Just Another Brick in the Wall

By Larry Shield

Retaining walls serve not only as an erosion control device, but can be aesthetically pleasing piece of hardscape. These structures are designed and constructed to resist the lateral pressure of soil when there is a desired change in ground elevation that exceeds the angle of repose of the soil. That's why it's important to find the blocks that fit your needs. The walls must resist the lateral pressures generated by loose soils or, in some cases, water pressures. The most important consideration in proper design and installation of retaining walls is to recognize and counteract the fact that the retained material is attempting to move forward and downslope due to gravity. Pay attention to all the specifications listed for these retaining wall blocks, which have been arranged by cost.

Redi-Rock

Redi-Rock

Model No.: Ledgestone
Comprehensive strength: 4,000 psi
Absorption Rate: Products are manufactured in accordance with ASTM C-94 Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
Freeze/Thaw Durability: Superior to dry cast
Color: Vary by region to match indigenous colors; usually in grays, tans and reds.
Geogrid Layer Spacing: In many instances, no geogrid is required at all; when it is required, the spacing depends on soil and loading conditions.
Maximum Wall Height: Dependent on soil and loading conditions
Material Composition: Precast concrete
Cell Details: Deep Ledgestone texture make individual blocks nearly indistinguishable in finished walls; plant-able blocks available.
Warranty: None
www.redi-rock.com

CEMROCK

CEMROCK

Model No.: All work is custom per project
Comprehensive Strength: Can accommodate any requirement
Freeze/Thaw Durability: Excellent
Color: Can paint or pigment to match desired geology
Geogrid Layer Spacing: Geogrid not needed
Maximum Wall Height: No maximum, can be engineered for any height
Material composition: Shotcrete
Warranty: 10 year limited
www.cemrock.com

Soil Retention Product

Soil Retention Product

Model No.: Verdura???????(R)???????+???? 40
Comprehensive Strength: 4,000 psi
Absorption Rate: Less than 6%
Freeze/Thaw Durability: Superior to dry cast
Color: Buff/tan, grey, terra cotta, exposed aggregate
Geogrid Layer Spacing: 2' typical
Maximum Wall Height: 50' single tier
Material Composition: Concrete with up to 45% fly ash
Cell Details: Every cell is fully plantable
Warranty: 1 year +
www.soilretention.com

Rockwood Retaining Walls

Rockwood Retaining Walls

Model No.: Rockwood Monument Colonial
Comprehensive Strength: 4,000 psi
Absorption Rate: 6%
Color: Autumn Weave
Geogrid Layer Spacing: 24'' typical
Maximum Wall Height: 50' approx
Material Composition: High density concrete/mixture
Warranty: Limited
www.rockwoodwalls.com

Keystone Retaining Wall Systems

Keystone Retaining Wall Systems

Model No.: Lockcrete Bauer Keystone Compac I
Compressive Strength (psi): 3,800 to 4,200 psi
Absorption Rate: 6 to 6.5%
Color: Rudy/Onyx* (special order color), Charcoal
Geogrid Layer Spacing: 1.33 feet to 2 feet Typical
Maximum Wall Height: 29 feet
Material Composition: Cement, aggregate, water
Warranty: Manufacturer Limited lifetime warranty (contact for details)
www.keystonewalls.com

Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems

Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems

Model No.: Mosaic
Comprehensive Strength: 3,000 psi
Absorption Rate: 8%
Freeze/Thaw Durability: Varies regionally
Color: Varies regionally
Geogrid Layer Spacing: TBD by wall engineer
Maximum Wall Height: 50+ ft.
Material Composition: Concrete
www.versa-lok.com

Pavestone

Pavestone

Model No.: Anchor?EUR??,,????'?????< Dimensions: 18'' L x 12'' W x 6'' H
Weight/Stone: 80.2 lbs.
Stones/Pallet: 20 stones
Face Ft./Stone: 0.750 stones Applications: Terraced Gardens, Landscaped Retaining Walls, Geosynthetic Reinforced Tall Walls, Erosion Control, Steps
Cell Details: With its rough-hewn exterior and patented rear-lip system, it's available in both six-inch and three-inch heights. Use these stones alone or mixed together to create natural stone beauty without sacrificing stability. The 3-inch/6-inch Combo retaining wall system combines earthen tones, rich textures and varied contours to make it a reliable alternative to natural stone walls.
www.Pavestone.com