Best Practices for Zero Retaining Wall Failures - Variable Rock Thickness at Face

Site conditions and height can dictate the size and depth of wall rock material that should be used on your retaining wall project.  If select/structural fill is not utilized in the entire reinforced mass, then

For wall applications between up to 10 - 15 ft (3 – 4.6 m) as discussed in section 8.1, 12 in (30 cm) typical depth top to bottom.

For walls from 10 - 20 ft (3 - 6.1 m) tall, the bottom half is suggested to be increased to 24 in (60 cm) deep and the top half to be the typical depth of 12 in (30 cm) deep.

For walls over 20 ft (6.1 m) tall, the bottom half is suggested to be increased to 36 in (90 cm) deep and the top half is divided in two with a 24 in (60 cm) deep column and a 12 in (30 cm) deep column at the top.  (ref. BP, Chapter 8.2)

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.