Best Practices for Zero Retaining Wall Failures - Plantings with a Retaining Wall

In general, plantings in the reinforced zone are acceptable and may in fact enhance the reinforced soil mass provided:

• Engineer should review with the owner the planting plans from the landscape architect to verify size of root balls and if any geogrid layers will be disrupted.

• Language can be placed in the project specifications.

• Augers should never be used within the reinforced grid zone.

• Also consider the effect of excess irrigation. See Water Management, Chapter 3.0.     (ref. BP, Chapter 12.7)

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.