Modular Concrete Block Retaining Walls

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Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls with a Modular Concrete Block Design

Modular retaining walls made from pre-cast concrete blocks

Single skin concrete block walls would normally be unsuitable for earth retaining purposes. However, when combined with reinforced soil fill, modular concrete blocks can be used for retaining wall applications. TensarTech® concrete block-faced retaining wall systems offer a cost-effective, long-lasting modular solution for all earth retaining wall applications. Aesthetically pleasing and versatile, they come in a range of architectural finishes with options to suit infrastructure, industrial and residential settings.

Our concrete retaining walls provide significant design flexibility and structural integrity. Thanks to their modular composition, the construction process is simpler, cheaper and quicker than reinforced concrete alternative options – which brings the added sustainability benefit of reducing embodied carbon. Created with form and function in mind, these interlocking concrete block-faced systems deliver attractive structures with long-term durability.

The soil behind the modular concrete block facing is reinforced by Tensar uniaxial geogrids made from high density polyethylene with extremely high durability and no corrosion potential. High-shear-strength connectors fix the concrete blocks to the reinforced soil, forming a solid structure with a design life of 120 years.

Image of Concrete block retaining wall benefits

TensarTech® earth retaining walls with modular concrete block facings use pre-cast blocks with high strength and resistance to weathering. Their low absorption properties also protect against any damage from water infiltration. They can deliver a design life of 120 years. Constructing with the interlocking concrete blocks is fuss-free and straightforward – with no specialist skills or heavy lifting required due to the modular design of the blocks. Typically, no structural foundation is required, facilitating a flexible staged construction process. All of this means that mobilisation costs are substantially reduced, and rapid construction times are possible. When you choose Tensar concrete retaining wall systems, you get access to advice, training and services from our design and on-site teams. 

Need a concrete retaining wall design for your project?

Tensar’s design team specialises in modular concrete block-faced reinforced soil retaining walls. We can produce a free of charge “Application Suggestion” to illustrate what Tensar can achieve and how much value we can bring to your project.

Request Design Assessment
Image of Concrete retaining walls with 86° face angle

The blocks used in a TensarTech TW1 Wall System are dry laid and light enough for manual handling – there is no need for equipment such as cranes to create a modular retaining wall. With a face angle of up to 86°, Tensar’s TW1 concrete blocks have been designed to work with Tensar’s high-strength connectors that link the blocks with the Tensar uniaxial geogrids so that the facing is integral with the reinforced soil structure.

Tensar’s modular concrete blocks are suitable for creating a variety of features, like curves, stairs, and corners. They are available in a selection of colours with an optional textured finish. A natural stone or brick façade can also be connected to the modular blocks. This attractive and versatile system can easily be incorporated into a wide range of applications, from residential and infrastructure use through to commercial and industrial projects.

Our TensarSoil software can assist you in producing designs for your concrete retaining wall systems.

Need a concrete retaining wall design for your project?

Tensar’s design team specialises in modular concrete block-faced reinforced soil retaining walls. We can produce a free of charge “Application Suggestion” to illustrate what Tensar can achieve and how much value we can bring to your project.

Request Design Assessment

Image of Concrete retaining walls with a vertical face angle

The TensarTech TW3 modular concrete block retaining wall system uses blocks that create a vertical wall face. Tensar’s TW3 blocks are dry laid with successive courses connected with dowel pins. With each block weighing approximately 40 kg for a standard 200m block height, the TensarTech® TW3 Wall System requires no specialist skills and no cranes or propping of the concrete face is necessary. No structural foundation is needed – it’s just straightforward earthworks. Resources and equipment are kept to a minimum and staged construction is possible.

Our geotechnical engineers can produce designs using our TensarSoil software for your next concrete retaining wall project.

Need a concrete retaining wall design for your project?

Tensar’s design team specialises in modular concrete block-faced reinforced soil retaining walls. We can produce a free of charge “Application Suggestion” to illustrate what Tensar can achieve and how much value we can bring to your project.

Request Design Assessment

Image of Independent evaluation and certification

TensarTech® earth retaining walls with modular concrete block facing are certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) and have been awarded HAPAS approval for highway application, providing highway engineers with data on product performance, design, and installation. Proven quality assurance on our modular concrete blocks has been certified independently for their intended use.

Since 1995, the Highway Authorities Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) has recognised innovative systems and products used in UK highway construction. Tensar’s retaining wall systems with modular concrete block facing have a BBA HAPAS Certified Full Design Service.  For environmental impact assessment purposes, an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificate for RE500 geogrids is available – certifying whole-life environmental impacts. We can help with the design process, producing plans for your next concrete retaining wall project with our TensarSoil software

Need a concrete retaining wall design for your project?

Tensar’s design team are experts in modular concrete block retaining wall designs. We can produce a free of charge “Application Suggestion” to illustrate what Tensar can achieve and how much value we can bring to your project.

Request Design Assessment

Image of What are modular concrete block retaining walls?

Modular concrete retaining walls are a type of reinforced soil retaining wall system that uses pre-cast interlocking blocks as the wall facing. High-shear-strength connectors link the concrete blocks to the soil behind the wall, which is reinforced via Tensar uniaxial geogrids – made from select grades of HDPE resins that resist deformation, providing long-lasting reinforcement. The result is a reinforced soil retaining wall system that meets or exceeds the industry standard. 

Need a concrete retaining wall design for your project?

Tensar’s design team specialises in modular concrete block-faced reinforced soil retaining walls. We can produce a free of charge “Application Suggestion” to illustrate what Tensar can achieve and how much value we can bring to your project.

Request Design Assessment

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Design with confidence, from anywhere.

The TensarSoil design program allows design engineers to produce designs for reinforced soil retaining walls, slopes and bridge abutments.

Request TensarSoil

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