Reinforced Walls Design Manual

ENGINEERING
DESIGN MANUAL

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Engineering Design Manual
• REINFORCED WALLS

Table Of Contents
TECHNICAL DATA & SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 37
PART 1: GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
PART 2: MATERIALS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
PART 3: CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALL ............................................................................................................. 5‐6
PART 4: QUALITY ASSURANCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

CHART FOR SYNTEEN GEOGRID ............................................................................................................................... 814
30° INTERNAL ANGLE OF FRICTION .......................................................................................................................................... 8
35° INTERNAL ANGLE OF FRICTION ................................................................................................................................... 9‐11
40° INTERNAL ANGLE OF FRICTION ................................................................................................................................ 12‐14

DRAWINGS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1517
INDIVIDUAL BLOCK DETAILS ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
RETAINING WALL SECTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
GEOGRID CONNECTION DETAILS ............................................................................................................................................. 17



Technical Data & Specifications
PART 1: GENERAL
1.01 Scope of Work
A. Work includes furnishing and installing precast concrete retaining wall blocks to the lines and
grades allocated within the specified construction drawings herein.
B. The contractor is solely responsible for the means and methods of construction as well as safety of
workers and of the public.

1.02 Reference Standards
A. ASTM C39: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.
B. ASTM C94: Standard Test Method for Ready‐Mixed Concrete.
C. ASTM C136: Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate.
D. ASTM C1372: Standard Test Method for Segmental Retaining Wall Units.
E. ASTM D698: Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using
Standard Effort.
F. ASTM D1557: Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using
Modified Effort.
G. ASTM D4632: Standard Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles.
H. ASTM D6638: Standard Test Method for Determining Connection Strength Between Geosynthetic
Reinforcement and Segmental Concrete Units.
I. ASTM D6916: Standard Test Method for Determining the Shear Strength Between Segmental
Concrete Units.
J. NCMA’s Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls (2nd Edition).

1.03 Delivery, Storage, and Handling
A. Contractor shall check the materials upon delivery to assure proper material has been received.
B. Contractor shall prevent excessive mud, wet concrete, and like substances from adhering to the
Verti‐Block units.
C. Contractor shall protect the materials from damage. Damaged material shall not be incorporated in
the wall or surrounding reinforced soil embankments.
D. Exposed faces of precast concrete retaining wall blocks shall be reasonably free of large chips,
cracks, or stains when viewed from a distance of 10 feet.



PART 2: MATERIALS
2.01 Wall Units
A. Precast concrete retaining wall blocks shall be Verti‐Block units as produced by a licensed Verti‐
Block manufacturer.
B. Exterior precast concrete block dimensions shall be uniform and consistent. Maximum dimensional
tolerances shall be within 1 percent excluding the architectural surface. Maximum width (face to
back) dimensional deviation including the architectural surface shall be 1 inch.
C. Exposed face shall be finished as specified. Other surfaces to be smooth form type. Dime‐size bug
holes on the block face may be patched to blend into the remainder of the block face.
D. Concrete for precast blocks shall have a minimum of 28‐day compressive strength of 4,000 psi
(pounds per square inch).
E. Reinforcing steel (if used) shall be Grade 60. Minimum clear cover to reinforcement shall be 1.5
inches.
F. The face pattern shall be selected from the manufacturer’s standard molds. The color of each block
unit shall be natural gray (precast concrete). A concrete stain may be field applied to color the
block units if specified by the Owner.

2.02 Gravel Base and Drainage Pipe
A. Leveling Pad shall consist of compacted (1 inch minus) fractured gravel base.
B. Drainage Backfill material shall be washed stone and shall be placed to a minimum of 1 foot width
behind the back of the wall and shall extend vertically from the gravel base to an elevation 4 inches
below the top of the wall.
C. Backfill material shall be approved by the geotechnical engineer. Native site excavated soils may be
compacted in place if approved unless otherwise specified in the drawings. Unsuitable soils with a
PL greater than 6, organic soils, and frost susceptible soils shall not be used within a 1 to 1 influence
area.
D. Non‐woven geotextile cloth shall be placed between the gravel base and native retained soil.
E. Where additional fill is needed, Contractor shall submit sample and specification to Engineer for
approval.

2.03 Drainage
A. Internal and external drainage shall be a perforated 6 inch drain pipe.

2.04 Geotextile Fabric
A. Provide a geotextile filter for separation from backfill at the tails of the blocks. The geotextile shall
be a needle punched non‐woven fabric with a minimum grab tensile strength of 120 pounds
(Reference ASTM D4632). The geotextile may cover the entire back face of the blocks or may be cut
into strips to cover the gaps between tail units with a minimum of 6 inches of overlap over the
concrete tail on both sides.



PART 3: CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALL
3.01 Excavation
A. Excavate as required to the lines and grades shown on construction drawings for installation of the
retaining wall. Excavate to the base level for a sufficient distance behind the face to permit
installation of the base.
B. Slope or shore excavation as necessary for safety and for conformance with applicable OSHA
requirements.

3.02 Foundation and Soil Preparation
A. On‐site foundation soil shall be examined by the Geotechnical Engineer to ensure that the bearing
foundation soil strength meets or exceeds assumed design conditions and strength. Soil not
meeting the required strength shall be removed and replaced with acceptable, compacted material.
B. Level the gravel base to lines and grades demonstrated on the construction plans. Native
foundation soil shall be compacted to 95 percent of the maximum dry density (ASTM D698,
Standard Proctor) or 90 percent of modified proctor to ensure a hard and level surface on which
the first set of blocks may be suitable replacement fill.
C. Prepare and smooth the granular material to ensure complete contact of the first course with the
base. The surface of granular base may be dressed with finer aggregate to aid leveling, provided
that the thickness of dressing layer should not exceed 3 times the maximum particle size used.
Native soil compacted in place as each course is set.
D. Contractor may substitute concrete for granular base material. Concrete may be placed full
thickness or as a topping to level the base. If used as a topping, the concrete shall have a minimum
thickness of 3 inches.

3.03 Unit Installation
A. Place the first course of standard wall block units directly on the compacted (1 inch minus)
fractured gravel base. Ensure full contact between adjacent blocks so they fit tightly together.
Check all blocks for uniform alignment and level placement.
B. Fill and compact the unity core and all voids between and within the blocks with clean (1 inch
minus) gravel to lock firmly into place. Continue to check for level and alignment between all
blocks.
C. Place clean native soil behind the units in maximum loose lifts of 8 inches and compact. Compact all
backfill to a minimum of 95 percent of the maximum dry density (ASTM D698, Standard Proctor).
For cohesive soils, the moisture content at the time of compaction should be adjusted to within ‐2
and +3 percent of optimum. Place backfill in successive lifts until level with the top of the facing
unit.
D. Remove and sweep off all excess aggregate and other materials from the top of the blocks before
continuing on the next block course.



PART 3 (Continued): CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALL

E. Install geogrid reinforcing fabric of the length and type shown on the construction drawings. Orient
the strength axis of the reinforcing fabric perpendicular to the length of the wall. Extend the
reinforcing fabric to the face of the block. Protect fabric from equipment damage.
F. Install next course of precast concrete retaining wall blocks to bond on top of the base row.
Position blocks to be offset from seams of blocks on lower course. Blocks shall be placed at a
2_3/16 inch setback and recessed over the alignment hoop. Check each block for proper alignment
and level. Pull geogrid reinforcing fabric taut prior to placing backfill materials. Continue to unit fill
and backfill behind each course of units. Place a minimum of 8 inches loose fill material over
geogrid reinforcing fabric prior to compaction. Hand‐operated place and compaction equipment
shall be used around the block and within 3 feet of the wall to achieve consolidation.
G. Continue to install subsequent courses of blocks in a like manner to elevations shown on the
construction plans. Construct wall in level stages, placing the units at each course for the entire
length of the wall, if possible. Unit fill and backfill shall be placed to the level of the top of the facing
block unit before placing the next course.
H. Final grade above and below the retaining wall shall provide for positive drainage and prevent
ponding. Protect completed wall from other construction. Do not operate large equipment or store
materials above the wall that exceed the design surcharge loads. All walls shall be installed in
accordance with local building codes and requirements.

3.04 Geotextile Filter
A. See Wall Installation instructions.



PART 4: QUALITY ASSURANCE
4.01 Construction Quality Control
A. The contractor is responsible to ensure that all installation and materials meet the quality specified
in the construction drawings.
B. The contractor shall verify that installation is in accordance with the specifications and
construction drawings.

4.02 Quality Assurance
A. The owner is responsible to engage testing and inspection service to provide independent quality
construction assurance.
B. Compaction testing shall be done a minimum of every 1 foot of vertical fill and every 100 lineal feet
along the wall.
C. Testing shall be done at a variety of locations to cover the entire backfill zone.
D. The independent inspection professional should perform sufficient testing and observation to
verify that wall installation substantially conforms to the design drawings and specifications.



Silty Soil.
Internal Angle of Friction = 30°
No Back Slope. No Surcharge.

Top of Embed‐ Geogrid
Gravel Reinforcement Course. Grids are installed on top of the course listed. Course numbering starts at the
Wall ment Quantity, yd2 per
Base base of the wall. Lengths are in feet, measured from the face of the block.
Elevation Depth ft of wall length
Course
above Below SF55/
Depth Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 SF35
grade Grade SF65
5' 1’ 6” Type None
Length 0 0

Length 0 0
9' 1’ 6” Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35

Length 6 6.5 8 9 0 3.28
11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35

Length 7.5 7.5 8 9 10.5 0 4.72
13' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 9.5 12 12 0 6.56
15' 1' 6" Type SF55 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 10 10 10 10 10.5 12 13 1.11 7.28
17' 1' 6" Type SF55 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 11 11 11 11 11 12 13 14.5 1.22 9.28
19' 1' 6" Type SF55 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 14.5 15.5 1.33 11.44
20'‐11" 1'‐1" 6" Type SF65 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 17 1.50 14.22
22'‐10" 1'‐2" 6" Type SF65 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15.5 17 18 1.61 16.89
24'‐9" 1'‐3" 6" Type SF65 SF55 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 17 18 19.5 3.56 18.50
All information in the above chart was prepared by Verti‐Block ™ for estimating and preliminary design. Although the information is conceived to be
correct, Verti‐Block ™ is not responsible for use of this data in actual project construction. A registered Professional Engineer must use the actual
conditions of the proposed project site to design and meet construction requirements. The end user is solely held liable to apply appropriate use of
this information. All Verti‐Block ™ Wall System Specifications are to be followed. Wall heights greater than 24’ 9” are achievable.
Additional Notes: 1. Unit weight soil is assumed to be 120 pcf.
2. Minimum factors of safety are 1.5 for sliding, 1.5 for overturning, and 2.5 for bearing capacity.
rd
3. Designs are in general accordance with NCMA’s Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls (2 edition).
4. Global stability has not been addressed in these charts.
5. The wall design shall address both internal and external drainage and shall be evaluated by the Professional
Engineer who is responsible for the final wall design.
6. Geogrid types listed are manufactured by Synteen Technical Fabrics, Inc. Use of other manufacturers may be
acceptable and must be evaluated by the Professional Engineer who is responsible for the final wall design.
7. Backfill material must be compacted as directed by the Project Engineer.


Well Graded Sand, Sand and Gravel.

Course
above Below SF55/
Depth Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 SF35
grade Grade SF65
5' 1' 6" Type None
Length 0 0
7' 1' 6" Type None

Length 0 0
9' 1' 6" Type None

Length 0 0
11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35

Length 8 8 8 9 10 0 4.78
Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 10 11 0 6.11
Length 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 0 8.11
Length 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 13 0 10.11
Length 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 14 1.33 11.00
Length 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 1.50 13.83
Length 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 1.61 16.44
Length 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16.5 17 1.78 19.72
rd


No Back Slope. 250 psf Surcharge.

Course
above Below SF55/
Depth Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 SF35
grade Grade SF65
Length 0 0

Length 0 0

9' 1’ 6” Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 6 6.5 7.5 8.5 0 3.17

11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 7.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10 0 4.78

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 10 11 0 6.11
Length 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 0 8.11
Length 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 13 1.22 8.89
Length 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 14.5 1.33 11.06
Length 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 1.50 13.83
Length 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 1.61 16.44
Length 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 17.5 1.83 20.28
rd


2:1 Back Slope. No Surcharge.

Reinforcement Course. Grids are installed on top of the course listed. Course numbering starts at the
Wall ment
Gravel Quantity, yd2 per
Course SF55/
above Below
Depth Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 SF65/ SF35
grade Grade
SF80
Length 0 0
Length 0 0

9' 1’ 6” Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 6 7 8.5 10 0 3.50

11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 7.5 7.5 8.5 10 11.5 0 5.00

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 10 11.5 13 0.94 5.72
Length 10 10 10 10 11.5 13 15 1.11 7.72
Length 11 11 11 11 11.5 13 14.5 16.5 1.22 9.83
Length 12 12 12 12 12 13 15 16.5 17.5 1.33 12.22
Length 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 3.00 13.67
Length 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 4.83 14.83
Length 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 7.33 16.33
rd


Gravel.

Course
above Below
Depth Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 SF55 SF35
grade Grade
Length 0 0

Length 0 0

Length 0 0

11' 1' 6" Type None
Length 0 0

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 9 10 0 5.89
Length 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 0 7.89
Length 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 0 9.89
Length 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 0 12.11
21" 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 14 0 15.06
Length 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15 1.61 16.17
Length 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 1.78 19.56
rd


Gravel.
No Back Slope. 250 psf Surcharge.

Course
above Below
Depth Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 SF55 SF35
grade Grade
Length 0 0

Length 0 0

9' 1’ 6” Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 6 6 7 8 0 3.00

11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 7.5 7.5 7.5 8 9 0 4.39

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 9 10 0 5.89
Length 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 0 7.89
Length 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 0 9.89
Length 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 1.33 10.78
Length 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 14 1.50 13.56
Length 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15 1.61 16.17
Length 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 1.78 19.56
rd


Gravel.
2:1 Back Slope. No Surcharge.

Course
above Below SF55/
Depth Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 SF35
grade Grade SF65
Length 0 0

Length 0 0

Length 0 0

11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35
Length 8 8 8 9 10 0 4.78

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 9 10 11.5 0 6.22
Length 10 10 10 10 10 11.5 12.5 0 8.22
Length 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 0 9.89
Length 12 12 12 12 12 12 12.5 14 15 1.33 11.28
Length 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 14 15 16.5 1.50 14.06
Length 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15 16.5 17.5 1.61 16.72
Length 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16.5 17.5 18.5 1.78 20.06
rd







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9' 1’ 6” Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35

11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 9.5 12 12 0 6.56

7' 1' 6" Type None

9' 1' 6" Type None

11' 1' 6" Type SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35 SF35

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 10 11 0 6.11

Length 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 0 8.11

Length 6 6.5 7.5 8.5 0 3.17

Length 7.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10 0 4.78

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 10 11 0 6.11

Length 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 0 8.11

5' 1’ 6” Type None

Length 6 7 8.5 10 0 3.50

Length 7.5 7.5 8.5 10 11.5 0 5.00

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 10 11.5 13 0.94 5.72

5' 1’ 6” Type None

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 9 10 0 5.89

Length 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 0 7.89

5' 1’ 6” Type None

Length 7.5 7.5 7.5 8 9 0 4.39

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 9 10 0 5.89

Length 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 0 7.89

Length 8 8 8 9 10 0 4.78

Length 8.5 8.5 8.5 9 10 11.5 0 6.22

Length 10 10 10 10 10 11.5 12.5 0 8.22

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