Block Placement (Pinning & Running Bond)
At 5:41 in
Retaining Wall Skills: Beginner to Advanced
What happens here
This section demonstrates the correct placement of blocks, emphasizing the 'pinning and running bond' principle. The block is lifted using the Versa-Lifter and placed slightly away from its final position. It's then 'slagged' or slid into place, which helps knock off any concrete imperfections. Pins are then hammered into the top slots of the lower block, connecting the upper block. The video debunks the myth that a true half-bond is always necessary, stating that Versa-Lok engineering allows for variations like a three-quarter bond, as long as there is sufficient overlap (at least 4 inches) between courses for proper pinning.
Goal: Understand and apply proper block placement, pinning, and running bond techniques for retaining walls.
Tools and materials
- Hammer — Driving pins into blocks
- Pins Versa-Lok — Connecting courses of blocks
- Retaining Wall Blocks Versa-Lok — The primary material being placed
- Versa-Lifter Versa-Lok — Lifting and moving blocks