Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When dirt is placed in the pocket, how does it stay in place?
A. Hercules modules have a solid bottom, two side rails and a face wall that is taller than the side rails. Soil is easily compacted into the module and once other modules are stacked around it, the soil is trapped behind the face. Soil could only leave by being lifted up and out. Properly backfilled, compacted, drained and graded walls present no opportunity for such a force to act on the soil.

Q. Why doesn't Hercules require a cap unit?
A. Properly built walls will be backfilled up to the peak of the top modules face which ensures the entire module is covered. Only the faces of the modules should show on completed Hercules walls. Other systems use a cap to cover unsightly features like pin holes or a hollow core. Try using your favorite perrenial low growing groundcover in the top row of modules as a "Green Cap" .

Q. When building a Hercules wall, can you stack 4-5 courses before backfilling?
A. NO. Proper technique for all walls is to build and compact course by course. Hercules modules can only be properly filled when they are the uppermost course, so the installer is forced to use the proper technique. Once several courses are stacked up, there is no way to completely fill and compact in the modules.

Q. What is the minimum setback distance of one course?
A. Setback, from the bottom of the face on course #1, to the bottom of the face, when pulled all of the way forward on course #2, is 2 7/8 inches.

Q. Do you have to use topsoil if you want to plant the wall?
A. NO. Most annuals and perennials will grow well in soil available on the site regardless of quality. If site soil seems particularly bad, the face of the wall can be dusted with topsoil once the wall is complete. The use of poor quality soil will keep down unintended weed growth and periodic feeding will increase the growth and health of the intended plant material.

Q. What are the advantages of crushed rock footing vs. a poured footing?
A. The concept of a modular wall is to be flexible. Blocks are designed to move with the natural pressures created. With a crushed rock footing the wall has the flexibility to move with the earth. When a poured footing is used, the wall is restricted from its natural movement. Poured footings do offer many options for scour protection and to resist sliding in very poor soil conditions.

Q. Will my Hercules wall count as greenspace?
A. YES. Greenspace is viewed differently on every project and by every governing agency. Hercules walls have been accepted in the past and will likely be accepted more frequently as zoning regulations become more restrictive. Green building initiatives are now educating and driving the need for sustainable development and energy conserving practices such as a "Green Roof" and "Green Walls".

Q. When should I use a Neptune module as opposed to a Hercules module?
A. Hercules modules are routinely utilized in lighter duty water applications in addition to landbased applications. Neptune modules are always utilized in water applications and provide additional backfill protection from violent, continuous flow and wave action.

Q. How do you keep weeds from growing in the Hercules units?
A. Weeds will grow in a soil filled wall more or less based on the quality of the soil. However, planting a wall with properly chosen, hardy plant material will prevent the opportunity for weeds. Using a time release , granular fertilizer and pulling a few weeds until the intended plant material becomes mature and dominate will ensure a long-term, low maintenance "green wall".

Q. How does the Hercules system utilize reinforcement when it has no pin?
A. Pins, for competitive wall systems, function the same as our front face. They are all alignment devices. Connection between the modules and reinforcing materials is achieved by weight and friction as the material is sandwiched between the units. The Hercules system, as tested, has one of the highest connection strengths in the industry.

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