Abstract: A cap unit for a retaining wall constructed of a plurality of courses of concrete blocks, in which at least the uppermost course of blocks in the retaining wall is provided with a connector member having an upstanding portion extending above the upper surface of the block, is provided with a recess or cavity in its underside for receiving the upstanding portion of the connector member. The cap unit is constructed such that the upstanding portion of the connector member abuts a side of the cavity so as to prevent lateral forward movement of the cap unit relative to the block therebelow. The cavity comprises a slot extending the width of the cap unit to accommodate varying placements of the connector member relative to the cap unit. The cap unit is formed so as to provide first and second end surfaces substantially parallel to each other, with a first side surface extending therebetween. The first side surface is perpendicular to both the first and second end surfaces.

Abstract: A specially constructed block for use in forming a mortarless retaining wall is disclosed, as is a retaining wall constructed therefrom and a method of constructing a retaining wall. Each block has a front face of a predetermined width and a rear wall having a substantially equal width. The block side walls provide a maximum block width at the front face and a minimum block width adjacent the rear wall. When such blocks are placed in a side-by-side relationship, a substantially closed cavity is formed between the blocks for receiving backfill material and thereby reinforcing the wall. A wall constructed from a plurality of such blocks utilizes an engagement clip disposed between blocks in upper and lower courses for preventing relative forward movement between the blocks. The clip is engageable with the upper surface of the rear web of the block for easy installation after the block is laid in a course.