Construction of a retaining wall from FBS blocks

Because they give sloped or uneven terrain support and stability, retaining walls are a crucial component of landscaping and building projects. FBS (Foundation Block of Solid) blocks are a common option among the many materials available for constructing these structures because of their strength and longevity. These concrete blocks provide a dependable way to build a sturdy retaining wall that is resistant to severe weather conditions and pressure.

For your retaining wall project, using FBS blocks not only guarantees a strong construction but also makes the building process easier. Since these blocks are prefabricated, their production takes place in a controlled setting, guaranteeing uniform quality and accurate measurements. Because they fit together perfectly and require less time and effort to install, this makes them easy to work with.

FBS blocks have many structural advantages in addition to being very adaptable. They can be utilized for many kinds of retaining walls, ranging from straightforward garden borders to intricate slope stabilization schemes. They are a great option for both residential and commercial applications due to their sturdy design and heavy weight, which give them the stability needed to hold back soil and stop erosion.

We’ll walk you through the steps of building a retaining wall with FBS blocks in this article. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a do-it-yourselfer, following our detailed instructions will help you produce a polished and long-lasting project. We’ll go through everything you need to know to get started on your retaining wall project, from planning and preparation to the finishing touches.

Is it possible to build from solid foundation blocks?

Piece FBS products are perfect for building fortifications because they are composed of heavy concrete class B 12.5, as per their technical specifications.

Block stone installation in this technology is similar to bricklaying, but instead of bricks, large concrete blocks are laid. Precast concrete reinforcing structures can be built with little labor expense and in a matter of hours.

It should be noted, though, that the strength of a block concrete wall differs greatly from that of monolithic reinforced concrete structures. The truth is that concrete blocks are unable to sufficiently maintain the integrity and stability of the wall structure due to their large height and length.

Individual stones are forced out of the masonry by the shear force of earth masses and soil heaving. As a result, a retaining wall constructed of FBS blocks with a 600 mm thickness can only be as tall as 1.5 meters.

Concrete block technical indicators that matter most:

Which block stones are suitable??

From every kind of concrete block product available for making retaining walls The best options are 400 and 500 mm thick solid concrete rfvyb. The three lengths are 1200, 2400, and 600 mm. Block installation is similar to brickwork, with seams having to be bandaged.

Only solid-section foundation blocks with high strength characteristics guarantee the longevity and safety of the retaining wall’s operation in situations where shearing forces and direct precipitation contact are present.

Normalized linear measurements:

  • Length – 880 mm.1180 mm and 2380 mm.
  • Product width – 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm, and 700 mm.
  • Height – 300 and 600 mm. 300 mm blocks are produced exclusively in lengths of 900 mm and 1200 mm.

Special markings are used in factories that produce concrete products, making it simple to identify the products’ linear characteristics.

For instance, the FBS 12-4-6 brand denotes:

  1. FBS – solid section foundation block.
  2. The number “12” means the length of the product is 12 decimeters.
  3. Number "4" – width 4 decimeters.
  4. Number “6” – block height is 6 dm.

In order to determine the necessary number of blocks on your own, you must create a scale diagram of the retaining wall using linear dimensions. Masonry stones are conceptually added to the drawing, with each row having to be bandaged.

In order to prevent excessively long vertical seams, a minimum displacement of 250 mm between masonry rows is used in the schematic layout.

Building requirements

Self-built fortification walls can be used to reinforce household plots, steep slopes, and ledges up to 1.4 meters high and 4 meters wide without the need for additional calculations.

Prior to beginning construction, you should be aware of the following retaining structure requirements:

  • The minimum thickness of FBS walls is 400 mm.
  • If you plan to build a wall higher than 300 mm, a buried foundation is required, laid on a sand and gravel bed 50 -100 mm thick.
  • The lower elevation of the foundation depends on the height of the retaining wall. For structures with a height of 300 to 800 mm, the foundation depth is 150 – 300 mm; with a height of 800 to 1500 mm, the foundation depth increases to 500 mm.
  • To ensure sufficient stability of the wall, it is necessary to fulfill the following condition: 1/3 of the structure was recessed in height and only 2/3 were above ground level.
  • The width of the retaining wall in its lower part depends on the type of soil on the site. For strong soils, the height of the wall at the base is 1/4 of its height.

The upper portion of the retaining structure is in the zone of torques that can cause the structure to overturn and is subject to shear forces from the soil that is restricted.

The block walls must be at least 400 mm thick in order to prevent irreversible destructive deformations and the collapse of the reinforcement. Concrete products are laid in the upper portion of a structure in the form of steps with a minimum width of 400 mm if the structure is higher than 1200 mm.

The buttresses that reinforce large retaining walls are constructed from monolithic concrete or blocks and have a step of two to four meters.

What consumables and tools will be required?

Low retaining walls are an excellent application for concrete blocks. They can support a substantial amount of earth masses, are relatively stable, and are simple to install.

It is necessary to get supplies, machinery, and tools ready before construction begins:

  1. FBS blocks of different lengths.
  2. Cement and sand for preparing the masonry mixture.
  3. Reinforcing rods for reinforcing masonry.
  4. Geotextiles.
  5. Coating and rolling waterproofing.
  6. Sand and gravel for the installation of the foundation pillow.
  7. Concrete mixer capacity 0.25 m3.
  8. Buckets for a solution.
  9. Shovels.
  10. Master OK.
  11. Sensor cord.
  12. Trombovka for compaction of the foundation base.
  13. Slings for lifting concrete blocks.

Lifting equipment is used to complete the masonry of the FBS due to its considerable weight.

Do -it -yourself step -by -step instructions

There are multiple stages involved in the construction of retaining walls, and the technology used is very similar to that of strip foundations.

  1. At the first stage The marking of the planned structure is made. In order not to interfere with the excavation of excess soil for marking work, cast-off boards are used. Self-tapping screws are attached to it and a rope or cord is pulled between them.
  2. Next stage – excavation. Cut off excess soil from the side surface of the earth and dig a trench to deepen the lower part of the wall and the sand cushion.
  3. Prepared earthen base thoroughly cleaned and leveled. The bottom of the trench is covered in layers with sand or a dry gravel-sand mixture 150-200 mm thick, spilled with water and compacted with a manual tamper or vibrating plate. The horizontalness of the base is checked with a building level. If necessary, a concrete preparation 100 mm thick is poured over the sand cushion.
  4. Installation of block stones performed taking into account the mandatory dressing between rows.
  5. Each horizontal row reinforced along the entire length with steel or composite rods with a diameter of 6-8 mm.

Cement-sand mortar M 100 is used during installation. Mortar is carefully filled in between blocks. To evenly distribute shear forces, a reinforced concrete belt that is between 250 and 300 mm high is poured after the final row is placed along the upper edge of the wall.

A simple and long-lasting way to control soil erosion and create level, stable sections in your landscape is to build a retaining wall out of FBS blocks. These sturdy foundation blocks are perfect for building resilient walls that can tolerate a great deal of pressure and environmental stress. You can build a functional retaining wall that improves the appearance of your outdoor space with careful planning, appropriate site preparation, and well-placed blocks.

Problems and errors

At first glance, a retaining wall appears to be a straightforward structure. Indeed, it’s critical to avoid interfering with the technological process and thoroughly evaluate the viability of employing FBS for retaining walls, particularly in cases where the structure’s height surpasses the allowable limit.

Certain issues could come up while building:

  • High groundwater level.
  • Unstable soil.
  • Impossibility of access for lifting equipment.

In the first and second scenarios, further actions will be needed to stabilize unstable soils or lower the site’s water level. In the third scenario, you ought to forgo the choice of concrete blocks in favor of an alternative kind of fortification structure.

The following mistakes could happen while building:

  • Lack of drainage.
  • Lack of waterproofing layer.
  • Incorrect depth of the bottom of the wall.
  • Uneven and poorly prepared base.

Construction involves a great deal of attention to detail, so if something goes wrong along the way, you will have to take the structure apart and start over. The pressure of restricted soils and the weight of the wall itself can only be supported by a well-built FBS reinforcement wall.

Advantages and disadvantages

For many years, retaining structure construction has been accomplished with FBS blocks. This kind of fortification is widely used because of its durability and mass, as well as its quick construction time.

There is no denying this strengthening method’s benefits, which include:

  1. Block masonry is much cheaper than monolithic concrete or brick
  2. High stability of the structure.
  3. Quick installation.
  4. Long service life.

The structure’s limited height and the need for lifting machines to lay the blocks are drawbacks.

A workable way to control soil erosion and create level ground on sloping terrain is to build a retaining wall out of FBS blocks. These blocks provide a sturdy structure that can bear the pressures imposed by retained soil. They are well-known for their longevity and simplicity of installation.

It is important to plan for things like drainage, wall height, and soil conditions when doing such a project. In order to guarantee the stability and longevity of the wall, proper site preparation and a strong foundation are essential.

Paying close attention to how the blocks are laid and aligned is crucial during the building process. This strengthens the wall and adds to its aesthetic appeal—especially if it is visible above ground.

Selecting FBS blocks for your retaining wall is a dependable and economical choice that can improve the usability and aesthetic appeal of your property. FBS blocks are a flexible solution that can be used for both commercial and residential landscaping, meeting the needs of different retaining wall projects.

In the end, building a retaining wall out of FBS blocks is a satisfying project that blends functionality and design, providing long-term advantages for soil stability and property value.

Let me know if there"s anything else you need!

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Concrete block retaining wall.

Retaining wall.

Construction of a retaining wall made of FBS blocks.

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Milan Yashina

Design engineer, specialist in development of design documentation. I will help you correctly design your home or other building.

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