Benefits and features

Why retaining wall blocks can work for you

Listed below are the features of Terraforce retaining wall blocks that have contributed to the growing popularity of Terraforce among architects, engineers, developers, contractors and home owners.

Terraforce blocks are manufactured under controlled conditions in factories on five continents and may be employed to solve issues ranging from light erosion control applications to heavy composite earth retaining requirements. Our consultants will gladly share their experience of many years with you to maximise the environmental and aesthetic opportunities that exist on your site.

Hollow core reversible units
	Choose between a round face finish, (plant supportive) or a flush face finish (smooth/rock face version) to suit your site or project requirements. Units are lightweight for easy delivery, handling and installation, yet heavy in mass when filled with soil, gravel, or concrete. Fence and handrail posts can be set within blocks.
Unique horizontal interlock
	With optional vertical interlock allowing for seamless variations of wall inclination (90-35 degrees). Eliminate the use of geogrids in many cases. Convex and concave corners and curves of unrestricted radius allow complex designs to suit site conditions.
Easy stairway construction
	Straight or curved alignment Perfect spiral stairways can be constructed with ease
	Versatile planning options
	What’s possible: light revetment cladding, medium-to-heavy gravity retaining walls, heavy duty composite walls in combination with earth reinforcing grids (fabrics) or reinforced concrete infill.
Open horizontal & closed vertical surface structure
	Cuts evaporation Improves drainage Allows for effective backfill compaction Plant growth deters graffiti Environmentally friendly
Design support (see Terrasafe)
	These are provided for all the blocks, to suit most sites where relatively light retaining walls are required. Where medium to heavy retaining walls are necessary, other Terraforce design tools are available to provide lasting solutions. Extended applications must be individually designed by a qualified engineer. These will include composite structures with geogrid or cement stabilised backfill, or when double/single row designs are to be combined with reinforced concrete infill. The comprehensive guide to the design of Terraforce L13 retaining walls and the Terraforce design and installation manual for geosynthetic reinforced soil applications will provide the necessary information. (Design Options).
Construction
	Must be carried out in accordance with practical installation guidelines and details as contained in our construction manuals. The units are light and easy to handle before filling. No special construction skills are required. (Installation Guides). TERRAFORCE walls are not built in a checkerboard fashion and contain no air voids – evaporation is thus reduced to a minimum. They offer minimal visual impact due to their range of colours and natural boulder-like appearance.
Cost-effective
	Terraforce walls may now be turned into a growing investment by your creative choice of plants. The new L12, L15 and L16 blocks are now the most economical blocks on the market. Aimed at the DIY market, the blocks are approximately 11% cheaper than the well known L11 block and are also lighter and easier to handle, with better colour consistency.