New Contemporary Look in Retaining Walls

AB Aztec Collection

The Allan Block Aztec retaining wall blocks have a clean, smooth look to offer a contemporary style to any project.  The blocks are available in 4 different shapes and sizes that are all modular, they work great separately and when grouped together make beautiful patterns.   If you are familiar with the other block collections from Allan Block, the AB Aztec blocks are the same just with this new modern, smoother facing.  They are installed just the same so detailed installation and videos are available.  With the varying color blends and eye-catching flowing texture, this product offers the look of movement with impressive results.  

As with any of the AB retaining wall blocks, this system can build any size project from small garden walls to large engineered walls.  Easily create curves, corners, stairs, the options are open to your design.

If this is the look for your project, check out more information on AB Aztec today to create your perfect outdoor living area.

Vertical or Staggered Wall Ends – How do I Choose?

Written by Gerri Hansen

The AB Courtyard wall panels can be finished with a vertical end by cutting corner blocks, or by simply staggering the blocks back from the end of the wall to create a gradual step-down look.  For a no cut option I would recommend the staggered look.  This can be done by simply removing a block from the wall panel during installation, so the wall finishes short, then place the corner block.  The corner blocks can be flipped either direction to match the angle of the last block placed.  

On additional courses, continue to remove or leave off a block to again set the wall back in the distance desired, until the top height of the wall panel is achieved – no capping is needed.  If a larger stagger is created between courses, the AB Wall Caps may need to be cut to fill in any gaps created.  Measure the space and cut the blocks with a saw using a diamond blade and adhere to safety standards.


If a vertical end is desired, on every other course a corner block will need to be measured and cut to allow proper alignment. See the AB Courtyard reference guide for details and links to videos to help you choose the best option for your project.

How to design and build a retaining wall near a tree and not kill it?

Written by Jeremy Zeis

Three steps to make sure your tree survives retaining wall construction.

It’s time to design that retaining wall that you’ve been wanting for a while now, but there’s just one problem; your favorite tree is standing in the general area that the new wall will be. Construction can be a brutal process and you aren’t sure if your beautiful tree will be able to survive the stress that putting up a retaining wall can create. Well, fortunately, we’ve got some good news for you. Along with some proper planning, the following three steps can be used to ensure that your tree will survive well beyond the construction and installation phases of your new retaining wall.

1. Talk to an arborist.

            We may be experts on retaining walls, but when it comes to trees we’ve got nothing on arborists. These tree professionals are the perfect people to consult about any specific needs that your tree might have when it comes to surviving retaining wall construction. They’ll be able to give you a general idea of what impact the changes you’re making will have on the existing trees and how easy it will be for them to adapt. If asked, they can also share some tips and tricks to monitor how healthy your tree is and what you have to do if it’s showing any warning signs.

 2. Be mindful of your tree when designing your wall.

          

  Trees need space. With roots that grow out in every direction, trees can take up a lot of ground space, but how much do they need in order to stay healthy? The most important area of the tree’s space to protect is the Critical Root Zone (CRZ). The CRZ is where the majority of the tree’s major root systems begin. This zone can be estimated by tracing the canopy of the tree onto the ground (the dripline) as seen in Figure 1. If you want your tree to survive, it is important to design your wall in a way that avoids interfering with the CRZ This can be done by curving your wall around the zone.

3. Avoid the Critical Root Zone during construction.

           

Not only is it important to avoid the CRZ with your design, but it’s also important to be mindful of it during construction. In order to maximize the chances of your tree surviving construction, any of the following actions should be avoided within the CRZ if possible:

·       Any soil compaction

·       Changing grade

·       Parking heavy machinery

·       Material storage

·       Digging into soil and damaging the tree’s roots

As you can imagine, even if they take place outside of the CRZ, any of the above actions will still affect the tree’s health, just not as severely as if they happen inside of the zone. It’s also important to note that not all trees will react to changes in their growing environment the same way, so be sure to find out how your specific tree will be affected.

In addition to the three steps above, we encourage you to learn more about proper retaining wall construction so that your favorite tree and new wall can both live healthy lives for decades to come. 

Reaching for the Skies - How tall can I build with AB Fence?

Written by Chad Julius

Let’s start with the current record holder.  Our tallest AB Fence system built is located in South Hackensack, New Jersey and reaches a maximum height of 30 ft (9.0 m). For a complete write up you can check out the case study, Tallest Sound Barrier.  I would doubt we will see too many projects that will require a taller fence than that. 

Most of our fence projects range from 6 ft (1.9 m) to 12 ft (2.8 m). However, instead of focusing on the maximum height, let’s talk about what factors will influence the height.

• Wind Pressure – based on climate information for your area and average wind speed is known.
• Exposure to the Wind – fences that are constructed on shorelines and in open areas will be unprotected to the wind more than fences that are located around buildings.
  
• Post spacing – this all comes down to the size of the panel area and how much pressure is being supported by the posts.
  
• Concrete Strength – there are limits to the strength of concrete and too much pressure could cause cracking and failure.
  
• Structural Steel Design – this includes the amount of steel located in the posts as well as the bond beams within the panel.  The more bond beams used the stronger the panel becomes.  

For more information check out the AB Fence Section at allanblock.com.