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| What is backfill? |
|
The material used to
fill the excavated area behind the wall. This can sometimes be the original
excavated soil. We recommend using 3/4" (19.1mm)
minus aggregate with no fines as your backfill material. |
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| What is the base? |
|
The area in which you
will lay your first course of block. We suggest using 3/4" (19.1mm) minus aggregate with fines as your base material.
|
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| What are fines? |
|
The smaller particles
of aggregate. |
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| How do I prepare my base? |
|
Lay 6" (152mm) of compactable aggregate (sand and gravel) in the
bottom of the trench and compact. We recommend using 3/4" (19.1mm) minus aggregate with fines as your base material
and the use of a hand tamper to compact. |
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| Do I really have to
bury the first course |
|
Yes! Compacting the
base and burying and leveling the first course are necessary for a long-lasting,
beautiful wall. |
| |
| How many cap units do I need? |
|
Cap Units for Diamond
and Highland - Convert the total linear feet of your wall to inches and divide
by 14.5 |
| |
| What colors are available? |
|
Contact your local distributor to find out what colors are
available in your area. |
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What is compaction
And how do I compact? |
|
Compressing or
densifying the soil material used for the base and backfill. Use a hand tamper
to compact. |
| |
| What is a course? |
|
The horizontal layers
of blocks used to build a wall. |
| |
| What is drainage aggregate? |
|
The material used to
refill the void between the back of the block and the native soil. It is
recommended aggregate be placed directly behind the blocks and acceptable native
(original) soil be used for the remaining void. |
| |
| What is grade? |
|
Ground level. |
| |
| What is a gravity wall? |
|
A wall that resists
the forces of soil through the weight and batter of the segmental retaining wall
unit. |
| |
| How high can I build my wall? |
|
Highland: 3 1/2' (1.2m) or 8 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Diamond: 3 1/2' (1.2m) or 8 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Meadow: 30" (762mm) or 7 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Windsor: 20" (508mm) or 6 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Oxford: 27" (686mm) or 4 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Border Stone: 12" (305mm) or four courses, which includes a buried base course.
Sahara: 20" (508mm) or 6 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
|
| |
| What holds the wall in place? |
|
An integral rear lip
is molded into every Anchor block unit. The lip automatically guides each new
course; ensuring proper alignment and precise setback. No pins and no
mortar. |
| |
| What is batter? |
|
As a segmental
retaining wall rises, units are set back from one course to the next to create a
batter for increased stability. It is this angle that is described as the
batter. |
| |
| at is surcharge? |
|
An external load that
is usually located at the top of a segmental retaining wall. Surcharge can be
the result of a “dead” load, such as a building foundation or a “live” load,
which could be the result of heavy construction equipment or automobiles.
|
| |
| What is the running bond? |
|
A staggered vertical
alignment used to create a consistent pattern. It may be necessary to utilize
split or partial units to maintain a running bond. |
| |
| What is reinforcement? |
|
A sheet material made
from high-tensile strength polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester that is
specifically made to support the soils behind the wall. Note: This must be
installed by a contractor. |
| |
| What is slope? |
|
The angle that the
backfill makes with a horizontal line. |
| |
| How do I split a block? |
|
Use a hammer and
chisel to score the block on all sides. Pound the chisel along the score line
until the block splits. If the block does not split easily, you may need to use
a circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade. Read and understand the operating
manual before using the saw. Always wear eye protection when splitting blocks.
Partial blocks should always be adhered with a concrete adhesive. |
| |
| What is a terraced wall? |
|
Walls placed in a
multi-level arrangement. |
| |
| Can I build multiple
or terraced walls in order to stay at or under the maximum wall height? |
|
Terracing is one
method of retaining areas with a total wall height greater than 4' (1.2m). The site of the second wall should be located
behind the first wall at a distance of at least or greater than 2 times the
height of the first wall under ideal soil conditions. By using this method, the
weight of the second wall has very little to no bearing on the first wall. This
method should be used only if each wall does not exceed 4' (1.2m). |
| |
| What tools do I need to build my wall? |
|
You'll need a shovel,
tape measure, hammer, chisel, carpenter's level, stakes, string line, safety
glasses, glove, pencil and a square. |
| |
| Why retaining wall blocks? |
|
No pins or mortar! The
Anchor Wall System is easy, the rear lip guides the block into place. Design and
build curves, straight walls and terraces. High-quality concrete is
low-maintenance. Natural rock face and warm earthtones enhance any environment.
|
| |
|
More
questions? You can contact us at:
Anchor Wall Systems
5959 Baker Road,
Suite 390,
Minnetonka, MN 55345
1-877-295-5415 or
1-952-933-8855
|
