The Challenge
Maximize the number of housing units by using as much of a property with huge slopes as possible, phase the construction schedule, protect a stream and provide a water retention structure. If those weren’t enough challenges, add multiple contractors and engineers for this project in Golden Valley, Minnesota.
The Solution
Using the Diamond Pro® retaining wall system for segmental retaining walls (SRWs) made it possible for the engineers and contractors to meet these challenges. Easy to use, the product has superior connection strength and needs less reinforcement when compared with other frictional systems. The easy-to-install block helped increase wall construction productivity.
When the final site plan was completed, the buildings and utilities were extremely close to the reinforced soil zone. Building the SRW in stages, the wall was constructed until the lowest building floor or foundation grade was established. Wall erection ceased, and construction of the buildings began. Once the basement walls were ready for backfilling, construction of the SRWs continued.
After the SRW was completed for one side of the site, construction of the initial pond wall began. Diamond Pro product produced to Minnesota Department of Transportation specifications (compressive strength of 5,800 psi., resistance in 90 freeze/thaw cycles in 3-percent saline solution to less than 1 percent loss by mass) was recommended by the engineer to ensure long-term durability for the water retention structure.
About a year after project Phase I was completed, the second part began with a different civil engineer and general contractor. The pond was completed along with another section of wall near the stream. Global stability analyses were performed in several sections of this multiwall project to determine the amount of buried block, adequate reinforcement layers and embedment. Three walls, totaling more than 1,000 linear feet, were built on this property.
The Results
Staged construction of the SRWs helped maximize use of the property, provided durable storm water retention, provided erosion protection for the stream and made possible the completion of a complex development with minimal problems or delays.
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