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Segmental Retaining Wall Installation Guide

  • February 2019

Segmental retaining walls are gravity retaining walls that rely primarily on their mass (weight) to resist the destabilizing force from retained soils (backfill) and surcharge loads. The system consists of manufactured concrete units that are placed without the use of mortar (dry stacked) and are usually connected through concrete shear keys or mechanical connectors. The units may also be used in combination with horizontal layers of soil reinforcement that extend into the backfill to increase the effective width and weight of the gravity mass.

This guide provides an overview for contractors and owners for the correct and successful installation of segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems, addressing the specific installation steps for engineered and non-engineered SRW systems.The information provided here covers the general installation guidelines for SRWs, site specific conditions should be appropriately evaluated by a qualified engineer. Users should reference the product-specific information provided by the block, geogrid and geotextile manufacturers for additional information unique to each system.

Manufactured Stone Veneer Installation Guide

  • February 2019

Revised  April 2024

Manufactured stone veneer is an aesthetically pleasing veneer system that continues to gain popularity. Ensuring proper performance in service depends on proper detailing and construction. This guide focuses on the installation of Adhered Manufactured Stone Veneer (AMSV) systems onto a variety of structural backup systems.

It also provides discussion on proper materials and construction best practices, as well as building code requirements. A large number of specific construction details are also provided covering a broad array of situations encountered during construction. Make sure your next MSV project is done correctly by following the recommendations in this guide.

Published in April 2024, the Sixth Printing of the 5th Edition of this guide reflects the latest, state-of-the-art recommendations for successful MSV installations.

MSV Installation Guide in Spanish

El revestimiento de piedra prefabricada es un sistema de revestimiento estéticamente agradable que continúa ganando popularidad. Los detalles y la construcción adecuados garantizan un rendimiento de la estructura. Esta guía se enfoca en la instalación de sistemas de revestimiento de piedra prefabricada adherida (AMSV) en una variedad de sistemas de soporte estructural.

También proporciona una discusión sobre los materiales adecuados y las mejores prácticas de construcción, así como los requisitos del código de edificación. También proporciona una gran cantidad de detalles de construcción específicos que cubren una amplia gama de situaciones encontradas durante la construcción. Asegúrese de que su próximo proyecto de MSV se realice correctamente siguiendo las recomendaciones de esta guía.

Publicada en abrilde 2024, la traducción de la Quinta impresión de la 5ª edición de la Guía de instalación de MSV refleja las últimas recomendaciones de última generación para instalaciones exitosas de MSV.

Lintel Design Manual – Concrete Masonry and Precast Concrete Lintels

  • February 2019

Revised 2004

Openings in concrete masonry walls are typically spanned by horizontal structural members known as lintels. Depending upon regional nomenclature, the terms lintel and beam are often interchanged. Regardless of the terminology used, the design approach and philosophy are identical for both elements. The purpose of these members is to support the weight of the wall above the opening, as well as any additional imposed loads.

The focus of this manual — broken into five sections — is on reinforced concrete masonry lintels and precast reinforced concrete lintels.

First, a discussion on the materials commonly used for lintel construction is presented. Then, a detailed discussion on design loads presents lintel loading conditions and discusses arching action of masonry walls. The aspects and parameters of lintel design are presented followed by design examples. Finally, lintel design tables are presented.

Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls

  • February 2019

Revised 2010

3rd Edition 5th Printing

The purpose of this manual is to provide generic design guidelines for segmental retaining walls (SRW) constructed as gravity structures and as geosynthetically reinforced soil segmental retaining walls. Reinforced SRW systems are composite-facing, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall structures that have unique features and design requirements that are addressed in detail in this design guideline.

This manual provides design guidelines and engineering procedures necessary to produce safe, cost effective retaining wall structures. The design methodologies contained in this manual allow the engineer to analyze the influence of all components of the SRW system on wall performance; in addition the manual covers the design considerations associated with surface and subsurface drainage. In addition to subsurface water management, the proper design of surface water control structures and diversion are important design considerations. The guidelines presented in this manual have been developed to assist the designer in reducing the potential for surface or ground water from negatively impacting an SRW.

Design Manual for Articulating Concrete Block (ACB) Revetment Systems

  • February 2019

Revised 2010

This design manual provides guidelines and procedures for the design and installation of articulating concrete block revetment systems. Articulating concrete block (ACB) systems are used to provide erosion protection to underlying soil from the hydraulic forces of moving water. An ACB system is comprised of a matrix of individual concrete blocks placed together to form an erosion-resistant revetment with a geotextile underlay for subsoil retention.

The term “articulating” implies the ability of the matrix to conform to minor changes in the subgrade while remaining interlocked with or without the use of cables, geotextiles or geogrids. Several varieties of ACB systems are available: interlocking, cable-tied and noncable-tied matrices, and open cell and closed cell varieties. Open cell units contain open voids within individual units that facilitate the placement of aggregate and/or vegetated soil. Closed cell units are solid, concrete elements that are capable of allowing vegetation growth between adjacent units.

This 3rd edition includes the new Shear and Velocity design methodology for design velocities higher than 8 ft/s (2.43 m/s) on channelizing and overtopping projects. Use this design manual to ensure proper design and construction of ACB systems.

In addition to the Manual, CMHA has developed a design spreadsheet for ACB systems using the same methodology. Access the design spreadsheet here.

Concrete Masonry Walls for Metal Building Systems

  • February 2019

Revised 2011

When integrating concrete masonry and steel frames into a single structural system, special considerations need to be addressed to account for the unique properties of a particular material. This guide is a comprehensive resource including a general overview of the design and detailing recommendations for serviceability and performance, structural design considerations, guidance for the construction of metal buildings integrating concrete masonry, and more.

Concrete Masonry Storm Shelter — Design Guide and Commentary

  • February 2019

Storm shelters are becoming more common in construction projects, and required by code in a large portion of the U.S. The Storm Shelter Design Guide is a guide for architects, engineers and contractors to assist in the design and construction of tornado shelters utilizing concrete masonry units for the primary structural wall element, to resist the wind loads and debris impact produced by tornadoes and hurricanes. It also details the difference when the goal is to build a structure to protect against one violent powerful storm system versus the other — i.e. a tornado shelter is not precisely the same as a hurricane version.

A companion case study and commentary including construction drawings explaining architectural and structural design decisions for a hypothetical concrete masonry tornado storm shelter addition to a Kansas elementary school.

These resources provide an opportunity for architects and engineers to step into the shoes of an experienced shelter designer team to better understand the decision-making process.

Basement Manual: Design and Construction Using Concrete Masonry

  • February 2019

Revised 2001

Concrete masonry is commonly used in construction of basements. This manual features discussion, design tables and suggested construction details prepared to assist architects and engineers in the design of reinforced concrete masonry foundation and basement walls. It also acquaints builders and owners with the recommended construction details and practices associated with particular technologies. A wide variety of different applications are covered, including deep foundations, basement walls subjected to large lateral soil pressure, basement walls supporting heavy compressive loads, walls where the unsupported wall length or height will exceed the recommendation for plain concrete masonry, and more.

Annotated Design & Construction Details for Concrete Masonry

  • February 2019

Revised 2002

In virtually all aspects of building construction, like foundations, load-bearing walls, infill walls, interior partitions, as well as exterior landscaping applications such as retaining walls and paving, concrete masonry products are used. Ensuring success with these projects includes proper construction detailing. This manual presents details commonly used in construction and provides additional corollary information for each set of details where applicable. Each section covers a specific application, and includes details with side-by-side commentary.

The commentary information is intended to provide a brief overview of the design and/or construction considerations that apply to a particular type of construction, while the details represent common masonry construction practice. They may need to be modified to meet local conditions, requirements or code.