Design alternatives (page 3)

Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Segmental Retaining Walls

Click here to view the maximum wall heights (in block height, metres, feet) for a single skin, mass gravity, block retaining wall system - without additional interlocking keys, reinforcements or backfill stabilizing.

Geosynthetic reinforced soil segmental retaining walls utilize reinforcing sheets of geogrid or suitable woven geotextile which are attached to the fascia and are embedded in a body of engineered fill. The integrated nature of the fascia and the abutting large body of reinforced soil thereby supports the applied earth forces. In this case the 'gravity' component of the retaining wall is provided by the reinforced soil mass acting as a monolithic unit.

By virtue of their inherent flexibility, such walls are able to accommodate movement and some settlement without suffering distress. This makes the system particularly suitable for construction on (engineered) filled ground or in areas which may be prone to settlement effects. Also, the cost and difficulty of construction of such retaining walls is minimized as the need to provide full frost wall foundations can be waived in many circumstances.

The publication "Terraforce-design and installation manual for Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Applications" by Colin Alston and Dr Richard Bathurst, contains 24 design charts which cover a wide variety of situations. Request a copy from your nearest supplier.

Heavy Duty / Composite Installations