Abstract: A retaining wall system including a wall portion interconnected with welded wire mat and secured in position is disclosed. The wall may be composed of a plurality of modular blocks, preferably made of concrete, having grooves into which individual wires of the welded wire mat are placed. Examples of modular blocks disclosed are concrete S, T and J-blocks. Alternately, the wall may be a concrete panel. One embodiment of the present invention employs a concrete shaft placed into the soil behind the wall and to which the welded wire mats are secured to hold the wall in place.

Abstract: Gabions are constructed of welded wire gridworks comprised of integrally joined planar panels disposed in angle relationship to one another. The gridworks are secured together to define a three-dimensional volume therebetween. In one embodiment the gabions are provided with soil reinforcing mats secured thereto to define a bottom for the three-dimensional volume. The mats extend laterally from the gabions and, when the gabions are assembled in tiers at the face of an earthen formation, serve as soil reinforcements for the formation.

Abstract: Connectors are provided for securing soil reinforcing elements to the face panels of a retaining wall for an earthen formation. The connectors comprise rigid eyes fixed to the panels and extensions formed on the elements for extension through the eyes. The eyes and extensions are selectively locked together and serve to orient the reinforcing elements in a horizontal disposition within the soil embankment being reinforced.

Abstract: A lifting attachment for use with a retaining wall panel for earthen formations. The attachment comprises intersecting plates adapted to complementally engage the top and side surfaces of the panel. A fixed pin on one plate is receivable in an opening provided in the side surface of the panel. A removable pin is extensible through the other plate into an opening formed in the top surface of the panel.

Abstract: A reinforced soil embankment having precast concrete face panels with cantilevered sections extending into the embankment to support the panels in an upright condition and provide a surface beneath which a wedge may be inserted to plumb the panels during erection of the embankment. Soil reinforcing elements are secured to the panels intermediate their height to reinforce the embankment and secure the face panels in place. Connectors are provided for securing the reinforcing elements to the panels by means of loops formed on the elements for extension through eyes on the panels. The connectors also serve to orient the reinforcing elements in a horizontal disposition within the embankment.

Abstract: A retaining wall for an earthen formation relies on polymer geogrids for earth reinforcement and wire trays to provide the face of the formation. The wire trays are of L-shaped with intersecting floor and face sections. Hooked extensions formed on the face sections serve to secure the trays in superimposed relationship within the retaining wall and to hold the geogrids in place against the trays. The geogrids extend distally from the trays to provide deep reinforcement of the earthen formation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and components for producing an improved reinforced soil embankment wall. In particular, the invention provides mechanical soil reinforcements having a substantially straight center portion and a frictional bearing structure on both ends. This structure minimizes the lateral force exerted on the connection between the facing wall and the reinforcement by the downward force of the settling earth on the reinforcement by providing a straight portion for passing substantially through the zone of maximum force. Frictional reinforcement and anchoring is obtained by using a frictional bearing structure on each end of the reinforcement to reinforce the outer zones within a reinforced soil enbankment wall. Pressure on the facing wall can be further relieved either by using a sinusoidal frictional bearing structure or by connecting the reinforcement to the facing wall using a connector which can stretch or otherwise relieve tension.

Abstract: A retaining system for an earthen formation is disclosed. The earthen formation is reinforced against slippage by embedding an array of anchor members within the formation. The face of the formation is defined by a plurality of the elongated panels stacked in a vertical arrangement. The anchor members are secured to the panels via a support bar. The support bar includes an array of holes through which the ends of the anchor members are received and upset to define a rivet head. The support bars are engaged between the upper and lower edges of the face panels to provide support and maintain vertical alignment of the face panels.

Abstract: A retaining wall for an earthen formation comprising a plurality of soil reinforcing mats and a cantilevered face which is anchored in place at the foot of the formation. The mats are embedded in the formation at vertically spaced levels and secured to the face. In the preferred embodiment the face is in situ formed concrete and the mats comprise welded wire trays with end portions cast in place within the face.

Abstract: An archway construction positioned over a pathway for supporting a crossroad or the like. The archway has three primary sections including an upper ceiling section which spans the pathway and which is supported on two vertical support sections positioned on opposite sides of the pathway. The three primary sections are each comprised of alternating layers of compacted soil fill and steel reinforcing mats, with the mats serving to stabilize the fill. The ceiling section preferably includes at least three reinforcing mats including a lower flat mat and a pair of curved upper mats, with the three mats being separated by layers of fill except in a central region midway between the vertical support sections where the three mats are connected together. The two upper curved mats of the ceiling section provide vertical support for the center of the lower flat mat.

Abstract: A seawall is provided by embedding perforate polymer mats within an earthen formation and securing the mats to stacked preformed concrete panels at the face of the formation. The mats are wrapped around rods and secured to the panels by capturing the rods between opposed surfaces on the panels. Seals and filter closures are disposed between the panels to shield the formation from sloughing and the intrusion of water.

Abstract: An earthen formation is retained by welded wire trays embedded in the formation to effect its reinforcement. A concrete face panel is cast in place at the face of the formation and reinforced by upturned ends on the trays.

Abstract: A rigid face member is held in place at the face of an earthen formation by anchor elements embedded within the formation. Deformable sections are incorporated into the anchor elements adjacent the face member to permit the anchor elements to move with the formation in the event of earthquake or settling, while maintaining the face member in place.

Abstract: A retaining structure for an earthen formation wherein spaced anchor members in the form of rock anchors or gridwork mats are embedded in the formation and wire retainers are secured between the anchor members. The retainers comprise primary retention rods secured to the anchors and secondary retention members secured to the rods to span the space between adjacent anchor members. In certain embodiments the anchors are provided with extensions to support form panels in spaced relationship to the secondary retention members and a concrete wall is formed in place between said panels and the secondary retention members.

Abstract: An earthen formation is reinforced against slippage by embedding welded wire grid work mats within the formation and securing the mats to precast elongate panels disposed at the face of the formation. The mats serve as anchors for the panels, as well as reinforcing means for the formation. Plural connections secure the mats along the length of at least certain of the panels.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprised of stacked precast stretchers having stacking pads with oppositely disposed slots formed therein for the receipt of connectors. The connectors comprise plates interposed between the pads and pins secured to the plates for engagement with the slots. Anchor rods are secured to the plates for attachment to embedded anchors.

Abstract: An elongate concrete element is adjustably secured to the top of a retaining wall to provide a cap which may be adjusted for elevation and inclination relative to the wall. The element is provided with a skirt which extends over the side of the wall to span the space between the element and the wall. The element provides a forming surface against which a cementitious material, such as a concrete roadway, may be poured. The forming surface and skirt prevent the cementitious material from passing through or over the wall. The element also provides a screeding edge for the cementitious material.

Abstract: A first embodiment employs precast cementitious stretchers provided with cast in place connectors for anchor rod ends. A second embodiment employs stretcher panels fabricated of resilient sheet material and secured together by straps which reinforce to panels and provide connectors for anchor rod ends. Both embodiments incorporate deadman anchors formed with slot-like openings through which end plates on the rods may pass and which serve to secure the plates against removal from anchors when the rods are secured to the connectors of the stretchers.

Abstract: Low-cost and very effective retaining walls are constructed with stacked, generally rectangular, trays of steel wire fabric sheets, each with one end bent up to form a portion of the wall face. In constructing a wall, a first course of trays is set in place and filled, with filtering rocks and/or mats being placed toward the front and against the bent-up face section and fill soil being placed to the rear of the tray. A second course of trays is then placed on top of the first course and the corner of the face bend of the second course is securely fastened to the top of the lower course. Thus, the top of each face is supported and each course is anchored by the next course, thereby resulting in a strong monolithic and permeable wall that will readily conform to irregularities and settling of the foundation surface.