Your leveling pad should be a minimum of 6” deep x 18” wide x 32' long = 24 cubic ft.
24 + 53.5 + 319.68 = 397.18 cubic ft x 125 lbs per cubic ft = 49647.5 lbs / 2000 = 24.82 Tons
What does wall batter mean?
It is preferred that a segmental wall be constructed with a slope, set back or batter to the back rather than vertical. Each course of block will be set back a certain distance from the course below it. Batter can also be referred to as “setback”.
- Two GeoStone Landscape Blocks on 5 degree batter.
How is this batter accomplished in a GeoStone wall?
The batter is accomplished by recessing or placing each course of blocks an equal amount of space behind the course below
.
How much batter can be built into a GeoStone wall?
The GeoStone wall has much more flexibility in its batter since pens or lips do not restrict it. A GeoStone wall can be vertical or with as much as a 2” batter per course.
How is a consistent batter maintained during construction?
A bevel is located on the front of the block at the top of the face. This bevel provides a 0.35” batter if the course of block above is set to the back of the bevel. On the Landscape Block, this equates to a 5 degree batter, or a 2.5 degree batter on the Standard Block. Three grooves are cast into the upper side of the GeoStone module which can also be used to maintain consistency in batter. When building a straight wall, it is recommended that a string line be used.
Since the GeoStone module does not use pens or a lip, how does it get its connection strength?
The GeoStone module has a large open core (1/2 sq. ft in the Standard and 1/4 sq. ft in the Landscape block). This core is filled with #67 rock (1” top size) creating what we call Rock Interlock. This form of connection has been tested in labs as well as real world situations and time and again proves to be one of the most powerful forms of connection available.
Has the GeoStone module been tested for its block to block sheer strength and the block to geogrid pull out strength?
Yes, the GeoStone module has been tested at Bathurst & Clarabut GeoTechincal in Ontario, Canada, SGI & GeoSyntec in Atlanta, and TRI Environmental in Texas, using a number of different geogrids available in the market. These test results are used to aid engineers when designing our walls for real world use.
Is this test data available and how may it be obtained?
You can view the test results by visiting this webpage: http://geostone.com/techpage1.htm .
Is design software available for designing GeoStone Segmental Retaining Walls?
Yes, We have designed templates that contain GeoStone information that are used in conjunction with the NCMA SRWall version 2.1 and higher. The NCMA software is the approved standard for the industry. It can also be downloaded visiting the following webpage: http://geostone.com/techpageGSsoftware.htm .
How is GeoStone block made?
The GeoStone module is manufactured in concrete block plants using a mold that casts two or more blocks together face to face. A splitter breaks the modules apart creating an individually unique split surface on each block, which is very attractive as a wall face. This process is known as “Hardsplit”.
What are the dimensions of the GeoStone module?
STANDARD BLOCK: The face of the module is 18” wide. They are 8” high and 12” deep. This is equivalent to 1 square foot of wall face. The sides taper back to 13 ¼” wide in the back.
LANDSCAPE BLOCK: The face of the module is 18” wide. They are 4” high and 12” deep. This is equivalent to 1/2 square foot of wall face. The sides taper back to 13.5” wide in the back.
This taper in the module allows for the turning of a radius in the wall construction.
How tight a radius can be turned using GeoStone module?
4 1/2 feet. Wall heights and batter needs to be considered if designing a tight radius.
What is really different or significant about the GeoStone block?
Flexibility and simplicity of construction. Construction of a GeoStone wall employs the same basic techniques required in construction of most segmental walls. The foundation, leveling pad construction using proper embedment, compacting of #67 rock in the drain zone, proper placement of the reinforcing geogrid and compaction of the soils in the reinforcing zone are all requirements of building a segmental retaining wall. “Soils” in the reinforced zone are critical. We recommend an all rock reinforced zone when feasible. In the instance of on site soils, we recommend soil of a gravel nature with a friction angle of no less than 28 degrees. As with all soil backfills, we recommend that a geotechnical engineer be consulted and the wall be designed and stamped be a professional engineer familiar with the construction of segmental retaining walls. The prior procedures with regard to engineers and soil testing refer to walls with severe loading, slopes, and/or significant heights (5’ or higher).
The design of the GeoStone module allows for construction of all radius turns and inside and outside 90-degree corners while maintaining the desired wall batter. The flexibility gained when not limited by alignment pins and lips is refreshing and welcomed by installers. It is also appreciated by owners when reflected in the beauty of the finished wall. Installers appreciate the well balanced, easy to handle Standard 70 to 75 lb module or Landscape 36 to 40 lb module which is very stable when placed in the wall and core filled with #67 stone.
Can GeoStone be made in different colors?
This depends upon the nearest GeoStone manufacturer to your job. All block plants manufacturing GeoStone make basic concrete gray. Some block plants have extensive color capabilities including variegated colors. Check with your local GeoStone manufacturer or with GeoStone Retaining Walls Systems Inc. As an option, stains can be made to match any color and applied to a gray wall.
May I install a GeoStone wall myself or should I hire an Installer?
An experienced installer is always recommended especially if the wall is 4 feet or higher where reinforcing becomes necessary. Installation manuals are available to provide guidelines for building a GeoStone wall. Before undertaking the building of a wall yourself, be sure you have sufficient information about the procedure.
How can I find an experienced GeoStone wall installer?
The closest GeoStone manufacturer or dealer can connect you with an experienced installer in your area. http://geostone.com/Retaining_Wall_Dealers.htm
Can a GeoStone wall be used when you have a slope behind the wall?
Yes, placing a slope, driveway or building behind a wall is referred to as placing a surcharge or load on the wall. A maximum of a 2 to 1 slope can be placed behind a wall. Parking lots, driveways, buildings of all sizes even swimming pools can all be behind a retaining wall. The key to having a successful wall is making sure the wall is designed to meet the pressures (loading) that will be on the wall.
Can GeoStone be used as retaining walls in lakes, rivers and on the coast?
Yes, we have a large number of seawalls (as they are commonly referred to as) that have been built in all different kinds of water applications. GeoStone has taken placed a great deal of emphasis on seawalls and their importance to waterfront property. Truth be known, seawalls are our passion. The following article was written about seawalls and has seen national publication in magazines as well as international recognition via the web in universities in both China and India. http://geostone.com/seawalls_understanding.htm
What compressive strength is acceptable for segmental retaining wall blocks?
NCMA and ASTM require that the blocks obtain a minimum of 3000 psi. Compressive strength tests, done on a regular basis, on the GeoStone module have always exceeded 4000 psi.
Are the charges for delivery of product subject to sales or use tax?
Different states have different laws. Refer to your state's Department of Revenue website for your local laws. Most search engines can pull this up by searching "delivery sales tax laws + your state".
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Alabama's law reads as such:
"
Where a seller delivers tangible personal property in his own equipment or in equipment leased by him, the transportation charges shall be considered a part of the selling price subject to sales or use tax. Said transportation charges are taxable even if billed separately."
Here is the complete explanation on their website.
Industry Terms & Definitions
Base: The first course of block, usually laid on a gravel footing.
Batter: A backward and upward slope of the face of a wall.
Concave Radius: Referring to the inside of a curve.
Connection Strength: Measures the amount of pressure it takes to separate a block system from its geogrid reinforcement.
Convex Radius: Referring to the outside of a curve.
Drainage Zone: The zone immediately behind the block filled with free draining materials.
Embedment: The block that is buried below finished grade. This is done to lock in the toe of the wall.
Hardscape: The part of a building's grounds consisting of structures, such as patios, retaining walls, and walkways, made with hard materials.
Hardsplit: A procedure in which two or more blocks are made faces adjoined. After the block has dried and cured, the blocks are split at the face producing a unique, textured finish.
Inside Corner: See Concave.
Leveling Pad: An area that is used to create a level surface for the first course of block. Usually a fine crushed stone such as #8910 is placed and compacted to refusal. A 6 inch pad is usually adequate.
Outside Corner: See Convex.
Plate Tamp: A mechanical device that is used to vibrate and compact the leveling pad and backfill. On larger commercial walls, a larger device would be recommended.
Reinforced Zone: The area behind the block that contains the geogrids.
Reinforcement: Typically referring to the geogrids in SRW applications which tie the block into the back fill creating a giant mass resistant to forward pressures created by what is being retained.
Retained Zone: The area behind the reinforced zone that is being supported. Usually the reason for having a retaining wall.
Set-back: See Batter.
Shear: Measures the amount of friction between two courses of blocks utilizing the block system’s patented form of connection.
Split-faced: A textured face using the Hardsplit technique.
SRW: Segmental Retaining Wall.
Available: The complete guide to segmental retaining walls, GeoStone's Online Tutorial. An interactive Flash Animation project by Agee Graphics!
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