Segmental Retaining Wall Block Vs Mortared Concrete

The structural capacity of the srw system will vary with the srw unit size shape batter etc.

Segmental retaining wall block vs mortared concrete.

Abbotsford concrete products family of segmental retaining wall systems offers the ultimate in flexibility of design. Our morterless retaining wall systems are easy to install and low maintenance. Segmental retaining walls can be designed as either conventional or as reinforced soil as illustrated in figure 1. Segmental retaining walls are constructed without mortar or concrete footings.

This method creates walls that are easy and economical to install. Mortared concrete block and cast in place concrete walls involve highly paid skilled labor and take more time to install and they will need stone or brick facings if aesthetics are important. Segmental retaining walls are generally installed with a small horizontal setback between units creating a wall batter into the retained soil ω in figure 2. Our low absorption high strength solid concrete units provide not only the long lasting durability engineers expect but also the limitless number of design options.

In 1986 allan block introduced its first segmental retaining wall block srw. Segmental retaining walls are modular block retaining walls used for vertical grade change applications. Manufacturer s recommendations should be followed regarding the capacity of their particular system for the soil loads under consideration. The wall batter compensates for any slight lateral movement of the srw face due to earth pressure and complements the aesthetic attributes of the srw system.

Construction of concrete segmental retaining walls. The hollow core design combines with mortarless construction to allow water to drain freely from behind the segmental retaining wall. Incidental water moves easily through a vertical drain that is formed by the layer of wall rock placed behind the block and in the block cores. Since 1987 versa lok has been creating solid solutions for architects and engineers with the industry s original solid top pinning segmental retaining wall system.

You ll need to consider the purpose of the wall the look your desire and your budget when deciding what retaining wall material is right for you. The dry stack construction technique allows the incidental water to escape by flowing around the blocks and out the. The walls are designed and constructed as either gravity retaining walls conventional or reinforced soil retaining walls. Whether you choose concrete block stone or another material you ll want to understand the basics of retaining wall construction so that you can make sure your wall is designed and built correctly.