Written by AB Retaining Walls on February 9th, 2009
Finishing Options
Do you want to know a cost effective way to finish your wall? There are several options. You could use materials like mulch, rock or plantings to save money and time on finishing your project.
I found the raised front-lip Allan Block has provides a convenient built-in edging for a variety of finishing materials like mulch or landscape rock. You can plant right up to the front of the block by filling the top course of blocks with organic soils and your favorite planting materials. You could also consider hanging plants that drape over a wall; it really adds a dramatic effect. Allan Block Capstones can also be an option that gives the
wall a nice clean finish.
There are also several different options for ending and stepping down walls. If you want to find out more information on this topic click on the above link or visit allanblock.com.
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Tags: finishing options, green walls, Planters, Step downs
Written by AB Retaining Walls on February 9th, 2009
Soil types
Want to build a landscape retaining wall that looks good and will last a lifetime. There are some simple things you can do when building your project that will ensure your wall stands tall and straight and beautiful for years to come. One commonly overlooked factor is the soil you are building on and trying to retain. So it’s all in the dirt…
Look around your neighborhood…you will probably notice some of the existing walls are bulging, cracking, leaning or are simply uneven. This is because many of these walls aren’t built to handle the weight of the hillside they are supposed to be holding back.
Even a small retaining wall needs to contain heavy loads. Remarkably, soil weighs a lot and the type of soil you have can really change the way your wall is built. Soil types can range from clay to gravel to organic types. First you need to figure out the type of soil you have.
Check out the information on soil types that Allan Block has on their website, to see what type of soil you have. And then get building on the right kind of soil, and your wall can be the one in the neighborhood that stands straight and tall…the envy of the neighborhood!
-Danelle
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Tags: clay soil, dirt, mixed soil, sandy soil, Soil
Written by AB Retaining Walls on February 8th, 2009
Q:
When putting up a 3 tier wall with a 4″ drain tile behind it at the base, what size and type of gravel should I use for the base and what type should I use behind the wall? 1″ or 2″? Washed? Or Crush and run?
A:
For ease of construction, I would recommend using the same stone for your base material and wall rock. As defined in the AB Spec Book: “Material must be well-graded compactable aggregate, 0.25 in. to 1.5 in., (6 mm – 38 mm) with no more than 10% passing the #200 sieve.” If you are going to order only one type of material on the site, I would go with the 1 inch washed. Otherwise you could use the crush and run for the base material and the washed for the wall rock.
Read more about wall rock and construction in the AB Spec Book on allanblock.com.
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on February 7th, 2009
Q:
I noticed on your web site a drain tile exiting through the wall with a grate on it. How is this accomplished? Is block cut by me or is it sold that way?
A:
To accomplish the drainage through the face of the block, you will need to cut the block (unless your dealer or local producer has already spent the time to do so). To do this, we suggest scoring the face of the block with a diamond blade, then use a chisel to break away the piece of concrete.
If you have any further questions, please contact us through the Contact Us link on allanblock.com or post a question on our blog!
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on February 6th, 2009
Water Management
Building a retaining wall can be easy. Just a few simple steps and some thoughtful planning can make just about any wall design a reality. A common step in the planning process that is often overlooked is managing the water on the site. The success of your wall project can depend on how well this is done. So where does the water go?
The idea is to keep the water that flows on the site to travel away from or around the retaining wall – not through or behind the wall. This causes extra pressure and weight on the wall and could potentially cause the wall to fail. To avoid this type of scenario simply plan an appropriate path for this water to travel.
When designing your wall, take a look at the layout of your entire site. Where does the water flow? Once the wall is in, where will that water go? You may need to incorporate swales or berms to deter the water from heading toward the wall. The Allan Block Landscape Walls Guide has some good information on this. Click here to check it out.
Aside from where the water goes after the wall is built, you may also want to take some time to think about water while building and staging your materials. If you get a heavy down pour during construction, you definitely want to make sure that water travels away from your wall.
With the water on your project managed properly you can rest easy knowing that your wall will stand tall and stay dry for a long time to come.
-Danelle
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Tags: dealing with water, drainage, Water Management, water problems
Written by AB Retaining Walls on February 5th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Software Makes Designing a Segmental Retaining Wall Easy Without Compromising Stability
2/5/2009 MINNEAPOLIS, MN – In an effort to simplify how segmental retaining walls are designed, Allan Block has enhanced and improved our software package, AB Walls 2007, and version 8.6 is now available. It is now even easier to provide retaining wall designs with the ultimate accuracy and structural stability.
Allan Block is excited to be the first in the industry to release a design tool that includes the new design methodology from NCMA’s anticipated 3rd Edition to their Segmental Retaining Wall Design Manual. This new design methodology includes the addition of Internal Compound Stability and the way internal seismic forces are distributed.
The software continues to allow the designer to generate elevation, plan and multiple cross sectional views of their retaining wall project. However, it now gives even more design options for the engineer to choose from, keeping AB Walls 2007 Version 8.6 the most flexible design tool available for engineering segmental retaining walls.
With this new design software and methodology comes supporting documents like the new AB Engineering Manual and Tech Sheets that will explain the changes to the designers. AB Walls 2007 version 8.6 is only available on CD.
Allan Block Corporation is a leading provider of retaining wall systems for commercial, industrial, roadway and residential projects. With millions of square feet of retaining wall product installed though out the world, Allan Block has the resources to deliver performance and quality to every project.
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Tags: AB Walls 2007, Design Software, Professional assistance
Written by AB Retaining Walls on February 2nd, 2009
Q:
Are there any lighting options with Allan Block?
A:
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. For wireless lights consider the solar lighting to promote a sustainable landscape.
More information on lighting can be found on allanblock.com’s Home Owner Tab on the home page.
- Plan, Design, and Build
Under the How to Plan, Design and Build Residential Retaining Walls you can find a link to Lighting where more information about lighting with Allan Block can be found.
- Lighting
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 27th, 2009
Q:
We are thinking of using an Allan Block retaining wall. We were wondering what kind of warranty is on your block?
A:
We know that standard concrete building blocks made in the 1950s using a similar process are still performing in building structures around the world. With the improvements in technology used today, we believe Allan Block units will last a lifetime.
Some of our producers do in fact carry a warranty, but few producers feel the need to do so. We are confident that a properly engineered and installed wall will last you a lifetime, especially with the support of the Allan Block Corporation and our talented producers. For more information about your local producer/distributor’s policy, visit our dealer locator and contact the Allan Block supplier nearest you.
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 22nd, 2009
Tools need to build a retaining wall
Don’t Come to the Party without All the Right Tools – Building Your Own Retaining Wall
So you have decided to build a retaining wall and want to do it yourself? Fantastic! Building your own retaining walls can be easy and with just a few simple steps and some careful planning your yard will have a whole new landscape. One thing you may want to think about before you begin is whether or not you have all the tools you need to complete the job. There is nothing worse than being knee-deep into a project and having to stop, run to the store and buy something or rent some equipment you did have or budget for. Allan Block has a page on their website that has a very informative section on getting ready to build and a list of possible items you may need to get the job done right. Click here to check it out so you can make sure you come to your own retaining wall building party with all the tools you need to get the job done right!
-Danelle
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Tags: equipments, tools
Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 20th, 2009
Q:
Where can I find the available block colors?
A:
Visit allanblock.com and click on the Where to Buy tab located on the top toolbar.
Where to Buy?
By clicking on Where to Buy the following window will open allowing you to search for your dealer’s website.
Find a Dealer Near You
On allanblock.com you will be able to find what block collections are available from your local dealer and in what colors.
If you have any specific questions about availability or color please contact your local dealer and request more information. While each run of block varies in color slightly, our dealers have been around the block a few times and can help ensure you that your blocks will look as close to the sample colors as possible!
Start your search today by logging on the allanblock.com to find the dealer nearest to you!
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 15th, 2009
As an engineer, I tend to be conservative. I need some proof before I will stray from the most conservative design possible. The problem with a conservative design however, is that it tends to make the cost of a project much higher. Any time a new product is introduced to the marketplace, the engineering community naturally chooses the side of structural stability over a less costly design, and it was no different when Allan Block introduced the AB Fence System.
AB Fence Testing
Allan Block agreed that a very conservative design approach should be used until the system underwent very thorough testing. Even with the conservative designs, the AB Fence System was a more cost friendly product than competitive fencing systems, but the AB engineers knew that the system had vastly greater structural capabilities than were being assumed in the engineering community.
So they teamed up with the University of Calgary and with Stork/Twin City Testing to put the system through rigorous testing to show the kind of loading it was actually capable of handling. The structural component testing and full-system testing outperformed even the expectations of the engineers at Allan Block. The result? Now a typical AB Fence design, while still very structurally sound, is much more cost effective. This makes the AB Fence system by far the best option for sound abatement, security fencing, and other applications for anyone who wants a reliable and safe structure without spending a fortune. And as an engineer, I’m all for that!
Steve
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 10th, 2009
Q:
Where can I find cost estimates?
A:
First find your local Allan Block dealer by searching Where to Buy on allanblock.com, then contact your Certified Allan Block Dealer for an accurate quotation on your project.
Where to Buy
Allan Block cost varies depending on the style of wall you choose. Our walls are competitive with timber and stack rock, while costing up to 30 percent less than walls requiring concrete footings.
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 10th, 2009
Q:
What size compactor is recommended? Weight? Force?
A:
You can usually use whatever plate compactor is available at your local rental store. Contractors that we talk to usually favor compactors with about 5000 lb (21 kN) of force.
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 9th, 2009
Q:
Is there a way to clean discolored blocks?
Efflorescence
A:
There are concrete cleaning products available depending on the cause of the discoloration. Discoloration that appears as a white chalky powder is called efflorescence.
Efflorescence is a natural calcium carbonate discharge on the surface of concrete products. It is caused by the products used to create the block and it can disappear over time. Cleaning products can help to eliminate the problem, but cleaning is not crucial to the life of your block.
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Written by AB Retaining Walls on January 7th, 2009
January 7th, 2009 MINNEAPOLIS, MN For complete details on how to build segmental retaining walls for commercial, residential, DOT or others projects using the Allan Block products, see the AB Commercial Retaining Wall Manual . From start to finish this document will guide you through everything you need to know for your project to be successful. Learn how to plan and design out your project before beginning, then use the detailed information, graphics and photos to install a gravity, reinforced or patterned retaining wall.
The AB Commercial Retaining Wall Manual is a very useful tool for everyone involved with SRW projects. Engineers and architects can understand how the system is engineered, use the detailed designs, reinforcement charts and specifications to specify the AB products with confidence. Contractors find the helpful installation information makes their jobs more efficient by saving them time and money. Owners of construction companies are known to be handing out this manual, in English and in Spanish, to their crews when building Allan Block Retaining walls because of the detailed information that is available.
Besides the basic installation information that is available, check out some of what is also included:
- Building curves, corners and stairways
- Projects with water, its effects and requirements for proper construction
- Proper techniques for incorporating terraces
- Finishing and ending wall options
- AutoCAD Details on common topics
- Detailed soil information
- Internal and external analysis plus design considerations
Allan Block Corporation has been in the segmental retaining wall business for over 20 years, with millions of square feet of their products installed worldwide. The AB Commercial Retaining Wall Manual has the latest and most up to date information available. Visit our website at allanblock.com to view or print your copy, as well as check out all of the other tools and information that are available to help you Plan, Design and Build your next Allan Block Retaining Wall Project.
Media Contact:
Allan Block Corporation,
Phone: 952-835-5309
Fax: 952-835-0013
Email: info@allanblock.com
http://www.allanblock.com
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Tags: Allan Block Walls, Commercial Retaining Walls, Installtion guide, Plan design and build
