Technical Resource Guide_WEB_BEL25-D-516650 - Page 36 of 84

36 | belgard ® product installation guide | belgard.com | 877-235-4273 GEOSYNTHETIC REINFORCEMENT (IF REQUIRED) • Geosynthetic reinforcement is recommended for walls taller than the gravity height determined for the project, or walls situated in poor soils, supporting a driveway, etc. Consult an engineer for design assistance. • Check the wall construction plan for which courses will need geogrids. • Clean any debris off the top layer of blocks. • Measure and cut the geogrids to the design length in the plans. • Many geosynthetic reinforcements have a design strength direction, which must be laid perpendicular to the wall. • Place the front edge of the geogrids on top of the block, making sure it’s within 1 inch of the face of the block. Correct placement ensures that you maximize the connection strength and keep the batter consistent. • Apply the next course of blocks to secure it in place. • A minimum of 6 inches of backfill is required prior to operating vehicles on the geogrids. Avoid sudden turning or braking. COMPACTION • Place the backfill soil behind the drainage aggregate and compact to 95% standard PROCTOR density with a hand-operated compactor. • Make sure the aggregate is level with or slightly below the top of the course. • Place soil in front of the base course and compact. The base course should be buried. • Continue to fill and compact. FINISH GRADE AND SURFACE DRAINAGE • Protect the wall with a finished grade at the top and bottom. • To ensure proper water drainage away from the wall, use 8 inches of soil with low permeability. This will minimize water seeping into the soil and gravel fill behind the wall. See Drainage Swales. SITE CLEANING AND RESTORATION • Brush off the wall and pick up any debris left from the construction process. • Notify the job superintendent in writing of the project’s completion and that it is ready for final inspection and acceptance. • Planting vegetation in front and on top of the wall will help reduce the chance of erosion. Following the best practices for construction will ensure the successful installation of Anchor ™ & Belgard ® products. Compacted Fill Topsoil Leveling Pad Drainage Aggregate Daylight Drainpipes at least every 50 feet to ensure proper drainage Impermeable Concrete or Asphalt Lining Compacted Fill Topsoil Leveling Pad Drainage Aggregate Daylight Drainpipes at least every 50 feet to ensure proper drainage Low-Permeability Clay Soil SAFETY NOTE: Always use appropriate equipment, including safety glasses or goggles and respirators, when splitting, cutting or hammering units. Refer to the CMHA Segmental Retaining Wall Installation Guide at www.CMHA.org. DRAINAGE SWALES • Design and performance of most retaining walls are based on keeping the reinforced zone relatively dry. Appropriate drainage swales to help control water should be designed into the wall construction plan.