Concrete Blocks – Providing Structural Support

South Africa’s topography lends to hilly and mountainous terrain, which is sometimes not ideal for construction, whether commercial or industrial. The perfect location might be at the top of a hill or dune but what happens when the sands of time start receding? New roads need to be built through this structurally unsound landscape. When it comes to structural integrity, seek advice from MVA Bricks. Our range of concrete blocks for retaining walls will add extra support where it is needed.

What are Retaining Walls?

Retaining walls are often found in places that require additional reinforcement to prevent the earth from moving downhill from erosion. The most basic function of a retaining wall is to battle gravity as the lateral force of the wall must be offset in the retaining wall’s design. Due to the weight of the soil behind the wall, a retaining structure must adhere to high construction standards.

At MVA Bricks, we work together with specialist retaining wall contractors to ensure that the walls are built according to industry specifications using the right concrete blocks.

The impact traffic has on concrete pavers

If concrete pavers are designed and constructed properly, they will last for decades with little, or no maintenance required. The structural design of pathways, walkways, roadways and paving surrounding commercial and industrial buildings are concerned with traffic, foundations, materials, subgrade soils, environmental conditions, construction details and economics. The concrete pavers must carry the traffic at an acceptable level of comfort, and safety and be cost-effective. This is achieved by layering the structure, so each layer has sufficient strength to cope with the induced stresses such as rutting, excessive settlement or deflection.

The effect of traffic impacts deep into the paving layers, sometimes up to a metre deep. Therefore, the strength of these layers is as important to the long-term performance of the paving as the surface is.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONCRETE BLOCKS FOR RETAINING WALLS

The biggest consideration when it comes to the design and installation of concrete blocks for retaining walls is to counteract the tendency of the retained material to move downslope due to gravity. The lateral pressure at the top of the wall is zero but increases proportionally at the lowest depth. If not properly supported, the wall could be pushed forward or overturned due to this pressure.

To limit the pressure on the retaining wall, it is important to have a proper drainage system. Groundwater behind the wall could cause hydrostatic pressure if it is not dissipated. This reduces and even eliminates the hydrostatic pressure improving the stability of the material behind the wall.

The load-bearing capabilities of concrete blocks

MVA Bricks supplies a variety of concrete blocks that optimise load-bearing capacities, lending to functionality and blending in with the landscape. The MVA-7, MVA-13, MVA-Rockface and MVA-LockBlocks are ideal for cut-and-fill walls in commercial and industrial applications.

It is important to note that when constructing a retaining wall, increasing the number of concrete blocks per square metre increases the load-bearing capacity and strength of the wall. For example, when used in the lower sections of high walls or for strengthening convex curves.

Form meets function

Should roadways be constructed through a hill or mountain, the stability of the cut needs to be considered as well as excessive rains which can cause landslides becoming a safety concern to road users as well as surrounding properties. The best way to combat these obstacles is through retaining walls. Using hollow or solid concrete blocks against the side of embankments ensures a level of safety, prevents flooding and controls erosion.

The Right Type Matters The hollow design of the MVA-7, MVA-13 and MVA-Rockface allows for movement within the blocks themselves thereby absorbing any surface changes making the use of these concrete blocks in retaining walls ideal.

The MVA-13 concrete blocks have greater load-bearing capacities than the MVA-7 or MVA-Rockface, and the interlocking action on the horizontal plane allows them to be used where wall angles are between 60 and 90 degrees making them the perfect choice to be installed alongside roadways. Cast as a solid block with compressive strength, the MVA-LockBlock adds additional strength and support. The tongue-and-groove configuration is ideal for preventing geosynthetic creep by clamping the geofabric reinforcing laid between the blocks securely in position. Through this, the horizontal forces between the concrete blocks are dispersed.

Successful projects with mva bricks

The success of a project using concrete blocks is dependent on the appropriate planning and correct installation. At MVA Bricks, we are involved in the design and application of projects using our products to ensure that they match our best-practice production standards. Contact us to receive a custom quotation based on your specific requirements.

quick quote