Abstract: A retaining component comprises first and second end walls and a third wall between the first and second end walls. The first and second end walls each have a first edge adjacent to the third wall and a second edge remote from the third wall. The first and second end walls extend to one side of the plane of the third wall. The retaining component has at least one lug projecting from the second edge of each of the first and second end walls. Each lug has a transverse hole whereby the retaining component can be connected to a like or similar component by passing an elongate member through aligned holes in lugs of the two components.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a composite masonry block comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and comprising a front surface and a back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second sidewalls. Both the first and second sidewalls have a first and second part, the sidewall first part extends from the block front surface towards the block back surface at an angle of no greater than ninety degrees in relationship to the block front surface, the sidewall second part surfaces adjoins and lies between the sidewall first parts and the block back surface. The block also has a flange extending from the block back surface past the height of the block. Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.

Abstract: A modular earth retaining wall system comprising a plurality of similarly configured wall blocks that have lock channels and lock flanges that provide a locking mechanism for resisting leaning or toppling of the blocks. A positive retaining mechanism is also provided for attaching reinforcement fabrics to the retaining wall in between mating courses of wall blocks. This mechanism secures the reinforcement fabrics in place and permits the fabrics to extend along the entire contact area between adjacent stacked wall blocks to avoid an aggregate leaning effect. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining bar that is placed on top of the reinforcement fabric within the lock channel. The retaining bar holds the fabric against a wall of the lock channel in response to tensile loads applied to the fabric to prevent it from being pulled out of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A drainage unit for an earth retaining wall system to provide water drainage from a vertical drainage sheet through the retaining wall to reduce hydrostatic pressure on the retaining wall. The drainage unit comprises a drainage collector for attaching to a sheet drain to collect and discharge water that flows into the sheet drain. A drain hub is included in the drainage collector for being mounted in fluid communication with the sheet drain to receive and channel water for discharge. A discharge extension is included in the drainage collector that extends from the drain hub for discharging water through the retaining wall. A retainer is provided for engaging the discharge extension after passing through the sheet drain and securing the drain hub and discharge extension in position on the sheet drain.

Abstract: A three piece concrete culvert system includes a set of horizontally spaced precast side wall sections having inwardly projecting and opposing steps or surfaces which support opposite ends of a precast arched top wall section. The side wall sections include extension portions which project substantially above the ends of the top wall section for increasing the capacity of the side wall sections to resist thrust from the top wall section. Vertically spaced and generally horizontal layers of soil reinforcement members or grids may be positioned within the soil backfilled adjacent the outer surfaces of the side wall sections, and precast concrete anchor members may be attached to the side wall sections above supporting footers for the side wall sections. Shims are used between the footers and the anchor members for temporarily positioning and aligning the side wall sections before receiving the top wall section.

Abstract: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. Pre-determined front faces can include front faces having pre-determined patterns and textures, front faces having predetermined shapes, front faces made from different material(s) than the remainder of the block, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Connectors for use in a retaining wall and a retaining wall having grooved blocks configured to receive the connector. Connectors can be used in various orientations within the grooves of the blocks. In a retaining wall, a flexible geosynthetic material fits into a channel of a channel connector, and is held in place by an elongate bar. The connector prevents abrasion of geosynthetic material. The connector can also be a plurality of spaced-apart projections for use with an apertured, relatively rigid geogrid. The connectors hold geogrid firmly in place, providing for increased connection capacity.

Abstract: A self-connecting, reinforced retaining wall is provided comprised of precast, stacked concrete block masonry units stabilized with reinforcing members which extend from the masonry units at selected intervals into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The reinforcement members are generally in the form of horizontally oriented “U”-shaped members which extend from within the adjacent soil bank, to and through voids of the masonry units, thereby providing self-connecting means thereat, and thence returning into the soil bank, forming a stabilized, retained and reinforced soil embankment. Suitable reinforcements may include metallic grids, geotextile and geogrid sheets, and other similar reinforcement means. Concrete masonry units especially adapted for use in the aforesaid self-connecting soil reinforced retaining walls are also provided.

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete retaining wall blocks. The blocks are cast in the form with a front face of the block down. A resilient face insert at the bottom of the form imparts an ornamental appearance to the front face of the block. The form has four sides which pivot at their bottom between a closed position for casting a block and an open position which permits removing the cast block from the form. Preferably, the cast block has parallel top and bottom surfaces and angled sides. Sides of the form form a groove in the bottom of the block which extends parallel to and spaced from the front face and form knobs which project above the top of the block for alignment with a grooves on adjacent stacked blocks forming a retaining wall. The block is formed with two lifting points, one for removal of the block from the form and one for moving the block when constructing a retaining wall.

Abstract: For abating noise along a highway, along a railway, or along another noise-generating way, a wall having an anterior face and a posterior face comprises, across each face, concrete modules stacked in an upper tier, at least one intermediate tier, and a lower tier. Each module is plantable and has a batten. Across each face, the modules are spaced laterally from one another in courses, one course in each tier, so that modules of each course straddle modules of the next course above or below said course. In each of alternate ones of the tiers, a geogrid strip is deployed around the battens of the modules along the anterior face and around the battens of the modules along the posterior face, in a zig-zag pattern, so as to tie the modules along the anterior face to the modules along the posterior face.

Abstract: A stablized retaining wall structure comprising concrete blocks stacked in an array of superimposed rows, and with a stable anchoring assembly being in restraining contact with selected blocks. An access bore extends from the rear surface of the block to the surface of the wall comprising the hollow core. An earthen fill zone is arranged in spaced apart relationship to the rear surface of the wall and clean granular back-fill is interposed between the wall and the earthen fill zone. A keeper device is provided to couple selected wall blocks to the stable anchoring assembly, with the keeper device being configured to be restrainably held within the hollow core. An elongated fastener is coupled to the keeper device, with the fastener extending through the access bore and secured to the stable anchoring assembly.

Abstract: A modular block comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side, the bottom side further comprising a primary score line, the primary score line for splitting the block into a pair of complimentary blocks with each of the complimentary blocks comprising a front split face surface and a pair of sides with the front split face surface and the side surfaces forming a triangular shaped block.

Abstract: A concrete block comprised of a horizontal rearwardly extending surface of a suitable elevation and a vertically extending surface that extends an appropriate height above the horizontal surface, whereby the present invention allows for the association of vertical and horizontal structures and for the construction of aesthetically pleasing elevated surfaces and platforms, decorative steps and various stair and riser systems.

Abstract: Connectors for use in a retaining wall and a retaining wall having grooved blocks configured to receive the connector. Connectors can be used in various orientations within the grooves of the blocks. In a retaining wall, a flexible geosynthetic material fits into a channel of a channel connector, and is held in place by an elongate bar. The connector prevents abrasion of geosynthetic material. The connector can also be a plurality of spaced-apart projections for use with an apertured, relatively rigid geogrid. The connectors hold geogrid firmly in place, providing for increased connection capacity.

Abstract: A retaining wall assembly includes a plurality of block elements having a major face wall and minor face wall and a pair of opposing converging walls connecting the major face wall and the minor face wall. The block elements are arranged in multiple rows with a mesh grid separating predefined rows of block elements. The block elements define an open core into which a plurality of anchoring stones are distributed. A synthetic resin is also dispersed in the open cores of the block elements to provide a positive connection between the anchoring stones and the mesh grid, thereby reinforcing the position of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A wall block arranged to be stacked vertically for creation of a retaining wall, the block being of generally trapezoidal configuration having parallelly arranged front and rear surfaces along with opposed top and bottom surfaces. The top surface has front and rear lips formed thereon with each of the lips having a trapezoidal root portion with mutually opposed triangular portions converging inwardly therefrom to define opposed and aligned front and rear apices. In one embodiment, the apices are disposed midway along the length of the block, while in a second embodiment, the apices are formed at the juncture point of mated pairs of blocks. The bottom surface of the block includes a central base with opposed notches formed along the front and rear edges of the bottom surface, with the base having a trapezoidal configuration with a width dimension which is no greater than the spacing between the opposed aligned front and rear apices.

Abstract: A novel wall forming system for retaining and non-retaining concrete walls (19) comprising of at least one flat wall foam panel (22), at least one radius wall foam panel (23), at least one corner wall foam panel (24) having the following features; a rod—male type connection (20) on one end and a groove—female type connection (21) on opposite end of all panels, allowing interlinking of panels in a straight line or swiveled one way or the other to form various angles or forming a radius line or forming a 90° degree angle.

Abstract: Modular tenon and slot mortise building blocks include, for each building block: (a) hollow rectangular parallelepiped center block, (b) an outer siding member, (c) a first tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the siding member, (d) an inner facing member, and (e) a second tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the facing member. The tenon members are parallel and mounted to longitudinal sides of the center block. The tenon members are positioned and of a length so as to extend longitudinally of a first end of the center block by a first distance and so as to form mortised first and second recesses having a first depth behind the first and second tenon members, respectively, between the siding member and the center block and between the facing member and the center block. The first distance is substantially equal to the first depth.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A retaining wall connection for mechanically stabilized earth structures comprising a plurality of courses of cementations blocks stacked together to define a retaining wall and having a backfill material provided behind the retaining wall. A first layer of geogrid web material has a leading edge disposed between vertically adjacent blocks at a predetermined vertical height of the retaining wall with the trailing edge of the first layer of geogrid web material extending backwardly into the backfill material so as to be engaged thereby. A second layer of geogrid web material is provided so as to overlay and contact the first layer of geogrid web material from the leading edge thereof to at least a medial portion of the first layer of geogrid web material in order to provide a significant increase in the connection strength in the retaining wall and the backfill material. A method for forming a retaining wall structure for mechanically stabilized earth is also described.

Abstract: A modular retaining wall system uses a plurality of different sized masonry blocks to form uniform sized modules for constructing a segmented retaining wall. Each module has the same overall dimensions of height, width and depth, while the masonry blocks used to define the module vary in size and shape. Walls or structure faces have vertical or vertically set back surfaces are possible, using interlocking pins, channels and pin holes. A pin having an adjustable length is provided to accommodate masonry blocks of varying height.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided with a core, pin receiving cavities, and pin holes. The pin receiving cavities and pin holes are arranged on the block symmetrically on the block and substantially outside of block corner segments, thus resulting in a stronger block and permitting optimal alignment of the wall block cores when constructing a retaining wall. Retaining walls made using the block have increased strength.

Abstract: A method of forming a support structure on a base from a framework (10) comprising a tube (12) of a flexible material divided by dividing walls (14) of a flexible material into an array of compartment (16), is disclosed. The method includes the steps of locating flexible strings (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) through lines of compartments (16) at or near each edge of the framework (10) and through lines of compartments (16) intermediate the edge lines of compartments (16), attaching the ends of the strings (20 to 34) to fixed objects (36) to support the framework (10) with a first end of the tube (12) on the base and a second end of the tube (12) above the first end, and filling some or all of the compartments (16) with a suitable filler material. The strings or stays assist in supporting the framework (10) when it is being filled with the filler material.

Abstract: A (modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of like blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block includes a front face and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. A locking shear key extends outwardly from either of the top or bottom of the wall block, and is adapted for residing between respective adjacent sides of like blocks in an adjacent upper or lower course to anchor the wall block in position. A severable area is formed with the shear key for being removed to accommodate placement and orientation of the wall block between respective adjacent sides of like blocks in an adjacent upper or lower course.

Abstract: A facing element for a reinforced soil structure has first and second adjoining chamber. A polymeric strip to be secured to the facing element is circumflected about a non-metallic member, and the member and a portion of the circumflected strip are inserted into the first chamber and moved laterally into the second chamber where they are retained in wedged-engagement. The first chamber is sealed to prevent removal of the rod.

Abstract: An interlocking segmental retaining wall. The wall includes a plurality of blocks stacked upon each other. Each block includes a void filled with aggregate. In addition, each block includes an extension and slot for interlocking the blocks together to form the retaining wall. Each block also includes a plurality of lugs and an indentation for aligning and stacking the blocks on each other. The blocks may also be stacked to form a curved retaining wall. In an alternate embodiment, the blocks may have tabs located on an upper portion of each block. Each block is laterally positioned by centering the block upon the top of two lower blocks.

Abstract: An earth retaining wall made of stacked tiers of blocks placed side by side to form a wall with a channel extending at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the wall in which the channel is defined at least two adjacent bearing surfaces of vertically adjacent blocks and a pathway extending from the channel to an exterior side of the wall. The channel receives an elongate clamping bar that conforms in cross-sectional shape at least relative to the bearing surfaces. A reinforcement sheet wrapped around the elongate connector bar extends through the pathway laterally of the wall. The clamping bar communicates tensile loading of backfill on the reinforcement sheet to the wall. The wall is mechanically stabilized by normal loading from the blocks in the wall above a reinforcement sheet and the tensile loading of the backfill communicated by the clamping bar to the wall. A method of constructing an earth retaining wall and blocks useful in such wall are disclosed.

Abstract: An earth retaining wall made of stacked tiers of blocks placed side by side to form a wall with a channel extending at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the wall in which the channel define at least two adjacent bearing surfaces and a pathway extending from the channel to an exterior side of the wall. The channel receives an elongate clamping bar that conforms in cross-sectional shape at least relative to the bearing surfaces. A reinforcement sheet wrapped around the elongate connector bar extends through the pathway laterally of the wall. The clamping bar communicates tensile loading of backfill on the reinforcement sheet to the wall. The wall is mechanically stabilized by normal loading from the blocks in the wall above a reinforcement sheet and the tensile loading of the backfill communicated by the clamping bar to the wall. A method of constructing an earth retaining wall and blocks useful in such wall are disclosed.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.

Abstract: The system for attaching a reinforcing band to a wall (2) of a reinforced supporting structure comprises a winding support (10) for the reinforcing band and two staples (11a, 11b) for fixing the winding support (10) to the wall (2), which are formed from a loop of non-corrodible material. The placement device comprises a template for shaping the loop and forming the two staples (11a, 11b), two pairs of collars, mounted on the template and intended for laterally holding the two staples (11a, 11b) respectively along the template, and two spacers, each extending between the collars of one pair to ensure. a parallel arrangement between the two branches of each staple (11a, 11b).

Abstract: A mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall, made of at least two stacked tiers of blocks placed side-by-side. Each block defines a channel extending between opposing sides with at least two adjacent bearing surfaces and an opening between the bearing surfaces to a slot extending laterally from the channel to a back side of the block. An elongate clamping bar conforming in cross-sectional shape at least relative to the pair of adjacent bearing surfaces defined in the channel, is received within the channel. A reinforcement sheet wrapped around the elongate clamping bar extends through the slot laterally of the tiers of blocks. The clamping bar mechanically engages the bearing surfaces of the channel such that the tensile loading by backfill covering the reinforcement sheet is distributed across the block. A method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall is disclosed as well as a clamping bar and blocks useful with such methods and walls.

Abstract: A connector for joining a soil-reinforcement grid extending through a slot in a block stacked with other blocks to define a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall, the connector comprising matingly engaged first member having pins that are slidingly received in aligned openings defined in a second member while sandwiching a portion of soil-reinforcement grid therebetween, the grid having apertures through which the pins extend. The soil-reinforcing grid is loaded by being covered with backfill materials. The connector mechanically engages bearing surfaces within a channel in the block such that the tensile loading of backfill covering the soil-reinforcement grid lateral of the wall is distributed by the connector across the block. A method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall is disclosed as well as a connector and blocks useful with such methods and walls.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete panel is formed by embedding a stretched steel chain link mesh unit within concrete. The panel can be used to form a building or a flood dyke, or an earth reinforcing wall. The earth reinforcing wall is formed by digging a trench in the soil. Vertical posts are positioned in the trench, the posts spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a width of a panel. The panels are lowered between adjacent pairs of posts, and the edges of each panel slide within grooves formed in the posts. Finally, the trench is filled with concrete to encase the panels and posts.

Abstract: A retaining wall block that includes three textured outer face surfaces and can be divided into a pair of sub-blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other for use in the construction of a retaining wall having a random appearance. The retaining wall block has three textured outer face surfaces of varying lengths and when the retaining wall block is separated into its sub-blocks, each of the sub-blocks define two additional textured face surfaces of different lengths. The main retaining wall block is capable of creating individual wall blocks having one of six different face surface lengths.

Abstract: A self-connecting, reinforced retaining wall is provided comprised of precast, stacked concrete block masonry units stabilized with reinforcing members which extend from the masonry units at selected intervals into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The reinforcement members are generally in the form of horizontally oriented “U”-shaped members which extend from within the adjacent soil bank, to and through voids of the masonry units, thereby providing self-connecting devices thereat, and thence returning into the soil bank, forming a stabilized, retained and reinforced soil embankment. Suitable reinforcements may include metallic grids, geotextile and geogrid sheets, and other similar reinforcement devices. Concrete masonry units especially adapted for use in the aforesaid self-connecting soil reinforced retaining walls are also provided.

Abstract: A segmental retaining wall system comprising a plurality of wall blocks. Each wall block comprises an interior face for forming an interior surface of a segmental retaining wall, an exterior face for forming an exterior surface of the segmental retaining wall, first and second sides that extend from said exterior face to said interior face, a top surface, and a bottom surface. In addition, a plurality of wall blocks include apparatus for retaining a reinforcement member to the segmental retaining wall. In one arrangement, this apparatus comprises a channel that is defined by a front wall, a rear wall, and a channel bottom surface. This channel is provided in one of the faces and surfaces, and includes an inwardly extending shoulder.

Abstract: A masonry block that may be used in construction of block walls particularly retaining walls for retaining soil and preventing soil erosion. A masonry block having at least one body with a front face, back face, a pair of sides extending therebetween a top face and a bottom face, defining a block having six major surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for constructing a pre-stressed modular construction for supporting or retaining an applied load. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for pre-stressed modular retaining walls. The system comprises a plurality of header stacks constructed from a variety of header units. The header stacks are coupled by structural members. Active reinforcement elements are used to induce a pre-stressing force into the header stacks to support or retain the applied load. A method for constructing the modular construction is provided.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete panel is formed by embedding a stretched steel chain link mesh unit within concrete. The panel can be used to form a building or a flood dyke, or an earth reinforcing wall. The earth reinforcing wall is formed by digging a trench in the soil. Vertical posts are positioned in the trench, the posts spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a width of a panel. The panels are lowered between adjacent pairs of posts, and the edges of each panel slide within grooves formed in the posts. Finally, the trench is filled with concrete to encase the panels and posts.

Abstract: A corner block joined at the side edges thereof and including two mirror image blocks joined at said edge, each of said blocks having a pair of exposed faces, at least one of said faces including a removable portion separated from said block by a scoreline so as to allow an installer to remove said removable portion, wherein said corner block may present a pair of smooth faces when exposed, or alternatively a smooth and a rough split face as exposed, wherein said blocks including key-receiving key ways disposed proximate the top and bottom thereof.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for repairing a sea wall and precluding erosion drainage from occurring on the landward side of the sea wall when a filter material provided at a plurality of weep holes in the wall and at expansion and contraction gaps between wall elements degenerates. The system of invention includes a pipe-like conduit, open at both of its ends; a cap-like protective structure that is insertable over an end of said conduit; a filter assembly comprised of a sleeve-like enclosure and a filter which is situated within said sleeve-like enclosure; and an a rod-like implement insertable within said pipe-like conduit and engageable with said sleeve-like enclosure.

Abstract: A cell confinement structure for confinement of material having a plurality of elongated plastic strips in a side by side relationship bonded together in spaced-apart, limited areas where the plurality of strips are capable of being stretched in width to form a unitary web of cells. The strips forming walls of the cells with at least one of the cell walls having a plurality of apertures in which each diameter is between about 3 mm and 17 mm. Preferably, each of the cell walls has a plurality of apertures with the total area of the apertures in the cell walls being between 19% and 28% of cell wall area.

Abstract: A retaining wall system (20) comprises at least one wall panel (24) and two vertical frame members (40), each frame member (40) having a web (56), two flanges (54) and an end secured within the ground. Each wall panel (24) has a face (28) with a plurality of mounting brackets (38) protruding therefrom, and is supported in mechanically retained vertical orientation between the flanges (54) of adjacent frame members (40). A plurality of connectors (46), each having a proximal end (48) secured to a respective one of said mounting brackets (38) and extending horizontally therefrom to a distal end (50) secured to a respective one of a plurality of anchors (52) is also disclosed. Optionally, a plurality of Jersey barrier panels (106) or acoustic panels are similarly mechanically retained to form a Jersey barrier or acoustic barrier, respectively. Further is disclosed a method for erecting a retaining wall according to the invention.

Abstract: An integral concrete body for erosion control includes three separate sections of differing configuration. The sections include a lower tapered section that is in the form of an elongated tapered pile-like member. The upper section of the concrete body is generally rectangular. A transitional section that is also tapered forms a connection between the upper and lower portions of the concrete body. The plurality of the concrete bodies can be installed side by side with tongue and groove connections interlocking the bodies upon assembly. A plurality of the concrete bodies can be placed side by side to form a bulkhead or breakwater. In one embodiment, each concrete body can be comprised of separate connectable members. Anchors can be used to support the concrete bodies laterally, to prevent tilting or tipping when exposed to erosion, wind, or wave action.

Abstract: A modular earth retaining wall system comprising a plurality of similarly configured wall blocks that have lock channels and lock flanges that provide a locking mechanism for resisting leaning or toppling of the blocks. A positive retaining mechanism is also provided for attaching reinforcement fabrics to the retaining wall in between mating courses of wall blocks. This mechanism secures the reinforcement fabrics in place and permits the fabrics to extend along the entire contact area between adjacent stacked wall blocks to avoid an aggregate leaning effect. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining bar that is placed on top of the reinforcement fabric within the lock channel. The retaining bar holds the fabric against a wall of the lock channel in response to tensile loads applied to the fabric to prevent it from being pulled out of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks. Alternative stabilizing element designs may be used with the modular wall blocks and other types of facing elements in a mechanically stabilized earth structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a block retaining wall structure having a plurality of blocks stacked each other, and an setback locator therefor. The block retaining wall structure comprises at least one pillar-accommodating hole formed on each block along stacking direction of the blocks; at least one head-accommodating hole depressed along the stacking direction of the blocks, so as to correspond to the pillar-accommodating hole; and an setback locator including a pillar part taking a bar shape, being inserted into the pillar-accommodating hole, and a head part formed at one end of the pillar part and accommodated in the head-accommodating hole, and having a plurality of contact faces having different radial contact distances from an axial line of the pillar part to an inner wall face of the head-accommodating hole. With this configuration, a retaining wall having a variety of batter angles can be selectively constructed.

Abstract: A method of preparing stackable block structures from raw concrete mixes and block structures prepared in accordance with the method, wherein the process utilizes a mold box configured to form the block on its side surface. The mold box is arranged to travel along the surface of a moving conveyor belt, with the box having an open top, an open bottom, and lateral side panels supported on the conveyor belt surface, and with the panels having core bar receiving openings formed therein. The core bars are introduced and removed from the mold box along an axis which is parallel to the surface of the core bars and to the motion axis of the conveyor belt, and with the core bars configuring one of the two opposed side surfaces of the stackable block. A reciprocating top shoe arranged for reciprocatory up and down motion engages and configures the top surface of the raw concrete mix held within the walls of the mold box.