Adding Strength to Walls
How-to Sheet #150
The courtyard collection allows you to build a variety of walls. When building taller walls, the easiest way to create stability is with curves, corners, and posts. These design features create built-in strength without any added steps.
For added reinforcement, you can insert metal pipes down through the walls. To do this, you will need a sledge hammer, a 1 3/8-inch diameter pipe, and a large diameter pipe cutter. To begin, determine the length of the pipe you will need by adding two feet to the finished wall height. Cut the pipe and insert it down through one of the large diameter holes. Then remove the surrounding blocks on the top course to allow room for pounding the pipe into the ground.
Using the sledge hammer, drive the pipe approximately two feet deep or until the pipe is firmly embedded. The top of the pipe should be below the level of the wall caps. Then return the top course of blocks to their original position. Add additional pipes as necessary. Now, finish your wall with wall caps. To add strength to any wall, secure the wall caps in place with a bit of masonry adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and between the wall caps. This increases the wall strength and prevents the caps from being moved out of position. For walls over five courses high, you can also interlock the walls and post together.
See How-to Sheet #230 for more information. Now, you can choose the reinforcement option that complements the design and style of your project. For complete library of Courtyard How-to Sheets, visit us at allanblock.com.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services