The concrete masonry units (CMUs) are available in various sizes and are an effective means of building permanent structures under maintenance. The basic design of a retaining wall made of concrete blocks dependent discharges Cements concrete, known as “base”, which defines the base level of the structure above the concrete block wall. The basic procedure for installing a single containment wall of concrete blocks can be adapted to a wall of any length and height.
You will need
- A stiff bristle broom
- A hammer drill
- A wooden stakes or steel 24 inch
- A nylon rope
- A linear level
- A tape
- Chalk lines
- A constructor level
- Mortar mix
- A box of mortar mix or wheelbarrow
- A level drop
- A palette of masonry or mason
- Rubber mallet (optional)
- Concrete blocks 8x8x16
- “Halves” of concrete blocks 8x8x8
- Some tapas of 2x8x16 concrete blocks (optional)
Instructions
- Install a concrete pad poured for the retaining wall. According to the website of Dixieland ProBuild, the base must be at least 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep, and constantly leveled the entire length of the retaining wall. You must let the bottom hardens at least 48 hours before beginning the construction of the concrete wall. Dixieland ProBuild also recommended that the base is placed in undisturbed soil.
- To remove dirt thoroughly clean the surface top of the base with a broom.
- Defines the line from the wall to concrete blocks nail with a hammer, steel or wooden stakes at each end of the location of the retaining wall, located approximately 3 feet beyond the ends of the wall. Make sure the pins are vertical and nailed enough to be held firmly depth.
- Place a piece of nylon rope between two stakes as LIEA guide wall. Stakes adjusts as needed to align the guide with the desired external surface of the retaining wall. Be sure to keep it tight and unobstructed. This will be used as a vertical guide for laying concrete blocks.
- Levels below the guideline established in step 4 and make a vertical mark on the guide line of the surface above the base of the retaining wall at both ends of the wall. Use chalk lines to mark a line connecting the two marks. This establishes a wall line of the first layer, referred to as “spun” a concrete block.
- Mix a quantity of premix mortar, also known as “slurry” mixture in a mortar box or wheelbarrow according to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the length of the first course of concrete blocks. The consistency of the concrete must be moist and similar to peanut butter.
- Starts at either end of the retaining wall and establishes a line of concrete along the sidewall of the chalk line made in step 5 of about 1 1/2 inches wide, 3/4 inch thick and 2 feet long. With a palette. Place a second parallel line of 8-inch concrete identical to the first.
- Slowly placed concrete block mortar lines and level drop one level. Tapped gently with the handle of the paddle or a rubber mallet and part Leveling top as needed, making sure to maintain a line of mortar minimum 3/8 inch below it. Also make sure that the end of the block is aligned with the desired end of the retaining wall and the outer edge is aligned with the chalk line. Use the trowel to collect excess spilling concrete block below and return it to the mixture for reuse.
- Check with a pallet, two lines of mortar along the sidewall of the chalk line to the next block, again about 1 1/2 inches wide, 3/4 inch thick, 2 feet long and 8 inches apart. Place the next block down gently on the mortar and making sure that it is level and tight adjacent edges.
- Repeat step 9 for each concrete block and the rest of the first course of the wall. When the row is complete, it is good idea to check the alignment of each block with the guidelines of the wall and everyone has maintained their level.
- Return to the starting point of the first course of concrete block and starts the second course. With a palette, make two lines of mortar along the edge top of the first block, again about 3/4 inch thick and 2 feet long.
- Put in place the first concrete block, then gently tap the side top of it with the handle of the paddle or a rubber mallet, as necessary, to level it. Note: Begin the second course (and all others) concrete block with “halves” 8x8x8 block for the vertical joints offset 8 inches spun above.
- Repeat steps 10, 11 and 12 to complete the installation of the concrete blocks for retaining wall.
- Waiting at least 24 hours prior to filling the cells of the block, to allow them to set mortar joints.
- Fill concrete block retaining wall with standard concrete, to maximize, if necessary, the strength of the wall. For a finishing touch, you can cover the retaining wall filled with concrete lids 2×8 secured with mortar.
- Allowed to set full containment wall for 48 hours at least before filling with soil or rocks.
Tips and Warnings
- For ease of installation, try to plan the size of your retaining wall to match the standard size 8×16 inch blocks to minimize the need for cutting. For walls over 32 inches tall, you should consult with an engineer for advice in relation to the size of the database and other structural considerations.
- To add strength to your retaining wall, though in many places it is not a requirement, you can consider adding a horizontal reinforced steel bars 1/2 inch every 24 inches.
- The codes of local, state and national building, have specific requirements regarding the size of the foundation and retaining walls of concrete blocks, and you should contact the local office building to verify your compliance plans retaining wall.