Permacon TANDEM SYSTEM 2015 User manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE
TANDEM®SYSTEM
2015

TANDEM®SYSTEM
INDEX
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 4
VENEER UNITS AND STRUCTURAL UNITS...........4
CAPPING UNIT, STEP UNIT AND STARTER UNIT ......5
TANDEM UNIT ASSEMBLY ......................6
BUILDING A RETAINING WALL 7
STARTER UNIT ..............................7
PRE-ASSEMBLY OF UNITS ......................7
ANCHOR SYSTEM ............................8
TYPICAL CROSS SECTION
AND INSTALLATION PATTERN ...................9
STRAIGHT WALLS ...........................13
CURVED WALLS.............................13
90° CORNER WALL ..........................13
RETAINING WALL CAPPING ....................17
BUILDING A DOUBLE-SIDED WALL 18
DOUBLE-SIDED TANDEM UNIT ASSEMBLY..........18
STARTER UNIT .............................18
STRAIGHT WALLS ...........................19
CURVED WALLS.............................22
END OF A WALL.............................23
90° CORNER WALL ..........................24
DOUBLE-SIDED WALL CAPPING .................24
BUILDING STAIRS 25
MELVILLE TANDEM STEPS ....................25
LAFITT TANDEM STEPS ......................26
ESPLANADE TANDEM STEPS ...................27
BUILDING PILLARS 28
TANDEM PILLARS WITH PILLAR GRID ............28
TANDEM PILLAR WITH STRUCTURAL UNITS .......36
CONSTRUCTION OF OUTDOOR
LIVING COMPONENTS 40
GENERALITY ...............................40
OUTDOOR GAS FIREPLACE ....................52
OUTDOOR KITCHEN (BBQ, REFRIGERATOR, BAR) ....53
PATIO FURNITURE (BENCH AND TABLE) ..........54
PRIVACY WALLS AND FENCES ..................55
DECK SKIRTING ............................61
TANDEM SYSTEM®–3

90 mm LAFITT VENEER UNITS
180 mm STRUCTURAL UNITS
180 mm LAFITT VENEER UNITS
90 mm STRUCTURAL UNITS
A – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 201 mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 7 7/8"
C – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 335mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 13 3/16"
E – 180 mm STRUCTURAL UNIT
180 mm × 155 mm × 335 mm
7 1/16" × 6 1/8" × 13 3/16"
G – 180 mm STRUCTURAL UNIT
180 mm × 155 mm × 469 mm
7 1/16" × 6 1/8" × 18 1/2"
E – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 67 mm × 335 mm
7 1/16" × 2 5/8" × 13 3/16"
G – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 67 mm × 469 mm
7 1/16" × 2 5/8" × 18 1/2"
A – 90 mm STRUCTURAL UNIT
90 mm × 155 mm × 201 mm
3 9/16" × 6 1/8" × 7 7/8"
C – 90 mm STRUCTURAL UNIT
90 mm × 155 mm × 335 mm
3 9/16" × 6 1/8" × 13 3/16"
B – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 268 mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 10 1/2"
D – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 402 mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 15 13/16"
F – 180 mm STRUCTURAL UNIT
180 mm × 155 mm × 402 mm
7 1/16" × 6 1/8" × 15 13/16"
F – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 67 mm × 402 mm
7 1/16" × 2 5/8" × 15 13/16"
B – 90 mm STRUCTURAL UNIT
90 mm × 155 mm × 268 mm
3 9/16" × 6 1/8" × 10 1/2"
D – 90 mm STRUCTURAL UNIT
90 mm × 155 mm × 402 mm
3 9/16" × 6 1/8" × 15 13/16"
180 mm ESPLANADE VENEER UNITS
E – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 60 mm × 350 mm
7 1/16" × 2 3/8" × 13 3/4"
G – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 60 mm × 562 mm
7 1/16" × 2 3/8" × 22 1/8"
F – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 60 mm × 495 mm
7 1/16" × 2 3/8" × 19 1/2"
DESCRIPTION
LAFITT TANDEM
STRAIGHT CAPPING UNIT
90 mm × 305 mm × 400 mm
3 9/16" × 12" × 15 3/4"
MELVILLE TANDEM
STRAIGHT CAPPING UNIT
60 mm × 305 mm × 600 mm
2 3/8" × 12" × 23 5/8"
STARTER UNIT
90 mm × 200 mm × 400 mm
3 9/16" × 7 7/8" × 15 3/4"
LAFITT TANDEM STEP UNIT
90 mm × 400 mm × 400 mm
3 9/16" × 15 3/4" × 15 3/4"
MELVILLE TANDEM STEP UNIT
60 mm × 400 mm × 600 mm
2 3/8" × 15 3/4" × 23 5/8"
OTHERS UNITS (SOLD SEPARATELY)
4–TANDEM®SYSTEM
90 mm MELVILLE VENEER UNITS 180 mm MELVILLE VENEER UNITS
A – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 201 mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 7 7/8"
C – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 335 mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 13 3/16"
E – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 67 mm × 335 mm
7 1/16" × 2 5/8" × 13 3/16"
G – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 67 mm × 469 mm
7 1/16" × 2 5/8" × 18 1/2"
B – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 268 mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 10 1/2"
D – 90 mm VENEER UNIT
90 mm × 67 mm × 402 mm
3 9/16" × 2 5/8" × 15 13/16"
F – 180 mm VENEER UNIT
180 mm × 67 mm × 402 mm
7 1/16" × 2 5/8" × 15 13/16"

DESCRIPTION
ESPLANADE CHISELED CAPPING UNIT
60 mm × 381 mm × 1067 mm
2 3/8" × 15" × 42"
ESPLANADE PILLAR CAPPING MODULE 25 × 25
60 mm × 635 mm × 635 mm
2 3/8" × 25" × 25"
ESPLANADE PILLAR CAPPING MODULE 27 × 27
60 mm × 686 mm × 686 mm
2 3/8" × 27" × 27"
ESPLANADE PILLAR CAPPING MODULE 29 × 29
75 mm × 737 mm × 737 mm
3" × 29" × 29"
ESPLANADE PILLAR CAPPING MODULE 31 × 31
75 mm × 787 mm × 787 mm
3" × 31" × 31"
SETBACK ANCHOR
CORNER CONNECTOR
TANDEM SHELF ANGLE 8'
64 mm × 64 mm × 2439 mm
2 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 8'
SCREW
#10 × 1 1/4"
SCREW
#10 × 3 1/2"
TANDEM GRID
CONNECTOR
TANDEM GRID
PILLAR KIT
TANDEM MODULAR GRID
720 mm × 1080 mm
28 3/8" × 42 1/2"
DOUBLE SIDED
CONNECTOR
ANCHORS AND CONNECTORS OTHERS
OTHERS UNITS (SOLD SEPARATELY)
TANDEM SYSTEM®–5
BRACKETS
(LOOP CLAMPS)
Note: Each Tandem Grid Pillar Kit comes with 1 bag of 200 Tandem Grid Connectors.
Each Tandem Modular Grid comes with 1 bag of 60 Tandem Grid Connectors,
10 screws #10 × 1 1/4 " and 10 loop clamps.

DESCRIPTION
6–TANDEM®SYSTEM
TANDEM UNIT ASSEMBLY
Tandem units come in 2 heights: 90 and 180 mm (3 9/16"and 7 1/16").
For each structural unit, there is a veneer unit of the same length and height.
The unit can be assembled using the dovetail joint (an interlocking male/
female system). Each structural unit has two vertical tenons (male side)
and each veneer unit has at least two mortises (female side). The veneer
units are joined to the structural units by simply sliding the mortises into
the tenons to create the Tandem unit. Today, there are three types of veneer
units; Lafitt, Melville and Esplanade Tandem units. The total depth of the
Lafitt and Melville Tandem unit is 222 mm (8 3/4"); for the Esplanade
Tandem unit, it is 233 mm (9 1/8").
Attention: in general, do not overlap two veneer units on a single
structural unit of the same height, and do not overlap two structural
units on a single veneer unit. Do not install two 90 mm veneer units
on a 180 mm structural unit.
LAFITT TANDEM UNIT
ESPLANADE TANDEM UNIT
Structural unit
Structural unit
Lafitt Tandem
veneer unit
Esplanade Tandem
veneer unit

STARTER UNIT
200 mm
400 mm
TANDEM®SYSTEM –7
R = 36"
STARTER UNIT
The first course of the Tandem wall is built using the Tandem
wall starter unit. This is to be installed directly on the granular
base foundation and levelled. The unit is bevelled to make it
easy to install curved walls.
The use of starter units is strongly recommended given that the
Tandem units (structural and veneer units) can then be placed
on a uniform base ensuring overall wall stability.
CURVED INSTALLATION
(PLAN VIEW)
STRAIGHT INSTALLATION
(PLAN VIEW)
BUILDING A
RETAINING WALL
PRE-ASSEMBLY OF 90 UNITS
It is best to pre-assemble veneer and structural units before
beginning to stack them in building the wall.
Once pre-assembled, Tandem units are randomly installed on
starter units, using the four different sizes.
PRE-ASSEMBLY OF 180 UNITS
Because the Tandem System 180 components are heavier,
we recommend that you install the structural units first,
then attach their veneer units.
Recommended handling for the Tandem 90 unit
Structural unit
Veneer unit
Tandem unit

8–TANDEM®SYSTEM
ANCHOR SYSTEM
The way in which the setback anchor is positioned in the Tandem wall
system determines the slope of the wall. This positioning is what allows
for either vertical or sloped walls.
Generally, at least one setback anchor must be installed per
Tandem 90 unit, with two setback anchors for the Tandem 180 unit,
to make sure the wall is stable. Setback anchors come with or without
blades. No-blade setback anchors are used in curved walls. Both types
of anchor can be used in straight walls.
Allowable heights(1): 650 mm (26 in) without a slope (0°, vertical);
1.050 mm (42 in) with a slope of 9°
Note: For a 9° of slope, the setback per row of 90 mm (3 9/16")
is 14 mm (9/16") and the setback per row of 180 mm
is 28 mm (1 1/8")
(1) Maximum height of the wall including the buried portion of 150 mm (6 in)
without additional load or embankment above the wall.
There are several ways to build a Tandem retaining wall:
Using only Lafitt and Melville Tandem 90 units
Using only Lafitt and Melville Tandem 180 units
Combining Lafitt and Melville Tandem 90 and 180 units in a single wall
Using only Esplanade Tandem 180 units
A typical cross-section and installation pattern are shown
for each type of wall.
BUILDING A RETAINING WALL
Position for building a wall
on a 9° slope.
Maximum height of 1.05 m (42")
Position for building
a vertical wall.
Maximum height of 0.65 m (26")
Basic
model
Model
without blades
C1 C2
Note: It is possible to use Lafitt and Melville Tandem veneer units in the same wall.

LINEAR PATTERN WITH ONLY LAFITT OR MELVILLE TANDEM 90 UNITS
TANDEM®SYSTEM –9
BUILDING A RETAINING WALL
TYPICAL CROSS SECTION AND INSTALLATION PATTERN
90 mm LAFITT OR MELVILLE TANDEM WALL
A Straight Capping unit
90 mm
× 305 mm × 400 mm
(3 9/16" × 12" × 15 3/4")
B Structural units
90 mm
× 155 mm × variable (201, 268, 335 or 402 mm)
3 9/16" × 6 1/8" × var (7 7/8", 10 1/2", 13 3/16", 15 13/16")
C Veneer units
90 mm × 67 mm × variable (201, 268, 335 or 402 mm)
3 9/16"× 2 5/8"× var (7 7/8", 10 1/2", 13 3/16", 15 13/16")
D Perforated drain 100 mm Ø (4 in) connected
E Geotextile membrane
F Granular base 0-20 mm (0-3/4")
compacted 300 mm (12") min.
G Buried depth 150 mm (6") min.
H Clean stone 20 mm (3/4")
I Starter unit
90 mm × 200 mm × 400 mm
(3 9/16"× 7 7/8"× 15 3/4")
INSTALLATION PATTERN
A
D
I
C
B
H
E
F
0° or 9°
300 mm
(12 in) min.
G 150 mm (6 in) min.
900 mm (36 in) max
300 mm (12 in) min.

10 – TANDEM®SYSTEM
BUILDING A RETAINING WALL
TYPICAL CROSS-SECTION AND INSTALLATION PATTERN –
LAFITT OR MELVILLE TANDEM 180 WALL
A Straight capping unit
90 mm × 305 mm × 400 mm
(3 9/16"× 12" × 15 3/4")
B Structural units
180 mm × 155 mm × variable (335, 402, or 469 mm)
7 1/16" × 6 1/8" × var (13 3/16", 15 13/16" or 18 1/2")
C Veneer units
180 mm × 67 mm × variable (335, 402, or 469 mm)
7 1/16" × 2 5/8" × var (13 3/16", 15 13/16" or 18 1/2")
D 100-mm perforated drain (4") connected to drains
E Geotextile membrane
F 0-20 mm (0-3/4") compacted aggregate base,
min. 300 mm (12")
G Min. buried depth of 150 mm (6")
H 20 mm (3/4") clean stone
I Starter unit
90 mm × 200 mm × 400 mm
(3 9/16" × 7 7/8" × 15 3/4")
INSTALLATION PATTERN
LINEAR PATTERN WITH LAFITT OR MELVILLE TANDEM 180 UNITS ONLY
A
B
H
E
D
G
I
F
C
300 mm
(12 in) min.
150 mm (6 in) min.
900 mm (36 in) max
300 mm (12 in) min.
0° or 9°