Modular block retaining wall

Claim 1

A retaining wall comprising an ordered array of modular blocks each having a horizontal cross-section defining a double "T" shape the top of said "T" defining a vertical planar member having the stem of each "T" defining a generally planar leg member having a height equal to the height of said vertical planar member, said leg members each disposed from opposite ends of said vertical planar member a distance of one-quarter of the length of said vertical planar member, each of said legs comprising means defining a hole proximate the end of said leg distal said vertical planar member and having a longitudinal axis disposed vertically through said leg, said double "T" shaped block vertically arranged in staggered courses with said holes in said legs vertically aligned with the holes in the legs of the course above, and the ends of said vertical planar members abutting each other, and means adapted to be received in said holes for connecting said modular blocks together said means comprising a reinforcing member comprising a generally straight vertical tension arm adapted to be received in said hole in said said leg member of said modular block and projecting vertically through said modular blocks, a generally straight horizontal base reinforcing arm disposed at right angles to said generally straight tension member and projecting horizontally under said wall in a direction generally perpendicular to said wall, a bracket attached to said vertically disposed tension arm for supporting said modular blocks, means connected to said vertical tension arm for adjusting the elevation of said base reinforcing arm above a supporting surface prior to pouring a concrete footing under said modular blocks.

Claim 3

A method of constructing a retaining wall comprising the steps of grading the ground area proximate the location of said retaining wall to define a generally flat surface, placing, on said generally flat surface, a means having a support bracket for supporting above said generally flat surface a plurality of modular blocks having a horizontal cross-section defining a double "T" shape, the top of said double "T" defining a vertical planar member having the stem of each "T" defining generally planar leg member having a height equal to the height of said vertical planar member, each leg member having means defining a hole therein proximate the end thereof distal said vertical planar member and having a longitudinal axis disposed vertically through said leg, inserting an elongated tension support member, attached to said support bracket, through said holes in said modular block, said elongated tension support member adapted to be adjustable as to height and to support the bottom course of modular blocks proximate said leg members, placing on said supporting means in an ordered array, said modular blocks with the ends of said vertical planar members abutting each other, vertically aligned in staggered courses and with said holes in said legs vertically aligned with the holes in said legs in the course below and using said vertical elongated tension member as a guide, pouring a concrete footing under said stacked array of modular blocks whereby said wall is supported on said concrete footing and said means having a support bracket for supporting said blocks above said surface is imbedded in said concrete, and applying and maintaining tension on said elongated tension member.

Claim 4

A method of constructing a retaining wall comprising the steps of grading the ground area proximate the location of said retaining wall to define a generally flat surface, placing, on said generally flat surface, a means having a support bracket for supporting above said generally flat surface a plurality of modular blocks having a horizontal cross-section defining a double "T" shape, the top of said double "T" defining a vertical planar member having the stem of each "T" defining generally planar leg member having a height equal to the height of said vertical planar member, each leg member having means defining a hole therein proximate the end thereof distal said vertical planar member and having a longitudinal axis disposed vertically through said leg, inserting an elongated tension support member, attached to said support bracket, through said holes in said modular block, said elongated tension support member adapted to be adjustable as to height and to support the bottom course of modular blocks proximate said leg members, placing on said supporting means in an ordered array, said modular blocks with the ends of said vertical planar members abutting each other, vertically aligned in staggered courses and with said holes in said legs vertically aligned with the holes in said legs in the course below and using said vertical elongated tension member as a guide, pouring a concrete footing under said stacked array of modular blocks whereby said wall is supported on said concrete footing and said means having a support bracket for supporting said blocks above said surface is imbedded in said concrete, and applying and maintaining tension on said elongated tension member.