| |
| 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. |
| |
| 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.
|
| |
| What
are fines?
|
|
The
smaller particles of aggregate.
|
| |
| 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. |
| |
| 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. |
| |
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
|
