Description
The Versa-Lok Retaining Wall System offers a permanent, attractive alternative to ordinary retaining wall types. Versa-Lok walls are constructed without mortar or concrete footings. Instead, the retaining wall units are simply stacked on a shallow, granular leveling pad. This method creates walls that are easy and economical to install. The walls are structurally stable, yet they remain "flexible" to tolerate minor earth movement without damage. Versa-Lok units are solid and made of concrete so they are durable, long lasting, and environmentally safe.
Standards
All Versa-Lok units manufactured by Elliott Block are solid load bearing CMU in accordance with:
• ASTM C 140
**For additional information on Versa-Lok systems, such as project photos and detailed drawings, please call Elliott Precision Block or visit the official Versa-Lok web site.
Versa-Lok Units
Our original, most popular unit. Contractors, engineers and landscape architects agree its solid construction and unique pinning system provide an endless array of design options, hardcore durability and the fastest, easiest installation available. Also available in an increasingly-popular Weathered option at selected dealers.
| Standard Unit Measurements: | |
| Height: | 6" (152.4mm) |
| Width (face): | 16" (406.4mm) |
| Width (rear): | 14" (355.6mm) |
| Depth: | 12" (304.8mm) |
| Face area: | 2/3 sq. ft. (.062 sq m) |
| Weight: | 82 lbs. (37.19kg) |
| Weight/Face Area: | 123 lbs./sq. ft (599.84kg/sq m) |
About half the size of the Standard unit, Cobble units are perfect for planters, small walls and garden-variety projects as well as large, expansive commercial and governmental walls. Smaller and conveniently lighter than its big brother Standard unit, a Cobble unit possesses durable characteristics equal to units twice its weight. Of course, Cobble units use the same top-down pinning systems as other VERSA-LOK units, saving you time and installation costs.
| Cobble Unit Measurements: | |
| Height: | 6" (152.4mm) |
| Width (face): | 8" (203.2mm) |
| Width (rear): | 6" (152.4mm) |
| Depth: | 12" (304.8mm) |
| Face area: | 1/3 sq. ft. (.031 sq m) |
| Weight: | 38 lbs. (17.24kg) |
| Weight/Face Area: | 114 lbs/sq ft. (556.13 kg/sq m) |
A slimmed-down version of the Standard unit, Accent units measure 4 inches tall by 12 inches wide. They're lighter than Standard units, but engineered with the same high-strength, low-absorption concrete. Easily installed, Accent units draw minimal attention to the wall, saving the spotlight instead for surrounding landscapes, buildings and homes.
| Accent Unit Measurements: | |
| Height: | 4" (101.6mm) |
| Width (face): | 12" (304.8mm) |
| Width (rear): | 8" (203.2mm) |
| Depth: | 12" (304.8mm) |
| Face area: | 1/3 sq. ft. (.031 sq m) |
| Weight: | 36 lbs (16.33kg) |
| Weight/Face Area: | 108 lbs/sq ft (526.77 kg/sq m) |
Create eye-catching designs by combining all three VERSA-LOK units to form the random-patterned Mosaic Retaining Wall System. Attractive and durable, the Mosaic system utilizes the same four-unit panel (10" x 24")–consisting of one Standard, one Cobble and two Accent units–giving each wall a vintage look and feel. Although its pattern may seem complex, the simplistic four-unit Mosaic panels are just as easy to install as our Standard, Cobble or Accent Retaining Wall Systems.
Cap units put the finishing touch on your VERSA-LOK wall. They're available in two styles–A and B–and fit all VERSA-LOK retaining wall systems. Caps can be used with all types of designs and wall systems, including VERSA-LOK Brute and Square Foot. For straight walls, use both caps alternately. Outside curves require A caps only; inside curves use B caps.
| A Cap Unit Measurements: | |
| Height: | 3 5/8" |
| Width (face): | 14" (355.6mm) |
| Width (rear): | 12" (304.8mm) |
| Depth: | 12" (304.8mm) |
| Face area: | 1/3 sq. ft. (.031 sq m) |
| Weight: | 40 lbs |
| B Cap Unit Measurements: | |
| Height: | 3 5/8" |
| Width (face): | 14" (355.6mm) |
| Width (rear): | 16" (406.4mm) |
| Depth: | 12" (304.8mm) |
| Face area: | 1/3 sq. ft. (.031 sq m) |
| Weight: | 50 lbs |
*Actual
size and height of units may vary slightly by region.
Square Foot is a premium cored unit that covers a full square foot of wall face economically, making it a low-cost alternative for some commercial applications. Its trapezoidal shape and top-pinning system allow for variable bond construction, accurate alignment, tighter vertical joints and easy installation. Square Foot’s unique design enables a near-vertical setback, and its thick face affords greater durability than other cored systems.
Square Foot Unit Measurements:
Height:
8" (203.2 mm)
Width (face):
18" (457.2 mm)
Width (rear):
14" (355.6 mm)
Depth:
12" (304.8 mm)
Face area:
1 sq. ft. (0.093 sq. m)
Weight (without aggregate fill)
87 lbs. (39.46 kg)
Weight (with aggregate fill)
130 lbs. (58.965 kg)
Design Possibilities
Versa-Lok's unique shape, solid characteristics and pinning system provide design capabilities that are unmatched by any other retaining wall product. Straight walls, inside curves, outside curves, various step configurations and an unlimited variety of corners can be constructed with the Versa-Lok standard retaining wall unit. Versa-Lok's unique design also permits construction of vertical and freestanding walls as well as straight or curved tiered walls. When custom-shaped pieces are desired, Versa-Lok units may be easily modified by saw cutting or splitting with a mallet and masonry chisel. Because the standard unit is used for all design elements, it is not necessary to order, estimate or purchase special units.
Wall Basics
These drawings illustrate components of a Versa-Lok retaining wall. Each course of Versa-Lok is set back 3/4 inch from the front of the course beneath it. This arrangement causes walls to cant into retained soil at an angle of approximately seven degrees. Canted walls are more stable than vertical walls because gravitational forces "pull" units into retained soil. Remember, the need for and design of soil reinforcement are site, soil, loading and height dependent.
Installation Process
The following information is provided to give you a general understanding of retaining wall construction. If you are building a Versa-Lok retaining wall yourself, please request a Design & Installation Guide available free from Elliott Precision Block
Important: Walls which support heavy loads or exceed four feet in height require special soil reinforcement and often professionally designed plans. Please consult a qualified engineer if unsure about any construction, site or soil conditions. Also be sure to check local building codes before wall construction or design.
Step 1 - Leveling Pad Preparation
Versa-Lok walls should be placed on a leveling pad of well-compacted gravel, crushed stone or coarse sand approximately 6" thick and 24" wide. The first course of Versa-Lok units should be embedded below grade approximately 1/10th of the exposed wall height. Excavate to lines and grades you've established for your wall, allowing for the leveling pad and unit embedment. Place and compact leveling pad material. It may be helpful to add a thin layer of sand to create a uniform, level pad.
Step 2 - Install Base Course
Place Versa-Lok units on prepared leveling pad. As you proceed, level each unit front to back, side to side, and with adjacent units. Leveling is critical at this stage, so take your time! Align straight wall sections using a string line or by sighting down the grooves on unit tops. If your wall has a corner, begin at the corner and work out from there.
Step 3 - Backfill
Using native soil, backfill and compact behind and in front of the base course to a level even with the grade in front of the wall. Next, place and compact 12" of drainage aggregate behind units.
Step 4 - Install Successive Courses
Stack units one course at a time. Set units back 3/4" and insert two pins in front holes of units so they fall into the rear slots of the units beneath. Tap pins with another pin and a mallet to properly set them. Place and compact drainage aggregate behind each course as it is completed.
Step 5 - Install Caps
After completing the top course of your wall, install Versa-Lok caps, either with a slight overhang (recommended), set back or flush with the wall face. Use Versa-Lok concrete adhesive to secure cap units to the wall.