Tensar Installation Guideline for Contractors

IGC/TW1/07.12.11

Tensar Wall – TW1

1.

1. Prepare the foundation and cast a mass

concrete leveling strip with typical dimensions
of 450 mm x 150 mm high (600 mm wide or
as required, if an external architectural face is
to be attached)

2.
2. A single course of base units should be bedded
on mortar to the correct line & level

The Tensartech TW1 Standard block has a nominal

face angle of 86.2° (1:15) the TW1 Link block wall
has a nominal face angle of 89.2° (1:75) which
should be taken into consideration when setting the
wall out 3.

3. Place and compact approved fill in accordance

with ..................................... up to the top
of the course. Use a vibrating plate compactor
or vibrating roller with a mass per meter width
less than 1300 kg and a total mass less than
1000 kg within 2 m of the face. Install a
3.
minimum 150 mm thickness of Type A
drainage material immediately behind the face

4. Cut the grid from the roll to the required

design length. At one end ensure that a row of
ribs is trimmed to a length of 50 to 60 mm
(across the full width of the roll)

Do not cut back to 4.

the transverse bar

Tensar installation guidelines for Contractors 1/3 IGC/TW1/07.12.11

 5. Remove all debris from the top of the units using
a brush

6. Place the prepared end of the grid over the 6.

rebate in the block & locate the moulded
connectors around the transverse bar. Ensure
that each aperture of the geogrid is covered by a
connector. The connectors should be split where
necessary

7. Position the assembly neatly into the rebate with 7.

the trimmed ribs towards the face next course
(standard units are now used right up to the
coping course). Repeat this procedure for the
whole course ensuring that adjacent lengths of
grid are abutted at the wall face. They should be
placed stretcher bond & arranged so that the
downstand is pushed up against the front of the
rebate in the lower unit

8. (a) Place a minimum of three further courses

ensuring they are pushed fully forward and are
square with the previous course. Every course of
blocks should be checked for horizontal and 8a.
vertical alignment and the line and level of the
wall overall checked every 3rd course. Any
adjustment necessary may be made using ribs
cut from the geogrid or approved shims, placed
in between blocks.

(b) Any lengths of grid fitted into the wall face

above the level of fill should be temporarily
folded over the top of the wall to provide a free
working area
8b.

(c) Any undue bending of the geogrid should be

avoided.

8c.

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 11.
9. Insert the tensioning beam (see TN_UniaxialBeam) through
the apertures at the free end of the grid & apply a load
sufficient to remove any slack. Whilst maintaining tension,
place a layer to fill on the grid which is sufficient to retain
it in position when the load is released. Release the
tension & remove the beam

10. Place and compact fill in 150 mm lifts keeping units a

minimum of three courses above the fill until the top of
the structure. Repeat the procedures as described in steps
4-10 to the required height of the wall

11. Fill always should be placed by plant such as an excavator

bucket or dozer with an opening bucket, which causes the
fill to cascade onto the grids

12. Compaction should always commence nearest the facing

units, working away toward the free end of the grid

13. No traffic or site plant shall be permitted to travel directly

on the grids

14. The top course of block units should be bonded to the

course below using approved adhesive. Extrude a bead of
adhesive either side of the rebate of the lower units &
place the top course, pressing firmly to locate.

15. In order to achieve good line & level, the coping units
should be bedded on mortar. When alignment of the wall
12.
is curved or angled, the coping units require cutting on site
to achieve best fit

16. If an architectural masonry face is to be attached, the

approved stainless steel ties provided should be inserted
into the slots of the TW1 Link units, during the laying
process. A rate of three ties to every square metre of face
in a staggered pattern should be used

17. The Contractor must fully assess the safety risk associated 13.
with working at height and where appropriate install any
necessary temporary edge protection

The information in this document is of an illustrative nature and is supplied without charge. It does not form part of any contract or intended contract with the user. Final determination of the
suitability of any information or material for the use contemplated and the manner of use is the sole responsibility of the user and the user must assume all risk and liability in connection
therewith. Tensar is a registered trade mark

Tensar International Limited UK Head Office

Cunningham Court
Tel: +44 (0) 1254 262431 Shadsworth Business Park
Fax: +44 (0) 1254 266867 Blackburn
E-mail: sales@tensar.co.uk BB1 2QX
www.tensar-international.com United Kingdom
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