Guide to building cinder block walls

[Don Felgar <dfelgar@vermeer.com>]

Hello all,

I want to build a 6' wall to isolate my yard from traffic 
noise and for privacy.  I have chosen cinder blocks to build 
this wall because they are relatively inexpensive and easy for 
a novice to use (I hope!).  I understand that you can get a 
nice effect by coating cinder block walls with plaster.

Anyway, I am concerned about getting this wall structurally 
sound.  My research to date has raised more questions than 
answers.  Among these questions are:
     o  How much space should I allow between vertical and 
horizontal reinforcement bars?
     o  How many feet should be between each pilaster?
     o  How wide and deep should the concrete foundation be 
for this wall?  What effects do my soil type have on this?
     o  Can I avoid the cost of enough lumber to frame the 
entire foundation at once?

If you know of any place where I can find answers any or all 
of these questions, please let me know.

Thanks,
Don Felgar
dfelgar@vermeer.com