Geogrid

January 22, 2019February 9, 2021 ~ RR

WHAT IS GEOGRID?

Geogrid is a manufactured high strength reinforcement grid that comes in rolls of various sizes and strengths. It is composed of high-molecular weight, high-tenacity multi-filament polyester yarns that are woven together into a stable mesh.

Below are examples of different types of high quality geogrid available from SRW Products .

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOGRID?

Adds strength and longevity to your wall
Helps prevent wall failure
Resistant to biological degradation and naturally encountered chemicals, alkalis and acids.

WHERE CAN GEOGRID BE USED?

Retaining walls
Steep Slopes/Embankments
Sub-grade Stabilization
Waste Containment
Void Bridging

TYPES OF GEOGRID:

Geogrids are made as either bi-directional (bi axial) or uni-directional (uni axial).

Bi-directional geogrid has significant tensile strength in both directions. This structure also provides an ideal interlocking system for more effective force bearing and diffusion in soil. Some examples of bi-directional geogrid are the 3 Series and Universal Geogrid from SRW Products.

Tip: Bi-directional geogrid should be rolled out perpendicular or parallel to the wall.

Uni-directional geogrid have very high tensile strength and high stiffness in the machine direction with very low stiffness in the other direction. Uni directional geogrids provide stability and are often used in applications that has little to no loading in the secondary direction. Some examples of uni-directional geogrids are the 5 to 10 Series geogrids from SRW Products.

Tip: Uni-directional geogrid should ALWAYS be rolled out perpendicular to the wall.

This structure has a very high tensile strength. The tensile strength of the product can adapt to a variety of soil, is widely used reinforced reinforcement materials.

WHY IS GEOGRID IN RETAINING WALLS SO IMPORTANT?

The soil behind retaining walls can exert a tremendous amount of pressure on the blocks so it is very crucial to use a high quality geogrid (such as one from SRW Porducts) in-between the blocks to help alleviate that pressure and keep the wall from falling over.

To better visualize how geogrid works think of yourself leaning over. Now imagine someone standing behind you and holding your shirt so that you don’t completely fall over. You are acting as the retaining wall, your shirt is acting as the geogrid, and the person holding your shirt from behind is acting as the Earth. Without the geogrid there would be nothing for the Earth “to grab” and keep the wall from tumbling over.

Geogrid also creates a reinforced coherent mass behind the retaining wall by stabilizing the soil.

To see just how well geogrid reinforces soil check out this one minute demonstration by Allan Block.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ2w6A23ElQ[/embedyt]

The test performed takes two cylinders of soil and applies vertical force to see how the soil performs. The first cylinder is just compacted material. The second is also compacted material with the addition of mesh screens to simulate the use of geogrid reinforcement.

Notice in the video how the geogrid reinforces the soil mass so that it can withstand much more force. It also helps the soil that is reinforced to act as one coherent gravity mass. If you consider a simple gravity retaining wall, the forces from the soil being retained must be retained by the mass of the wall blocks.

When you use geogrid with a retaining wall, the mass of the blocks and the additional mass of the reinforced soil helps to withstand the pressures behind the wall. This combined mass is what allows very tall walls to be built when using geogrid.

HOW TO USE GEOGRID IN RETAINING WALLS

To use geogrid in a retaining wall first follow the installation instructions supplied with the retaining wall of your choice., This includes foundation preparation, block alignment, core filling, drainage rock placement, back fill placement, and compaction. For a brief how to please check out our article on How to Build a Block Retaining Wall.

Start the geogrid near the face of the block and roll out in one continuous piece to the back of the reinforced soil mass (no splicing). Butt together at edges — DO NOT OVERLAP GEOGRID.

Tip: SRW Universal and 3 Series geogrid are bi-directional and can be rolled out either perpendicular or parallel to the wall.

2. Install geogrid under tension. Be sure to remove any slack by pulling the grid backwards from the wall face. A nominal tension can be maintained by staples or stakes, until the geogrid has been covered by at least 6 inches of structural fill.

3. Place the next course of block on top of the geogrid. Back fill and compact the soil.

Tip: Always back fill and compact one course of block at a time. Keep an adequate cushion of soil between the geogrid and equipment.

4. Repeat process until retaining wall is completed.

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TLC Supply in Quincy, MA is your #1 place to purchase Geogrid for your retaining wall project. We carry several high quality Bi-Directional and Uni-Directional Geogrid reinforcements from industry leader SRW Products.

TLC Supply also has a wide selection of retaining and free standing retaining wall blocks from Techo Bloc, Allan Block, Keystone, Genest, and Belgard.

We are happy to answer any of your project questions, just leave a comment below!

“Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

-RR

Paver Pool Deck & Patio Ideas

March 30, 2015February 9, 2021 ~ RR

Patio pavers around a pool are a great way to create your very own private oasis right in your backyard! Make your outdoor swimming pool deck a stunning and inviting resort with patio pavers, slabs, pool coping, flagstone, or natural stone.

What better way is there to enjoy the upcoming warm days than relaxing or entertaining by your new pool with friends and family?

Did you know? Pavers are the perfect performer for pool decks! Since concrete pavers are designed with textured tops they make for a safe, comfortable, non-slip walking surface even when wet! In addition, the high density structure of pavers will help minimize penetrating moisture and reduce damage caused by freeze conditions.

Now Dive Right In! Take a Look at These 7 Beautiful Hardscape Poolsides!

Paver Patio Pool Deck Pavers — Bluestone Pillar Caps

4 Helpful Tips for Your Next Paver Pool Project!

TIP #1: To install a patio around your pool you would follow the same steps as installing a basic patio (click here for paver installation guide). The difference is that you will need to use an expansion joint around the perimeter of the pool that sits between the patio pavers and the pool coping.

There are several reasons why it is necessary to use a strip foam expansion. First, it will assist in freeze thaw cycles and even in hot weather because it will allow for flexibility and movement of the pavers. Secondly, it will help prevent any water from seeping down behind the pool shell and weakening the concrete joints.

To use the foam expansion you would simply place the foam around the perimeter of the pool coping. Then install your patio pavers as you normally would. The foam expansion will help keep out any poly sand you use to fill the paver joints. Next remove the 1/2 “ tear strip on the foam expansion and fill the void with a self-leveling pool caulk.

Tip #2: To keep pool caps from popping off you may want to use a fiber reinforced mortar such as Ardex X 32. We recommend Ardex X 32 because it is designed to handle the most challenging moisture sensitive stone, granite, marble, as well as tiles, both interior and exterior. Ardex X 32 is durable, easy to use, has great bonding capabilities and controlled setting time, and it will not warp or shrink.

Tip #3: You can even dress up the landscape around your pool even more by incorporating decorative plants and flowers. Add an accent trim to your surrounding garden with patio edging pavers or granite cobblestones. You can build raised planters with pavers or even with retaining walls.

Retaining walls and stone walls surrounding the pool area also serve as privacy walls. Incorporate stone pillars and fences to keep the area gated and safe while adding a touch of elegance.

Adding a cabana or pergola gives you and your family added protection from the sun and serves as an additional area for entertaining guests day or night.

Tip #4: If you want to take it to the next level you can incorporate other outdoor elements.

Feed your hungry guests from a new outdoor pizza oven (pre-cut and ready-to-assemble) and stay outside longer with fireplace and fire pit kits for those chilly nights. Pre-assembled fire pit kits are can be installed quickly and fit into any budget!

Let us know which poolside design was your favorite in the comments below!

TLC Supply carries a wide selection of premium pavers from Techo Bloc as well as from Genest Concrete, Belgard and Cambridge Pavers. Please visit our website to see even more hardscape and masonry products ranging from bluestone,granite,brick,natural stone,block,sand,cement, and much more!

If you liked this page be sure to share it with all your friends! And for even more inspiring paver pool decks, patios, as well as backyard DIY projects and outdoor entertaining ideas follow us on Pinterest!

WAIT! Before you go check this out! You may even like our posts on How to Build a Paver Patio! or Ardex Mortar – The Efficient & Easy Way to Install Stone!

The experts at TLC Supply are happy to answer any of your project questions, just give us a shout! Send us an email to info@tlcsupply.com or leave your comments below.

“Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

Realstone Veneer Panels!

February 3, 2015February 9, 2021 ~ RR

It may be chilly and snowy outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t complete your home makeover project. Stay inside where it is warm and cozy and opt to transform an interior wall or fireplace with stone veneer panels from Realstone Systems! The best part is that these panels are made to fit snug, making layering a cinch. What else does this mean? It means that this can be an easy do-it-yourself project that can be completed in one weekend! Stone veneer can transform any interior or exterior wall into an eye-catching focal point!

Realstone Systems® is one of the largest top quality stone veneer product lines in the industry. They have stunning new designs available that will add a timeless look to any project! Let’s take a look…

Hive Tiles are one new product from Realstone Systems® that will add a unique look to any room. Hive tiles feature deep relief patterns comprised of repeating hexagons. These tiles are made of engineered marble and travertine stone by recycling waste marble and travertine powder. Choose from four different options, Barn Wood, Chiseled Cream, Etched Cream, and Drift Wood. Each style will come together to create a visually stunning display!

Portugal Collection Panels are another striking addition. These panels bring together the natural beauty of real stone in a model and sleek style. Create a multitude of patterns and styles with these three set patterns that come in four distinctive shades, Terra Limestone, Cinza Marble, Venato Marble, and Areia Limestone.

If you prefer a more natural stone look you can always go for Ledgestone, which is a thin stone veneer that features a rough cut, split face stone with a weathered finish. The varying profile of the stone gives depth and texture while displaying the natural beauty of stone. Realstone® Ledgestone patterns come in many colors and are the most traditional pieces. They are perfect for achieving that rustic and natural look.

How do I install dry stacked stone veneer panels?

Please note that this is a general guideline to installing veneer panels.

Step 1: Calculate the square footage of the area. Veneer comes in corner pieces and flat pieces. Corners are sold by the linear foot and flats are sold by the square foot. To figure out the square footage simply multiply length by height. To calculate the liner footage for corners simply measure the height of all walls and add together. Be sure to subtract the areas filled by doors, windows, and fireplace openings! This will help determine how much material you will need to complete your project.

Step 2: Prepare the surface area by removing the existing material. Make sure that the remaining drywall is sound and level. If not then be sure to take the necessary steps to patch or repair it.

Step 3: Apply a cement underlayment board such as Durock® Cement Board to the surface of the wall. View installation here.

Step 4: Apply scratch coat. We recommend using Ardex X5 which is a flexible tile and stone mortar. Then comb through the mortar using a notch trowel. Doing so will create grooves and a textured surface for the stone to adhere to. Allow the scratch coat to dry overnight.

Step 5: Lay out the stone on a flat surface to create a visual template of how you will place them on the finished wall or fireplace. It is helpful to start with the corner pieces and then fill the inside. Pieces may need to be cut to lay flush against the floorboard, ceiling, or fireplace opening. You may cut the pieces with a wet saw using a carbide or diamond tip blade. Be sure to wear protective eyewear and follow proper safety measures when cutting stone veneer.

Step 6: Using a trowel, apply a 1/4 inch layer of Ardex X5 to the back of the stone. Place the stone onto the wall and wiggle it gently to ensure even coating and a secure bond. If the mortar seeps out you may use a damp cloth to wipe it away.

For more installation tips and techniques please visit Realstone.com.

As always if you have any questions please contact the experts at TLC Supply, Inc. We will help you every step of the way!

*If you are interested in Realstone products please call TLC Supply for availability.