Modular block retaining wall system and method of constructing same

Abstract

A modular wall block is formed with a trough or recess in a top surface configured to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like grid connection device. The fingers are engaged through apertures in an end portion of a grid-like sheet of material with the spine of the rake overlying the grid-like sheet of material, the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly to reinforce the fill behind a retaining wall formed from a plurality of courses of the wall blocks. Slat members are selectively received in one of a pair of grooves defined in each side of the wall blocks with portions of the slats extending above the upper surface of the block to contact a surface of an opening formed in a superimposed block for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or rearwardly offset relationship. The slats also include portions projecting laterally from the sides of the block and spanning the space between adjacent blocks in a course of blocks to position juxtaposed blocks in each course relative to each other. Alternatively, the rake includes, in addition to fingers projecting downwardly from the spine, tabs projecting upwardly from the spine. The tabs engage a slot in a bottom of the wall block for positioning, depending upon the direction of extension of the tabs, the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or vertically offset relationship.