11/2016 – Innovation with Terracrete in Australia

Terracrete for slope erosion control

The small town of Esperance is situated near the southern tip of Western Australia and Terraforce products (Terracrete hard lawn pavers and L11 and Terralite blocks) are selling well in the area, via the local Bunnings, the largest building warehouse chain in Australia.

Terracrete hard-lawn blocks used for slope erosion control

One of the remarkable examples – at a community clinic project – of innovative planning and excellent workmanship is showcased in this newsletter.

L11 Terraforce blocks, installed in stack bond and Terracrete above for slope erosion control

A recess was created to protect an existing utility control box

A vertical round-face wall of L11 blocks, six rows high above foundation level was packed, with soil infill and backfill compacted progressively as the wall was raised. For stability, two rows of geo-grid, clamped between the blocks were installed as directed by the supervising engineer.

The wall was installed by Dixon Construction and the design was provided by Lionel Trotman from Cartman Designs.

 The wall was started off vertically, abutting against an existing brick wall, by packing the blocks in stack bond, filled with concrete and reinforced with one 16mm rebar. A recess was thus created to protect an existing utility control box. To change over from the stack bond pattern to the stagger bond of the main wall, a few blocks were cut with an angle grinder to the required shape.

Sketch of retaining wall indicating the recess

The slope above the wall was then trimmed to line and level and Terracrete hard-lawn blocks, that are usually used for driveways, parking areas and strip roads, packed by hand on the slope. Finally, the project was rounded off with a fence.

Terraforce products are sold at most Bunnings stores in Western Australia.

For more information on Terraforce products (exclusively manufactured by The Block Makers in Geraldton) in Western Australia: http://blockmakers.com.au/feature/retaining-wall-blocks/

For suppliers in other countries:  https://www.terraforce.com/suppliers-installers/