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Building with Allan Block - Base Course Installation
One of the most important characteristics of a quality wall is a level base course.
Begin the base course at the lowest wall elevation.
The first course of blocks should be buried a minimum of 1 inch per foot of wall height.
For this example we are building a four foot wall that will require four inches of block to be buried.
If there is a slope below the wall or the wall is over 6 feet high, contact a local engineer or your Allan Block Representative for more assistance
Taking care not to walk in the base trench area once it has been leveled,
place the blocks toward the front of the trench following the string line
with the raised front lip facing up and forward.
It's good practice to stage the blocks along the trench line for more efficient installation.
Place the blocks tight together, checking each block for level and alignment from side-to-side and front-to-back.
Make minor adjustments by tapping the blocks with a dead blow hammer,
supporting the block with a hand or a knee to keep it steady.
You can also make adjustments by placing a small amount of wall rock under the block.
Irregularities in the base course become larger as the wall stacks up.
Careful attention to a straight and level base course will ensure a quality finished wall.
Use a 4 foot level to span multiple blocks to check the entire base course.
A quick tip for checking blocks for level is to look at the seam between the blocks
If the seams are not flush the block is not level.
Check the position of each block by using a string line across the back of the blocks or by sighting down the back of the raised front lip.
For the next step go to the Back Filling & Compaction Section or visit us at allanblock.com