F R E Q U E N T L Y    A S K E D    Q U E S T I O N S

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What is backfill?
The material used to fill the excavated area behind the wall. We recommend using well-draining aggregate as your backfill.

What is the base?
The area in which you will lay your first course of block.

How do I prepare my base?
Lay 6" of dense grade aggregate in the bottom of the trench and compact. We recommend using dense grade aggregate as your base material and the use of a hand tamper to compact. Make sure your base is level.

What is compaction and how do I compact?
Compressing or densifying the soil material used for the base and backfill. Use a hand tamper to compact.

Do I really have to bury a course of block?
Yes! Compacting the base and burying and leveling the first course are necessary for a long-lasting, beautiful wall. The general rule of thumb is to bury 1" per one foot of wall height or a minimum of 6".

What colors are available?
Contact your local dealer to find out what colors are available in your area.

What is a course?
The horizontal layers of blocks used to build a wall.

What is drainage aggregate?
The material used to refill the void between the back of the block and the original soil. It is recommended 12" of well-draining aggregate be placed directly behind the blocks and acceptable soil be used for the remaining void.

What is a gravity wall?
A wall that resists the forces of soil through the weight and batter of the segmental retaining wall unit. Gravity walls are usually 4' or less depending on soil conditions, load conditions and slope conditions.

What is batter?
As a segmental retaining wall rises, units are set back from one course to the next to create a batter for increased stability. It is this angle that is described as the batter.

What is surcharge?
An external load that is usually located at the top of a segmental retaining wall. Surcharge can be the result of a “dead” load, a building foundation, or a “live” load, which could be the result of heavy construction equipment or automobiles.

What is reinforcement?
A sheet material made from high-tensile strength polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester that is made to support the soils behind the wall. Note: We recommend that reinforced walls be reviewed by a licensed engineer and installed by a qualified contractor.

RESOURCES

Anchor Retaining Wall Systems - www.anchorwall.com - 1-877-295-5415

Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems - www.versa-lok.com - 1-800-770-4525

National Concrete and Masonry Association - www.ncmaetek.org - 1-703-713-1900

Installation Guides are available in both English and Spanish.