Abstract: A facing element 20 is formed from cast concrete and provided with a connecting member 23 located in a recess 22. The element is particularly appropriate for use in combination with flexible reinforcing strips. The connecting member may be a simple molded cylinder of plastics or alternatively it may be partly or wholly formed of concrete and be cast integrally with the rest of the facing element. The casting may be facilitated by means of a plastic shell which is set into the concrete and defines the connecting member and recess. To strengthen the connecting member, a reinforcing bar passes through its center.

Abstract: A facing panel (1) is provided for assembly with like facing panels to form a facing of a stabilized earth structure. The facing panel has two opposed side edges (2) for arrangement edge-to-edge with the side edges of laterally adjacent facing panels, each side edge having a front portion (5) which is straight over substantially the full height of the facing panel, and a rear portion comprising a lateral projection (8) over part of its length and an abutment (6, 7) over another part of its length, the lateral projection being provided for engagement behind a respective abutment on the side edge of a laterally adjacent facing panel to restrain forward movement of the facing panel, and the abutment being provided for engagement in front of a respective lateral projection of said laterally adjacent facing panel or of another laterally adjacent facing panel to restrain rearward movement of the facing panel.

Abstract: An earth structure includes a plurality of elongated stabilizing elements in an earth mass behind a facing made up of facing panels. A plurality of connectors behind the facing connects the facing to the stabilizing elements. Each connector has a rear attachment portion attached to a respective stabilizing element, and each connector also has at least two spaced apart front attachment portions attached to a facing panel. The earth mass includes a first region of soil suitable for plant growth which also defines the region in which the connectors are located. A second region of structural back fill is provided which includes the stabilizing elements.

Abstract: A facing system for a frictionally stabilized earth structure comprises an assembly of facing units each having a sloping facing panel with a substantially horizontal upper edge and a lower edge situated rearward of said upper edge and substantially parallel thereto, the facing panel being supported by a pair of laterally spaced side panels. The facing units are assembled to form a series of superimposed substantially horizontal tiers wherein the sloping facing panels in the tiers are laterally spaced and are positioned vertically above corresponding lateral spaces between facing panels in the tier below, whereby earth immediately behind the structure in contact with the facing panels, forms an open sloping surface from the lower edge of each facing panel through the space in the tier immediately below to the upper edge of the facing panel vertically below the space, the slope of the surface being less than the angle of repose of the earth.