How to Start an AB Courtyard Wall Panel at a Post or Existing Structure

AB Courtyard Dublin blocks will need to be modified to create a straight edge to the blocks.  This will create a professional look when meeting up with the existing structure or post.  Use a saw with a diamond blade and cut 2 Dublin blocks in half, one down the middle, which creates two ½ sized blocks, and one down the center of one of the raised rings to create a ¾ and a ¼ sized block. Then, place the cut side of the blocks toward the existing structure or post and build out as normal. On the second course, place another cut piece to continue the straight edge to the height desired for the panel. Refer to the pattern for stacking the cut blocks so they line up properly as you build each course. Using the AB Dublin block, you will need to cut 2 blocks for a 4-course tall wall, as shown here. The cut side of the block will create the straight side that is needed for a finished look. Check out this video on cutting or splitting blocks for more information.

Three Tips for Smoothly Building AB Courtyard Curves

When building with AB Courtyard and curves are in the design, there are a couple tricks to help the project go smoother.  In order for the curves to turn in the direction designed, all of the AB York blocks need to be installed with their long sides facing the outside of the curve. Easy enough, but what if the block starting the curve is not angled the direction you want the wall to start turning?  How do you fix this? 

There are a couple options, but all will center on changing the initial block that started the section.

Option 1: Start by removing the last block that has the wrong angle, then slide all the blocks down one block back to the start of the section. By doing this, you have now fixed the angle for the curve to continue.  Now at the initial start of the section this block needs to be changed.  The simplest option is to turn the block over as this will change the angle.  Then fill in with the block that was removed to complete the section. 

Option 2: If starting from a post pillar or existing surface, replace the initial cut block with the opposite angle cut block. This option works well when building the first course and turning the block over isn’t an option. With the blocks being modular and the initial cut block is a ¼ size, then this block and a AB York block could be removed and replaced with a ¾ size cut Dublin block with the correct angle (or vice versa) as the 2 smaller blocks and the 1 larger block equal the same size. 

Option 3: If the wall section was starting from a corner block, flipping this block over changes the angle.

Check out our video when coming off a post (flat surface).  Using this trick will help when working with AB Courtyard and curves.

Adding Height to your Front Yard

Have a flat front yard, but want something to dress it up? Adding in some front planters with shrubberies to add additional height will do the trick. Choose the block style and color that compliments your home. Depending on how much you enjoy plantings, use annuals or perennials or a combination of both to fill in the planter. Adding an automatic plant watering system, like a drip line, can make life easier and keep the plants looking healthy.

SRW vs Big Block - Which is Better?

There are many misconceptions about “big block” units versus SRWs due to misinformation. Here are some perceived advantages of big block units.

• Bigger is better: False - If all walls are designed and constructed properly and based on industry standards outlined in Best Practices for Segmental Retaining Wall Design, they will all perform as required.
• You can build larger gravity walls with big blocks: False - Allan Block with no-fines concrete (NFC) backfill is considered a gravity wall structure and will have a design depth similar to that of big block. Also, the cost of using Allan Block and NFC is consistently $10-$20 a sq ft less than big block when comparing material cost and installation.
• Big blocks can use less geogrid: False - When grid is needed to create reinforced retaining walls, the grid length is equivalent for big block and Allan Block walls, which is roughly 60% of the wall height.
• Big blocks are better when excavation space behind the wall is limited: False Allan Block with no fines concrete backfill can achieve the same wall heights with similar or less structure depth.

With these misconceptions clarified, here are some reasons why Allan Block wins versus big block products.

• Faster manufacturing time using a dry cast concrete block machine
• 1000s/day for AB vs 1-2/day for big block per mold. Block machines produce higher quality product with a much tighter tolerance for block dimension between units.
• Lower freight costs
• Approx. 520 ft² (48 m²) per load for AB vs 15-50 ft² (1.4-4.6 m²) for big block.
• Lower installation cost
• Lower production cost + lower freight cost + the cost of smaller equipment for AB = lower installed cost
• Simplified Scheduling and Installation
• Big block projects need to be produced, staged, shipped and installed in a manner to follow the layout and design parameters of each project. Specific blocks must be shipped at the right time and installed in the correct location within each wall. AB product is simple in that all the product sizes are the same and any unit can go at any spot within the wall which simplifies the scheduling and installation process.
• Large group of AB Certified Contractors
• Thousands of AB Certified Wall Contractors properly trained on SRW installation.

These benefits for Allan Block will most commonly result in a more economical installation cost. Production costs alone may result in up to a 75% reduction when comparing an AB product to a typical big block retaining wall product. When you factor in the additional freight cost due to the additional number of trucks required to ship a big block product, the cost savings can add up quickly.

Another benefit that is often overlooked is the large group of AB Certified Wall Installers. The Allan Block Contractor Certification Program is designed to give contractors the proper training and tools to ensure top quality retaining walls are built. As a leader in the industry, Allan Block Corporation has developed these tools and training programs to help contractors get the knowledge and the resources they need. With the help of our vast network of trained Allan Block representatives, thousands of professionals have already taken advantage of our installation training, technical support, and the many tools we have available to help them plan, design and build with Allan Block products.

SRWs have become a cost effective and reliable option for virtually all retaining wall projects. SRW design, construction and performance have continued to improve, and much of this advancement has been, and will continue to be influenced by Allan Block’s research and development. For more information on AB Walls and NFC, please visit allanblock.com.

What if the Fit isn’t Perfect?

Segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems have a variety of positive attributes, which include an assortment of sizes, styles and colors available for each project.  This variety of options will allow you to customize your project while also providing you flexibility on your site to match any condition. 

Often, we are asked how to “fit” the wall into an area, because the space allocated for the wall doesn’t match the exact size of the blocks meeting up with an existing structure. There is a very easy solution with any of the Allan Block (AB) products, and we will outline how you can fit product into any site below. 

First, when you are working with AB, it is important to understand what type of tools will be necessary. Whether you need to extend the wall a bit to fit it into your area, or shorten the block a bit, a concrete saw with a diamond blade may be required.  To cut the block, mark each unit at the length needed to fit each respective block into the desired location.  You can do this by using a lead or soapstone pencil that will easily wash away.  Using your concrete saw, cut the block/s along the marked line and to the required length to allow for easy placement into your retaining wall and ensure the finished look is just right.  Learn more about modifying blocks online or email (info@allanblock.com) us about more site specific questions.