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Segmental Retaining Walls

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Segmental Retaining Walls


Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) are gravity retaining walls that rely primarily on their mass (weight) for stability. The system consists of concrete masonry units which are placed without the use of mortar (dry stacked), and which rely on a combination of mechanical interlock and mass to prevent overturning and sliding. The units may also be used in combination with horizontal layers of soil reinforcement which extend into the backfill to increase the effective width and weight of the gravity mass. Benefits of utilizing SRWs include:
Design Flexibility - The SRW system is composed of units whose size and weight makes it possible to construct walls in the most difficult of locations. Curves and other unique layouts can be easily accommodated. Segmental retaining walls have the ability to function equally well in large-scale applications (highway walls, bridge abutments, erosion control, parking area supports, etc.) as well as smaller residential landscape projects.
Aesthetics - Since SRW units are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures and colors, segmental retaining walls provide designers and owners with both an attractive and a structurally sound wall system. available in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures and colors, segmental retaining walls provide designers and owners with both an attractive and a structurally sound wall system.
Ease of Installation - Most SRW units can be placed by a single construction worker. The dry stack method of laying units without mortar allows erection of the wall to proceed rapidly.
	Economics - SRWs provide an attractive, cost effective alternative to conventional cast-in-place concrete retaining walls. Savings are gained because on-site soil can usually be used eliminating costs associated with importing fill and/or removing excavated materials, and because there is no need for extensive formwork or heavy construction equipment.
Durability - Segmental units are manufactured of high compressive strength, low absorption concrete which helps make them resistant to spalling, scour, abrasion, the effects of freeze-thaw cycles, rot, and insect damage.
Performance - Unlike rigid retaining wall structures, which may display cracks when subjected to movement, the flexible nature of segmental retaining walls allows the units to move and adjust relative to one another without visible signs of distress.

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