Technical Resource Guide_WEB_BEL25-D-516650 - Page 52 of 84

52 | belgard ® product installation guide | belgard.com | 877-235-4273 Diamond Pro ® Air Install Guide STAKE OUT THE WALL • A surveyor shall locate the proposed base of wall location. Verify the wall location with the project supervisor. EXCAVATION • Excavate for the leveling pad to the lines and grades shown on the approved plans and excavate enough soil behind the wall for the geosynthetic reinforcement material (if required.) • The trench for the leveling pad should be at least 2 feet wide and a minimum to bury the first course below grade, plus 6 inches for the leveling pad. See Diagram 1. LEVELING PAD • An aggregate leveling pad is made of compactible base material of 3/4-inch minus with fines. • If the planned grade along the wall front will change elevation, the leveling pad may be stepped up by the height of the block (typically 8-inch increments) to match the grade change. Always start at the lowest level and work upward. • Compact the 6 inch (minimum thickness) aggregate leveling pad, using ordinary compaction methods, to provide a level, hard surface on which to place the base course. Mist lightly with water before compaction, if needed. See Diagram 2. • For walls with step-ups in the base course, extra care should be given to properly compact the aggregate leveling pad at the step-up locations. BASE COURSE • This is the most important step in the installation process. • Begin laying block at the lowest elevation of the wall, whenever possible. • Place first block and level, front to back and side to side; lay subsequent blocks in the same manner. • Use string along back edge of the block to check for proper alignment. See Diagram 3. • Place the blocks side by side, flush against each other, and make sure the blocks are in full contact with the leveling pad. Level front to back and side to side. See Diagram 4. • If the wall in on an incline, don’t slope the blocks. Step them up so they remain consistently level. • Place soil in front of the base course and compact after each course is laid. Diagram 1 - Excavation Diagram 2 - Leveling Pad Diagram 3 - Base Course