Retaining Systems

EvoWall(Segmental Retaining Wall)

The EvoWall system is a term used to describe any segmental retaining wall system designed by Evolution Geotechnical Engineering. These are modular block walls using either gravity or geogrid to provide stability for the structure.

What is an EvoWall?

EvoWalls are a cast block faced earth retaining system used for vertical grade change applications. The system provides lateral support which counteracts the forces generated by earth pressures, water pressure and external loading on a cutting or filled embankment. They have been used extensively throughout the USA for over 30 years and in Ireland and the UK since the early 1990’s. They offer the advantage of extremely quick installation (productivity rates of up to 80m2 per day have been achieved) as well as a refined superior architectural finish. They can incorporate steps, corners, tiers and contours with ease while offering excellent economic savings compared to other concrete retaining systems.

Technical

EvoWall blocks can be used as mass gravity retaining walls utilising the unit to unit friction, sheer elements and interlock to resist destabilising forces for heights up to 1.0m.  They can also be used in conjunction with concrete backfill behind the blocks to give a superior aesthetic retaining structure for heights in excess of 3.0m.
The majority of EvoWalls constructed over 1.0m in height utilise geogrid reinforcement which strengthen the structural fill to the rear of the block wall and ties into the stable embankment behind. Geogrid or geosynthetic reinforcement materials are high tensile strength polymeric materials. When combined with structural fill and the facing units they form a composite structure (also known as a Mechanically Stabilised Earth MSE wall) with the ability to withstand external forces associated with retained heights in excess of 15.0m.

Advantages of EvoWalls

Evowalls have many advantges:

• Aesthetic: The aesthetic appearance of an EvoWall is a superior architectural finish which comes in a range of colours which help to enhance the built environment. The fact that the exterior facing elements are a finished face leads to cost savings over rendered masonry retaining walls and stone clad reinforced concrete walls.
• Installation cost: The installed cost of an EvoWall can be much less than an equivalent reinforced concrete wall (depending on specific site parameters).
• No mortar: This dry stack product requires no mortar between joints. The only adhesive required is if a cap is used then it should be fixed using masonry adhesive.
• Time saving: The EvoWall system can be installed a lot quicker than most alternative systems. Productivity rates of up to 80m^2 per day have been achieved with SRW’s and an average of 302-40m2 per day would be expected.
• Environmental benefits: Being a concrete product the lifespan of the retaining structure will be in excess of 120 years. The facing units can also be stripped and reused should the retaining structure not be required any longer. The structural fill required for the EvoWall is generally classed as 6I/6J (well graded 5” down granular material) but 6F2 (recycled crushed concrete) can also be used as well as site won granular material subject to acceptance by the designers.
• Foundation: Since the EvoWall is considered a flexible structure the foundation does not need to be concrete. This means that the foundation of compacted clause 804 (chippings) does not need to be placed below the frost line and can be installed at a shallower depth leading to savings over regular masonry walls and reinforced concrete walls.
• Flexible wall design: The EvoWall can be set out in contours or straight lines and incorporate steps in elevation or tiers with ease. This flexibility in design gives the architect free reign to design something that enhances the external built environment.

Installation

We offer a complete design, supply and install option or if you want to install the structure yourself then we can offer basic instruction if requested. 

Other Retaining Systems

To get details of other retaining systems please Click here