Conditions Above and Behind the Wall

Slopes

A slope above a retaining wall will add more pressure and weight, while slopes below the retaining wall may make the wall unstable due to sliding or erosion. Avoid slopes greater than 3 to 1 without first consulting a local engineer.

Surcharges

Any added weight above a retaining wall is called a surcharge. Patios, swimming pools and driveways are common residential surcharges. Your wall may need additional support if a surcharge is present. For commercial applications, contact an engineer.

Setback

The amount your wall leans into the hill is called “setback”. AB blocks come in approximate setbacks of 6° and 12°. The 12° setback (Ref) will provide better leverage and require less reinforcement.