Technical Resource Guide_WEB_BEL25-D-516650 - Page 50 of 84

50 | belgard ® product installation guide | belgard.com | 877-235-4273 GEOSYNTHETIC REINFORCEMENT PLACEMENT (PER PLAN) BATTERED WALL INSTALLATION ONLY • Refer to the approved wall construction plans for the reinforcement type, strength, and placement location. Measure and cut the reinforcement to the lengths shown on the plans. • Ensure the reinforced backfill is placed and compacted flush with the top of the units and is graded reasonably flat prior to reinforcement placement. Clean any debris off the top layer of blocks prior to reinforcement placement. • The reinforcement has a primary strength direction, which must be laid perpendicular to the wall face. • Place the reinforcement within 1 inch of the front of the units. See Diagram 9. • Apply the next course of blocks to secure the reinforcement in place. Insert Universal Connector into one of the mortise on the back of the modular block to create the proper setback. Pull the reinforcement hand taut and place staples, stakes, or fill at the back of the reinforcement to keep tension during placement of drainage aggregate and reinforced backfill. • Place a minimum of 6 inches of reinforced backfill prior to operating equipment above the reinforcement. Avoid sudden braking or turning on fill placed over the reinforcement. 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 6 inches of soil with low permeability and seed or plant to stabilize the surface. See Diagram 10. • Consult the wall design engineer if water may be directed behind the wall. If needed, create a swale to divert water away from the wall. This will minimize water seeping into the soil and drainage aggregate behind the wall. 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 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 these best practices for construction will ensure the success of your retaining wall system. These instructions are meant as general guidelines. Site-specific conditions may warrant additional installation requirements. • Oldcastle ® APG recommends you consult a professional engineer to design walls over 4 feet high, and have compaction tested by a qualified geotechnical engineer. Diagram 9—Action Diagram 10—Low permeable soil