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SEGMENTAL CONCRETE BLOCK

History

Since the beginning of time, man has sought to carve out a level space to build shelter for his family and himself, protecting them from water run-off while providing a usable space to live, work and play. Retaining walls have been built from many types of materials over time; from stone rubble leftover from the large stone quarries, timber products and more recently, manufactured segmental concrete blocks.

Types of Walls

Single Block System:

This system, although composed of hundreds or thousands of blocks, is of one size, shape and color for the application for which they are intended. It may or may not have a capstone to finish the top course of blocks. Depending on the height and slope of the soil being retained, this system can be reinforced with a Geo-Grid to stabilize the retained soil.

Multi-piece System:

This system, which is very similar to the single block, was introduced after the single block system was perfected and accepted as the modern retaining wall solution. This system offers the random appearance of natural stone and comes in a wide range of colors. This allows for less waste and more efficient costs. This product line has the flexibility in design to allow the homeowner to add to an existing wall at a later time without the worry of availability.

Free-Standing Walls:

These walls are a decorative as well as functional addition to a landscape project. They are generally used in outdoor living spaces and patio areas as overflow seating while defining the space itself. These walls are two-sided, providing a finished wall face on both sides. These walls, although used in conjunction with other walls in the same family of colors and type, are not retaining walls. They generally have a column or pier on one or both ends to interlock the seat-wall to the pier for lateral stability.

Planter Walls:

These are very low profile walls, usually less than 4 or 5 courses of block and are commonly used in landscape projects to level a planting bed at a corner of the house or where only very little grade change exists. These walls are built from the smaller ‘cousin’ of the big walls as the blocks are generally less than 35lbs.

Application and Design

Although most homeowners can build a smaller wall or planter, most of the larger projects require specialized retaining wall equipment; such as mini excavators or skid loaders, wall splitters, transit or laser levels, and saws, to do the job professionally and efficiently. Before you attempt to build a new wall or replace an existing retaining wall, a reputable landscape contractor should be consulted. This will achieve a long-lasting, trouble-free result. Since the first appearance of the modern retaining wall in Omaha in the late 1980’s, Totalscape has been successfully using this product system and staying up-to-date with the latest innovations in wall technology.

What to ask before you start

1. “What type of block does my wall require?” - Although you can purchase retaining wall block from many sources, you will want to research what type of block your project may require. Local manufacturers have this information or you can visit any one of the following websites for more information. www.watkinsconcreteblock.com    www.anchorwall.com

2. “How do I find a contractor?” – Local manufacturers can provide a list of reputable contractors in your area.  Another valuable source for referrals is your friends and neighbors.

3. “How will this project impact my property or my neighbors?” – In backyard projects of any scale, it will possibly damage some turf area which we can help repair. If you have a sprinkler system, it may be impacted by the project and possibly require new lines or zones. We will recommend our sprinkler professional. As a matter of courtesy, it is recommended that you inform your neighbors that you will be having work done and, during the project, expect trucks, equipment and materials on site until completion.

Totalscape Landscaping, with over 35 years combined experience in the landscape industry, applies that experience in every project we build. Regardless of the site condition, weather or adjustments that are made once the project begins, we provide you with courteous and professional service to make your project everything you want.

Totalscape Landscaping is also committed to being environmentally-friendly. Each retaining wall installation uses recycled drainage aggregate materials which reduces the demand on our planet’s finite resources.

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