CMA PUBLISHES LEAFLET ON CRB WALL CONSTRUCTION:
Article Date: 13 May 2008
The CMA (Concrete Manufacturers Association) has published a step-by-step instruction leaflet on how to build concrete retaining block (CRB) walls correctly.
The two-sided leaflet is aimed at CRB contractors and DIY people who would like to shore up or create space in gardens and other areas with retaining walls no higher than 1.2m. The leaflet begins with the laying of foundations, covering trenching and foundation material. Instructions are also given on laying the first course of blocks and subsequent layers. Six illustrations are included in the leaflet. These include: a typical section through a CRB wall; a closed-face configuration; an open-faced configuration; the installation of a base layer; the installation of an additional layer; and a completed retaining wall.
CMA director, John Cairns, says CRB walls provide an economical and attractive earth retaining system.
CRB walls are becoming increasingly popular throughout the world, because of their relatively low cost and their ease and speed of construction. An ability to conform to any contour and their suitability to the growth of shrubs, plants and flowers are additional factors responsible for their widespread use.
“However, it is crucial that the correct design and design procedures are followed to ensure that walls provide many years of trouble-free service. All too often we hear of and witness cases where the correct procedures have not been followed with the result that these walls are prone to structural failure during the rainy season.”
The leaflet also lists the CMA producer and contractor membership lists with telephone numbers.
Cairns says walls higher than 1.2m require an engineer’s design and on-site supervision, and a manual and audio visual on CD covering the construction of these structures is also available from the CMA at no charge.
The CMA promotes the proper installation of CRB walls on an ongoing basis both through the material discussed above as well as through seminars, which it holds countrywide on a regular basis.
Anyone interested in any aspect of CRB wall installation should contact Pam Zukor at the CMA on (011) 805 6742 or on main.cma@gmail.com .
Download: Tech note Page 1.pdf (1299 KB)
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