The safety and stability of retaining walls are of crucial importance in construction and home maintenance. But effective retaining wall design can be difficult when considering cost and construction effort. Simpler ways to deliver a retaining wall solution do not have to compromise on stability. Here we look at one way improve stability in retaining walls using precast interlocking blocks.
Precast concrete interlocking blocks are increasingly used for retaining walls. When used for this purpose the structure benefits from increased surcharge capacity. This is important, particularly when developing retaining wall solutions for temporary works, or when working with raised piling areas.
Stability Advantages
Freestanding walls inherently need superior stability. With interconnecting blocks, a firm connection is developed since there is no need for sealing – the interlocking joint takes the gap away that can let small particles through. The interlocking structure additionally enhances stability when used on a surface that is not level. Blocks that are even slightly out of alignment mean that a wall becomes unstable. Precast interlocking blocks are uniform and each one stacks onto the other without any mismatch.
Using interlocking blocks for retaining walls balances the distribution of wall pressure. The system maintains an even pressure with the optimal distribution of blocks over the building surface. As such, a wall can be higher without sacrificing stability.
Large construction projects, in particular, benefit from using interlocking blocks for retaining walls.
Further Benefits of the Interlocking Block System
Using interlocking blocks, the retaining wall can be constructed as a freestanding wall and this brings benefits, not least in terms of stability. There are other advantages to this system. The retaining wall can be constructed for a low cost – an essential consideration for all projects. And the configuration of the wall can be easily adapted to suit a project as it changes and evolves. For example, the wall can be moved within the site without having to redo foundations or carry out costly groundwork. And one major benefit of the flexibility of the interlocking block retaining wall is the ability to extend a wall as needed; for example, to define a storage area as a project grows.
Interlocking blocks come in different configurations, from L-shape to T-shape. This provides flexibility in design capability. And walls can be erected quickly, without associated delays that can occur with traditional retaining wall methods. No additional materials are needed on site. These blocks can also be used in other applications, including storage bays, as flood protection measures, for salt storage, retaining earth, and for waste storage. And many projects make use of the enhanced stability of interlocking blocks to use them as barriers to protect the exterior of properties.
In order to enhance stability and retain a number of other key advantages, interlocking blocks are the ideal choice for large and small construction projects. Interlocking block retaining walls provide stability, safety, and flexibility.
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