If you’ve worked with Allan Block for a while, you may know of our 3D modeling service. Engineers could export a Ruby Script from AB Walls, send it to our team, and we would load it into SketchUp to create a 3D rendering. While useful, the process required extra steps and extended turnaround time.

Now, 3D modeling is back and better. The new 3D Visualization Extension eliminates the manual process and puts the capability directly in your hands.

How It Works

1. Create your retaining wall layout in the AB Layout Tool.
2. Click the green “View in 3D” button.
3. Instantly generate a 3D file of your wall design—ready for visualization, client presentations, or project submittals.

Why it Matters

1. Immediate 3D output, no extra coordination needed.
2. Improves constructability review and design communication.
3. Provides clear, presentation-ready visuals for clients and stakeholders.

Currently, the 3D Visualization Extension is available through the AB Layout Tool. Soon, it will expand to the AB Online Estimating Tool and as a standalone viewer, allowing direct drag-and-drop of AB Walls design files.

At Allan Block, our motto is Always Better. The 3D Visualization Extension gives design professionals a faster, simpler way to bring retaining wall designs to life. For questions or support, contact our engineering team at engineering@allanblock.com or 952-835-5309 x 3.

The team encountered site specific challenges such as accessing the site, which required carving roads through rugged terrain, with materials being transported along narrow single lane gravel roads. On top of this, the project took place during harsh winter conditions. This required careful logistics and on-site commitment from the crew.

Deerwood Landscaping Ltd., a long-standing Allan Block Certified installer, executed the project with exceptional craftsmanship. Their experience combined with the project result highlighted the quality of their work. Completion of the project advanced their wall crew on the project to Allan Block Master Wall Builder status.

The Bride River Substation stands as a model of collaboration between skilled contractors, innovative engineering, and quality materials; proving that the most remote and challenging sites can achieve functionality and aesthetically pleasing results. You can read more about this project in the Allan Block Case Studies section of our website.

Communication

Grid obstructions like existing utilities, structures, regulations, and environmental features cause project delays when the plans don't effectively communicate installation impacts that will affect contractors. Professionals identify these obstacles during design but often they are buried in technical notes. This leads to field delays, safety issues, and costly change orders.

Bridging the Gap

Better obstruction management starts with active communication instead of just documentation. Pre-construction meetings should be held to walk through potential conflicts before work begins. Establish clear rules about when contractors can make decisions versus when they need engineering approval.

For example, if a retaining wall design places geogrid at the top for structural reasons, contractors need to know why it's there. If they hit a utility conflict and move the geogrid without understanding its purpose, they could compromise the wall's safety. Good communication would have included backup plans for this scenario.

Simple Solutions

• Create visual guides and project specific details showing possible obstructions and their installation impacts.
• Use photos with notes and simple diagrams contractors can reference in the field.
• Set up communication systems so field teams can quickly reach engineers when unexpected problems arise.

The goal is making obstruction management a team effort from design through construction.

When do you need to reinforce a slope above a wall?

Best Practices recommends that slopes be reinforced if:

• Slope steeper than a 3:1
• Any slopes with poor soil
• Walls with seismic requirements

Why do you need to reinforce a slope above a wall?

To provide adequate stability to the wall system by ensuring the slope will not shift or move from the desired location and steepness.

How do you add reinforcement to the slope?

Allan Block’s AB Walls Design Software allows the designer to add geogrid reinforcement to the slope above the wall by Internal Compound Stability (ICS). AB Walls lets the designer dictate how many geogrid layers are added, how long they should be, and where they should start in the slope above the wall. Check out Best Practices Chapter 12.6 for recommendations.

For more information on Internal Compound Stability or how to add geogrid reinforcement to a slope above the wall call the engineering department, 800-899-5309 x 3, today.