Also, the more roughness you have on the bonding surfaces, the better your adhesion will be. This fundamental of stronger adhesion or bonding applies to both mortar and any concrete or masonry adhesive you may use. You’ll have much greater bonding between each layer of concrete block, all the way from the base to the top. Plus, the infill material at the bottom and top of the void provides a surface for contact with the concrete blocks below and above. Retaining wall blocks with hollow cores have much less surface area, thus not sufficient contact for adhesion.Īs you fill the void in every hollow concrete block, the infill material forms its own interlock pattern, both vertical and horizontal. Now, concrete blocks with solid cores have a lot of surface area for each layer to adhere to another. This method is the same as the traditional bricklaying approach. You’re probably aware that concrete blocks must be laid in an interlocking pattern for retaining walls. Infill Improves the Adhesion of Hollow Concrete Blocks on Retaining Walls However, some terrains and larger retaining walls merit stronger reinforcement for hollow concrete blocks. Steel rods are unnecessary for reinforcing residential retaining walls that are only a few feet tall. You may use gravel to fill the hollow concrete blocks. Just as steel is used for reinforced concrete, you must use an infill material to occupy the voids within the retaining wall blocks. However, you need to fill these voids to improve the structural strength, thus the stability of your entire retaining wall and water resistance.
![retaining wall blocks retaining wall blocks](https://mjrowles.com.au/images/products/_prod/norfolk.jpg)
Also, they provide better insulation and soundproofing. Hollow concrete blocks are more affordable, lighter, and easier to work with. This void may be in specific patterns, such as perforation, split, or partition, among others. If the void accounts for more than 25% of the gross area or cross-section, the block is classified as hollow. Generally, retaining wall blocks made of concrete are solid or have a void. Fill Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks for Enhanced Strength and Stability The integrity of retaining walls, thus longevity in the face of expected and unexpected challenges, partly depends on the infill. You should fill retaining wall blocks made of concrete with hollow cores for enhanced structural strength, stability, adhesion, and drainage. Why Should Retaining Wall Blocks Be Filled? The rest of this article will explain why and how you should fill retaining wall blocks. Not only should you fill retaining wall blocks, but you must also backfill the structure, starting from the foundation or base in the trench. You should fill the hollow cores of every retaining wall block with gravel or crushed rock before starting a new layer until you reach the top and install concrete caps. Retaining wall blocks should be filled, especially if they’re made of concrete and have hollow cores. So, you might be wondering if you should fill the retaining wall blocks. However, homeowners prefer retaining wall blocks made of concrete that can either be solid or hollow.
![retaining wall blocks retaining wall blocks](https://spotlats.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Stunning-retaining-wall-block-prices.jpg)
The Tasman™ system is manufactured with a water repellent admixture to add to its quality.There are over a dozen types of retaining walls and materials you can choose from - including things like railroad ties. Seek specific engineering advice for walls over 660mm high, walls carrying car traffic or to comply with most council requirements. For walls over 660mm high, FORTRAC® geogrid is locked in every 2nd course of blocks to create a reinforced soil retaining wall structure. The blocks are easily dry-stacked and their patented design locks into the block above to form an attractive structural retaining wall. A capping unit is adhered to the top course of blocks to finish off the wall. Curved or straight walls can be erected and it is easy to build 90-degree corners with the purpose made corner blocks. Each block has only a 10mm setback, which allows all available space to be utilised to the maximum. The Tasman walls can be built almost vertical. The unique design of the Tasman wall system allows increased flexibility over competing products.
![retaining wall blocks retaining wall blocks](https://www.taylorsitedevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_3491.jpg)
The Tasman™ retaining wall system incorporates purpose made corner and capping units to provide classical reconstructed sandstone retaining walls. Walls to 660mm high without reinforcement or engineering (subject to local council requirements).90° Corners, Steps, Straight or Curved Walls.