Push block retaining walls
Push block retaining walls
(OP)
General question...
anyone have design criteria for these types of walls (see attached pics of high side and low side). What is maximum allowed retainined soil height? how are these 2x2x 6 foot long sections supposed to be tied together vertically? any design info is greatly appreciated.
thanks
anyone have design criteria for these types of walls (see attached pics of high side and low side). What is maximum allowed retainined soil height? how are these 2x2x 6 foot long sections supposed to be tied together vertically? any design info is greatly appreciated.
thanks






RE: Push block retaining walls
There have been some changes made in the concrete units by adding shear keys and slots for keying units together and align them. Texture surfaces are also available.
In the end, they are used for gravity walls, relying on the mass, but there are some systems that have methods to tie units together and they may have some some propitiatory features offered, so it is best to check the possible local suppliers. It is certainly a local situation considering the freight costs and the need for significant cost for testing and verification of results.
The units remind me of the factory produced blocks for basements used in Russian homes and apartment buildings that are similar in size and desired use.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Push block retaining walls
Because they are very pretty.
No they use up waste concrete.
RE: Push block retaining walls
I believe I saw similar thing in one of the plants. The problem with these walls in my case was that one block at midheight was moving out a bit.
What's the height of the wall in your case?
RE: Push block retaining walls
Only way I've ever checked this type of wall is by hand.
Mike Lambert
RE: Push block retaining walls
www.PeirceEngineering.com
RE: Push block retaining walls
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Push block retaining walls
Apparently, the Geogrid was not used when it was first constructed years ago and it was in danger of failing (gee, you think?). The North end had already been repaired with steel plates and tiebacks some years back, but looks like hell as the lateral movement was never corrected, only halted. Hopefully, they are going to reconstruct the entire wall.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)