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RETAINING WALL INSTALLATION

Materials Needed

  • Gloves
  • Tape Measure
  • Stakes
  • Shovel
  • 3 lb. Hammer
  • Levels
  • Line Level
  • Carpenters Square
  • String Line
  • Broom

  • Wheelbarrow
  • Pry Bar
  • Wire Cutters
  • Mason’s Chisel
  • Markers
  • Screed Board
  • Two 1” o.d. Screed Pipes
  • Plate Compactor
  • Paver Cutter
  • Diamond Blade Table Saw

02

NOTE:

The following Installing procedures apply to all Nicolock retaining wall units constructed as a conventional gravity wall system.

PREPARING/EXCAVATING:

Before beginning excavation, make sure there are no utility lines in the wall area. Excavate area to the proper depth. For geogrid-reinforced retaining walls or for more detailed information, consult your local distributor or contact Nicolock.

For most non-critical walls (and under favorable soil conditions) Nicolock wall units are constructed as a conventional gravity wall system. Walls up to 3 feet in height are attainable without the need for soil reinforcement (geogrid). Recommended installation procedures should be followed to ensure the life of your wall structure.

1. SITE PREPARATION AND EXCAVATION

Excavate a trench a minimum of 6” beyond the front and back of the wall block. Dig trench 9” to 14” deep, enough to create a 6” thick leveling pad and to bury at least one whole wall block below grade. Compact the soil at the bottom of trench. Shape the slope behind wall to allow for 12” of drainage material.

2. INSTALL LEVELING PAD

Place filter fabric in trench and up the cut slope. Fill trench with clean, graded aggregate and compact.

3. PLACE BASE COURSE (FIRST ROW)

Position a level string line at the straight face of the unit to maintain alignment. Place the wall units side by side in the center of the prepared base. Bury the first course of block below grade to a depth equal to 10% of the height of the wall or a minimum of 6”, whichever is greater. Level units from side to side, and front to back.

4. DRAINAGE SET-UP

Fill the space in front of wall with clean fill to grade to hold units from shifting. Place a perforated pipe behind wall on top of base for drainage. Fill any block
cores and the drainage area with clean aggregate keeping filter fabric in place. Backfill soil on outer side of fabric and compact.

5. STACKING UNITS

Place successive courses by fitting the keys and grooves onto the units in the row below (if applicable). Keep the tops of each course clean to maintain a level surface. Stack units one layer at a time in a running bond pattern (crossing joints). Utilize geogrid when the wall height is 3 ft or more or as required by the project engineer or approved design drawings.

6. PLACE GRAVEL AND BACKFILL MATERIALS

Continue building the wall to the desired height. Backfill with clean aggregate behind each course as completed. Backfill and compact soil. Finish the wall by securing the wall cap with a suitable masonry adhesive.

Note: Illustrations shown are not for construction purpose. Please confer with your local engineer for proper placement of geogrid. Important: Walls higher than 36” above grade, terraced walls, weak soils, and other loading conditions require special considerations in design and construction. This should be done by a qualified engineer & a professional
contractor. Check with your local building department for code requirements.