Reinforced masonry retaining wall
About STEPOC retaining walls
There are several methods to construct a reinforced masonry retaining wall. The Stepoc method has been designed to be economical, fast to build and easy to design.
The Stepoc masonry retaining wall system is constructed using a formwork block that can be laid dry. The blocks are hollow and have been designed to take reinforcement bars and then filled with concrete.
Ideal for:
Basement construction
The Stepoc design is ideal for basement construction. The wall can be attached to the foundation or raft as part of the design. Waterproofing the wall is critical. Follow this link for basement construction details and waterproofing a basement wall.
Flood defence
Stepoc is ideal for flood defence walls because the cavity within the blocks is filled with concrete. The cavity concrete seals the block joints and creates a cantilever retaining wall. We have designed several solutions; follow the link to learn more.
Poor access
Stepoc is an ideal solution for retaining walls where access to the site is restricted as the construction does not require heavey plant for installation as other solutions.
The Stepoc construction method is more economical and much faster than traditional cast-in-situ reinforced concrete construction, that is used in similar situations.
About the blocks
Stepoc comes in three widths 200mm, 256mm and 325mm.
The block sizes for the 200mm and 256mm are 440mm long x 225mm high, and the 325mm block is 325 mm long x 225mm high.
The pour height so the dry laid blocks do not lose stability are:
- 200 8 courses = 1.8m
- 256 10 courses = 2.25m
- 325 10 courses = 2.25m
There are a number of methods to construct a reinforced masonry retaining wall. The Stepoc method has been designed to be economical, fast to build and easy to design.
We can design your retaining wall for you. Below we have put together a quick guide to show you some examples. Every wall has to be designed by a structural engineer as every project has different soil types.
To learn more about the supply of Stepoc blocks or get a supply price head over to our product page.
Reinforced masonry wall (Stepoc) design guide
| Height (mm) | 900 | 1350 | 1800 | 2250 | 2700 | 3150 | 3600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Wall Type | Step 200 | Step 200 | Step 200 | Step 256 | Step 256 | Step 256 | Step 256 |
| Base Width (mm) | 1000 | 1100 | 1200 | 1250 | 1650 | 2350 | 2425 |
| Base Depth (mm) | 200 | 200 | 250 | 250 | 300 | 350 | 350 |
| Wall Bar |
10/200 6/200 |
10/200
6/200 |
16/200
6/200 |
10/133
6/200 |
12/133
6/200 |
20/133
6/200 |
12/163 6/225 |
| Top Base Steel |
A252 |
A252 | A252 | A393 | A393 | 12/200
12/200 |
12/200 12/200 |
| Bottom Base Steel |
A252 |
A252 | A252 | A393 | A393 | 12/200
12/200 |
12/200 12/200 |
| 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 |  |
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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.
Stepoc blocks per m2
There are 11.11 blocks per m2 for the 200mm and 256mm blocks and 13.67 blocks per m2 for the 325mm blocks.
Third length plain end blocks are calculated for the corners, end details and other junctions such as openings, and then subtracted from the full length standard block quantity. We can calculate the exact number of blocks for you on request.
To learn more about the supply of Stepoc block head over to our product page.
Gallery of Reinforced masonry retaining wall
Compare prices of retaining wall types
Which retaining wall type is the most economical to build? We have written a free guide on retaining wall price comparisons. The guide details the different types of retaining walls and gives you a price estimate of each type to compare.
Retaining wall price comparison guideRetaining wall design service
The design of a retaining wall requires knowledge of the retaining material, the water table, the ground bearing capacity and any site constraints. The design requires a ground investigation and a structural engineer to ensure the design is fit for purpose.
We offer a full design service from carrying out the ground investigation to final working drawings.
Learn about our retaining wall design serviceOther types of walls
FAQs about Reinforced masonry retaining wall
Stepoc is the trade name for the Anderton hollow concrete block that is designed for the construction of retaining walls.
The cost to build a reinforced hollow block retaining wall changes with the height of the wall, scale of project, location of the project and any site constraints.
We do have a comprehensive price table and budget calculator in our price guide. The price guide costs change over time so we keep it in one document.
You can download the document from this link. Get the price guide.
The stepoc blocks are hollow, and when constructed the void is filled with steel reinforcement and concrete. The block is attached to the foundation using starter bars. The reinforcement allows the wall to act as a cantilever retaining wall.
Stepoc wall are ideal for flood defence walls, because the concrete core seal all the block joints. Go to the case story section to read about a stepoc flood defence wall.
