Others rely on a system of pins.
Mortar concrete block retaining wall.
A well built cinder block retaining wall can add a sense of a separate secure space within a wider space turn a slope into a garden and add living space by holding back a hillside.
How to do it build and prep footing.
Position the caps or blocks so that they are evenly aligned with the wall or slightly offset to create a more pleasing appearance.
Lay out the wall and excavate the slope and the footing trench.
Type m mortar mix.
The dry stack construction technique allows the incidental water to escape by flowing around the blocks and out the retaining wall face.
Mortar will stand the test of time and support the weight of brick and stone more effectively.
As you lay the second course of block insert weep holes 3 4 inch pipe into the mortar every third.
Scrape off excess mortar.
Press stones firmly into the mortar on the block wall enough so that the stone is embedded into the mortar.
Spread mortar in short runs.
Some such blocks are made with flanges that slip over the rear edge of the preceding course.
Don t get too far ahead of yourself.
The system consists of dry cast concrete blocks that are placed without mortar dry stacked and rely on their keyed interface and mass to resist overturning and sliding.
Run an entire row across the bottom first then another row on top of that and so on.
The hollow core design combines with mortarless construction to allow water to drain freely from behind the segmental retaining wall.
Incidental water moves easily through a vertical drain that is formed by the layer of wall rock placed behind the block and in the block cores.
A cinder block retaining wall requires a bit of heavy lifting and plenty of planning and preparation of the area where you intend to build.
Segmental retaining walls are modular block retaining walls used for vertical grade change applications.
Type m mortar mix has the highest amount of portland cement and is recommended for heavy loads and below grade applications including foundations retaining walls and driveways.
While type m mortar provides at least 2 500 psi of compressive strength it offers relatively poor adhesion and sealing properties making it unsuitable for many exposed applications.
Fixing structural walls or pillars should be done with mortar every time.
Build the footing and insert.
Likewise if a wall is over three feet you should seriously consider using only mortar for work on brick or stone.