Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a retaining wall includes a first course having a pair of elongated beams positioned generally end-to-end on the ground, a deadman positioned between the adjacent ends of the beams and extending rearwardly therefrom, and a spacer block positioned on the ground rearwardly of an intermediate portion of one of the elongated beams. A second course is fastened on top of the first course and includes a third beam having each end fastened to the two elongated beams of the first course, and a deadman having its forward end fastened to one beam and the rearward end fastened to the spacer block so as to support the deadman during back filling of dirt against the retaining wall. Preferably, the spacer block, deadmen and beams all have the same cross-sectional width, and each component has a longitudinal length equal to a multiple of the cross-sectional width, so as to form a modular building component system.

Abstract: Individual precast concrete wall units for erecting a retaining wall structure each includes a face member, a support member, and an anchor member. The support member has a front portion that is connected to the face member, either at the center of the face member or, more preferably, at a location spaced from one side edge by one-fourth the distance between one side edge and the other side edge of the face member. The anchor member is formed as two wings of unequal length that extend from a rear portion of the support member at angles of at least 90.degree., and preferably 135.degree., with respective sides of the support member. When the units are assembled in a horizontal row, spaces are left between the anchor wings of adjacent units that permit access by a power tamper to the region between the face members and the anchor members to tamp backfilled earth in this region to a required compression.

Abstract: Dry-mounted construction elements, each of the type constituted by a bottomless container comprising vertical partitions, a first vertical partition, parallel to the front wall of the container, delimiting a large front space (5), which serves as a flower pot and at least one rear space (6) which serves as a root cavity for the upper container and which is offset rearwardly from the lower container, this latter space (6) being divided in at least two smaller spaces (7, 8) by a second vertical partition (4) perpendicular to the front wall and to the first partition. The construction element has a rear portion which has a notch (10) disposed on each upper side edge of the container, and two small cavities or spaces (14, 15) behind the notches. A wall built of these elements is useful as a retaining wall, flower box, or noise barrier.

Abstract: A gravity retaining system for a stabilized steep slope comprises a plurality of free standing facing elements disposed end-to-end with respect to each other to form a continuous line of facing elements. Each facing element includes a weight bearing base surface, a front facing surface, a rear soil contacting surface, a top surface and two outwardly directed end surfaces. The weight-bearing base surface includes a stable erection platform sufficient to provide upright free standing stability of each element when backfilling soil against an inwardly tapered portion of the rear surface. An overturning moment about the lower front outer edge of the front facing surface exists when the element is in a free standing upright position and is backfilled from the lower rear outer edge to a preselected height on the rear surface. The weight of each facing element is sufficient to produce a resistance to overturn the facing element about the lower front outer edge that is greater than the overturning moment.

Abstract: Individual precast concrete wall units for erecting a retaining wall structure each include a face member, a support member, and an anchor member. The support member has a front end portion, that is connected by a hinge to one end of the face member, and a rear end portion, that is connected to one end of the anchor member, either by a tongue-and-slot arrangement or by another hinge. The wall units can be cast straight, thus simplifying the design and reducing the space occupied by the mold. The wall units can also be transported and stored in the straight condition to save space. At the job site, the units are quickly and easily folded into an open bin-like form for placement side-by-side to construct a retaining wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for propping or supporting the vertical support walls of deep ditches.After having freely constructed the ditch, to a depth compatible with the resistance of the support walls (1), a ring-shaped plate (3) is provided at the bottom of the ditch, which bears at its periphery against the vertical support walls (1), and which rests on the bottom of the ditch; after the setting of this ring-shaped plate (3), it is attached to the upper part of the support walls (1) for being supported, by means of braces (5); and then, the ditchs is continued, through the orifice (4) of the ring-shaped plate (3), down to the bottom of the work.

Abstract: An interlocking block and a retaining wall system derived from such blocks wherein the blocks when arranged to extend in horizontal courses in end to end relation and one upon the other in interlocking overlapping wall defining relation extend upwardly as such wall structure is erected, such interlocking block having an axis terminating in spaced apart end walls and bounded by generally flat top and bottom walls arranged in parallel relation to each other and by front and rear facings extending from end wall to end wall and so spaced apart as to provide a substantially uniform cross-section throughout the axial extent of same, the block having an axially extending projection upstanding from the top wall and the bottom wall having an axially extending recess formation of a configuration and extent to match the projection, the projection being spaced inwardly from the front facing a distance substantially equal to the distance the recess formation is spaced inwardly from the rear facing and the projection is sp

Abstract: A cascade wall structure is provided which is made up of two elements, namely, a generally rectangular member with end ribs and a curved panel having curved ends which interlock with curved surfaces on the ribs of the members for creating a variety of wall structures for different purposes and different uses. In one wall structure the ribbed members are spaced in spaced parallel relationship with the curved panels interconnecting them. In another embodiment, the ribbed panel members are spaced in spaced parallel relationship and curved members interconnect them from a forward end to a rear end, respectively. Because of the angular and curved surfaces of the wall structure, it can serve as an effective sound barrier by deflecting the sound upwardly and against the multiple surfaces of the wall to dissipate the same. In addition, the wall can be backfilled with dirt to provide additional sound deadening and strength.

Abstract: A cast concrete construction element particularly suitable for use in constructing a retaining wall for a soil mass. The construction element includes a face panel in the form of a rectangular prismatic solid. Extending rearwardly from the face panel is an embedment beam which will extend into and engage firmly with the soil mass. The embedment beam includes a sloping rearward wall to penetrate the soil mass, pan inserts and grooves to increase frictional resistance with the soil mass. The embedment beam also includes notches for interengagement with support beams in the soil mass. The embedment beam may take a variety of configurations which may be used to construct differing retaining wall arrays.

Abstract: A cribwall comprising(A) a skeletal wall structure made up of components such that there is(i) a plurality of tiers of headers each substantially normal to the general plane of the wall, each header having front and rear end rebates top and bottom, and with each header of one tier being above and/or below a header of an adjacent header,(ii) wall wise extending stretchers each of which spans at least two headers of a tier and the corresponding at least two headers of an adjacent tier and is located between the tiers by the said front end top and bottom rebates of the proximate headers,(iii) rear end header spacing means selected from wall-wise extending stretchers or keyblocks which are interposed between each pair of adjacent tiered headers and are located by said rear top and bottom rebates thereof, and(iv) header support blocks interposed between at least some of the tiered headers between a stretcher and the rear end header spacing means so as to enhance the load carrying capability of the resultant struct

Abstract: An acoustic barrier comprises a free standing wall structure having an exoskeletal framework of gravity interlocked components (preferably of timber) and a filling of the exoskeletal framework. Ideally the structure is tiered and is of substantially constant cross section in each tier, although provision is made to step it up or down to take account changes in the contour on which it is located.

Abstract: A bin-type retaining wall including at least one bin 10 defined by front and rear wall sections 12, 14 spaced apart by spacing walls 16, the bin providing a volume for anchoring material. Each wall section includes a plurality of longitudinal stringers 20, substantially hat-shaped in cross section and defined by a force receiving web 34 and a pair of outwardly diverging legs 32. Each leg terminates at an angled flange 36 having a portion 36a located in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the force receiving web and another portion 36b located in a plane that intersects the plane of the web. The flange portions 36b define abutting surfaces for adjacent stringers. Forces generated by the anchoring material, applied to the webs urge the legs outwardly to cause abutting contact between adjacent leg flange portions 36b, generating a soil tight interface between adjacent stringers.

Abstract: A retaining wall system utilizing a support structure formed from standard concrete Tee forms. The structural members are assembled using post tensioning devices which impart added strength to the component members. Wall can be employed in a tier configuration, can utilize cross tie members, counterbalancing slabs and foot support devices to offset bending moment forces. The base member can be formed in a Tee configuration or as a single slab unit. The invention can utilize continuous footers and retaining flanges for holding the wall segments.

Abstract: A retaining wall has precast concrete wall facing elements and is constructed to accommodate vegetation masking. The structure uses panels having frontally projecting buttresses and inwardly inclined face surfaces to provide an exposed horizontal planting bed for each row of panels. Devices are provided to limit water percolation and migration of fine particles. And, rearwardly projecting bearing pads may be added to give columnar support in high wall application.

Abstract: A soil tight bin-type retaining wall is formed having cementitious panels as the exposed walls including the front wall. Each end portion of the front face of each cementitious panel contacts against a flange portion of a connector positioned in the plane of the front wall to support the cementitious panel in a substantially erect position. An angle member is positioned on a web portion of a connector to retain the cementitious panel of the front wall in a substantially erect position. A plurality of stringers form the rear wall by being supported by the connectors positioned in the plane of the rear wall. A plurality of spacer members form the side walls by being supported by the web portions of a pair of connectors. In alternative embodiments, the retaining wall may be constructed so that the direction of the front or rear wall changes. Additionally, a retaining wall may be formed in which some or all of the front, rear or side walls are composed of cementitious panels.

Abstract: An interlocking block and a retaining wall system derived from such blocks wherein the blocks when arranged to extend in horizontal courses in end to end relation and one upon the other in interlocking overlapping wall defining relation automatically uniformly incline to the vertical, such interlocking block having an axis terminating in spaced apart end walls and bounded by generally flat top and bottom walls arranged in parallel relation to each other and by front and rear facings extending from end wall to end wall and so spaced apart as to provide a substantially uniform cross-section throughout the axial extent of same, the block having an axially extending projection upstanding from the top wall and the bottom wall having an axially extending recess formation of a configuration and extent to match the projection, the projection being spaced inwardly from the front facing to present an uninterrupted flat top wall portion therebetween and rearwardly in relation to the axis a selected extent exceeding that

Abstract: Apparatus to bear the coffering for the pouring of concrete up or against profiled piles used for waterworks, for the reinforcement of steep banks, quay walls, ducdalves etc. The poured concrete is beared by a coffering support composed of a component pinched horizontally and laterally in a rigid way in the notches of the profiled piles and this longitudinally to the curtain of sunken piles.

Abstract: A locking beam to form a three-dimensional lattice in a construction system for plantable shoring walls comprising support blocks stacked one above the other with plane upper and under sides transversely to the longitudinal wall direction and acting as spacing means between individual planting level-forming longitudinal components consisting of a base plate and of a breast part joining same and always resting on two support blocks, each of the consecutive pairs of support block stacks forming together with the earth filled in them and the deposited longitudinal components a construction section acting as a static slope shoring unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A crib unit of heavy, rugged character and which is useable in erecting bin wall structures for various purposes such as sea walls, retaining walls, etc. The unit has a pair of spaced side walls with a connector arm extending between the side walls and joined thereto with merger segments, the merger segments being of laterally widening character to effect strengthening of the side walls to render same more resistive to bending. The crib unit when paired with a like unit encloses a bin space having a configuration which facilitates substantially uniformly distributing bin fill pressure acting against the crib unit structure defining the bin.

Abstract: A prefabricated retaining wall system wherein a number of basic components of various shapes and sizes are capable of being assembled in several different arrangements to form a vertical face or sloped face wall, a vertical face or sloped face wall with deadman anchors, a crib or bin type wall, all of which have interlocking parts and post like members which interconnect the components to form an integral wall system which resists sliding and overturning.

Abstract: A system of structural elements are disclosed for the construction of earth filled walls. The structural elements of the system form a variety of matching elements according to various applications.The present invention includes prefabricated elements as part of a structural system and walls built by the elements, as well as the use of the structural system and structural elements for the construction of walls.

Abstract: A retaining tie system is designed and engineered to stack, nest and interlock without mortar. The system includes an anchor block which is formed in a T-shape with the head of the T adapted to extend backward into a hillside and act as an anchor for the system. A plurality of stringer blocks lie horizontally along the face of the hillside between the retaining blocks. Corner tie blocks are notched to intersect one another forming 90.degree. angles and are used in conjunction with each other in positions to form either inside or outside corner turns. The system can be used for terracing and stepping backward or forward, and for stepping up and down to fit different grades of the hillside. All the blocks interlock with one another to form a permanent, self-sustaining structure.

Abstract: An inclined retaining wall for retaining and securing the slope of an inclined piece of terrain comprises a plurality of horizontal rows of prism-shaped elements, which rows of elements are superimposed one upon the other in a relationship staggered rearwardly in upward direction. The elements of each row are spaced relative to one another leaving gaps therebetween, and a base at the foot of said inclined piece of terrain supports a lowermost row of the elements. Each element of a superimposed one of the said rows bridges a corresponding gap in the next adjacent row therebeneath and is aligned in an inclined series with an element in any second row therebeneath or thereabove. Some or all elements have a hollow soil-fillable interior open at the top end and at the bottom end of such element, whereby plants planted in the soil at the open top end of one of these elements can extend their roots through the open bottom end of that element into the soil therebeneath.

Abstract: An improved structure adapted for undersea construction is described comprising a plurality of foundation blocks, each foundation block comprising a rectahedral parallelepiped opposite faces of which are concave and convex, respectively, the opposite faces being sized and shaped to interengage matingly, such foundation blocks being interfitted into a three-dimensional array; a plurality of base pad units supporting said foundation blocks, each base pad unit comprising a rectahedral parallelepiped one face of which is convex, the opposite face of which has a plurality of protruding lugs, and the intermediate faces of which have T-shaped slots extending the length of each side, such base pad units being interfitted into a two-dimensional array by means of I-shaped keys which fit into adjacent T-shaped slots; a plurality of leg blocks supporting said base pad units, each of said leg blocks comprising a rectangular parallelepiped one face of which is convex, the opposite face of which is concave, the opposite fac

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: A method for constructing a soil structure comprising a step of disposing reinforcements into a ground to thereby unify the soil structure by the friction force caused between the reinforcements and soil particles, said reinforcements being principally of rigid structure which possess a property of flexibility at the time of at least the disposition of said reinforcements to accommodate the same to any displacements of soil, the friction force being caused between said rigid structures and said soil particles, to thereby unify the soil structure.