Earth Strap Retaining Walls
Urbanscapes Constructions engineers, supplies and installs earth strap retaining walls for civil construction, infrastructure and residential subdivision projects.
Our earth strap retaining wall systems combine modular concrete block facing with geogrid soil reinforcement to create engineered retaining structures for suitable site conditions.
REINFORCED EARTH BLOCK WALLS
Earth strap retaining walls use a modular concrete block facing connected to high-strength geogrid reinforcement installed within the retained soil.
The concrete blocks form the visible wall face, while the geogrid extends back into the earth to reinforce the soil mass. Through tensile strength and interaction with the surrounding fill, the reinforcement helps resist lateral movement and improve overall wall stability.
The system is constructed progressively, with wall facing, reinforcement and compacted soil installed in coordinated stages. Where a different facing suits the site, compare concrete panel retaining walls and interlocking block retaining walls.
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
Excavate and prepare the wall foundation to the required levels and dimensions. A level foundation is critical to establishing the correct alignment and stability of the retaining wall. The foundation and levelling pad are constructed in accordance with the project-specific engineering design.
Position the modular concrete blocks along the prepared foundation. Align and level the blocks to establish the wall face, using the specified interlocking pins or connectors where required by the selected system. The first course is particularly important for achieving the correct alignment throughout the wall.
Place geogrid horizontally within the retained soil at the specified levels. Connect or integrate the reinforcement with the concrete facing in accordance with the selected wall system. The geogrid extends back into the retained soil, where it interacts with the fill to provide tensile reinforcement.
Place suitable fill over the geogrid and compact it in controlled layers. Repeat concrete facing, reinforcement and compacted fill until the required wall height is achieved. Complete the wall with the specified capping, drainage and surface treatments.
Indicative stages only. The construction sequence, reinforcement placement and compaction requirements must follow the project-specific engineering design and the selected wall system’s installation requirements.
GEOGRID REINFORCEMENT
Geogrid reinforcement is a key component of earth strap retaining wall construction.
The geogrid is designed to provide tensile strength within the soil mass, helping distribute loads and improve stability. Its open grid structure allows interaction and interlock with suitable fill materials.
The reinforcement is installed in the direction and at the spacing specified by the engineering design.
Provides tensile reinforcement within the retained soil to help resist movement.
Designed to maintain reinforcement performance under sustained loading, subject to the selected product’s engineering properties.
The open grid structure allows interaction with surrounding fill, helping develop reinforcement within the soil mass.
Suitable geogrids are selected for long-term soil reinforcement applications, with product performance determined by the specific geogrid and design requirements.
TYPICAL REINFORCEMENT ARRANGEMENT
Geogrid reinforcement is installed in horizontal layers behind the concrete wall facing. For preliminary planning, a typical arrangement may incorporate two reinforcement layers per metre of wall height, with geogrid extending back into the retained soil to a depth approximately equal to the wall height.
Reinforcement spacing, length, strength and connection details vary according to wall height, soil conditions, groundwater, surcharge loads and the project-specific engineering design. Final requirements must be confirmed by the project's engineer.
DRAINAGE AND BACKFILL
Effective drainage is an important part of retaining wall construction.
Water accumulation behind the wall can increase pressure on the structure and affect stability. A suitable drainage system helps manage groundwater and directs water away from the retained soil.
The drainage arrangement, aggregate specification and outlet details must be confirmed by the project design.
SYSTEM BENEFITS
Reinforced soil construction can provide an economical alternative to conventional retaining wall methods where site conditions and engineering design allow.
Modular concrete blocks and geogrid reinforcement allow the wall and retained soil to be constructed progressively in coordinated stages.
Geogrid reinforcement improves the stability of the retained soil mass, with the wall system designed for the project’s loads and ground conditions.
The system can accommodate a range of wall alignments, levels and site layouts, subject to the selected block system and engineering design.
PROJECT GALLERY
Explore civil retaining wall construction projects delivered by Urbanscapes Constructions, or see our full retaining wall construction capabilities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Talk to Urbanscapes Constructions about your earth strap retaining wall requirements. Our team can discuss your project scope, site conditions and construction requirements to help identify a suitable retaining wall solution.
OTHER WALL SYSTEMS
