Patterned Wall Construction Tips

Reinforced Wall Construction - Excavation and Installing Base Course

Full-sized blocks should always be used for the base course with a Standard Pattern, and for Lite Patterns, half width blocks. This will speed the leveling and installation of the first course.

• Refer to the gravity wall instructions for a detailed description on how to install the base course. Basic steps include: site prep and excavation, installing base material, base course, wall rock, backfill materials, geogrid - if necessary and compacting.

Video: Build a Reinforced Patterned Retaining Wall with Geogrid

Installing Reinforcement

• For retaining walls that require geogrid reinforcement, selection of which pattern to use is determined by the grid spacing shown on the approved plans. If grid is required every 2 courses, then use a 2 course pattern; if 3 course grid spacing is required, use a 3 course pattern.
• If building with a random pattern, the pattern must be leveled off at the appropriate courses to allow for the installation of geogrid on a flat surface.

Ending and Topping off the Retaining Wall

Patterned walls may be ended with a step-down or a turn-in. When ending a patterned wall, discontinue the pattern and randomly adjust as necessary to meet the site conditions.

• Finishing a patterned wall is the same as finishing a standard retaining wall. The only requirement is that a multiple course pattern must be completed so that the top course of blocks forms a level surface.
• Use 8 in. (200 mm) of impermeable fill on the last lift to finish off wall.

Curves

When building curves, the 2 course pattern is easier to work with than the 3 course pattern. The 3 course pattern will require more custom fitting or cutting of blocks to ensure a tight fit.

Inside curved walls are easily constructed by maintaining a tight spacing at the front of the wall face. For tighter radii, it may be necessary to cut out parts of the bottom notch in order for the blocks to fit tightly together. See more on curve installation.

Outside curved walls The wall will “tighten” as the height increases. There are three methods to adjust for the tightening effect:

• On the first course of the pattern, open the spacing between blocks slightly so that the top course(s) of the pattern will need minimal cutting.
• Reduce the lengths of the blocks by shortening them, using a saw with a diamond blade.
• Remove parts of the bottom notch for the blocks to fit tightly together. See more on curve installation.

The best answer is to always use the 2 course pattern when building curves.

Corners

Outside corners are easily built using AB Corner Blocks.

• Start at the corner and build the wall working out in both directions
• When ending a patterned wall with a corner, use a random selection of blocks to transition from the patterned courses into the AB Corner Blocks.

Note: Always start the base course at the lowest elevation, then beginning additional courses at the corner will minimize cutting.

Inside corners are constructed in the same manner as for non-patterned walls.

• Remove the top lip of the course where the walls intersect. See more on corner installation.

Stairs

When building steps into patterned walls, use the full-sized AB Blocks for step blocks. See more on stair construction details.

Step-Ups

When building a retaining wall always start the base course at the lowest elevation. See more information on base construction.

Construction Tips for Patterned Retaining Walls

• When building an AB Ashlar Blend or an AB Aztec Blend retaining wall, if an AB Junior Lite or AB Aztec Jr Lite is not available, the AB Lite Stones or AB Aztec Lite Stones can be cut to produce two (2) AB Half Lites. It is good practice to pre-cut the desired number of blocks ahead of time to speed up the installation process.
• Offset each new pattern from the pattern below to maintain the "random" appearance.
• Use a two (2) course pattern on retaining walls that have numerous inside and outside curves. This will speed up the installation process.
• Use the two (2) course pattern when building a patterned curve. It is easier to work with than the three (3) course pattern. Learn how to build curves with this easy step-by-step process. To build tighter inside or outside curves learn how here.

Dash of Ashlar

The AB Collections have been created in modular sizes to allow for easy construction of patterned walls. Selected areas of non-patterned walls can also contain patterns. With the modular design, the blocks can be installed with ease.