Segmental retaining walls can readily accommodate differential settlements on the order of 1/200.ĭurability: Segmental units are manufactured of high compressive strength, low absorption concrete, which helps make them resistant to spalling, scour, abrasion, the effects of freeze-thaw cycles, rot, and insect damage.Ĭonventional SRWs are constructed with either single or multiple depths of units. Performance: Unlike rigid retaining wall structures, the flexible nature of segmental retaining walls allows them to move and adjust relative to one another. The dry stack method of laying units without mortar allows erection of the wall to proceed rapidly. Savings are gained because most on-site soils can usually be used eliminating costs associated with importing fill and/or removing excavated materials, and because there is no need for extensive formwork or heavy construction equipment.Įase of installation: Most SRW units are small enough to allow placement by a single person. Segmental retaining walls have the ability to function equally well in large-scale applications (highway walls, bridge abutments, erosion control, parking area supports, etc.) as well as smaller residential landscape projects.Īesthetics: Since SRW units are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures and colors, segmental retaining walls provide designers and owners with both an attractive and a structurally sound wall system.Įconomics: SRWs provide an attractive, cost-effective alternative to other retaining walls. Curves and other unique layouts can be easily accommodated. Segmental retaining walls afford many advantages among which are design flexibility, aesthetics, economics, ease of installation, performance and durability.ĭesign flexibility: The size and weight of SRW units make it possible to construct walls on difficult topography or on limited access sites. SRW units are manufactured in conformance with industry standards and specifications to assure that units delivered to a project are uniform in weight, dimensional tolerances, strength, and durability-features not necessarily provided in site cast materials. Segmental retaining walls are considered flexible structures, so the footing does not need to be placed below the frost line provided there is sufficient foundation bearing capacity. in excess of 50 ft (15.24 m)) that could not be accomplished with the units alone. The systems may also employ soil reinforcement that extends into the backfill and allows for the construction of walls with significant height (e.g.
Unit to unit interfaces include friction, shear elements, and interlock. The system consists of dry-cast concrete units that are placed without mortar (dry stacked) and rely on their unit to unit interface and mass to resist overturning and sliding. The walls are designed and constructed as either gravity retaining walls (conventional) or reinforced soil retaining walls.
Segmental retaining walls are modular block retaining walls used for vertical grade change applications.
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