The new year brought a major update to AB Walls 3D+Terraces. Version 25.0.0 is here! This new version introduces significant improvements to help design professionals work more efficiently. The update focuses on simplifying software use and addressing previous technical limitations. AB Walls has moved to an all-new installation process. This means that if you have an older version, it will eventually quit working.

The update requires no re-registration for existing AB Walls users and promises to improve overall workflow reliability and ease of use for architects and construction professionals working with wall and terrace designs.

For existing AB Walls users, you should have received a download link to the new software in your email. If you did not, please call 800-899-5309 x3.

Key changes include:

• A new installer that resolves update and certificate issues moving forward.
• Direct launching of .abc project files.
• Removal of needing Adobe DC Reader!
• New design features like "Apply All" for terraced panels and "Even Courses" option for grid elevation.
• Several bug fixes for closing errors, printing, and file imports.
• New! Mathcad Prime hand calculations for Limit Equilibrium Methodology. Available within the software under AB resources.

If you are interested in getting this new version of AB Walls. Please submit a software request on our website.

For assistance migrating to this new version or to set up online tutorial on the software, please email or call 800-899-5309 x3.

What Do You Gain From a Lunch & Learn?

• Training raises your comfort level. This leads to more retaining walls being designed as SRW’s and potentially Allan Block
• It brings forth the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Credits (CEU’S) for attending the training
• Get to know your sales reps and Allan Block Corp better to create great working relationships
• Add SRW’s to your in-house services to offer even more to your customers

Reach out to your local Sales Rep or Allan Block at engineering@allanblock.com to schedule your next Lunch and Learn. Also check out our Lunch and Learn Webinars we offer online.

The original plan was to incorporate use the AB Collection in an AB Ashlar Blend pattern to add a level of aesthetics to the project. To achieve this plan, the AB Collection was modified to the setback of the AB Vertical blocks.

The final design for the bridge abutment walls used 3 different strengths of grid to achieve the CDOT required Long Term Allowable Design Strength (LTADS) specifications. These specifications also called for tighter grid spacing and longer grids to allow for building to start.

To get a jump start on the project and not hold it up due to the changes needed to manufacture the AB Ashlar Vertical blocks, the contractor started the job by modifying the existing AB Classic stock of blocks by cutting the bottom notch deeper. Once the newly manufactured blocks were available the project finished without a hitch.

Even with all the challenges this project faced, from design to building the versatility of Allan Block and the knowledgeable installers at Slaton Brothers made the project a success. Click here to see the full case study!

Elevating Landscape Design: The Art of Patterned Retaining Walls

Retaining wall design goes far beyond simple functionality. By incorporating thoughtful block patterns, designers can transform a basic structural element into a dramatic landscape feature that mimics the craftsmanship of hand-laid stone. The key is to understand how to strategically blend different block sizes and create visual interest while maintaining structural integrity.

Key Considerations for Patterned Wall Design

• Pattern Types: Choose between pre-set patterns (repeating every two to three courses) and select which products make up the pattern (Standard or Lite)
• Block Collections: AB Collection, AB Europa Collection, and AB Aztec Collection offer versatile patterning options
• Structural Requirements:
  • Curved walls must use a two-course pattern to minimize block cutting
  • Allow extra time for detailed installation, especially when working with patterns for the first time
  • Geogrid reinforcement should be installed where you have a level surface, every 2 courses (16 inches/400 mm) or three course (24 inches/600 mm) with compaction occurring every 8 in (200 mm).
  • The base course of your patterned retaining wall should always be installed using a full course of full-sized blocks. This will speed up the leveling and installation of the first course of the wall.

For more detailed installation steps, refer to the AB Installation Manuals located on allanblock.com.

• Allan Block Commercial Installation Manual
• Allan Block Landscape Installation Manual

Pro designers know that a well-executed patterned wall does more than contain earth—it tells a story of craftsmanship and design intention, transforming ordinary landscapes into extraordinary spaces. To inquire about the availability of pattern blocks in your area, call us at 800-899-5309 x3 to connect you with your local Allan Block Sales Manufacturer today.

Water is a retaining wall’s biggest threat, making proper drainage essential. A toe drain helps manage water by being placed at the wall’s lowest point throughout the base material. It should exit perpendicularly every 50 feet (15.24 m) into a water management system, catch basin, or to daylight. When there is not a water management system to tie into or the installation of a catch basin is not within the scope of the project, the Alternate Drain becomes an effective solution.

The alternate drain uses low permeable soil to raise the toe drain to grade level. Using low permeable soil below the toe drain is a crucial component to installing an alternate drain. Simply, a soil’s permeability is its ability to allow water to pass through it. Using a low permeable soil to raise the drain to grade ensures that water exits the system at the drain location and is not able to migrate past the toe drain and deeper into the soil.

The Allan Block Best Practices for SRW Design document depicts the detail seen in this article on page 7 and discusses the alternate drain in more detail in Chapter 4. The Allan Block Spec Book is also a great resource and can be paired with the best practices document to investigate further. We also recommend checking out the Commercial and Landscape Retaining Wall Manuals for more information on installation.

If you have any questions, give the engineering department a call 952-835-5309 x 3 or send us an email.