Technical Resource Guide_WEB_BEL25-D-516650 - Page 32 of 84

32 | belgard ® product installation guide | belgard.com | 877-235-4273 STAKE OUT THE WALL • Have a surveyor stake out the wall’s placement. Verify the locations with the project supervisor. EXCAVATION • Excavate for the leveling pad according to the lines and grades shown on the approved plans, and excavate enough soil behind the wall for the geogrids material, if needed. • The trench for the leveling pad should be at least 12 inches wider than the block you are installing and 6 inches below the bottom of the block. See Diagram 1. LEVELING PAD • An aggregate leveling pad is made of compactable base material of ¾-inch minus (with fines). • The pad must extend at least 6 inches in front of and behind the first course of block and be at least 6 inches deep after compaction. • If the planned grade along the wall front will change elevation, the leveling pad may be stepped up in increments of the block height to match the grade change. Start at the lowest level and work upward whenever possible. • Compact the aggregate and make sure it's level front to back and side to side. See Diagram 2. BASE COURSE • This is the most important step in the installation process. Bury the base course of block a minimum of 6 inches or as shown on the plans. • Begin laying block at the lowest elevation of the wall. Remove the rear lip (if applicable) of the block by hitting from the back so that it will lie flat on the leveling pad. See Diagram 3. • Place first block and level, front to back and side to side; lay subsequent blocks in the same manner. • Place the blocks side by side, flush against each other, and make sure they are in full contact with the leveling pad. • If the wall is on an incline, don’t slope the blocks; step them up so they remain consistently level. • Use string line along the back edge of block to check for proper alignment. • For multi-piece products, use the largest unit, 18 inches wide, for the base course. • Fill cores (if applicable) and voids between blocks with ¾-inch free-draining aggregate prior to laying the next course of block. Clean any debris off the top of the blocks. See Diagram 4. • Install any location devises, such as pins, prior to placing the second course of blocks. Diagram 1 – Excavation Diagram 2 – Leveling Pad Diagram 3 – Base Course Diagram 4 – Core Fill Basic Installation Construction Guide - Retaining Wall