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Always start with a smooth base, joint lines in the walls can only be as straight as the base on which they are placed. A six inch blanket of granular material, compacted and raked or screeded smooth is normally a sufficient base.
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If possible, prepare the entire base before placing retaining blocks so that a visual inspection can be made to minimize bumps and hollows.
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If the location is not level or has a stepped bottom surface, place the lowest blocks first, taking care to align the front face of the wall.
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As the surface finish of the blocks is variable, the best face of the block should be turned out.
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IMPORTANT - Begin placing the second layer after no more than 5 or 6 bottom layer blocks have been placed, again taking care to align the front face of the retaining wall. (Remember, there is approximately 1/2' of clearance in every direction in the fit of the key ways.)
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Should the clearance become tight for the second row of blocks, merely place the next block along the bottom row of the wall, with a slight gap (1/4"), the second and subsequent rows will then have sufficient clearance. Continue placing subsequent rows, taking care to align the front face.
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Non right-angle comers, or comers where walls have different batters are achieved more easily by building the 2 walls independently and pouring the corner afterwards. Chamfer strips attached to the inside of the formwork will blend the corner in with the rest of the wall.
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If desired, walls can be curved either vertically, horizontally, or both.
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For speed & convenience a track mounted hydraulic excavator is the best machine to place the blocks.
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Pressure washing & sealing the surface will minimize algae growth and prolong new appearance.
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Some useful tools to have on the job-site include:
- A transit to lay out a level base. - Shovels and rakes for base preparation.
- A lifting jig to hold blocks at the correct batter.
- A broom to clean the keyways before placing the next layer.
- One or more 5 foot pry bars for jostling the blocks into position.