Tensartech Retaining Wall Systems

Tensartech Retaining Wall Systems

Tensartech TW1
Tensartech TW3
TensartechTR2
Tensartech RockWall
Other Systems available

We have combined our design expertise, construction experience and unique products to offer attractive cost-effective systems for retaining walls and bridge abutments.

Developed over 25 years and proven in thousands of projects world-wide, these solutions offer real cost savings over traditional construction methods.

A Selection of Facing Types and Construction Options

The selection of a facing type will depend upon the end use of the structure, its location and the required design life. Tensar wall system are intended for use in structures requiring a 120 year design life, including major highways structures and load bearing bridge abutments. In this situation, the facing needs to be durable but it can also be attractive.

Tensar geogrids and Tensartech Systems have been independently evaluated by the British Board of Agreement for highways structures with a 120 year design life.

Tensartech TW1

The System consists of pre-cast concrete modular facing blocks in combination with Tensar geogrids, which reinforce the soil mass behind. The high efficiency connection between facing unit and geogrid is a distinctive feature of the system, creating strong and durable, maintenance free retaining wall structures.

The concrete blocks are factory made to exacting standards in a range of colours ready for transport to the point of installation shrink wrapped on to pallets. Together with the Tensar uniaxial geogrid reinforcement and efficient easy to use connectors, the System provides resilient permanent retaining walls and bridge abutments which will perform for design lives of up to 120 years.

The geometry of the concrete facing blocks are simply dry-laid and easily allow the creation of both internal and external curves. Corners, stairs and other features may also be easily detailed. The high pH associated with concrete blocks does not affect the durability and functionality of the uniaxial geogrid reinforcement during the life of the structure.

A special TW1 Link System option is available to allow a facing of masonry or brickwork to be tied to the structure to blend in with an adjacent structure or surroundings.

The designer therefore has numerous options from which to choose the final appearance of the structure.

Tensartech TW3

As with the TW1 system, the TW3 System consists of pre-cast concrete modular facing blocks in combination with Tensar geogrids, which reinforce the soil mass behind. The same high efficiency connection between facing unit and geogrid creates a strong and durable, maintenance free retaining wall structure.

Together with the Tensar uniaxial geogrid reinforcement and efficient easy to use connectors, the System provides resilient permanent retaining walls and bridge abutments which will perform for design lives of up to 120 years.

The geometry of the concrete facing blocks is a little different to that of the TW1 system, it being slighter larger in face area and with no chamfers to the edges. The simplicity of construction allows the creation of both internal and external curves with corners, stairs and other features being easily detailed. The high pH associated with concrete blocks does not affect the durability and functionality of the Tensar uniaxial geogrid reinforcement during the life of the structure.

Tensartech TR2

This system is aimed mainly at temporary structures where practicality and economy are more important than aesthetics. Designed principally for contractor’s temporary works situations, these simple to build, low cost structures have also been successfully adapted as thrust-relief structures.

The steel mesh face lined with a durable heavy-duty geotextile is securely connected to Tensar uniaxial geogrid reinforcement using Tensar’s high security bodkin joint. The system requires no permanent formwork as the rigid steel face is fixed as the geogrid and reinforced fill materials are placed. Structures upto 18m have been constructed at fraction of the cost of conventional methods.

Although mainly used for temporary works the system may be used for a design life upto 120 Years. This is particularly attractive for thrust-relief structures where the TR2 System is constructed behind an existing retaining wall face, which can no longer take the lateral earth pressure being applied by the backfill. In this situation the steel face may be supplied galvanised for greater corrosion resistance.

Tensartech RockWall

Tensartech RockWall System comprises prefabricated galvanised steel cage facing units specially designed for the construction of reinforced soil walls with typical face angles in the range of 700° to 850°.

The System has the ease and simplicity in construction of a traditional gabion construction but with a number of significant features. Internal and overall stability of the structure is provided by the geogrid reinforced soil mass, which is positively connected to the steel facing units using Tensar’s high security bodkin joint. This combination provides the customer with certain advantages including:

Other structural systems using Tensar Technology

Concrete Panel Walls

Tensar International Limited has been involved in the design and construction of concrete faced reinforced retaining wall structures worldwide since 1980. When it comes to selection of the facing the designer has a choice of several different options the most common of which are the Tensartech Systems. However, through those years and internationally many walls have been successfully constructed using a precast concrete panel face. The actual geometry of the precast panel may be designed to be project specific, and there is a choice of either full height or incremental panels. The face finish of the panel remains a choice for the client and can be accommodated in the panel production process and may be simple plain concrete, exposed aggregate, ribbed or fluted, or one of the many options available by using synthetic mould liners.

Marine Units

Tensar Retaining Wall Systems incorporating substantial pre-cast concrete units are well suited to aggressive marine conditions. The geometry of the face units means no propping is required during construction.

Crib Wall Facings

Crib wall units have been used as a facing for Tensar retaining wall Structures. The technique enables greater wall heights to be achieved more economically than conventional crib wall designs. Units have been produced with Tensar geogrid starters to allow simple connection to the main Tensar uniaxial geogrid reinforcement.

Independent Assessment and Approval

The main components of the Tensartech Earth Retaining Systems have been subjected to independent assessment and have received approval from the most respected bodies in the industry.

Tensar International Support Services

Our team of qualified civil engineers are available to provide clients, consultants and contractors with design and construction support. Designs are carried out using sophisticated software developed in-house. Earthquake forces, complex geometry, water tables may all be taken into account.

The services offered range from a free of charge application suggestion to a full design and supply service with professional indemnity cover.

A selection of relevant brochures that may be downloaded are listed on the top right of this page. Alternatively click here for a full list of relevant brochures and case studies.

From concept to construction, Tensar Civil Engineers are available to help you with each stage of your project providing free assistance from outline designs through to final detail and approvals.
Also TensarSoil our new reinforced soil design software is now available.
One of our Area Civil Engineers will be happy to visit you and demonstrate it's capabilities and help install it on you computer.

Tensar have recently completed the creation of a number of new Animated Construction Sequences which clearly demonstrate the installation methods and techniques of the Tensartech Structural Systems:

The animations can be viewed online by clicking on this link:http://www.t3d.co.uk/clients/tensarall

If you would like free impartial advice on Tensar solutions for your project, visit our Solid Advice page.