Retainer-Rock® retaining walls

Introduction to Retainer-Rock® retaining walls

Retainer-Rock® retaining walls offer a robust solution for supporting soil laterally, so that it can be retained at different levels on the two sides. These walls are built with high-quality semi-dry cast concrete blocks, available in both smooth and rock-textured finishes, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences.

Key design principles for Retainer-Rock® retaining walls

• Gravity Design:

This principle leverages the weight of the blocks themselves to retain the earth. For situations without surcharges and where good quality backfill is used, wall heights of up to 2.0 metres are achievable. However, with a 10 kn surcharge and poor-quality backfill, the maximum height decreases to 1.5 metres.

• Cantilever Design:

Incorporating a foundation raft and a block bolting system, the cantilever design allows for greater wall heights. Without surcharges and with the use of good quality backfill, walls can reach up to 4.5 metres in height. With a 10 kn surcharge and poor quality backfill, this reduces to 3.0 metres.

Understanding these design principles and the conditions under which they are most effective is crucial for anyone considering the installation of a retainer rock retaining wall. Whether you’re aiming for practical soil retention or enhancing your landscape’s aesthetic, Retainer-Rock® retaining walls provide a durable, versatile solution.

To learn more about the supply of retainer rock blocks or get a supply price head over to our product page. 

Retainer-Rock® surface finishes

Retainer-Rock® retaining wall come in two surface finished cobble stone and liscio.

• Cobblestone

The Cobblestone face has six smaller, individual blocks on one face – giving it a more natural stone feel.

The wall has a more consistent look that offers customers the structural capabilities of a concrete block retaining wall with a look that blends effortlessly with local surroundings.

• Liscio

The Liscio Stone face creates a sleek look that is perfect for projects that require a more modern retaining wall finish.

The contemporary aesthetic offers a distinctive look that can improve the overall aesthetic look of your project, delivering an attractive, cost-effective complete walling

system.

Retainer-Rock® design guide

The design guide will give you an idea of the height of walls retaining rock can achieve. You can use it for budget purposes, but make sure you have your retaining wall designed by a structural engineer as there are many variables that need to be considered.

Height (mm)	1000	1500	2000	2500	3000	3500	4000
Number of Courses	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Block Height (mm)	500	500	500	500	500	500	500
Base Width (mm)	1000	1200	1400	1600	1800	2100	2400
Base Depth (mm)	200	200	250	250	300	350	350
Wall Bar	non	non	bolted	bolted	bolted	bolted	bolted
Top Base Steel	A252	A252	A252	A393	A393	12/150 12/150	12/150 12/150
Bottom Base Steel	A252	A252	A252	A393	A393	12/150 12/150	12/150 12/150
Surcharge	10kn/m²	10kn/m²	10kn/m²	10kn/m²	10kn/m²	10kn/m²	10kn/m²
Factor Of Safety	M=1.5	M=1.5	M=1.5	M=1.5	M=1.5	M=1.5	M=1.5
Sketch

The design table above presents indicative designs based upon a base material with allowable bearing pressure of >200kPa.

The retained material is assumed to be well graded, granular backfill with the back of wall drainage or weep holes to relieve hydrostatic pressure.

All indicative information presented in this table is based upon assumed loading and ground conditions. This table is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change following a detailed, site-specific design developed by an approved structural engineer.

When we design your wall, we will consider the ground conditions, the retained material, the load cases and design the wall using the most cost-effective solution.

The purpose of the design guide is to allow us/you to develop a budget.

To learn more about the supply of retainer rock blocks or get a supply price head over to our product page.

Easy installation