How to attach retaining wall masonry blocks?

[ososbg]

Hi team,

I've built a small retaining wall/ garden bed consists of 3 lines of Adbri Masonry blocks, I used Construction adhesive Selleys Liquid Nails, but after few months I can see the adhesive started to come off and the blocks are not glued anymore. Is there any recommendations for another glue, or shall I apply cement between the blocks?

Thanks in advance

[MitchellMc]

Hi @ososbg,

Adbri Masonry does a range of blocks. Would you be able to let us know which type of product you've used? That would be really helpful for our members when providing advice. Also, if you could show us some images of the wall and those areas in question, that would be great.

Some of their range, like the VersaWall blocks, do not require any adhesive. Others require some adhesive between rows. Typically, that is Selley's Liquid Nails construction adhesive.

Once we have an idea of the blocks you've used and their installation requirements, we'll be better placed to advise on a suitable product and application technique.

Mitchell

[ososbg]

Hi @MitchellMc , thank you for your prompt reply, I'm using https://www.bunnings.com.au/adbri-masonry-300-x-160-x-100mm-bluestone-natural-impressions-block_p304...

[MitchellMc]

Hi @ososbg,

The Adbri Masonry 300 x 160 x 100mm Bluestone Natural Impressions Block is not designed to be glued together as it is a self-locking system. Was this the capping blocks on top that were glued on? 

The entire system is designed to allow for some movement while still being locked together by the integrated lip on the back of the blocks. If you've used glue, it's likely failed due to the movement, but the wall would typically still be structurally sound.

Mitchell

[ososbg]

Hi @MitchellMc , thanks for your reply. A couple of questions:

1 - How can I remove this liquid nail from the blocks.

2- Is this the right cap https://www.bunnings.com.au/adbri-masonry-300-x-200-x-50mm-bluestone-natural-impressions-cap-bluesto... to be put on top, and what would be the ideal distance between the edges of the block and the cap, and do I need to apply any adhesive under the cap as it doesn't have this locking mechanism.

Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @ososbg,

A wire brush or chisel should be able to remove the liquid nails. Just remember to wear gloves, long protective clothing, and eye protection while doing so.

Yes, that is the right cap for this system. You would install it so the back edge is flush with the back edge of the block, and it overhangs slightly at the front. You would also sit it over a join in the blocks below, so half its width is on either side of the join. You would set them in place with Selleys 415g Liquid Nails Landscape Stone Concrete Adhesive.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[ososbg]

Hi @JacobZ , thanks a lot for the detailed answer, and sorry for the noob question, how do I remove the current liquid nail if it's between 2 blocks, I want to remove the liquid nail between the blocks and adjust them as @MitchellMc described by using the locking mechanism. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @ososbg,

In that situation, you would need to lever the blocks apart using something like a crowbar.

Once you can open up enough of a gap, if the Liquid Nails won't let them separate, you can cut it using a utility knife. Just remember to wear gloves to protect yourself from the risk of lacerations.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[ososbg]

Hi @JacobZ , thank you for your reply, this is helpful and hopefully I can do it right this time