SERVICES

Big Block Retaining Walls

Big retaining wall blocks are selected for use on projects because of their massive size, structural performance, and quality aesthetics. The use of big wall blocks allows retaining walls to be built up to 20 plus feet without using geogrid reinforcement. This method is typically used to save on excavation time and cost as well as in situations where the wall may be close to a property line or existing structures. Reinforcement geogrids can be used with big wall blocks also allowing the retaining walls to reach significant heights. The blocks are made of wet-cast, air-entertained concrete that gives them much durability in environments prone to the challenges of freeze/thaw cycles, road salts, or brackish water. The block units weigh anywhere from 1,500 lbs to over 4,000 lbs, but their large face square-footage accounts for fast installs with a skid steer or excavator to handle the weight.

Bituminous Set Pavers

Some unit paving projects that are anticipating high pedestrian or vehicular traffic will use a bituminous setting bed application for structural support. The design starts out with a poured concrete sub-slab that is reinforced with rebar. Sometimes a heating system is incorporated into the concrete slab to assist with snow melt. The concrete slab is topped with an asphalt tack coat and 1″ of bituminous asphalt that is compacted down to 3/4″ thickness. Last, a thin layer of neoprene adhesive is laid on top of the bituminous before the pavers are set down. Once the designated paver pattern is installed, the joints are typically filled with polymeric sand. Structures has installed this application for many pedestrian walkways out front of Fortune 500 headquarters and in crosswalks and roadways of urban properties across the country.

Small Block Retaining Walls

Segmental reinforced retaining walls were introduced to the construction industry in the 1980’s. Small blocks typically cover about 1 SF at the face and weigh about 90 – 110 lbs. This allows all the blocks to be laid by hand. Small block walls are typically used as a cost effective solution to the needs for significant grade breaks and earth retention on a construction project. Walls can be designed to withstand the surcharge of a vehicular fire lane or even that of a multiple story building. The structural stability of these segmental retaining walls, comes form the geogrid reinforcement laid behind the blocks. The grids are locked into place by the blocks interlocking connection and the soil backfill that is compacted over the grids with the use of large compacting equipment. Structures relies on its engineering resources and knowledge to present the most economical retaining wall solution for any project. All of Structures retaining wall projects are reviewed by an engineering team before a proposal is put together to ensure all aspects of a specific project are covered.

Pedestal Set Paver Systems

There is a growing demand in the urban living market for high-rise developments to incorprate outdoor living spaces within their properties. The installation of paver pedestal systems is a functional economical solution that allows just that! The pedestal system typically stands on top of a concrete topping slab and the roof’s waterproofing membrane and insulation. The use of this system allows storm water to flow freely through the paver joints and down to the building’s roof drainage system. The concrete topping slab is pitched to take care of the water drainage, while the pedestals stand vertical with a perfectly flat patio elevation. In some situations, the pavers can be recessed to allow for the installation of artificial turf areas.

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

When concrete blocks don’t meet the aesthetic standards of the project, turning to natural stone can be a viable solution. Stones can come in all different shapes and sizes. Bigger stones can assist with constructing a gravity wall and eliminate the need for geogrid reinforcement. Or, multiple sizes can be used to achieve a mosaic pattern. No matter the pattern, any wall can be reinforced with geogrid if needed to add extra strength for support of the load baring on top of the wall. All our stone walls are strategically designed by an engineer to make sure the wall can preform with the stone that is selected. The quality aesthetics of natural stone can be a unique addition to any construction project.

Permeable Pavers

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute demonstrates permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP) as a durable cost-effective solution for compliance to national, state/provincial and municipal storm water regulations. PICP can reduce runoff and pollutants from walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots, alleys, parking lanes, and low volume streets. The surface consists of solid concrete pavers with small, stone-filled joints that allow water to flow into highly permeable, open-graded bedding, base, and sub-base aggregates. The spaces among the aggregates store water and enable infiltration into the soil sub-grade rather than generating surface runoff. The paver joints provide 100% surface permeability.

At Structures, we can provide not only a feasible solution to storm water control, but impressive improvements to project schedules as well. With the use of a Probst Paver Machine, we are able to double, and sometimes triple production speeds to laying pavers traditionally by hand.

Sand Set Pavers

Segmental pavers set in a sand setting bed is an application dating back to the days of ancient Eqypt when workers needed to transport large stones to the temples of Giza nearly 5,000 years ago. Today’s installation methods have been modernized, but many aspects of the segmental paving system remain true to its history. Tightly fitted, uniform units are placed over a sand setting bed and compacted aggregate base. Segmental pavers come in all different types of finishes, colors, shapes, and sizes ranging from clay bricks to concrete pavers. Structures can discuss valued engineering ideas from introducing innovative paver products, to changing a poured concrete sidewalk system to a low cost, low maintenance segmental paver application. Snow melt systems can easily be integrated to eliminate snow and ice removal efforts.

Gabion Basket Retaining Walls

Gabion baskets come in all different shapes and sizes. The benefit of constructing a gabion basket retaining wall is that baskets can be added to make the base of a wall thicker, therefore constructing larger gravity walls than typical segmental walls. Also, baskets can be used in a site fill application with geogrid reinforcement at each course. The baskets are filled typically with football sized rock, however there are endless possibilities for the design pattern of the stone and the type of material that that can be used. Many architects like the “industrial” feel and look of the gabion basket system. Gabion basket retaining walls can be designed to meet the site specifications of many different applications across the country.

Natural Stone Unit Paving

Natural stone unit paving is a specialty application typically driven on aesthetics alone. Structures has installed all types of granite stone paving and flagstone slabs across the country. We have installed granite pavers and cobbles ranging from finely cut granite out of Wisconsin to 200 year old cobbles pulled from the streets of Europe. We have resources that can meet demanding quality including personalized inscriptions and logo engravings. With natural stone pavers, the possibilities are endless!

MSE Panel Retaining Walls

MSE Panel Retaining Walls are typically used to support large vehicular loading in applications consisting of new highways and bridges. The panels are wet-cast concrete designed to meet strict Department of Transportation (DOT) testing regulations. Each panel is designed with geogrid reinforcing straps attached to the back that will be compacted over with structural fill soil typically with the use of a large ride-on roller. Every project goes through a demanding design and submittal process to ensure the construction procedures and materials are in complete conformance with the local DOT. These walls are selected for particular applications because of their performance, but different panels can be selected with integrated facing textures to meet high quality aesthetics.

Slope Stabilization

The use of slope stabilization comes into play when the owner of a property is looking for a more efficient solution with vegetation. In these images, a slope was created at a pitch of 1.5H:1V. The Enkamat R45 is able to stabilize the slope and allow grass to grow overtime. The Enkamat is rolled out down the slope and anchored into place with 3′ deep RVX Armor Anchors at 7.5′ offsets. During these types of installations, it is mandatory that we have a written tie-off safety plan in place that is site specific for the installation method.

Welded Wire Form Retaining Walls

Welded Wire Facing Units (WWF) are used to show vegetation of a near vertical slope, or sometimes are used as the reinforcing structure of an MSE Panel Retaining Wall. For vegetation growth, erosion control blankets are wrapped at the face of the basket as it is filled with topsoil-like material. For MSE Panel installation that covers the face of the WWF wall, heavy-duty filter fabric is used to support the structural soil fill within the baskets. Every basket course is reinforced with geogrid (typical to a regular segmental wall) at a depth structurally designed by the wall engineer of record.