Abstract: A method for constructing a retaining wall using an adjustable single stage panel system has the steps of placing a wall panel adjacent a fill location, then placing a facing wedge adjacent the wall panel, and installing fabric sheet. Next, adding a layer of fill material in the fill location abutting against the facing wedge, and compacting the layer of fill material so that it is compacted against the facing wedge. Then, placing an elongate non-extensible panel anchor on top of the layer of fill material, and attaching the elongate non-extensible panel anchor to the wall panel. At a next step, the facing wedge is moved up to a next course above the layer of fill material, and fabric sheet is installed. An additional layer of fill material is added and compacted with enough force to mobilize the fill. Finally, the method includes the steps of removing the facing wedge, and adjusting the elongate non-extensible panel anchor so that it is plum with the wall panel.

Abstract: A panel connector has a connection body for connecting with a soil reinforcement rod, and an anchor for connecting the connection body to a concrete face panel. The connection body defines a socket shaped to receive and engage the head of the soil reinforcement rod. The socket includes an insertion aperture having an aperture diameter greater than a head diameter of the head of the soil reinforcement rod, a base having an exit aperture with an exit diameter smaller than the head diameter, and a side slot extending from the insertion aperture to the exit aperture.

Abstract: A method for constructing a mechanically stabilized earthen embankment has the steps of constructing a wall facing element, and determining a plane of maximum force and a zone of maximum force in the earthen embankment to be formed. A plurality of elongate soil reinforcement elements are bent to form semi-extensible bent segments, but such that proximal and distal portions remain substantially straight and inextensible. The elongate soil reinforcement elements are positioned such that the semi-extensible region is within the zone of maximum force, and the proximal ends are connected to the wall facing element. Fill soil is added to build the earthen embankment, and the process is repeated until the earthen embankment is formed.

Abstract: A method for constructing a mechanically stabilized earthen embankment has the steps of constructing a wall facing element, and determining a plane of maximum force and a zone of maximum force in the earthen embankment to be formed. A plurality of elongate soil reinforcement elements are bent to form semi-extensible bent segments, but such that proximal and distal portions remain substantially straight and inextensible. The elongate soil reinforcement elements are positioned such that the semi-extensible region is within the zone of maximum force, and the proximal ends are connected to the wall facing element. Fill soil is added to build the earthen embankment, and the process is repeated until the earthen embankment is formed.

Abstract: A mechanically stabilized embankment system has a connection element adapted for engaging a wall facing element. An elongate soil reinforcement element is adapted to be attached to the connection element and positioned in earthen embankment. A plurality of semi-extensible bent segments are integrally formed by and spaced on a middle portion of the elongate soil reinforcement element such that each semi-extensible bent segment extends laterally from an axis of the elongate soil reinforcement element, but can be pulled straight upon the application of excessive force that might otherwise break the elongate soil reinforcement element.

Abstract: A method for constructing a mechanically stabilized earthen embankment has the steps of first constructing a wall facing element. A plurality of elongate soil reinforcement elements are attached to the wall facing element. A middle portion of each of the elongate soil reinforcement elements has a plurality of semi-extensible bent segments. Fill soil is added to build the earthen embankment over the reinforcement elements. Movement of the fill soil may create sufficient force to straighten some of the plurality of semi-extensible bent segments, allowing the earthen embankment to move to an active condition thereby reducing the stress on the soil reinforcement elements.

Abstract: A soil reinforced retaining wall for an earthen formation is provided by embedding planar soil reinforcing mats in the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face mats between the soil reinforcing mats. The face mats include fingers extending distally from the edges thereof for engagement with opposite sides of a complimental face mat, whereby the mats are held in general vertical alignment. Certain of the fingers are of a gently curved configuration to frictionally hold edge portions of the face mats in spaced relationship for compression toward one another to accommodate settlement of the earthen formation, without bulging of the face mats. An L-shaped starter mat is engaged within a recess formed at the foot of the formation to provide an upstanding portion engaged with the lowermost is face mat to hold the mat in a generally vertical orientation. A tail is provided on the uppermost face mat for embedment within the backfill to cap the wall.

Abstract: A soil reinforced retaining wall for an earthen formation is provided by embedding planar soil reinforcing mats in the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face mats between the soil reinforcing mats. The face mats include fingers extending distally from the edges thereof for engagement with opposite sides of a complimental face mat, whereby the mats are held in general vertical alignment. Certain of the fingers are of a gently curved configuration to frictionally hold edge portions of the face mats in spaced relationship for compression toward one another to accommodate settlement of the earthen formation, without bulging of the face mats. An L-shaped starter mat is engaged within a recess formed at the foot of the formation to provide an upstanding portion engaged with the lowermost face mat to hold the mat in a generally vertical orientation. A tail is provided on the uppermost face mat for embedment within the backfill to cap the wall.

Abstract: A retaining wall and face for an earthen formation is provided by embedding generally horizontally disposed welded wire soil reinforcing mats within the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face members between successive soil reinforcing mats at the face of the formation. The soil-reinforcing mats comprise spaced longitudinal elements extending into the formation and spaced transverse elements welded to and extending across the longitudinal elements in a disposition wherein an outer of the transverse elements extends across the face of the formation and an inner of the elements is spaced inwardly of the face. Each face member is secured between successive upper and lower soil-reinforcing mats by extending an upper portion of the face member behind the outer transverse element of the upper soil reinforcing mat and securing an inwardly extending portion of the face member to connection with an inner transverse element of the lower soil reinforcing mat.

Abstract: A soil reinforced wall earthen retaining wall for an earthen formation is provided by embedding planar soil reinforcing mats in the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face mats between the soil reinforcing mats. The face mats comprise welded wire gridworks having upper and lower portions engaged behind wires of the soil reinforcing mats which extend across the face of the formation. In one embodiment the face mats comprise paired separate face mat elements secured one above the other in edge-to-edge relationship and intermediate stabilizing anchors are embedded in the formation to hold the face mat elements in vertical alignment. In the paired face mat element embodiment, the lifts of soil between successive soil reinforcing mats are compacted in stages corresponding to the depth of the face mat elements.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for constructing a soil reinforced earthen retaining wall wherein successive soil reinforcing mats embedded within an earthen formation have bent-up face elements which are slidably engaged to enable the earthen formation to settle without bulging the face elements. Backing mats are disposed behind the face elements for movement relative thereto in generally vertical planes. The backing mats serve to support the successive soil reinforcing mats and permit the mats to more toward one another to accommodate settling of the formation without bulging of the face elements.

Abstract: A soil filled wall which accommodates the growing of plant life. The wall comprises welded wire structures which contain soil. In one embodiment the wall is free standing to provide a fence-like structure suitable for use as a sound barrier. In another the wall is erected at the situs of an earthen formation to retain and provide a face for the formation. In the latter embodiment, anchors secure the wall to the earthen formation.

Abstract: A retaining wall for an earthen formation (E) is provided by welded wire grid work trays (T) having floor sections (10) which are embedded in the formation and face sections (12) which are disposed at the face of the formation. The trays (T) are superimposed one above the other with the edges of the face sections (12) secured together. An improved construction comprising preformed kinked extensions (18) secures the face sections (12) together without the necessity of separate fasteners, or the plastic deformation of the tray wires.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for constructing a soil reinforced earthen retaining wall wherein successive soil reinforcing mats embedded within an earthen formation have bent-up face elements which are slidably engaged to enable the earthen formation to settle without bulging the face elements. Backing mats are disposed behind the face elements for movement relative thereto in generally vertical planes. The backing mats serve to support the successive soil reinforcing mats and permit the mats to more toward one another to accommodate settling of the formation without bulging of the face elements.