Abstract: A retaining wall comprises a plurality of layers made from geocells. The retaining wall has a capping layer at the top of the wall, wherein the ratio of the length of the capping layer to the height of the retaining wall is at least 0.8. The retaining wall also has at least one stacking layer and may further comprise a reinforcing layer made of geogrids or, preferably, geocells. The reinforcing geocells have a height that is less than the height of the capping layer geocell.

Abstract: Retaining wall building blocks for receiving fill material during construction of a retaining wall, retaining walls constructed with the building blocks and methods of manufacture of the building block wherein the block comprises a cast cement body having a base, a generally upright face wall extending upward from the base, two generally upright side walls extending upward from the base and generally rearward of the face wall, the base, upright face wall, and side walls each having an inner and an outer surface, the side walls each having a top and a rearward most end, and a fill receiving cavity defined by base inner surface, side wall inner surfaces and face wall inner surface for receiving fill material, the fill receiving cavity having a volume wherein a ratio of the volume of the fill receiving cavity to the volume of the retaining wall building block is at least 0.75:1, respectively.

Abstract: A modular block wall system is provided. In one embodiment, among others, the system comprises a modular block wall adjacent to earth material, the wall exhibiting an elevational angle; a first elongated member passing through the wall along the angle, the first elongated member secured at a bottom end and secured at a top end to the wall; and a second elongated member coupled, directly or indirectly, to the top end of the first elongated member and passing generally vertically downwardly into and secured in the earth material.

Abstract: An earth fill retaining wall system that uses a removable L-shaped bracket and one or more support boards that temporarily holds the front surface of a mesh cover panel vertical aligned while backfilled with fill material. The brackets hold the mesh cover panel until tiers are stacked above. The weight of the stack tiers are used to hold the mesh cover panel on each lower tier in place. Once the above stacked tiers are formed, the brackets can be removed and reused. Attached to the lower end of the post and extending in the opposite direction of the base is an optional support shoe. A hole is formed in the shoe that receives a vertical stake or pin driven into the ground to temporarily hold the bracket in place. Attached to the post is a loop that attaches to a chain or cable used to pull the bracket forward.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of connecting a geogrid to a segmental retaining wall with the use of positive connectors between upper and lower blocks.

Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.

Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.

Abstract: A method for landscaping an area using an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the steps of providing a first structure of at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings and a base region, providing a second structure of the at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings greater than the measure of openings of the second structure, arranging the second structure at an angle relative to the first structure such that the angle defines a landscaping feature, arranging at least a portion of the first structure on a landscaping region of the area such that the landscaping region at least partially supports base region of the first structure, and disposing landscaping material on the first structure of the landscaping apparatus so as to define a feature for the area. Also, a landscaping apparatus of an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the above described structures.

Abstract: A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) system includes a vertically oriented wall offset from an earthen feature, backfill disposed between the wall and the earthen feature, and a plurality of anchor elements attached at one end to the wall and extending from the wall toward the earthen feature. The plurality of anchor elements are embedded within the backfill and include an elongated strap having an attachment end configured for attachment to the MSE wall and opposite surfaces along the length thereof. The anchor element further includes a plurality of punched openings along the length of the strap, each opening including a punched tab projecting outward from one of the opposite surfaces.

Abstract: Single and multiple retaining wall blocks and block systems in which the blocks are provided with a face connection system which includes at least one front lip extending from a top surface of the block and a bottom channel formed into a front face and bottom surface of the block. The front lips have a length which is equal to the width of the blocks.

Abstract: A retaining wall system for use in retaining a backfill particulate mass is formed by at least one retaining wall unit. The retaining wall unit has a substantially upright forward wall having a rear surface for abutting against the backfill particulate mass. A substantially upright stem wall extends rearward from the rear surface of the forward wall. The stem wall has opposite substantially upright sidewalls. At least one of the sidewalls has a series of longitudinally spaced apart elongated grooves that slope upward toward the forward wall.

Abstract: A recoverable gabion is disclosed. The gabion comprises opposed side walls connected together at spaced intervals by a plurality of partition walls such that spaces between neighboring pairs of partition walls define, together with the side walls, individual compartments of the gabion, adjacent side and partition walls being connected to one another by pivotal connections wherein at least one partition wail comprises at least three partition wall elements, a first partition wall element being pivotally connected to a first side wall and a second partition wall element being connected to a second side wall, and the partition wall comprising at least a third partition wall element between said first and second partition wall elements acting as a spacer element therebetween to extend the width of the gabion compartment and being releasably connected to the first and second partition wall elements.

Abstract: A wire strut indicator facing unit for a retaining wall, such as a temporary retaining wall, having an upstanding face section and a rearwardly extending floor section, wherein the floor section is formed from pairs of parallel wire elements and transverse cross-wire elements, and otherwise substantially free of wire elements between the wire element pairs. The pairs of parallel wires define the attachment location for a wire strut that extends between the face section and floor section of the facing unit.

Abstract: Reinforced stabilizing strip (10) intended for use in reinforced earth structures, comprising a longitudinal part (12), said longitudinal part (12) comprising along at least part of its length, at least one cord (14) arranged approximately longitudinally and encased in the bulk of said longitudinal part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure including a plurality of mats, each mat including a substantially fixed matrix of spaced tubular rings. The mats are vertically stacked such that the tubular rings are co-extensive and form a matrix of tubular columns. Materials may be poured into the columns and into the void region between the columns, and geotextile or geomembrane-type fabric may wrap the mats and materials to form a block. The blocks may be arranged in one or more horizontal layers, and may be stacked and staggered with respect to blocks in a lower layer. A method of installing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bunkers and methods for use in providing the same may use slidably connectable slat members. For example, ground material may be removed at a perimeter of a bunker and the slidably connectable slat members may be driven into the ground material at the perimeter of the bunker forming a barrier.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. The connection apparatus may include a soil reinforcing element configured to be coupled to a facing anchor having a pair of longitudinally extending portions connected by a transverse member, wherein the soil reinforcing element may be inserted into an opening created by the pair of longitudinally extending portions, seated near or adjacent to the transverse member, and be secured therein by means of a clasp. The connection apparatus allows the soil reinforcing element to swivel in at least one horizontal plane, thus being capable of avoiding obstructions in the MSE mass.

Abstract: A composite system comprises a base layer, a capping layer, and at least one core geocell layer. The base layer and capping layer are staked below and above the core geocell layer, which is infilled with a low quality material. In specific embodiments, the base layer and capping layer are each geocells infilled with a high quality material. This composite system meets engineering specifications economically.

Abstract: A modular frame is provided for the making of earthen walls. The frame is a hinged pair of panels—a base panel and a front facing wall panel—which is angularly adjustable so that a plurality of such frames can form a wall of varying batter are possible.

Abstract: The facing element for a stabilized soil structure comprises a body of cast material inside which a path is formed for a reinforcement strip between two points of emergence situated on a rear face of the element. This path includes two rectilinear portions which are respectively adjacent to the two points of emergence and are each arranged so as to position the strip in the same plane of emergence perpendicular to the rear face, two curved portions which respectively continue the two rectilinear portions and are arranged so as to deviate the strip from the plane of emergence, and a connection portion which joins the two curved portions to one another and has at least one loop situated outside the plane of emergence.

Abstract: A multi-component segmented retaining wall (SRW) block that may form a mortarless retaining wall. Each SRW block includes an interlocking face unit and an anchor unit that may be interlocked by complementary connector elements. The face units each have a front face that has one or more coplanar stacking surfaces to provide greater stability when the face units are stacked for shipping.

Abstract: A method of temporarily supporting a soil mass susceptible to slide at a scarp slope bounding the soil mass includes advancing a supporting wall in an advancing direction along the scarp slope; and, in addition to the movement in the advancing direction, also moving a surface portion, in direct contact with the soil mass, of the supporting wall, so as to minimize friction between the soil mass and the supporting wall.

Abstract: A retaining wall block including a body having a front face, a rear face, opposing side faces, a top face, and a bottom face, and an elongated channel located in a surface of the bottom face preferably extending substantially between the opposing side faces. At least one pin aperture is located in a surface of the top face. A retaining pin is located in the pin aperture, extending vertically a predetermined distance above the surface of the top face. The block includes a cut-out portion defining a hollow extending from the top face through the body to the bottom face. The cut-out is located in the top face between the pin aperture and the front face and in the bottom face between the channel and the front face. A hand grip is provided within the forward upper portion of the cut-out.

Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.

Abstract: A concrete interlocking revetment block having a pair of arms and a pair of sockets. The arms have enlarged ends and the sockets have enlarged cavities to interlock similar blocks together and prevent lateral separation. The arms extend outwardly from respective side edges of the block, with radial axes orthogonal to each other so as to be adjacent to each other. The sockets are formed into respective side edges of the block, with radial axes orthogonal to each other so as to also be adjacent to each other. The depth of at least one socket is less than the thickness of the block. A portion of the socket is thus covered with concrete to thereby provide reinforcement between adjacent sockets of the block, and reduce incidences of breakage. At least one arm is also formed with a thickness less than the thickness of the block.

Abstract: A concrete revetment block having interlocking arms and sockets and an array of vegetation holes. Two arms and two sockets are formed in the block to provide interlocking capabilities with neighbor blocks of a mat. One arm of the block is constructed with a partial thickness and one socket is constructed with a partial depth, thereby providing vertical interlocking capabilities with the neighbor blocks. An array of holes is formed through the block to allow vegetation to grow therethrough. Various holes are located in the block to allow easy grasping of the block by a workman for lifting the same. The holes are formed in the core square of the block, with respective diameters related to the thickness of the block to maximize the hydraulic stability of the block.

Abstract: Retaining wall systems and methods of making retaining wall systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the retaining wall system includes a first horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags and a second horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned vertically adjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags, with an interconnecting member that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the second course of sand/soil bags. The interconnecting member has an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side and the lower side has a first projection that includes a notch therein to engage geogrid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-shell structural unit and system of attaching the units to form an outer layer in the construction of a steep embankment formed from several layers, this outer layer being suitable for greening. The structural unit is formed by a front element, a spacer element, and a rear-wall element. The front and rear-wall elements have a flexurally rigid lattice structure. The rear-wall element is a planar element that is either a flat element or has a shape defined by a polygonal curve. The spacer element has a stepped form on at least one side and has mounts for frictional joints with geosynthetics. Connector pieces permit positive and frictional joining of the elements of the unit. The structural unit is intended for use as an independent support system to continuously resist horizontal loads exerted by a backfilled embankment.

Abstract: Modular block (10, 10?, 10?) for civil works, comprising a base body (11), a plurality of structural protrusions (12) that develop from the base body (11) according to a matrix configuration and interconnecting means (14) to blocks (10, 10?, 10?) belonging to the same modular system. Around the structural protrusions (12) there is some space (S1, S2) suitable for defining channels (C) for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air. These channels (C) are formed by coupling or arranging side by side of blocks (10, 10?, 10?) belonging to the same modular system.

Abstract: A self-supporting earth facing module has a tubular sock to be filled with compost or fill material and a geogrid sheet which wraps around the circumference of the tubular sock with upper and lower extensions extending lengthwise to one side of the sock. The geogrid sheet is joined by a high-strength seam to the circumference of the sock. The module forms an integrated unit that can be used to form sequenced horizontal earth layers and serve as facing for a geosynthetically stabilized earth wall or slope. The sock may be vegetation-supportive and have built-in connectable irrigation tubing. The modules are installed in consecutive vertical lifts with a granular interlock zone to provide a connection medium for tying adjacent modules to each other and to the reinforced soil zone, and which may include connection to supplemental geogrids that extend the width of the reinforced zone for taller slopes and walls.

Abstract: A retaining wall, in particular a retaining wall (24) inclined against a soil backfill, composed of individual shaped blocks (20, 21, 22, 23), the shaped blocks (20, 21, 22, 23) being arranged one above the other in layers (30) and the shaped blocks (20, 21, 22, 23) of adjacent layers (30) each engaging in a form-fitting manner with one another in the region of upper sides (25) and lower sides (26) of the shaped blocks (20, 21, 22, 23). Provision is made according to the invention for upper sides (25) and lower sides (26) of the shaped blocks (20, 21, 22, 23) to be designed and/or oriented in such a way that when lateral pressure is exerted transversely to an imaginary longitudinal axis of the retaining wall (24), individual layers (30) can be displaced in the corresponding direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems related to modular earth retaining wall systems. In one embodiment, among others, a precast retaining wall block configured for assembly into a retaining wall includes a front face portion, a web portion extending outwardly from a rear surface of the front face portion, and aligning elements. The web portion includes a vertical center portion and left and right protrusions extending outwardly from the lower sides of the vertical center portion. The left and right protrusions may be substantially triangular. The aligning elements extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the left and right protrusions for locking the precast retaining wall block to the vertical center portion associated with an underlying precast retaining wall block associated with an underlying row.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements, where a soil reinforcing element is coupled to initial and terminal wires of the horizontal element. The soil reinforcing element may have a hook or similar coupling device on its end in order to be coupled to the initial wire. A strut may be coupled to the top-most cross wire of the vertical element and the terminal wire of the horizontal element to maintain the vertical element at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal element as backfill is added to the wire facing.

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 rain collecting wall system comprising a plurality of interlocking wall components each with a chamber for storing water; sets of teeth disposed on either side of the wall components, the sets of teeth allow the wall components to be arranged to form a structure wherein the first set of teeth of a first wall component engages the second set of teeth of a second wall component; an aperture disposed in each set of teeth adapted to receive an anchor for supporting the wall component in an upright position; structural supports for helping the wall components resist bowing; at least one water access point disposed; and a mounting system for attaching building materials or shelving systems to the wall components.

Abstract: A soil shoring method is provided wherein a pilot hole is drilled into the soil to a desired depth. A cutting tool is then used to cut an elongated trench or slot in the soil at the desired depth and in a desired configuration. During the drilling and cutting processes, a slurry is preferably provided into the hole and the slot to help support the walls of the hole and slot. After the cutting tool is removed from this slot, shoring plates are inserted into the slot. Then, soil on one side of the plates is excavated, without any cave-in risk.

Abstract: A retainer tie system 10 and method including a wall tie 120 having on the lower side 126 of the wall tie 120 triangular-shaped grooves 140, and a lip 150; a block tie 220 including a first and a second ridge 240, 242 on the upper side 224 of the block tie 220 such that the block tie 220 may fit across a deadman tie 320; and the deadman tie 320 including triangular-shaped tongues 340 on the upper side 120 of the deadman tie 320 for assembling a straight, concave, or convex interlocking retainer wall; and a forward and an aft ridge 350, 352 disposed on the upper side 324 of the deadman tie 320 for interlocking the deadman tie 320 with the block tie 220.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for increasing the width of an existing roadway. The system incorporates a reverse-oriented retaining wall and soil nail supports. The retaining wall is formed by a first set of soil nails, wire mesh material, and one or more geotextile material layers. An alternate embodiment forms the retaining wall with a plurality of concrete blocks stacked and spaced to form a block wall. The blocks are mounted over the first set of nails and can be filled with mortar. Backfill material fills a gap between the existing sloping surface and the retaining wall. A second set of soil nails can be provided for additional subsurface support. An upper surface of the backfill material can be paved to form the extended roadway width. The cantilevered configuration of the reverse-oriented retaining wall provides a solution for a less costly retaining wall structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.

Abstract: A georeinforcing system, comprising a plurality of georeinforcement elements, each georeinforcement element formed from one or more basic connector pieces having one or more tire treads and one or more tire sidewalls fastened together in an alternating pattern with non-metallic screws. The plurality of georeinforcement elements are attached to a facing element and surrounded in particulate matter to support the facing element.

Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.

Abstract: A modular retaining wall is illustrated and described having open or closed polygonal modules with channels disposed therein. The wall is set at least partially below a surface, the surface either being land-based or aqueous-based, and interfaces therebetween, e.g., shoreline. The modules of the wall are fastened to each other by respective fastening means such that engaging connectivity is provided between the modules, yet retains the ability for fluid to pass through.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprises a plurality of layers made from geocells. The retaining wall has a capping layer at the top of the wall, wherein the ratio of the length of the capping layer to the height of the retaining wall is at least 0.8. The retaining wall also has at least one stacking layer and may further comprise a reinforcing layer made of geogrids or, preferably, geocells. The reinforcing geocells have a height that is less than the height of the capping layer geocell.

Abstract: A wall block having a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes. The wall block can be used in a retaining wall made of (i) a plurality of blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course, at least one block comprising a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes; (ii) a soil retaining material; and (iii) a channel bar.

Abstract: A stackable masonry unit having male and female elements that cooperate with complementary female and male elements on identical, opposing, adjoining units to create an interlocking two- or three-unit module from single design element. Each interlocking module comprises a portion of a course in a block wall made of cementitious material, e.g., a concrete masonry unit or insulating concrete foam.

Abstract: A wall block having a block body having opposed front and rear faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, one or more pin holes that open onto the top face of the block, and one or more lugs that extend from the bottom face, each lug having a back surface that extends contiguously from the rear face of the block. A corner block for use with the wall block. A retaining wall comprising a plurality of wall blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course.

Abstract: A soil reinforced structure and method of manufacturing the structure is disclosed, the structure includes fill, reinforcement strips including reinforcement sections extending in a reinforced area of the fill at the rear of a front face of the structure, and a facing along the front face, the reinforcement strips are anchored to the facing in anchoring regions, and at least one anchoring region includes a path formed for a reinforcement strip between two protruding points located on a rear face of the facing adjacent to the fill, and at least two reinforcement sections each prolong a rectilinear portion of a path beyond a protruding point and are connected together by at least one linking member and each of the reinforcement sections is a part of a reinforcement strip arranged according to the path, and the linking members are flexible strips fastened to the reinforcement strips above or underneath the reinforcement strips.

Abstract: A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall system that permits water drainage through joints while also preventing undesirable migration of backfill through joints, thus dramatically reducing or eliminating undesirable vegetation by incorporation of a free draining seal (FDS) in panel joints, wherein the FDS structure blocks backfill but permits water migration.

Abstract: Retaining wall device, comprising at least one first retaining wall member (5) and a support (3, 4) for it, wherein the first retaining wall member and the support have first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, extending in longitudinal direction of the retaining wall, which longitudinal edges have been formed for connection to each other by a tilting or rotary motion about one or several axes that are parallel to the longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinal edge that is opposite the first longitudinal edge (8) of the first retaining wall member is designed corresponding to the second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second longitudinal edges can be provided with stop surfaces for limiting the tilting motion to mutual abutment of the first and second longitudinal edges in a retaining position of the first retaining wall member.

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.