Allan Block Estimating Tools
Chosse the Right Tool for Your Next Project
Allan Block makes it easy to estimate your materials. Choose from the estimating tools below to quickly calculate the amount of materials for your retaining wall, patio seating wall and/or fence projects.
Please Read: Important Update for AB Walls Users
Starting with AB Walls version 25.0.0, the software now utilizes a new software installer. Versions 21.0.37 and older will become deactivated on 07/01/25. Please uninstall any older versions and update to version 25. Users will not need to register the software again.
The Ultimate Design Tool for Segmental Retaining Walls
AB Walls is a comprehensive design tool which outputs professional quality construction drawings with technical support data. It allows designers to transfer a conceptual layout from a site plan to a complete wall solution and then export it to various CAD software programs as well as to the 3D Modeling Program SketchUp. In addition, designers can generate elevations, plans, and multiple cross sectional views of their retaining wall projects.
Some of the program's design capabilities include static and seismic calculations for internal, external and internal compound stability. And most recently has been enhanced to allow designers to calculate internal and external results for complex terraced wall structures. AB Walls can take a designed wall project and print a complete package in one step making it an easy submittal to your client.
Inspired by the work in the Best Practices for SRW Design document to help drive the industry towards zero wall failures.
Request AB Walls
What Else Can AB Walls 3D+Terraces Design Software Do?
AB CADD Program in AB Walls - See Full Details Here
AB Walls now includes a full Computer Aided Design and Drafting program (CADD). AB CADD establishes new outputs that provide a full set of Construction Drawings, allowing you to provide the full story of everything that a contractor or inspector needs to meet your precise design requirements on site.
Detailing Enhancements:
One of the most difficult parts of the design and build process for segmental walls is conveying the design requirements to the contractor. AB Walls has greatly enhanced the Submittal and Shop Drawing Outputs to allow the designer to:
- Fully detail the wall profile with specific stationing and elevations of all step ups and step downs on the top and bottom of the wall profile.
- Provide multiple cross sections along the profile to thoroughly detail the design variations that can occur along the length of the wall. The inclusion of terraced panels is integrated seamlessly into the program, allowing the designer to have both terraces and non-terraced wall panels and sections within a single design.
- Display site specific wall drainage details directly on the cross sections. Blanket drains, chimney drains, drainage swales, etc. can now be shown directly on the cross section.
- ully detail the plan view with stationing and geogrid depths. Knowing the geogrid depth allows the designers and contractors to avoid possible grid obstructions during construction.
- Provide individual panel views connected directly to their design panel section to provide clarity for grid placement.
Design Enhancements:
- A designer can model up to three different soil layers for both the infill and retained soil layers. This multiple soil layer modeling is used in the Internal Compound Stability section of AB Walls.
- For terraced designs, the designer can use a different soil type in each terrace�s infill or retained soils to allow for as close to as built conditions as possible.
- Use Trial Wedge Design Methodology for slopes above the wall in seismic regions. This provides the designer an alternative to the traditionally used Mononobe Okabe (M-O) method that greatly limits the steepness of slopes above any seismically loaded wall.
- An engineer can see graphical results from the Internal Compound Stability analysis from the Pressure Mapping page.
- Offers Internal Compound Stability analysis to be applied to No-Fines Concrete designs. Independent testing lab results have provided a conservative design friction angle which allows the designers to utilize the benefits of ICS calculations on No-Fines Concrete sections as well as geogrid applications.
- Provides complete design flexibility as each panel calculation is independent so the user can design with geogrid in one panel and No-Fines Concrete in the next panel, each having their own independent loading conditions.
New Extension Added - AB Layout Tool
By tracing the retaining wall from the plans with this simple tool you can then import them into AB Walls.
Export 3D Models of Projects
- A designer can now create stunning three dimensional (3D) models of their designed AB retaining wall project to give them an advantage in the marketplace by offering a more complete design package.
- 3D model includes product and color options to give the customers a choice of looks and styles in the design process.
- Shows geogrid placement behind the wall, so a designer can review and catch potential problems in the design phase.
- Saves designers hours of time and offers a professional visualization of their designed project.
- Create models that they can share with Architects to be BIM (Building Information Model) compliant.
Export 3D Models of Projects
- A designer can now create stunning three dimensional (3D) models of their designed AB retaining wall project to give them an advantage in the marketplace by offering a more complete design package.
- 3D model includes product and color options to give the customers a choice of looks and styles in the design process.
- Shows geogrid placement behind the wall, so a designer can review and catch potential problems in the design phase.
- Saves designers hours of time and offers a professional visualization of their designed project.
- Create models that they can share with Architects to be BIM (Building Information Model) compliant.
Output Enhancements:
AB Walls still provides both a Submittal Output for the engineers to submit for design review and a detailed Shop Drawing Output for use in the field - but now even better!
- Both packages include all detailing enhancements listed above. However the Submittal Output provides safety factor information for:
- Internal Calculations
- External Calculations
- Bearing Calculations
- Static and Seismic Loading
- Internal Compound Stability Calculations
- nternal Compound Stability Pressure Mapping
- Designers can choose from 33 typical details to be printed in both outputs.
- All design information in the Shop Drawing Output can be exported to .DXF format for use in any CAD program. Included are the Profile View, Plan View, Standard and Terraced Sections and Panel View, General Notes, Specifications and Specific Section Notes.
ReSSA Export:
Allan Block has worked closely with the designers of ReSSA, the industry leading global stability analysis program, to allow the section information from AB Walls to be exported to a ReSSA file. This gives the wall designer the opportunity to easily transfer information from AB Walls to ReSSA to investigate the global stability of the project site quickly and efficiently.
Tutorials:
The Allan Block Engineering Department offers basic and advanced tutorials on the se of AB Walls. Tutorials are offered to individual engineers or can be done in a group setting to cover your firm's engineers at once. These tutorials take less than 60 minutes to provide the designer with industry information and functionality of the program to begin designing retaining walls. Completed tutorials are then eligible for continuing education credits (CEU's).
Contact your local Allan Block Representative Today
to get your copy of our AB Walls Design Software and schedule your tutorial.
AB Layout Tool for Accurate Estimates
We have created the AB Layout Tool to make measuring a retaining wall by hand from the project plans a thing of the past. Use the simple tool to trace the wall and scale, and then import the details into the Allan Block Estimating Tool or the AB Walls Design Software, saving time and providing material accuracy to what is designed.
What Does it Do?
- Developed to streamline data collection for Allan Block's Design and Estimating Tools.
- Provides a visual, interactive program for collecting retaining wall geometry and engineering data points from PDFs or images from designed projects.
- Data can be seamlessly integrated into other AB tools such as AB Walls or the Allan Block Estimating Tool.
- 3D output in future versions.
Why use this new tool?
-
Efficiency:
- Reduces time spent manually retrieving data with rulers and notepads.
- Directly inputs data into design and estimating tools, streamlining the entire process.
-
Accuracy:
- Ensures precise data collection from working drawings, guaranteeing that the design is accurately represented for engineering or estimation.
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Reliability:
- Essential for capturing project details quickly and accurately, making the design and estimation process more efficient and reliable.
How it works:
- Click link to open tool - NO PROGRAM TO DOWNLOAD
- Load in a plan or image to trace
- Set the scale that has been provided from the plans
- Click points along the wall to trace
- Add in stationing points and then elevations
- Export to AB Tools
AB Retaining Wall Estimating Tool
What Does it Do?
The new web-based AB Estimating Tool is designed to save you time while helping to educate you on what needs to be considered, estimate the project accurately while following the industry's zero wall failure initiative, and prepare quality results that will help you sell your project. From pricing sheets to site-specific details and elevation views, this tool will help you elevate your proposals and bring value to your customers.
How it works:
No downloads, no installations—just seamless accessibility on any device. The tool provides instant access to educational resources, with links and videos tailored to each screen. Customize settings based on your role—dealer, homeowner, contractor, or production partner.
Product Selection and Results:
Select your products and let the AB Estimating Tool do the rest. It generates a complete package with cover pages, wall-specific details, and proposals. Customizable addendums are available, customized to fit contractor needs.
AB Estimating Tool import data from AB Layout Tool
By tracing the retaining wall from the plans with this simple tool, the need to hand measure the layout is over. Get accurate
measurements in minutes with the AB Layout Tool. Then simply import into the AB Estimating Tool. AB Layout Tool is Listed Above.
No downloading, just open and use.
See it in action.
Courtyard Patio Walls Design & Estimating App
What Does it Do?
Choose from a variety of pre-design patio packages or create your own patio design and receive project plans, elevation designs, material estimates and installation instructions.
Available in english and metric units.
Last updated (1/18/19)
Last updated (5/10/18)
Home Screen
Design & estimate your perfect courtyard patio with this useful tool from Allan Block. Choose from the AB Courtyard Patio Package choices that offer pre-designed layouts with different styles and looks to transform your backyard space.
Pre-Designed Patio Packages
Looking for just a small accent to add to your space like a pond, bench or planter? Choose from our Element options to give your outdoor space a simple upgrade. These can all be built in just a weekend and enjoyed all season long.
Want something more customized?
Layout Screen
Then let your creativity shine and easily design the size and style of your patio and seating walls with the flexible AB Courtyard Collection. Use the Create Your Own Feature and simply choose the size of your patio area, select where the walls will be, add curves, corners or posts and then enter the heights.
Quick and easy and you're done! Want more? Add on accents from our Elements, like ponds, fire pits, bench seating or grilling stations to expand your custom layout even more.
Add Heights
This AB Courtyard Estimator and Project Portfolio include the following features:
- Pre-Designed Patio Packages
- Pre-Designed Elements
- Shows bird's eye and front views of your project
- Offers custom patio shapes
- Shows details of your wall design
- Block estimates for the AB Courtyard Collection
- Photo/project gallery
- Links to additional information: videos, installation instructions, and more
- List of recommended local Allan Block Dealers
**NOTE: When installing on a Mac computer, you will need to adjust your security settings to allow you to download from the internet. To do this:
- Go to System Preferences
- Go to Security & Privacy
- Click the lock at the bottom right of the screen to unlock it so you can make changes
- Change "Allow apps downloaded from:" to Anywhere
- Click the lock again to lock
AB Metro Patio Desing & Estimating App
Build an entire outdoor kitchen, family room, office, 19th hole, etc... Use our pre-designed elements to create islands, counters, tables, benches and bars to add an addition to your home for friends and family to relax, work, and play.
Build an entire outdoor kitchen, family room, office 19th hole, etc... Use our pre-designed elements to create islands, counters, tables, benches and bars add an addition to your home for friends and family to relax, work, and play.
Easy to use design tool will help you create your perfect outdoor rooms.
Design Screen
his delightful gathering space shines in both comfort and style. The Café Lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere and ample space to enjoy at any time of day.Modestly designed, yet abundant in utility, this charming outdoor room can be used for any activity or meal.
Café Lounge
AB Estimating Tool For Retaining Walls, Patio Walls & Fences
What Does it Do?
Estimate all your Allan Block projects in one place with the AB Estimating Tool. This simple material estimator allows you to quickly and efficiently estimate the materials needed for large and small retaining walls, AB Courtyard patio walls, and AB Fence sound and security fences.
Available in English and Metric units.
Current Version 22.0
Helpful Videos for the AB Estimating Tool
FREE download available for your Mac** computer
Quickly calculate materials needed for your Allan Block wall projects. Estimate block, capstones, rock, grid, and more!
Estimate Your Projects in Minutes!
- Great for Homeowners, Contractors, and Distributors
- Estimate retaining walls, patio walls, and fences all in one place
- Customize pricing and branding for your company
Also Available in Spanish
AB herramienta Estimación (Mac)**NOTE: When installing on a Mac computer, you may need to adjust security settings:
- System Preferences → Security & Privacy
- Click the lock to unlock
- Allow apps downloaded from: Anywhere
- Lock again after setting
FREE download available for your Windows computer
Quickly calculate materials needed for Allan Block walls. Customize your estimates with your company's pricing and logo.
Estimate Your Projects in Minutes!
- Homeowners, Contractors, and Distributors
- Estimate all wall types in one place
- Itemized or complete project estimates
Also Available in Spanish
AB herramienta Estimación (PC)AB Retaining Walls Design & Estimating App
What Does it Do?
Design and estimate retaining walls up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) and receive a full project portfolio with design plans,
elevation drawings, wall section details, and material quantity estimates.
Available in English and metric units.
Last updated (1/18/19)
Last updated (5/10/18)
Home Screen
Use the simple screens to enter information about your project for height, length, soil type and then choose a condition that represents your yard. As an option you can enter in exact X, Y and Z coordinates of your wall to adjust the projects location and height information for more exact estimates.
Bird's Eye View
Entering in this basic information will give you a rough estimate of the blocks you will need in an easy to read format.
Elevation View
Want a more in depth estimate?
Submit your project to the Allan Block Design Center and receive a Free estimate that includes cross sections, block and material estimates quantities.
This retaining wall design, estimator and project portfolio include the following features:
- BirdIt's eye and front views of your wall
- Coordinate locations can be entered (X, Y and Z)
- Customizable not only length, but top and bottom of wall locations
- Details/cross sections of your wall design
- Block estimates for each of the locally available Allan Block
- Photo/Project Gallery
- Links to additional information: videos, installation instructions, and more
- List of recommended local Allan Block Dealers
**NOTE: When installing on a Mac computer, you will need to adjust your security settings to allow you to download from the internet. To do this:
- Go to System Preferences
- Go to Security & Privacy
- Click the lock at the bottom right of the screen to unlock it so you can make changes
- Change "Allow apps downloaded from:" to Anywhere
- Click the lock again to lock