Best Practices for Zero Retaining Wall Failures - Below Grade Water Management

When more than incidental groundwater is known to move through the retained soils, extra precautions need to be taken with your retaining wall project.

The wall rock should be placed to the limits of the geogrid lengths up to a height equal to 12 inches (30 cm) higher than any water source.  This is typically done using a blanket drain, which must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) thick.  (ref. BP, Chapter 5.1)

Allan Block is working to achieve our industry initiative of Zero Wall Failures. With our Best Practices Manual and experience in the industry we are trying to expand the knowledge base for the design of segmental retaining walls (SRW's) by communicating and educating the professionals in the industry.  To see the full Best Practices Manual, visit allanblock.com to download today and keep an eye out for more industry Best Practice recommendations here.