Installation
TEL .(805) 376 9924
FAX .(805) 499 0864
280 ASTA AVE.
NEWBURY PARK
CALIFORNIA 91320
U.S.A.
E-MAIL slopeblock@aol.com
Gravity Block System
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There are two design options available for wall construction. With or without concrete footings. Contact your local SlopeBlock representative for the option that applies to your installation. As a rule walls under 6’ do not require concrete footings.
Blocks are stacked dry; no mortar, no steel, no tiebacks, no geogrid and no connectors! Minimum amount of grading required. For block tilts having an angle of inclination greater than 27 degrees the system functions as an erosion control cladding armament rather than a retaining wall. For block walls, with a tilt between 10 and 27 degrees, wall calculations provided based on ICC Legacy Report No. ER-5863
Simple installation procedures for homeowners STEP 1 PLANNING Make a drawing of the retaining wall location. Include any adjoining buildings, stairways, fences, gardens, and patios on your drawing. Measure and mark your drawing carefully, including the wall heights as well as other vertical dimensions, such as change in levels. You will require the following materials and equipment: Gloves, String line, Wheelbarrow, Tape measure, Carpenters level, Hammer, Line level, Shovel, Pick At this time, determine where the materials should be delivered. Remember that the pallets of block are heavy, and the back fill material may have to be transported by a wheelbarrow to the actual wall location. STEP 2 PREPARATION Stake out the location of the wall. If you feel it is appropriate, contact the utility company for location and depths of their pipes, cables, and conduits. Their services are usually free. STEP 3 EXCAVATION You are ready to begin the actual installation of your wall. The depth of your excavation will depend on the conditions of your soil. You must excavate the foundation to a minimum depth of 6”. The first row of blocks must sit a minimum of 6” below the finished grade of the low side of the wall. You should also maintain a 6” trench width behind the wall for 6” of back fill.
Once you’ve completed your excavation, and before you erect your wall, you must prepare your base correctly. If firm, undisturbed soil is reached at 8”, the first row of block may be placed directly onto the soil. If it is necessary to excavate below the first row of blocks due to poor soil conditions, excavate deeper and add 6” minimum angular gravel. STEP 5 ERECTING THE WALL Before you lay the first row of blocks, stake out a string line and use your line level to check the alignment and level. Once you’ve done this, lay your first row of blocks for the entire wall (the bottom block must be closed face). Then simply lay the next row of blocks on top of the previous row, making any necessary adjustments to the joints as you progress . String line every course and back fill each course. Open joints should be used as planters to produce an attractive landscaped area. STEP 6 BACK FILL As you lay your blocks, it is important to back fill behind the wall every row. Always use a graded granular material. We recommend that you use back fill which is completely devoid of organic particles. Continue to back fill until you are approximately 6” below the finish grade to allow for topsoil or sod. No compaction behind the wall is required for gravel back fill. STEP 7 FINISHING You should mortar or epoxy seal the closed course top row of blocks. Now that you have completed your retaining wall, you are ready to clean up and complete your landscaping. Fill in the 6” below the finish grade with topsoil and replace the the sod or planting you saved earlier to the top of the wall. |
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