Abstract: A retaining wall extension system for extending a retaining wall, wherein the retaining wall includes an existing wall cap having an upper surface defining an elevation of the retaining wall, with the upper surface having a length and a width. The retaining wall extension system includes an extension cap arranged to be received by the existing wall cap of the retaining wall. The extension cap includes a first portion arranged to be received by the upper surface of the existing wall cap, and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion, wherein the second portion extends vertically upward from the first portion so as to extend the elevation of the retaining wall. A method of extending a retaining wall is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retaining wall system including a retaining wall having with at least one retaining wall rebar extending along a vertical direction, the at least one retaining wall rebar includes an end formed into a first retaining wall rebar hook, at least one deadman spaced from the retaining wall, each deadman including a concrete base extending along the vertical direction, the concrete base including rebar extending past the concrete base and having an end formed into a deadman rebar hook, at least a first hole at a top portion of the retaining wall and extending into the retaining wall to expose the retaining wall rebar hook, and a first cable attached to the retaining wall rebar hook and to the deadman rebar hook to support the retaining wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a triangular modular ecological seawall, including a plurality of first prefabricated frames arranged in an array, a second prefabricated frame and a wave break forest which are disposed between two adjacent first prefabricated frames and fill gaps between the first prefabricated frames, the first prefabricated frame and the second prefabricated frame are tubular and each have a triangular cross-section shape, and inner cavities of the first prefabricated frame and the second prefabricated frame are respectively filled with first sea sand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining work (12) in ground (S), the work having a vertical front portion and separating a first portion of ground (S1) from a second portion of ground. The front portion (14) is in the form of juxtaposed arched walls (16), each arched wall (16) presenting a concave side facing the first portion of ground and a convex side facing the second portion of ground, and the retaining work (12) further includes a rear portion (20) comprising a plurality of wall elements (22) having their largest faces extending vertically in the second portion of ground (S2), each wall element (22) being arranged between two adjacent arched walls (16) and extending transversely relative to the front portion (14).

Abstract: An edge protection safety bund system (10) for use in connection with a rock bund made of rock fill. The edge protection safety bund system (10) comprises a bund module (12) having a barrier wall (14) and a base plate (16). The bund module (12) is preferably one of a plurality of bund modules (12) arranged side by side to form an extended barrier wall (14). The barrier wall (14) of each module (12) extends substantially perpendicularly upwards from the base plate (16), and a support web (18) extends at an angle from a rear face of the barrier wall (14) to an upper surface of the base plate (16). In use, when rock fill is dumped onto the rear of the bund modules (12), and allowed to flow back to its natural angle of repose behind the barrier walls (14), it creates a rock bund (20) with a front face formed by the extended barrier wall (14).

Abstract: A roadside barrier to sit on top of a retaining wall to provide impact resistance to vehicular traffic. The precast concrete traffic barrier unit is designed to have a counterweight from soil backfill on the horizontal stem portion of the precast unit that acts to resist overturning pressures from vehicle impact on the precast traffic barrier portion which extends above the roadway surface. The horizontal stem is an exemplary designed triangular in shape to capture more of the backfill soil than typically what soil backfill rest directly above the horizontal stem or counterweight portion. Therefore, the triangular horizontal stem with its arching effect between adjacent units will allow more of the soil backfill to resist impact loading and reduce the amount of concrete needed to provide adequate vehicle restraint protection. An alignment seat locks the traffic barrier unit to the retaining wall below.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to precast cantilevered retaining walls and methods of using and forming precast cantilevered retaining walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cantilevered concrete retaining wall having a base shear key and blockouts for receiving a material that substantially impedes the wing wall from sliding or other inadvertent movement, to a method of retaining a soil embankment with a cantilevered concrete retaining wall, and to a method of manufacturing a precast concrete cantilevered retaining wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to precast cantilevered retaining walls and methods of using and forming precast cantilevered retaining walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cantilevered concrete retaining wall having a base shear key and blockouts for receiving a material that substantially impedes the wing wall from sliding or other inadvertent movement, to a method of retaining a soil embankment with a cantilevered concrete retaining wall, and to a method of manufacturing a precast concrete cantilevered retaining wall.

Abstract: A system is taught comprising a first plain end concrete structure comprising two side faces extending horizontally to end in two end faces and a second fork end concrete structure comprising two side faces extending horizontally to end in two fork ends; said fork ends each comprising a pair of fork walls that define a slot. The system further comprises a base and a rigid support member embedded in the base, and received within said slot. The width of the slot of one or more of the fork ends at the mouth is sized to receive the end face of the plain end structure and the width of the slot increases from the mouth to the fork end face, and wherein the rigid support member is locked into the slot by the aggregate filler material. A system of stacked structures is taught, said system comprising one or more stacking structures, each comprising two side faces extending vertically to end in a bottom face and a top face, said top face comprising a top profile and said bottom face comprising a bottom profile.

Abstract: Forcing equipment meant for forcing piles, steel profiles and other elongated objects into the ground which forcing equipment comprises a body (1) which can be attached to a working machine, a vibration device (6) attached to the body (1) with the help of damper cushions (9) and moveable grip jaws (10) adjusted to the mentioned vibration device (6) in order to grip the object to be forced at least with a side grip. The body (1) comprises an upper part (2) including an attachment arrangement (4), (5) for attaching it to the working machine and side parts directed from the upper part (2) downwards between which side parts the vibration device (6) and grip jaws (10); (17, 18) can be attached through cassette (7) comprising damping rubbers (9) in which case the attachments comprise pin/hole attachments (11, 23, 14); (20, 8) or (21, 8) which can be opened by detaching the mentioned pins (11, 20, 21).

Abstract: Abutment and bridge designs include a bridge superstructure and abutment wherein the abutment has a vertical portion of a backwall that can be fixedly joined to the end face of the bridge superstructure without an interdisposed expansion joint. A downward facing surface of the bridge superstructure can be fixedly joined to an upward facing surface of the abutment, or alternatively, a bearing pad may be disposed therebetween. The abutment may further comprise a backwall made from a plurality of panels fixedly joined to a plurality of supporting piles. The abutments and bridge superstructure may be made substantially from composite materials including recycled structural composite and other thermoplastics.

Abstract: A method and assembly are disclosed for building a soldier pile shore wall or soldier pile retaining wall. The method and assembly are designed to permit the shore wall to be leveled along the bed of a body of water, whether the bed of the body of water is level or not level. Simultaneously, the method and assembly prevent erosion of the bed of the body of water in the vicinity of the assembly, extending the life-span of the shore wall, and enabling maintenance of the shore wall to be performed by permitting the assembly to be re-embedded in the bed of the body of water and re-leveled at the time when erosion eventually does occur.

Abstract: A reinforced soil structure including a fill (1), a facing (3) placed along a front face of the structure, at least one main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26) connected to the facing and extending through a first reinforced zone (Z1) of the fill situated behind the front face, and at least one secondary reinforcement member (6) disconnected from the facing and extending from the facing in a second reinforced zone (Z2) of the fill, which has, with said first reinforced zone (Z1), a common part (Z?), wherein the secondary reinforcement member (6) extends into the fill (1) up to a distance substantially shorter than the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26), with respect to the front face and wherein the stiffness of the secondary reinforcement member (6) is lower or equal to the stiffness of the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26).

Abstract: Abutment and bridge designs include a bridge superstructure and abutment wherein the abutment has a vertical portion of a backwall that can be fixedly joined to the end face of the bridge superstructure without an interdisposed expansion joint. A downward facing surface of the bridge superstructure can be fixedly joined to an upward facing surface of the abutment, or alternatively, a bearing pad may be disposed therebetween. The abutment may further comprise a backwall made from a plurality of panels fixedly joined to a plurality of supporting piles. The abutments and bridge superstructure may be made substantially from composite materials including recycled structural composite and other thermoplastics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging a member within a soil formation. The apparatus comprises a shaft extending between top and bottom ends along a central axis and having at least one auger section therearound and a first plate, axially rotatably connected to the shaft. The apparatus may further comprise a second plate rotatably connected to the shaft above the first plate which may have connectors for engagement with a corresponding adjacent plate. The method comprises locating the shaft above a soil formation and rotating the shaft into the soil formation so as to draw the first plate into the soil formation.

Abstract: A weld-on connecting element fox a pipe sheet pile wall assembly includes (1) a base end configured to be welded to a pipe pile wall member, (2) an elongate neck strip having a substantially uniform width and having a length, extending from the base end along a predetermined main assembly direction (X) to an opposite end, which length is at least five times greater than said width, and (3) a claw strip provided at the opposite end having two claw strip members that form an oval-shaped lock chamber with their free ends facing each other to form an open jaw. The claw strip is adapted to partially surround and interlock with a head strip of another, matching connecting element. The space between the two claw-strip members is at least partially filled with a malleable sealant material, installed prior to welding the connector to the pipe piles.

Abstract: A sheet piling wall includes a plurality of polymer corrugated sheet piles, such as vinyl sheet piles, connected together to form an corrugated wall structure having a front surface and a back surface. A plurality of blocks are adhesively secured to the back surface of the wall structure. Each block includes a fastener that is fastened to a bracket that is welded to a support bar extending horizontally behind the back surface. The support bar can be anchored to solid ground by use of tie back rods and an earth anchorage system.

Abstract: Link device (100) between a facing element (20) of a reinforced ground construction work (1) and a longitudinal reinforcement (40), intended to extend in a backfill (60), which comprises a portion (101) for fixing to the facing element (20), two connecting portions (102), of which a first end of each of them is linked to a point of the fixing portion (101), in which a second end of each connecting portion is linked to a first end of a first and of a second return portion (103), in which the return portions (103) are substantially parallel to one another and in which a second end of each of the return portions is linked to a securing segment (104) substantially perpendicular to the return portions (103).

Abstract: An interlocking sheet profile connector comprises a first and a second connecting profile. The first connecting profile includes a base attached to the first sheet pile wall element, a neck strip projecting from the base and a head strip of larger cross section on the free end of the neck strip. The second connecting profile possesses a base attached to a second sheet pile wall element and a claw strip to secure a head strip. The head strip of the first connecting profile is thus configured both to secure the claw strip of a sheet pile as a sheet pile wall element and to secure the claw strip of the second connecting profile, while the claw strip of the second connecting profile serves both to secure the head strip of a sheet pile as a sheet pile wall element and to secure the head strip of the first connecting profile.

Abstract: Flat panels formed by an assembly of wooden plates include arrangements for integrating rigidity inserts for the assembly thereof. Vertical edges of the panels receive profiles for connecting to adjacent panels in a linear and/or angular alignment manner.

Abstract: A pre-cast post with a widened spade foot which resists lateral forces transferred from the upper segment loaded by the retaining panel. The angle of the foot transfers the load by driving the foot more firmly into the ground for more stability. The taper of the footing section causes the adjacent soil to be further compacted for more stability. The thickening of the taper at the junction of the upper and lower section provide perfect size to facilitate perfect ratio of concrete for compressive strength and embedment space for steel which provides tensile strength. The upper section tapers down as the lateral forces decrease. Panels are affixed to the pre-cast posts for the soil retention and can be stacked for higher soil retention applications. The panels also decrease in thickness as the lateral forces diminish.

Abstract: A sheet piling wall includes a plurality of polymer corrugated sheet piles, such as vinyl sheet piles, connected together to form an corrugated wall structure having a front surface and a back surface. A plurality of blocks are adhesively secured to the back surface of the wall structure. Each block includes a fastener that is fastened to a bracket that is welded to a support bar extending horizontally behind the back surface. The support bar can be anchored to solid ground by use of tie back rods and an earth anchorage system.

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: In a reinforced self-standing earth retaining structure using an arching effect, a soldier pile integrally formed with a soldier pile insertion portion in a vertical direction in a flange at one end of the soldier pile in which a lagging is inserted is installed at a width B to be perpendicular to the ground. A sheet panel protruding portion is inserted in and connected to the soldier pile insertion portion. A sheet panel protruding portion is serially inserted in a sheet panel insertion portion. A compression support plate protruding portion is inserted in and coupled to the sheet panel insertion portion. A relationship between a length L of a group of serial sheet panels and the width B between two groups of serial sheet panels is 0.5?L/B?3.0 in a range of an internal friction angle of earth ?=10˜34° and a range of an adhesive power C=0.0˜5.0 ton/m2 so that a back earth pressure is not applied to the front lagging due to the arching effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of several sheet pile walls and at least one pair of connecting profiles (10, 20) with uniform cross section viewed along the longitudinal direction to connect two sheet pile walls (90, 94). In this assembly (100), the first of the two connecting profiles (10) possesses a base attached to the first sheet pile wall (90), a neck strip projecting from the base in a predetermined direction, and a head strip of larger cross section on the free end of the neck strip for engagement with a claw strip partially surrounding the head strip. The second of the two connecting profiles (2) possesses a base attached to a second sheet pile wall (90) and a claw strip to secure a head strip.

Abstract: A sheet piling wall includes a plurality of polymer corrugated sheet piles, such as vinyl sheet piles, connected together to form an corrugated wall structure having a front surface and a back surface. A plurality of blocks are adhesively secured to the back surface of the wall structure. Each block includes a fastener that is fastened to a bracket that is welded to a support bar extending horizontally behind the back surface. The support bar can be anchored to solid ground by use of tie back rods and an earth anchorage system.

Abstract: Free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 that includes a plurality of sheet-pile planks 16, and optionally one or more support elements 12 that are interconnected together using one or more interlocking connectors 22, 24. The sheet-pile plank 16 has a lower edge located proximate a top surface of the ground 14 upon which the free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 is erected in an upstanding, installed configuration. The sheet-pile plank 16 and the support element 12 each constitute sheet-pile components and in the upstanding, installed configuration, a lower portion of the sheet-pile plank 16 is ground engaged and a substantial entirety of the weight of the sheet-pile plank is supported at its engagement with the ground. The engagement may be merely abutting with the plank 16 resting atop the ground, or the lower edge of the plank 16 may be buried into the ground to a certain degree.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earth anchor bracket supported by a girder coupled to a side surface of an earth wall to fix a free length of an anchor body inserted into a boring hole formed at the earth wall according to an earth anchor method. The earth anchor bracket of the present invention includes two side plates each including a curved portion including saw-teeth and facing each other; a coupling material coupling and fixing the two side plates; and a pressure bearing means, supported by the two side plates and including obstacle protrusions engaged with the saw-teeth of the two side plates and a through portion withdrawing the free length of the anchor body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for constructing a chair-type, self-supported earth retaining wall used for retaining external forces such as earth pressure prior to an excavation. The method of the present invention forms a first column of piles having a plurality of piles arranged along the circumference of the region to be excavated. Subsequently, the method comprises forming a second column of piles having a plurality of piles by consecutively perforating a plurality of holes by a predetermined spacing at predetermined positions outwardly from the first column of piles, along the circumference of the region to be excavated, inserting H-beams into the respective holes, filling left and right spaces of the webs of the H-beams with soil, and filling the outer spaces of the flanges of the H-beams with a flowable stiffening material. The method subsequently comprises interconnecting the first column of piles and the second column of piles by a connection member.

Abstract: A retaining wall for retaining matter on a side thereof comprising: a plurality of upwardly projecting primary sheet piles spaced apart from each other and having first structural properties comprising at least one of weight, size, strength and depth to be installed in a supporting body; and one or more intermediate panels of material arranged so as to span the gap between a pair primary sheet piles and to retain at least a portion of the retained matter, wherein the one or more intermediate panels have second structural properties different from the first structural properties.

Abstract: The first of the two connecting profiles of a sheet pile wall assembly possesses a base attached to a sheet pile wall, a neck strip projecting from the base in a predetermined direction, and a head strip of larger cross section on the free end of the neck strip for engagement with a claw strip partially surrounding the head strip. The second of the two connecting profiles possesses a base attached to a second sheet pile wall and a claw strip to secure a head strip. The head strip of the first connecting profile is thus configured both to secure the claw strip of a sheet pile as a sheet pile wall and to secure the claw strip of the second connecting profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall system for preventing collapse of a retaining wall. The MSE wall system includes: at least two pillars installed on a front surface of the retaining wall; a plurality of screens installed on a rear surface of the pillar and arranged along a vertical direction to intercept a space between the adjacent pillars; at least a connector installed between the adjacent pillars to preserve a space between the adjacent pillars and prevent the screens from being separated into a front direction; and at least a front panel spaced from a front surface of the screen. Since deformation of the screen which supports the load of the backfilling soil is not transferred to the front panel, it is possible to provide excellent appearance.

Abstract: A double-wall protection levee floodwall has a pair of piles placed into soil at the bank at the edge of a water body or formed by a levee. The piles of the pair are oriented parallel to each other, are spaced apart transversely, and are rigidly connected together by a connector so that when the force of rising water or a water-borne object is applied to a face of one of the piles, a force couple develops that places one of the piles in tension and the other pile of the pair in compression. The distance between the force-coupled piles and the depth of the piles in the soil provide the ability to withstand predetermined transverse forces while conserving materials and space. Fill material, riprap, earthen support, and erosion control matting can improve the function of the double-wall floodwall. Multiple pairs of piles can be longitudinally placed to form a continuous floodwall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PHC pile used in a permanent retaining wall structure, and a connection method thereof, and more particularly, to a method of connecting PHC piles to each other by inserting a connection bar into connection pipes embedded in sheaths of the PHC piles. To this end, the PHC pile comprises a left connection pipe installed at one side of the sheath of the PHC pile and a right connection pipe embedded at the other opposite side of the sheath. Further, the method of connecting the PHC pile to each other comprises the steps of inserting a water-proof material into inner semi-cylindrical grooves of the connection pipes, inserting the connection bar between the connection pipes of the PHC piles, and consecutively connecting a plurality of PHC piles to one another by repeating the above steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for a retaining wall which minimizes cost, assembly time and environmental impact while providing substantial load-bearing capacity. The system includes: a plurality of vertical helical piers driven into the ground, tie-back helical piers driven at a non-vertical angle into the ground, substantially horizontal waler rods, and substantially vertical extensions, which are interconnected through interlocking connectors. Multiple levels of the load-bearing structure can be built on top of each other depending on the height of the soil to be retained. Loads from the retained soil may be transferred to the extension bars and waler rods through wood lagging, wood planks, different types of plates, or some other intermediary. A mesh support for the soil can be provided in addition to the load-bearing structure. Trees, bushes or other plants can be planted through the mesh in the retained soil to improve the environmental impact of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a permanent earth retaining wall having small diameter casings that remain in the ground to become vertical micropile soldier beams of the retaining wall, and a method for forming a retaining wall. The method includes a top-down method of constructing a retaining wall. The retaining wall may be constructed by placing a plurality of relatively small diameter micropile casings into the ground using overburden percussion drilling methods. The casings are configured to remain in the ground and form micropile soldier beams of the retaining walls. Tiebacks may be coupled to the micropiles via horizontal support wales that span multiple micropiles.

Abstract: A combination wall (10) for supporting the ground comprises at least two tubular piles (12) adapted to be rammed at least part way into the ground and a wall element (14) inserted between two respective adjacent tubular piles (12). The wall element (14) is provided with interlocks (22) that are used to engage the wall element (14) with interlock profiles (18) that are provided on the tubular piles (12). The wall element (14), when hung between the tubular piles (12), is designed as a segment of a circle with an at least approximately circle-segment-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A blast protective barrier system, termed a blast wall, providing a security perimeter or boundary at and above a ground level definable in terms of an x, y, z coordinate system, includes several substantially ground level (xy plane) pile caps, each itself having a y-axis elongate length, a x-axis width, and a z-axis depth, the x-axis substantially defining the width of the barrier system. Each pile cap also includes an upper and lower xy plane surface, each of the upper surfaces including y-axis channels and each of the lower surfaces including several recesses. The system also includes a first, second and further modules having a plurality of opposing pairs of yz plane, the y-axis elongate concrete panels including opposing integral xz end cap elements having a high shock-absorptive structure for isolating each module from the effect of a blast upon an adjacent module.

Abstract: In various embodiments, panel forms can be used to control erosion or retain dirt walls. Each panel form can be comprised of a substantially rigid body that is adapted to be mounted to the ground and can include connectors configured to receive mounts which mount the panel form to the ground. A plurality of panel forms can be used to form a fence, or a retaining wall, where the connectors extending from each panel form can be configured to mate and connect the panel forms together. In various embodiments, the mounts can be inserted through apertures in the mating connectors to provide a pivot about which the adjacent panel forms may be hingedly connected. In various embodiments, each panel form may include a tab extending therefrom which is configured to be received in a corresponding slot in the adjacent panel to reduce, or even eliminate, gaps between adjacent panel forms.

Abstract: A connection element for connecting a sheet pile to a carrier element, with a base strip (16) to be fastened to a carrier element (14), is provided with an interlock profile (20) for engaging the sheet pile (14). The interlock profile (20) exhibits a lock chamber (28) that is defined by the base strip (16), a support strip (24) that protrudes from the base strip (16) and a hook strip (26) that protrudes from the base strip (16), whereby the hook strip (16) exhibits a straight extending transition section (32) protruding from the base strip (16) and a hook section (34) that follows said transition section and points in the direction of the support strip (34).

Abstract: A rod-type connecting profiled element (10) for connecting sheet piles to carrier elements comprises a central strip (12) that separates two opposing connecting profiled elements (16, 18), each of which respectively forms a saw (24, 42). One connecting profiled element is embodied as a plug-in profiled element (16) for the carrier element and the other connecting profiled element is embodied as a receiving profiled element (18) for connecting a sheet pile. The central strip (12) comprises, on the side of the receiving profiled element (18), a central section (14) having a straight plane inner wall (30) to which a first short end section (32) is connected on one side, said short end section protruding past the central section (14) at an angle of approximately 90°, and being connected thereto by means of a transition section (36) having an inner wall with a cross-section that follows a quadrant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is lightweight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks.

Abstract: A continuous connecting profile (10) for attachment of sheet piles to supporting elements has a central rib bar (16) that separates from each other two oppositely-placed attachment profiles, each having a jaw, and is a part of both attachment profiles. One of the attachment profiles is configured as a mounting profile for the supporting element, and the other attachment profile is configured as a receiving profile for a lock of an attaching sheet pile.

Abstract: A combination pile wall is formed of beam elements (12), particularly T-beams and double-T-beams (I-beams), and shaped connection strips (16) directly or indirectly connecting the beam elements (12), whereby each shaped connection strip (16) that is coupled directly with one of the beam elements (12) is engaged with one of the locking elements (30) formed on the respective beam element (12). The two mutually-engaged locking elements (24, 26) of the shaped connection strip (16) and of the beam element (12) are configured with a cross section such that the two locking elements (24, 26) may pivot with respect to each other through an angular range of a minimum ±3° to a maximum ±10°.

Abstract: A reconfigurable barrier system (10) includes a plurality of support units (100) spaced one from the other, with each support unit (100) having at least one engagement section (110) defining an elongate channel (112). System (10) further includes at least one retention unit (200) that is substantially impervious to liquid, and is supported to extend between a pair of support units (100). Each retention unit (200) is formed with a pair of opposed engagement portions (212) which slidably engage respective ones of the support unit channels (112). Each retention unit (200) is also formed with a seal portion (220) that extends along a longitudinal edge of at least an intermediate portion (214) between the engagement portions (212). A barrier section (15) is defined by each pair of support units (100) and the at least one retention unit (200) supported thereby.

Abstract: A soil reinforced retaining wall for an earthen formation is provided by embedding planar soil reinforcing mats in the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face mats between the soil reinforcing mats. The face mats include fingers extending distally from the edges thereof for engagement with opposite sides of a complimental face mat, whereby the mats are held in general vertical alignment. Certain of the fingers are of a gently curved configuration to frictionally hold edge portions of the face mats in spaced relationship for compression toward one another to accommodate settlement of the earthen formation, without bulging of the face mats. An L-shaped starter mat is engaged within a recess formed at the foot of the formation to provide an upstanding portion engaged with the lowermost is face mat to hold the mat in a generally vertical orientation. A tail is provided on the uppermost face mat for embedment within the backfill to cap the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrugated asymmetrical sheet pile panel. The sheet pile panel is an asymmetrical about the Y-axis. The central section has a channel disposed therein for receiving a stiffening strip. The central section has two extensions, one joined to each side of the central section. Secured to each extension is a leg. The legs extend outward and away from the extensions. On the terminal end of each leg is a connector, where one leg has male connector and the other leg has a female connector. The width of the leg with the female connector is smaller than the width of the leg with the male connector. The difference is the two leg widths create a panel that is asymmetrical about the Y-axis and that is weight balanced about the Y-axis.

Abstract: A block used to construct a wall. The block has a front and rear surfaces, top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. The bottom surface of the block has a projection that extends downwardly therefrom and which is configured to engage one or more blocks in an adjacent course of blocks to prevent movement therebetween. Depending upon the configuration of the wall, the projection may engage a portion of the rear surface of an adjacent course of blocks, or may be received within one of two channels in the top surface of the adjacent course of blocks. By selecting the position of the projection relative to the adjacent course of blocks, differently configured walls may be constructed.

Abstract: The instant invention constitutes a method of forming a concrete column and panel wall system, comprising the steps of: auguring a vertical pile hole; excavating about the pile hole a ground level recess for a pile cap; placing vertical rebars into the auger hole and cap recess; pouring concrete in situ into the pile hole and pile cap recess; positioning a pile cap plate on the poured concrete prior to the curing thereof; positioning opposing vertical ends of pre-cast concrete panels upon opposite ends of the pile cap plate and using forms to substantially define an H-shaped above-ground geometry each having vertical rebars therein, the panel ends also having horizontal re-bars extending into the geometry, thus horizontally and vertically positioning re-bars characterize substantially an entirely above-ground length of each column resultant of the H-shaped geometry; and casting in situ within volumes defined by the forms defining the above-ground geometry.

Abstract: A precast concrete retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass in a railway installation or the like includes an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron where a rectangular front wall and an integral stem. The front wall defines an area of between about 18.75 and 75 square feet and wherein the ratio of the width of the face panel to its height is between about 0.75 to about 3.0. A reinforced element including an upward extension, an improved shear key and stacked arrangement are also disclosed.