Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
(OP)
I was looking for some suggestions to repair this segmental retaining wall that was not constructed correctly in the first place. After a section of the wall collapsed, I was called to inspect it and found out that there was no geo-grid installed and now, after over ten years, there are signs of movements but mostly at the top of the walls. Plan and photo are attached.
The blocks are not the interlocking type and can even slide on each other. There is a filter fabric directly behind the wall with about a couple of inches of crushed stone.
I was thinking of using soil anchors like Manta-Ray and build a CMU wall section by section as we remove and replace the existing blocks. This way, the CMU wall and the anchor will hold back the soil and the blocks could be used as decorative facing. I also thought about gravity walls but they are big and take too much space and not practical here.
The only info I have on soil is that this was cut into a hill and it’s about 500’ from ocean. There is no way I can get boring done at the top.
Any suggestion is appreciated.
The blocks are not the interlocking type and can even slide on each other. There is a filter fabric directly behind the wall with about a couple of inches of crushed stone.
I was thinking of using soil anchors like Manta-Ray and build a CMU wall section by section as we remove and replace the existing blocks. This way, the CMU wall and the anchor will hold back the soil and the blocks could be used as decorative facing. I also thought about gravity walls but they are big and take too much space and not practical here.
The only info I have on soil is that this was cut into a hill and it’s about 500’ from ocean. There is no way I can get boring done at the top.
Any suggestion is appreciated.





RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
I was wondering if anybody ever had a situation like this before. I want to see if there is a way to restrain the slope the most cost effective way and with minimum damage to the layout and plantings.
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
You need to ask the soils firm to check the global and surficial soil slope stability and to provide geotechnical criteria for your new wall. This way we get to fix it one time. I agree, this existing wall - it is a miracle it stood this long. Other alternatives include Rubble wall and Geogrid wall.
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
EIT
www.HowToEngineer.com
RE: Four Tier segmental Retaining Wall w/o Geo-Grid
The section indicates an overall slope of about 3H:1V. The soil might be stable without walls, just grade it and put the sod back. Sell the salvaged stone.
You may be able to make the stone you have work by battering the walls into the slope. You will need a good footing, wider gravel zone with the fabric in the right place, and surface drainage that does not trap water behind the wall.
I agree, you need a geotech. Tell him to bring a hand auger.