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Straight
Gravity Wall Installation
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1.
Begin your project by staking out the border of the wall you are going to
build. Using a shovel or a skid loader, dig a trench along this line. If you
are going to use one, two or three courses
of block, make the trench deep enough to bury half of the first course of block
plus 6" (150mm) for the compactable base. If you
are going to use four or more courses of block, make the trench deep enough to
bury the first full course of block plus 6" (150mm)
for the compactable base. Firmly compact the soil in the bottom of the trench.
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2.
To prepare your base, lay 6"
(150mm) of compactable aggregate (sand and gravel) in the bottom of
the trench and compact. We recommend using 3/4" minus aggregate with fines for
your base material. Quick tip: Spread a thin layer of sand over your base. This
will make it easier to level your first course of block.
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3.
Before placing your first course of block, use your hammer and chisel to remove
the rear lips from all blocks used for the first course. Position the Anchor
blocks side by side, in full contact with the prepared base, and level in both
directions using your carpenter's level.
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4.
Remember, if the wall is one, two or three courses high, half of the first
course must be buried. If the wall is four or more courses high, the entire
first course must be buried.
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5.
After each course of block is laid, you must backfill your wall. First, shovel free draining aggregate directly
behind the new course of blocks, extending out about 12" (300mm).
We recommend using 3/4" (19.1mm) aggregate with no
fines. We do not recommend using pea gravel. As a general rule, the backfill
zone should extend as far behind the wall as the wall is high. For example, one
foot back for a one foot high wall (300mm back for a 300mm
high wall). Next, compact this backfill zone.
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6.
Continue assembling additional courses by placing units in a staggered
relationship to the course beneath, (running bond) pulling each unit forward
until secure. Once a new course is laid, backfill with aggregate and compact.
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7.
It may be necessary to use partial units to maintain running bond. To split a
block, use a hammer and chisel to score the block on all sides. Pound the
chisel along the score line until the block splits. If the block does not split
easily, you may need to use a circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade. Read
and understand the operating manual before using a saw. Always wear eye
protection when splitting blocks. Alternate the position of partial units every
other course and always adhere with a concrete adhesive.
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8.
Repeat these steps until your wall is complete.
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