collection or AB Barcelona from the ABEuropa Collection.

For a step down that doubles as a planter, turn the wall in 2 or 3blocks after a corner.

For a full course step down, use the AB Corner Blocks from theAB or AB Europa Collection or for AB Fieldstone see page 32for details.

Create a soft ending to thewall by using an inside curvewhile stepping down.

For a graceful, flowing end to the wall, curve the wall to createa plantable area that can soften the look of the wall.

For a dramatic end to the wall, use acorner to turn the wall back into thehillside. See page 36 for informationon stepping up the wall.

For a natural flow into the landscapecurve the wall back into the hillside.

Tip:The benefits of curving the wallback into the hillside include:

less time & expense to build

no corner blocks superior erosion control attractive design

AB Collection

Step DownsStep Downs


Tip:Walls with ends that turnback into the hillsidehelp prevent erosionbehind the wall.

allanblock.com


Flowing inside curves are achieved bya consistent spacing between the backsof the blocks as you build.

To build smooth out-side curves, removeone or both of thewings on the back ofthe blocks.

Whether youchoose softcurved wallsor classicstraight walls,Allan Blockhas the sys-tem to satisfyevery design.

InsideCurves

Try to maintain at least 1/4 of the blocklength offset from the block below asyou build curves. Perfect runningbond is not necessary with Allan Block.

For the AB and AB Europa Collection:Outside Corners are constructed usingAllan Block Corner units and take moretime and skill. See page 32 for informa-tion on building with corners.

For the AB Fieldstone Collection: Outside Corners are constructed usingthe standard facing and anchoringunits. See page 33 for information.

Outside Corners

AB CollectionOutside Corner

Curves &Serpentines

Corners & Angles


OutsideCurves

OutsideCorner

12

Curves accent any landscape, aresimple to design and easy to build.Consider how tight or gentle you wantthe curves to be and choose the blockor combination of blocks that are bestsuited for your design. See the radiuschart on page 31 for more information.

Design for Style

Inside CornersInside corners are easily constructedusing standard Allan Block units. By re-moving part of the lip with a chisel orsaw, the blocks can be overlapped fora strong interlock. See page 32 formore information.

OutsideCorner

AB Fieldstone CollectionFacing Series: SierraColor: Rustic Creek


Design for Style

allanblock.com

LightingLighting Adds a Dramatic Effect to Allan Block WallsLighting brings new possibilities to any landscape. Add a dramatic look withground mounted lighting or illuminate stairways and pathways with recessedlighting. Allan Block walls with decorative lighting fixtures provide not only adistinctive design, but adds safety and security to the landscape.

Allan Block's hollow core design makes it easy to add lighting into any wall.Simply run the wiring directly behind the AB blocks (follow local electrical codes)to the light locations. Use a masonry saw to cut out sections of the block toaccommodate the lighting fixture and run the wiring through the blocks out tothe light fixture.

Cast a soft pool oflight with a wallmounted light fixture.

Add soft general lightingwith a recessed light fixture.

I l l um i na t ep a t h w a y sand gardenaccents witha pathwaylight fixture.

S i lhouetteaccentedlandscapef e a t u r e swith a bulletlight fixture.

AB EuropaCollection

Accent your landscapewith distinction.

45

LightingLighting

AB EuropaCollectionAB AbbeyBlend Pattern

AB EuropaCollection

Lighting Options


Accent your landscapewith distinction.

PatternedWalls

Add a whole new dimension to your landscape! Blend the differentsized blocks together into your wall and capture the look of hand-laid stone.

Give your landscape a dramatic effect withthe AB Ashlar or AB Abbey Blend patternedwalls from the Allan Block Collections.

Choose from one ofour pre-set patternsto build your wall, orcreate your own.Walls with curves orthat require reinforce-ment must be con-structed with a twocourse pattern. Seepage 24 for more in-formation.

AB EuropaCollection AB AbbeyBlend Pattern

AB Collection AB Ashlar Blend Pattern

Two Course Pattern

Three Course Pattern

Two Course Lite Pattern

Three Course Lite Pattern

Angles typically re-quire custom cut-ting of the blocks.Try to designcurves instead.Angled walls arenot as stable ascurved walls.

Angles vs. Curves

Angle Soft Curve

Try to build away from corners and avoidsmall cut blocks at the corners. Soft curves are easier to build than angles.

Helpful Hints


Inside and OutsideCorners

PatternedWalls

Water in the LandscapeWater Features Turn an Ordinary Landscape into a Peaceful OasisThey can provide a soothing retreat and a beautiful focal point within youroverall landscape. Water features can attract birds and other wildlife. Thesound of trickling water creates a place of quiet serenity and a sense of privacy.

Ponds and Fountains Bring the Landscape to LifeLandscape water features can also be active and exciting, like a waterfallcascading over a natural rock formation. The sight and sounds of water-in-motion, flowing, spilling or cascading, can be a dramatic landscapeenhancement. Splashing fountains shimmering pools no matter how simpleor elaborate, water features can add a new dimension to your landscape.

Installation Notes Flexible plastic liners provide built-in support for ponds. Plastic liners can be used for free-form ponds and water features. However,these features will transfer water pressure to the surrounding walls. Yourretaining wall design must account for the added pressure.

Pond with a Hard Liner Pond with aSoft Liner

Sand Bags

AB Collection

AB Collection

AB Collection

Beautiful landscapesmade easy by design.

44

Water FeaturesWater Features


Beautiful landscapesmade easy by design.

allanblock.com

Stair Design

Many stair design variations are possible.Stair layout for rise and run needs to becalculated with consideration to the stairtread that best suits your application.

Stairs can be easily designed withflowing curves or with right angles.The simplest stair designs are builtusing curves. Allow for extra time forlaying out and building your stairs.See page 38 for more information.

Good compactionrequired.

Unlimited Design Options

Allan Blocks patented front lipprovides a built-in edging thatnot only works with Allan BlockCapstones but also with pavers,poured concrete, crushed rock,mulches and flagstones. Ensure stair treads are secured inplace for safe use. In colder cli-mates, salt CANNOT be used onthe blocks or AB Capstones as itwill cause them to deteriorate.

AB Collection

AB Collection



14

Stair Building Basics


Unlimited DesignOptions

allanblock.com

Other areas that will requireengineering are:

Slopes above or below the walls Walls closer than 2 times the height of the lower wall

Presence of ground water Surcharges Bad soils

As the upper wall moves closer to thelower wall, it adds pressure (surcharge)to the lower wall.

The lower wall willneed to be engi-neered to account forthe added weight andpressure, and extra re-inforcement may berequired.

When the walls are spaced far enoughapart they are engineered as two inde-pendent walls.

The height of the upperwall should be less thanor equal to the heightof the lower wall.

The distance betweenthe walls must be atleast twice the heightof the lower wall.

Use this simple equation todetermine if engineeringreview is required:H2 < H1 and D > 2H1

Always Build on Solid Ground The most important element in building terraces is soil com-paction. Building on poor, uncompacted soil will result insettling of the upper walls. Although lower terraced wallsare typically built on solid ground, upper walls are oftenbuilt on soils that have been disturbed in the constructionprocess. To ensure the stability of these soils, they shouldbe removed down to solid ground and carefully reinstalledand compacted.

To achieve proper compaction there are two differentmethods that work well. One way is to remove soft or poorsoil and replace them with wall rock and compact in 8 in.(200 mm) lifts. Another way is to compact the soils inshorter lifts. When using infill or approved on-site soils, werecommend no more than a 4 in. (100 mm) lift. Goodcompaction is the key to minimizing settlement over time.

8 in. (200 mm) lifts

Poor compactionunder the upperwall will result inthe wall settling

Compaction in 4 in.(100 mm) lifts

Improper Compaction - Upper Wall Settles

Proper Compaction - Upper Wall Performs

43

Terraces and StructureBuilding a series of walls on a slope requires careful planning. Follow this simple set of rules:



AB Collection Design walls that work with your land-scape and add value. Low profileplanters can make perfect seating orprovide for easy access to gardening.

When designing terraces for planting, it isimportant to provide enough depth andarea to sustain plant growth betweenthe walls. This may require additionalblocks to be buried on the upper wall.

FunctionalityPlanters

Plantable Walls

AB Collection

Bring the ground to the gardener!Create easy garden beds that areeasy to access and maintain.

Plantable walls can be easily incorpo-rated into your design. Planting areasare formed by simply stepping back thewall and planting in the exposed area.Ivy can also be planted at the bottomof the wall to grow up and cover theblocks.

AB CollectionPatterned Wall

Create Lasting Value

15

In-Wall Plantersand Terracing

Terraced walls can create more usablespace, tame slopes, build raised gar-dens or can give your yard a more aes-thetic look. See page 42 for moreinformation.

AB Collection

Create Lasting Value

Straight wallscreate a formal,structured look.

Flowing curveshave a more nat-ural feel, provideplanting areasand create asofter look.

Irrigation is often included when incorporating a planter. En-sure that your plan includes provisions for water management.

Design the Shape for Beauty and FunctionConsider what will fill the space between terraced walls. Will itbe used for plantings, filled with decorative rock or covered withsod? Terraced walls provide built-in edging that minimizes trim-ming and maintenance. Design the shape of terraced walls tocompliment the surrounding architecture and landscape.

Landscape designs are often more attractive when they in-clude smaller, terraced, or in-wall planters rather than onelarge wall. Terraced walls can create more usable space,build raised gardens, help prevent erosion and add interest toyour landscape.

In harmonywith nature.

One Large Wall

In-Wall Planter





AB Collection

42

In-Wall Planters/TerracesIn-Wall Planters/Terraces


In harmonywith nature.

allanblock.com

Water Management

Design for WaterThe design and performance of most retaining walls arebased on keeping the area behind the wall relatively dry. Toensure a quality project, the soils used must not become sat-urated during construction and the final design must routewater away from the back of the wall. Incorporating bermsand swales into the final design is an easy way to direct sur-face water away. During the design process, develop a thorough understand-ing of the site and determine where water will come fromand how it will be properly managed. During the building process, stage your materials so surfacerunoff is not directed improperly. It is also a good practice tocover the infill soils and the entire wall project at the end ofeach day to prevent water saturation if rain is in the forecast.Any reinforced wall or walls over 4 ft. (1.2 m) in height or withslopes or other surcharges above the wall will need a toedrain. In all cases wall rock is located within the cores of theblock and a minimum of 12 in. (300 mm) behind the block.The toe drain and the wall rock is designed to remove inci-dental water from behind the wall and is not meant as pri-mary drainage path for above or below grade watermanagement.

Typical Drain

BermsSwales

Drains must be vented to daylight or connected to a stormsewer system and must be protected from migration of finematerial.

16

Water Management

Where doesthe water go?

AB Collection


Where doesthe water go?

allanblock.com

Stair Applications

Additional stair designs and technical information explaining the construction processis available on our website at allanblock.com or from your local Allan Block Dealer.Remember to always check the local building codes before construction.


AB Europa Collection AB Abbey Blend Pattern


AB Collection

41

allanblock.com



GradingDuring wall layout it is important to evaluate the entire site to determine if waterwill drain into the area where the wall will be constructed. Temporary gradingmay be needed to ensure water will not drain towards the construction area.

Ground WaterGround water can be defined as water that occurs within the soil. Sources in-clude surface infiltration, water table fluctuation and layers of permeable soils.Ground water movement must be prevented from coming in contact with thewall structure, including the soils behind the wall.If subsurface or ground water is encountered during construction, consult an en-gineer to ensure that the water has been accounted for in your design.

Drain PipesSites with poor draining soils, gravitywalls over 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall and all rein-forced walls will require a toe drain.Drain pipes used in toe drain applica-tions must be properly vented a mini-mum of every 50 ft. (15 m). Toaccomplish this, vent the drain pipe todaylight or a lower elevation on the site. When venting to a lower elevation, it isimportant that all drain locations areproperly marked and protected to en-sure that the drain pipe is not dam-aged or plugged. Rodent screens canbe used to allow the water to flowthrough the outlet pipes and keep thepathway clear of debris.

When Do I Need Drain Pipes?Follow these rules of thumb: All walls taller than 4 ft (1.2 m) Reinforced walls Sites with poorly draining soils Alongside paved areas With slopes above the wall On multi-tiered and terraced walls All commercial and municipal projects

Vent to a lower grade

Vent thru the block face

Use a drain pipe toroute water frombehind the wall. At-tach tee fittings at30 ft. to 50 ft. (9 to 15 m) intervalsand direct thedrains out throughthe wall face.

ConcentratedWater SourcesPrior to constructing the wall, reviewdrainage plans and details to identifyall potential sources of concentratedwater.Examples that must be accountedfor are:

Driveways

Slopes above walls

Grading of site

Water lines, mainsor fire hydrants

Roof down spouts

Sump pump outlets

Irrigation systems


Use infill or approved on-site soils to fillin any additional areas behind thewall rock. The stair tread area must belevel with the top of the base courseof blocks.

Use a plate compactor to compact the wall rock starting directly behind theblock and working in a path parallel to the wall, working from the back of theblock, over the stair tread area, to the back of the excavated area. Alwayscompact in 8 in. (200 mm) lifts or less. See page 19 for details on compaction.

Install First Stair Riser Measure the distance for the place-ment of the first stair riser making surethat the blocks are parallel with thebase course in front. Place the blockson top of the compacted stair treadarea making sure to allow for 6 in. (150mm) of wall rock behind the blocks.

To ensure the blocks will be level withthe corresponding wall, place a block on the wall as a reference point and levelfrom that block to the blocks being used for the stair treads.

Level and adjust as necessary. To curve the wall out from the stair location, break the wings off the backs of theblocks and place then tight together, following the layout on your approvedplans.

Backfill and Compact Fill in the area in front of the first stair riser with a small amount of wall rock. Thiswill keep the blocks from shifting while filling and compacting.

Fill the hollow cores and at least 12 in. (300 mm) behind the blocks or enough toaccommodate the next stair riser with wall rock.

Then compact and level the wall rock as previously done.

Additional Steps Repeat these steps for each stair riser. Once all the steps are in place, installthe selected stair tread material to fin-ish your stairway.

AB Capstones AB Capstoneand Pavers

Pavers Concrete

Stair Tread Options Allan Blocks patented front lip provides a built-in edging that works well with AB Capstones, pavers and poured concrete. When using a rigid dimension tread material such as AB Capstones or pavers, carefully plan the stair dimensions to reducethe amount of cutting required. Ensure stair treads are secured in place with a high strength flexible masonry adhesivefor safe use.

40

Stairways Cont.Stairways Cont.Align firststair riser

Backfill andcompact

Install nextstair riser

Install wallout fromstairs

Backfill andcompact


RememberSafety alwayscomes first.

Tools & Equipmentyou may need HAND TOOLS Safety glasses, gloves,dust mask, ear protection, kneepads, 4 level, torpedo level, tapemeasure, string line, chisel, handtamper, dead blow hammer, shims,broom, round and square shovel.

POWER TOOLS Plate compactor,concrete saw with diamond blade,skid loader, transit/site level.

Job Si te ConsiderationsSite AccessWhen planning your project, make sureyou can access your wall site with con-struction equipment and materials. Forsites with restricted access, plan outwhere you will stage and store yourblock, wall rock and other materials.

Wall RockTo build a quality wall, use a clean, gran-ular rock underneath the base course tocreate a firm foundation for your project. Good drainage and compaction willadd to the quality and performance ofyour finished wall.

We refer to the material used for thebase, within and behind the block as"Wall Rock". Wall Rock is a gravel in vary-ing sizes, ideally from 0.25 in. to 1.5 in. (6 to 38 mm), of angular or smooth com-pactible aggregates with no sands, siltsor clay material that would limit the freedraining nature of the aggregate. YourAB Dealer will have what you need.

Rental EquipmentPlate compactors, concrete saws, skidloaders and transit levels are very useful

when building aretaining wall.These are avail-able at mostequipment rentalcenters.

18

Getting ReadyGetting Ready

Always build onsolid ground.


allanblock.com

Always build onsolid ground.

Always check local code require-ments before building any type ofstair application. The steps shown here are generalguidelines for building stairways. Byunderstanding the basic installationelements, stairways can be easily in-corporated into the wall installation. Drain Pipe

If drain pipe is being used on your proj-ect, continue it behind the stairs at thelowest point of elevation. Do not inter-rupt the drain pipe at stair locations.

Salt for Ice RemovalIn northern climates the use of salt onstair tread materials made of concreteis NOT recommended as the salt willcause the block to deteriorate. Usesand instead.


Take Time to Build In QualityBuilding stairs and steps requires careful planning, flexibility on the job site and aneye for detail. Be sure to allow adequate time for layout and building of stairs.

Determine Stair Riser LocationsOnce the number of steps has been deter-mined and the type of stair tread has beenselected, excavate the stair location basedon the rise and run. Mark the center of the stairway where thebase stair riser will be placed. In this example the first stair riser is the continuationof the base course of the wall that the stairs are being built into.

Each stair riser will need a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) of base material under itthat extends a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) behind the AB block.

Make adjustment as needed so that the finished height of the first riser is notmore than 8 in. (200 mm) high with stair tread material and final grading in place.

Excavate the Base Trench and Stair Location From the base stair riser location mark the remainder of the stair risers and re-move the soil to meet the base material requirements. If more soil was removedthan necessary during excavation, replace it with wall rock during the buildingprocess. Any excavated soils that are replaced will need to be properly com-pacted. If organic or wet soils are present in the base trench they must be re-moved and replaced with granular material.

After the stair location has been excavated, you will prepare your base and basecourse just like any other wall. Use the information on page 20 to dig a basetrench to the appropriate size.

Compact the base trench making a minimum of two passes with a plate compactor. If a drain pipe is required in your project, continue the placement of the pipe inthe trench for the base course. See page 20 for more information on placement.

Place a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) of wall rock in the base trench and rake smooth. Compact the wall rock making a minimum of two passes with a plate compactor. Check for level, and adjust as needed. See page 20 for more information.

Install the Base Course Place the blocks with the raised front lip facingup and in the center of the trench.

Check each block for level from side-to-side and front-to-back. Verify the proper position of the base course by exam-ining a string line across the back of the blocks. Make adjustments as necessary.

Fill in the area in front of the blocks with on-site soils. This will keep the basecourse blocks from shifting while filling and compacting.

Fill the hollow cores and at least 12 in. (300 mm) behind the blocks or more toaccommodate the next stair riser with wall rock.

39

Install drain pipe

Excavate

Backfill and compact

Install base course

Install and compactwall rock


Working with SoilsThe soils used below and behind the wall are a critical partof the total wall structure. A reinforced retaining wall contains four basic building materials - the AB blocks, wallrock, geogrid reinforcement, and the infill soils surroundingthe geogrid layers.

SoilsUnderstanding the properties and characteristics of soils is keyto building better walls. Different soil types will dictate theamount of time needed for compaction, the amount of re-inforcement required, and potentially the cost of the wall.Granular soils are better to build with than clay soils. Sandand gravel will compact better, drain better, and often willneed less reinforcement. Soils are typically defined by a fric-tion angle or measurement of the internal strength of the soil.This angle is approximately the natural angle of repose. Assoil falls off a conveyor to make a pile, the angle it createsrepresents the natural angle of repose. Check with a quali-fied geotechnical engineer to obtain an accurate soil clas-sification.

Soil SelectionIf the on-site soils are of a very low quality under or behind thewall, you should remove and replace them with stronger soils.Using stronger soils will reduce reinforcement, allow fastercompaction and have better long-term performance. Heavyclays and organic soils are both unsuitable in the reinforcedzone and should be removed and replaced. Silty sands andsand with clay will require additional care, and attention towater management when placed and compacted. Sandy Soils Clay Soils

36 27

Natural Angle of Repose

Compact in 8 in. (200 mm)lifts, one course at a time.

Keep all heavy equipment at least 3 ft. (0.9 m)away from the back of the blocks.

Preferred Granular Infill Material

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SoilsSoils

CompactionProper placement and compaction of the infill soils is critical.The most important step in getting proper compaction is theplacement of the soil in "lifts". Compacting in lifts, or layers, ofless than 8 in. (200 mm) will facilitate quality compaction.Placement and compaction in lifts that exceed 8 in. (200 mm)will result in less than adequate soil strength. Compactionequipment must be sized according to the type of materialbeing compacted. Always backfill and compact after eachcourse of block is placed. Consult with a local equipmentsupplier to ensure that proper compaction equipment is used.

The consolidation zone runs from the back of the block back3 ft. (0.9 m) into the infill soil. Only walk behind plate com-paction equipment is allowed within the consolidation zone.A minimum of two passes with a walk behind plate com-pactor is required, starting on top of the block and compact-ing in paths that run parallel with the wall to the back of theexcavated area.


Plan, design and buildsteps into your wall.

Allan Block Wall Systems offer avariety of options for stairways.

Drop in a turn and a landing to break the stair line.

Break up long sets of steps with landings.

Include switchbacks to let you meander up the hill.

Tackle Your SlopeMatch your stairway design to the natural gradeof your slope.

On steep slopes, keep the blocks tight together.With Allan Block, you get an 8 in. rise and a 12 in. run. (200 mm rise and a 300 mm run).*

On gentle slopes, add pavers or other materialsto increase the depth of the tread and lengthof the run.

Landings can soften a long stairway and pro-vide an easy way to tie sets of steps together.

Stairs can be designed with flowing curves or straight lines.Curved sidewalls create a softer, natural look. Straight side-walls and corners offer a crisp, traditional style; however theyrequire AB Corner Blocks and take more time and customcutting to build.

How Many Steps?To find the number of stepsneeded, measure the total rise ofyour slope in inches and divideby 8 in. (200 mm) - the approxi-mate height of a block.*

* Check with your local Allan Block Dealer for exact specifications

Rise - 48 in.(1.2 m)

48 in. 8 in. = 6 steps

AB Collection

AB Collection

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StairwaysStairways


Plan, design and buildsteps into your wall.

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Building aretainingwall.

Base Preparation To start your layout, place stakes to represent the location of the front of the wall.Using a string line or paint, mark out the entire length. A garden hose is an excellenttool to use when laying out curved walls.

Excavate the area by removing all surface vegetation and organic materials fromthe area. These cannot be used as backfill material.

If reinforcement is needed excavate behind the wall to accommodate the designlength of the geogrid. Refer to your approved plans for exact length.

Starting at the lowest point, dig a base trench the length of the wall. For wallswhere the base trench steps up a slope see page 36 for more information.

Dig a base trench 24 in. (600 mm) wide thelength of the wall.**

The depth of the trench will be 6 in. (150mm) plus an additional 1 in. (25 mm) foreach 1 ft. (300 mm) of wall height for theamount of buried block that is needed.**

Compact the base trench making a mini-mum of two passes with a walk behind plate compactor.

Foundation soils at the bottom of the base trench must be firm and solid. If thesoils are made up of heavy clay or wet soils, or the areas have been previouslyexcavated, remove this material and replace with a granular material, com-pacting in 8 in. (200 mm) lifts or less.

** For walls under 4 ft. (1.2 m) dig the base trench 18 in. wide (460 mm) and 4 in. deep(100 mm) plus additional to account for the amount of buried block needed.

Base Material A drain pipe is required for any reinforced wall, gravity walls over 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall orsites with poor drainage. Place the drain pipe at the lowest possible point towardthe back of the trench and vent to daylight every 50 ft. (15 m). See approved plansfor location and specifications. See page 17 for more information.

Place a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) of wall rock in the base trench and rake smooth. Compact the wall rock making a minimum of two passes with a plate compactor. Check the entire length for level, and adjust as needed.

Depth is 6 in.(150 mm) plus1 in. (25 mm)for each foot(0.3 m) of wallheight**

24 in. (300 mm)wide**

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Basic InstallationBasic Installation

Mark area

Excavate

Compact

Install drain pipe, wallrock and level


Building aretainingwall.

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Building Step-Ups with AB Fieldstone 824 AssemblyStep-ups are most stable when the upper block has sufficient bearing on thelower block. The length of the 824 assembly (if available) provides the flexibilityto make this block ideal for this application. If using the 812 assembly, see page 36. Build the wall up to the step-up location. Excavate for next step up. Install wall rock, level and compact. Compaction of the base material wherethe step-up will be installed is very important to ensure the wall does not settle.Make a minimum of 2 passes with a plate compactor.

Create the step-up by placing an AB Fieldstone 824 assembly so it is installedon at least 6 in. (150 mm) of the block below and spans out onto the base ma-terial creating the next course. Install an AB Fieldstone 812 assembly next tothe 824 assembly to complete the step up.

Fill the hollow cores and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the block as well as the basearea of the next step up with wall rock then backfill with infill or approved on-site soils. Make sure that the blocks and the base of the next step-up are level.

Compact the wall rock directly behind the block and the next step up area aminimum of two passes with a plate compactor.

Repeat these steps to the top of the grade. Keep in mind the block at each step-up must be completely buried to maintainthe proper base depth and to prevent wall failure due to erosion.

Backfill withwall rock

Install step upwith 824 assembly

Compact fornext step up

Continue totop of slope

AB CollectionAB Ashlar Blend Pattern


Install Base Course - AB and AB Europa CollectionSee page 27 for AB Fieldstone walls. Begin the base course at thelowest wall elevation. For moreinformation on stepping up thebase course see page 36.

Place all blocks with the raisedfront lip facing up and forwardon the base material in the center of the base trench.

Check and adjust each block for level and alignment as it is installed. Checkthe blocks for level frequently from side-to-side and front-to-back. Verify theproper position of all the AB blocks by examining a string line across the back ofthe blocks or by sighting down the back of the raised front lip.

Make minor adjustments by tapping the AB blocks with a dead blow hammeror by placing up to 0.5 in. (13 mm) of coarse sand under the blocks.

Irregularities in the base course become larger as the wall stacks up. Carefulattention to a straight and level base course will ensure a quality finished wall.

Backfilling and Compaction Fill in the area in front of the blocks with on-site soils. This will keep the basecourse blocks from shifting while filling and compacting.

Fill the hollow cores of the base course and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the blockwith wall rock to the height of the block.

Use infill or approved on-site soils to backfill behind the wall rock in lifts of nomore than 8 in. (200 mm).

Use a plate compactor to consolidate the wall rock directly behind the blockthen compact in a path parallel to the wall, working from the back of the blockto the back of the excavated area with a minimum of 2 passes. See page 19for additional details on compaction.

Check the base course for level and adjust as necessary. Every course after the first course requires compaction starting on the block.

Additional CoursesSee page 24 for building patterned walls. Remove all excess material from the top surface of all blocks. This can be donewhen installing the next course of block, by sliding the block into place.

If reinforcement is needed go to page 22 to continue the installation process. Stack the next course of blocks so that thevertical seams are offset from the blocksbelow by at least 1/4 the length of the block.

Check each block for level and alignmentand make adjustments as needed.

Fill the hollow cores and 12 in. (300 mm) be-hind the block with wall rock to the height ofthe block.

Use infill or approved on-site soils to backfillbehind the wall rock in lifts of no more than8 in. (200 mm).

From the 2nd course and above use a platecompactor to compact directly on the blocks as well as the area behind theblocks. Compact in lifts of 8 in. (200 mm) or less.

Repeating these steps, complete the wall to the desired height. On the last course,fill behind the blocks with organic soils in place of infill or approved on-site soils. Thiswill assist in any plantings above the wall and also to direct water from running be-hind the blocks. See page 52 for information on finishing wall options.

21

Stack the blocks in running bond or offset by at least 1/4 of the block

Running Bond

Install basecourse

Level andalign

Compact

Backfill wall rockand infill soils

Install nextcourse

Level andalign

Backfill andcompact


Building Step-Ups into the Slope When building step-ups, begin the base course at the lowest wall elevation. Dig a base trench that is 24 in. (600 mm) wide.** The depth of the trench is determined by allowing for 6 in. (150 mm) plus an addi-tional 1 in. (25 mm) for each 1 ft. (300 mm) of wall height for the amount or buriedblock that is needed. The trench also needs to extend into the slope far enoughto bury one full block.**

If a slope is present below the wall, contact a local engineer for assistance. Compact and level the base trench making a minimum of 2 passes with a platecompactor.

Place the drain pipe at the lowest possible point toward the back of the trench. Place a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) of wall rock in the base trench and check forlevel. Compact the base material, making a minimum of two passes with a platecompactor.

Excavate the second step-up making sure to accommodate for the base ma-terial and buried block. Compact and level the step-up area.

Place the base course of blocks on the base material and check for level. Fill the hollow cores and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the block as well as the basearea of the next step up with wall rock then backfill with infill or approved on-site soils. Make sure that the blocks and the base of the next step-up are level.

Compact the wall rock directly behind the block and the next step up area a min-imum of two passes with a plate compactor.

Repeat these steps to the top of the grade. Keep in mind the block at each step-up must be completely buried to maintainthe proper base depth and to prevent wall failure due to erosion.

** For walls under 4 ft. (1.2 m) digthe base trench 18 in. wide(460 mm) and 4 in. deep (100mm) plus additional to ac-count for the amount of buriedblock needed.

AB Collection

Allan Block walls areversatile with provenperformance.

Compact andlevel wall rock

Excavate andcompact next

step-up

Install step up

Compact andlevel wall rock

Stepping up the BaseStepping up the Base


Allan Block walls areversatile with provenperformance.

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Install geogridon every othercourse as needed.

Install Reinforcement Once the base course is complete, begin installing the first layer of AB Reinforce-ment Grid. When using the AB or AB Europa Collection begin by placing theedge of the geogrid against the back of the raised front lip and rolling it outalong the wall. For AB Fieldstone, place the edge of the geogrid in the middleof the facing unit. Refer to your approved plans for exact size and location.

Stack the next course of blocks so that the vertical seams are offset from the blocksbelow by at least 1/4 the length of the block.

Sight down the wall line to check for align-ment. Blocks may be adjusted slightly toform straight lines or smooth flowing curves.

Pull on the back of the geogrid to removeany slack. If necessary, stake it in place.Never drive or compact directly on the ge-ogrid. This will cause damage to the geogrid.

Backfilling and Compaction Install wall rock in the block cores and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the block. Use infillor approved on-site soils to backfill behind the wall rock to the height of the block.

The wall rock and infill soils behind the wall must be properly compacted using aplate compactor. Compact in lifts of 8 in. (200 mm) or less, this time starting on theblock and working in a path that runs parallel to the block and towards the backof the excavated area. Always make a minimum of two passes with a plate com-pactor. Compaction should be continued to achieve solid, movement-free soil.

Remove all excess material from the top surface of all blocks. This prepares aclean, smooth surface for placement of the next course.

Additional Courses Continue installing your next courses of block using the steps shown above. Peryour approved plans, install geogrid on every other course of the wall.

Using these steps complete the wall to the desired height. On the last course,

Residential Retaining Wall Installation Guide for Allan Block ...

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