How to Build a Gravity Retaining Wall

[dosh228]

i've seen many of these walls they look great for the first couple of years, and not so there after, rio and concreate is a must if you are a true proffessional..

[blockvideos]

@dosh228 If properly installed - using the Allan Block Instruction Manuals and proper design - there is absolutely no need for concrete to be used.  The key is compacting the wall rock in the proper manner and designing for proper water management. With those done - the wall will not sag.

[kimkrisrich]

This cant be used as a privacy fence right? Because anybody can steal them off your yard.

[blockvideos]

@kimkrisrich A Gravity Wall is designed to retain soil not create a privacy fence, Allan Block has other products like the AB Fence to handle that type of project. But even so, Allan Block retaining walls have been installed in millions of residential neighborhood and at approximately 75lbs these blocks typically do not grow legs.

[PhillipBroussard]

@blockvideos How high can you build it?

[blockvideos]

@PhillipBroussard

Well that really all depends on the site conditions and your design. We have walls built in California that are over 50 feet tall. (seismic zone). So with the proper design and engineering - the sky is the limit!

[HarcourtMarketing]

In many USA cities, if lime mix is used as mortar. It is not regulated.

Just kick in a pint of ArmorAll sealant per 30 gallons of mix.

Pretty cheap, and damn near water proof. 

[blockvideos]

@HarcourtMarketing Since Allan Block Retaining walls are mortarless and require no grout - this is an even cheaper solution.

[blockvideos]

nope. no concrete footing is needed, a crushed rock base that is thoroughly compacted is perfect. For more information on this or other application questions, check out the installation section of the allan block website.

[maynardcat]

Don't you have to pour a concrete footing for the first row of blocks. How about when you reach steps, and turn sharp corners or need onlty half a block or less.

[fitzgeraldmistral]

what is the advantage if any over using grout or cement with normal blocks?

[blockvideos]

@fitzgeraldmistral

Mortarless Construction has been used for centuries. So we know the technology works. Building “flexible” structures with interlocking dry-stacked materials provides superior performance over rigid construction techniques. Add the benefits inherent in a mortarless system - site adaptability, installation by general laborers, lower cost - and you have what we call the Allan Block Advantage. For more info check out our installation information on the Allan Block website.

[gamewizard]

@fitzgeraldmistral

Any structure that does not require cement or mortar is considered temporary and permission usually isn't needed to build it. My brother built a wall on his property without cement or mortar because he would have needed an inspection, a permit, and then another inspection after and if the inspector didn't like what he did he would have had to tear it down. He didn't have to go through any of that because he didn't use cement or mortar on the blocks.

[blockvideos]

@gamewizard

It is true that proper installation does not require concrete or mortar. However, most municipalities would not classify the wall as a temporary structure, but we are happy to hear that it worked out well for your brother. As your brother did, we inform people to work with their local inspectors to find out what the requirements are. Generally, getting the local building officials involved early helps lead to a successful end project.

[blockvideos]

Fill in the area in front of the blocks with on-site soils. This will keep the base course blocks from shifting while filling and compacting. Then Fill the hollow cores and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the block with wall rock to the height of the block. Then backfill behind the wall rock and use a plate compactor directly behind the block then parallel to the wall. from Check the base course for level and adjust as necessary.

[suciosoldier]

I do the first compacting until the 2nd block, if I do it in the 1st one frekig blocks move

[Darkblazie]

hello everybody!!!!

[shizerm8]

Im waiting for Ali G to come into the video to lay his brick :D

[eiffelTowerMan]

lol

[pwnrzero]

No comments and over 130,000 views?

Wow.