Method of constructing a block wall
A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.
1. A method for constructing a wall or fence comprising:
preparing a level base;
laying a base layer of blocks on the base, the base layer of blocks forming a plurality of lateral gaps;
stacking a plurality of courses of wall blocks on the base layer of blocks such that a plurality of vertical channels are formed between a top surface of an uppermost course of blocks and the plurality of gaps in the base layer of blocks;
pouring a flowable material from the top surface through the vertical channels and gaps to form a support footing for the wall or fence which substantially encases the base layer of blocks; and
forming a footing reinforcing framework for the support footing after stacking a plurality of wall blocks and prior to pouring the flowable material, the reinforcing framework including horizontal footing reinforcing members extending parallel to the wall or fence and transverse footing reinforcing members extending perpendicular to the wall or fence, the footing reinforcing framework being substantially encased in the support footing after the flowable material is poured.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising;
forming a trench; and
adding base material to the trench, wherein the step of preparing a level base comprises leveling the base material in the trench.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the base material is compacted granular material or crushed stone.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the flowable material is concrete or cement.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the transverse footing reinforcing members extend through the plurality of gaps in the base layer of blocks.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
placing vertical reinforcement members within the vertical channels prior to pouring the flowable material.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
placing horizontal reinforcing members between courses of wall blocks.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the wall blocks and the base layer blocks have the same structure.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the lateral gaps are formed by spacing blocks in the base layer apart by a distance d.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein distance d is about one-half of a length of a base layer block.