How to Build a Gravity Retaining Wall

A gravity wall is a retaining wall that uses the weight of the blocks combined with the friction of the blocks, gravel and soil to give the structure its strength. Gravity walls do not use geogrid reinforcement. This video shows how to build an Allan Block gravity wall. Allan Block is a mortarless system that requires no concrete, grout, or pins to hold it together. You can find many more videos, photos, literature, estimating tools and more regarding retaining walls, AB Courtyard Collection seating walls and the AB Fence product at www.allanblock.com.

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[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!

[blockvideos]

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

[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]

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.