Gravity Extender Cost-Savings Make Waves
MagnumStone’s hollow core blocks and multi-length gravity extenders were a cost-efficient solution for this poolside project in Bethesda, MD, USA. compared to cast-in-place concrete options for the retaining wall. Major time and expenses were saved due to the blocks requiring less excavation than segmental retaining wall blocks with geogrid. The area behind the wall is tough rocky terrain, so minimizing excavation was critical to the timely completion of this project.
The Functional Design of Terraced Retaining Walls
4 ft. (1.22 m.) concrete extensions known as gravity extenders were used on the bottom five courses of the wall. These serve to increase the wall’s mass and allow it to function as a gravity system. Additionally, its smooth precast concrete texture was appropriate for a swimming pool setting that encounters extensive interaction with the general public. The wall comes off of the building foundation and rises to a total wall height of 16 ft. (4.88 m.) – exposed height of 15 ft. (4.6 m.) – at the inside corner. It then runs perpendicular to an outside corner where the wall seamlessly transitions into a terraced plantable design.
Build Plantable Retaining Walls with MagnumStone Blocks
The MagnumStone product has a plantable option where the blocks are offset from the course below to create a plantable area. This planter pocket is created by the block design’s SecureLugs, that rest behind the block below for consistent alignment. The base course of this wall has coping installed to provide seating while the upper terraces are planters. A total of 1,309 sq. ft. (122 sq. m.) of face area was installed for this project. For this unique application, the MagnumStone precast blocks not only retain soil, but also provides seating and planting terraces.
Discover more benefits of MagnumStone’s plantable retaining wall designs here, or ask your local MagnumStone supplier for further details!
Photos: York Building Products
