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 retaining wall system has a plurality of pilasters, a plurality of spiralnails, a wire truss system, and a plurality of face panels. The plurality of pilasters are horizontally spaced along the earthen embankment, and each have an elongate pilaster body that is vertically mounted on the earthen embankment. The plurality of spiralnails that have each been driven into the earthen embankment are attached to one of the plurality of pilasters to anchor the pilasters in the earthen embankment. The wire truss system is operably mounted on the plurality of pilasters, and includes a pilaster attachment portion, a wire lattice body with a V-shaped portion, and an interlocking portion that interlocks with at least one adjacent truss element. The plurality of face panels are operably attached to the wire truss system to cover the V-shaped portions of the truss elements.

Abstract: A locking mechanism has a pilaster, a spiralnail, a locking ring, and a cam plate. The pilaster has an elongate pilaster body that has edge walls, a nail hole, and a bolt slot adjacent the nail hole. The locking ring includes a nail engaging aperture having a perimeter shaped to receive and lockingly engage the spiralnail. The cam plate has a second bolt hole and a torque application element. A bolt is positioned through the bolt slot of the pilaster, through the first bolt hole of the locking ring, and through the second bolt hole of the cam plate. The torque application element may be used to rotate the cam plate so that a cam-shaped outer perimeter contacts one of the edge walls of the pilaster and acts as a lever to rotate the locking ring and apply torque to the spiralnail.

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 embankment is formed by screwing nails into the embankment at spaced intervals. The nails have helical threads extending therearound of such proportion and pitch as to screw into the formation as the nails are driven into place with a vibratory hammer, without prior boring of the embankment to accommodate the nails, or the necessity of cementing the nails into place. The wall is constructed from the top down and face panels are progressively assembled over the embankment and secured in place by the nails. In a preferred embodiment the nails have an elongate tubular body of a polyhedral cross-section and the threads are formed by twisting the body about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A soil reinforced retaining wall for an earthen embankment is formed by screwing nails into the embankment at spaced intervals. The nails have helical threads extending therearound of such proportion and pitch as to screw into the formation as the nails are driven into place with a vibratory hammer, without prior boring of the embankment to accommodate the nails, or the necessity of cementing the nails into place. The wall is constructed from the top down and face panels are progressively assembled over the embankment and secured in place by the nails. In a preferred embodiment the nails have an elongate tubular body of a polyhedral cross-section and the threads are formed by twisting the body about its longitudinal axis.

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: 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 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: 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.