6/2012 – Securing an old retaining wall

When one retaining wall holds up the other: Securing an old retaining wall

Installer: Decorton Retaining System

When Lance Dickson of Lance Dickson Builders noticed that the old retaining wall surrounding his church in Loevenstein, Bellville was becoming unstable, he requested a quote from Decorton Retaining, a recommended retaining wall installer, for a Terraforce retaining wall:

“The old wall needed to be secured with another retaining wall. Terraforce was a logical choice due to the aesthetic and economical advantages this system offers.”

Overview of the retaining wall

The church entrance with plant pocket

Fred Laker of ICOS Engineering designed the wall, which was installed with a foundation, geofabric reinforcement and sand filling behind to provide extra weight to support the existing retaining wall. A feature in the form of an indentation was added to the vertical entrance wall to accommodate the name board of the church.

Indentation added to vertical entrance wall

The wall as it runs around the church

A total of 3500 blocks were used to complete the project, which was completed at the end of 2011.

Close-up of the plant pocket

Retaining wall with added plant pocket