AB Contractor News

Exclusively for Allan Block Contractors

November 2024

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In This Issue


What's New: Layout Tool for Estimating

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Estimating your next retaining wall project just got a whole lot easier! With the new AB Layout Tool, you can upload a PDF or image of a site plan and get straight to business creating the profile of your wall. Gone are the days of measuring a site plan with a ruler and recording wall information with pen and paper. Using the AB Layout Tool, just upload a PDF or image of your retaining wall plan, set the scale with a known dimension, and begin tracing your wall. The best part is, once the wall has been measured and wall profile values have been entered, the information can be exported to the AB Estimating Tool or our AB Walls Design Software with the click of a button.

AB Layout Tool streamlines the process of creating an estimate by making the AB Estimating Tool even more efficient. If you have questions about the AB Layout Tool or are interested in a quick training session, contact the Allan Block engineering department via email or phone: 800-899-5309 x 3.

Contractor Text Program

ABU Online
Allan Block Contractor Resources

Find Everything you need - all in one place!

We have compiled all the information and resources you need, in a portal specifically made for you. Here you can find online training webinars, AB Contractor Certification Classes, estimating tools, rewards program information and much more!!

Enter the AB Contractor Portal

Tools


Application Highlight: Pattern Walls - Elevating Your Landscape Design

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Pattern Wall

Enhance any outdoor space with the striking effect of an AB Patterned Retaining Wall. Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but they can also add a whole new dimension to your landscape design. By blending different-sized blocks, patterned walls can mimic the appearance of hand-laid stone, offering a timeless and natural look. Incorporating patterns into your retaining walls can transform your project into a visually stunning and well-structured environment.

A simple way to enhance the depth and visual interest of your retaining wall is by incorporating our pre-set patterns. These carefully designed patterns repeat every two or three courses of blocks, offering both consistency and a refined aesthetic. The AB® Collection feature blocks in different sizes and styles, giving you the flexibility to mix and match to perfectly complement your landscape design. Be sure to check with your local manufacturer for product availability.

One key tip for building patterned retaining walls is to ensure that the base of the wall is level by using the full-size block. Starting with a solid foundation will make the rest of the installation smoother and more efficient, ensuring that each course aligns correctly. For more information on installation please see out see our Video on Building an AB Patterned Retaining Walls or visit allanblock.com.

Patterned retaining walls offer a perfect combination of beauty and function. If you’re looking to enhance your landscape design, patterned walls bring an artistic touch to any outdoor space. By following best practices for installation, you can create a wall that not only supports your landscape but also serves as a focal point of your design.

Embrace the opportunity to build a retaining wall that complements any landscape and leaves a lasting impression with its striking patterned effect.

Pattern Wall Gif

Featured Collection: AB Fieldstone®

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The AB Fieldstone® Collection is the go-to for elevating outdoor spaces while keeping things eco-friendly and stylish. These blocks will deliver a stunning natural stone look.

Stone-Cold Savings

With the AB Fieldstone® Collection, you get all the beauty of real stone without the hefty price tag. Who knew being budget savvy could look this good? Available in multiple eye-catching colors series and sizes, these blocks can transform any landscape into a natural wonderland that feels both inviting and fresh. It’s like Mother Nature and your wallet high-fived!

AB Sound Barrier

Green and Friendly

Made from recycled materials, these blocks aren’t just beautiful natural stone looking - they are also kind to the planet. You can help your customers create their dream yards while promoting sustainability. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Stunning Finish

Whether aiming for a cozy garden or a chic outdoor lounge, the Fieldstone Collection offers the perfect color and texture to match any style. It’s all about making those outdoor spaces as stunning as possible!

And just a quick note: AB Fieldstone is currently manufactured by a select number of Allan Block manufacturers. If it’s not available in your area, work with your sales rep to find a local manufacturer and arrange shipping.


Contractor Talk: Build Retaining Walls and Earn Rewards with Allan Block

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The AB Rewards Program was created to recognize hardworking contractors who build top-quality Allan Block projects. This program offers exciting rewards for every project you complete that meet industry standards. The more you build, the more rewards you can earn!

Here’s How AB Rewards Works:

Each AB Certified Contractor is eligible to earn rewards by building AB Retaining Walls, Courtyard Walls, or with AB Fence. You can earn prizes like AB-branded merchandise, tools, and other valuable items as a thank-you for your dedication. It’s easy to participate and earn rewards in three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level has a different set of requirements in order to earn the reward. Refer to our Contractor Rewards Program Flyer for more details on these requirements.

Commercial Wall

Additional Requirements to Earn Rewards

  • AB Certification: All participating contractors must be AB Certified. This means you have attended our AB Contractor Certification class. The AB Certification shows that you have been trained in proper SRW skills and industry standards.
  • Inspection: All AB projects must be inspected by an AB Sales Rep either during or after construction.
  • Submit project information: Contact your local AB Rep to ensure he is submitting your latest project or complete the AB Rewards Card and email it in to info@allanblock.com to submit directly.

AB Sales Rep Delivery: Rewards will be sent to your local AB Sales Representative, who will deliver them to you directly.

Project Definition: Projects can use AB Retaining Walls, AB Courtyard Collection, AB Fence, or a combination of these.

Prizes for each reward level may change, so stay updated with AB for the latest items!

Start Earning Rewards Today!

Every project you complete brings you closer to exciting rewards. To get started, submit your project information and track your progress. The more you build, the more AB Rewards you’ll receive.

Happy building and thank YOU for being a valued AB Certified Contractor!


Contractor Program: Importance of Drainage and Water Management

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How do you handle water during construction? Have you ever had a project delayed due to water being in your work area? Water management during construction and proper drainage will be two important things highlighted below as keys to emphasize. By putting together, a plan encompassing both those factors, your projects will not be affected by inclement weather and the crew will be able to complete their work on time.

Water is the Number 1 enemy of retaining walls. The performance of the wall and how long it stands after construction is largely due to keeping the area behind the wall relatively dry. Over 63% of walls that fail are due to water, surface water and subsurface water penetration.

Drainage Pic

When building and installing blocks it’s important to first understand the site as a whole and the grading around it. An understanding of the soil is required to achieve the design level of compaction. Along that line, the type of soil you are working with may hold water longer and delay the restart to construction. Consider covering the work area to maintain relatively dry conditions to limit delays due to soil saturation.

The second option to account for water is the use of drain pipes at proper locations in the wall. Water on the site needs to be accounted for with grading, berms, swales, to account for concentrations of water with drain pipes handling incidental water. Drainpipes in our wall system are usually toe or heel drain applications. The toe drain being behind the base of the wall and the heel drain further back in the retained soil to pick up any migrating water behind the structure. They can also take the form of an alternate drain that will allow water to properly drain through the face of the structure right above grade.

When installing these pipes, it’s important that they are vented a minimum of every 50ft (15m). To accomplish this, vent the drainpipe to daylight or a lower elevation on the site where water can flow out from behind the wall. These drain locations should be properly marked to ensure that the drainpipe doesn’t plug up or get damaged.

If you want more information or have questions about drainage with your wall project, please reach out to us at 1-800-899-5309.


Hot Topic: Design Charts and How to Use Them!

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Maxium Wall Height

Soil Reinforcement Chart AB Radius Chart AB Setback Chart

Not every retaining wall requires engineering, however every wall should have some design considerations even if it comes from design charts.

Allan Block’s Residential and Commercial Install Manuals provide many design charts to assist for walls under 6 ft (1.8 m) and 10 ft (3.0 m) respectively. Based on the wall conditions of height, block, soil, surcharge or slope anyone can determine whether or not geogrid reinforcement is needed when looking at the Gravity Wall Chart and the Geogrid Reinforcement Chart.

If there is not enough room for geogrid, No Fines Concrete could be a solution. In the Commercial Install Manual, a design and estimating chart can be found to determine the depth of the No Fines Concrete behind a wall based again on the height, block, soil, surcharge or slope above.

Not only is it a good idea to check design charts, but it also helps with installation to consult the Setback Chart as well as the Radius Chart for curved wall. These charts assist with the finer details of installation and layout of a wall, so the finished product is exactly what the homeowner or client desires.

For quick design, estimating and installation information check out the available design charts that can be found on AllanBlock.com or in our Installation Manuals.


We Want Your Project Photos!

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AB Classic Terrace

Send us pictures of your projects from all over the world!

Have you worked on any Allan Block projects? Share your photos with us and get your work noticed!

It’s a great, easy way to grow your business and build your reputation. Plus, you might even score some AB swag! Send your project photos today and let your work shine!

Send us your project photos for an option to be featured in our materials. Share them with us via email, Dropbox or wetransfer.com to gerri@allanblock.com.


Allan Block Corporation
7424 W. 78th Street, Bloomington, MN 55439
Help & Support Center: (800) 899-5309
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