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Segmental Retaining Walls
Segmental Retaining Walls are Ideal for
Building Higher and Steeper Walls
By: Mark J. Donovan
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As with any type of retaining wall,
segmental retaining walls are vertical walls that are used to hold back soil and
create two level areas. A segmental retaining wall is a type of retaining wall
that is built with modular interlocking blocks and lateral tie back systems. The
interlocking retaining wall blocks and tie back systems interconnect with each
other to create an extremely strong retaining wall. Due to their unique
construction, segmental retaining walls can support higher and steeper walls
that are not usually capable with traditional retaining wall designs and
products.
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The two major components of a segmental retaining wall are the facing
system, usually modular concrete blocks, and the tieback system, typically
constructed using geogrids. Geogrids are rigid mesh type polymeric
materials that are regularly used for structural reinforcements of soils,
steep slopes and retaining walls.
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With segmental retaining walls, the geogrids are buried in the backfilled
soil area behind the segmental retaining wall to act as the tieback
system. They are interlocked with the modular concrete blocks to help
prevent any lateral movement of the retaining wall. It is the tieback
system of the segmental retaining wall that helps make it so strong and
thus allows higher retaining wall heights to be constructed.
Due to the variety of modular concrete block types available, segmental
retaining walls can be constructed in a wide variety of colors and
textures.
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Segmental retaining walls also need not be limited to straight walls. Due
to the wide variety of modular concrete block shapes and sizes, segmental
retaining walls can include curved lines, steps and corners.
As with any retaining wall installation project, it is imperative to have
a strong, level and stable base for resting the concrete modular retaining
wall blocks on.
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retaining wall and to fill it with compacted angular-shaped crushed stone.
In addition, it is also wise to pour more crushed stone and lay perforated
PVC pipe behind the lower portion of the segmental retaining wall to help
with drainage. Finally, including landscaping fabric behind the retaining
wall will help to prevent the weeping of any soil through to the front of
the retaining wall. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
So if you have a yard with naturally sloped soil grades, and want to terrace off
sections of it for decks and patios, or for creating level backyard playing
fields, or even for driveway and garage entrances, you may want to take a close
look at segmental retaining wall solutions. They look beautiful, are extremely
strong, and will hold up incredibly well.
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