Decorwall Block®: cost-effective retaining blocks
The Decorwall Block® was designed exclusively by Decorton Retaining Systems Pty (Ltd) in response to the need for cost-effective retaining blocks. These blocks are unique in their design because of their side-wall shape that allows greater contact with the block below, and thus reduces the chance of the blocks cracking under high wall loads. Using these blocks also allows for the construction of walls with a closed vertical surface, while still being as cost-effective as a wall built with open-faced blocks.
When choosing retaining blocks for any domestic or industrial project, choosing the most cost-effective and durable option are often two top priorities. With Decorwall Block®, only 10.5 blocks are required per square meter, whereas most opposition blocks require 12 blocks per square meter. This allows clients to save on product costs, transport and labour requirements, without compromising on the quality and strength of the installation.
When it comes to retaining wall installations, you want to be 100% sure that it is done correctly from the start, which is why it is better to rely on qualified and experienced retaining engineers for both minor and major retaining projects. Incorrect retaining wall designs and installations can be dangerous and also extremely costly in the long run as it may cause damage to your property.
Therefore, when contracting the team at Decorton to assist with your retaining requirements, be it commercial or domestic, we will take a range of factors into consideration before commencing with the design. The terrain, drainage possibilities, type of soil, height of the wall, etc., all play an important part in choosing a suitable retaining wall block option, as well as reinforcing products such as Geo-grid, concrete for backfill, and more.
Our team has worked on a diverse range of retaining wall projects, in all kinds of terrains, and clients can have confidence in our expertise and abilities. It is our team’s aim to complete every project to a superior standard and to leave clients with an aesthetically pleasing, effective, and lasting retaining solution.
Some features that make the Decorwall Block® unique…
- Enhancing plant growth: the unique hollow-core design of these blocks is perfect for planting plants and making it part of your wall. The design also allows water to drain back into the ground. Using low-water-use plants, one can create a landscape that is fully sustainable.
- Durability: these concrete blocks will not rot or diminish over time. It is also possible to replace individual blocks if damage occurs.
- Layout flexibility: the unique interlock design allows for convex and concave curves, while it is also suited for wall angles varying from near vertical to shallow slopes.
- Cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness: these retaining blocks are lightweight for easy handling, transport and installation.
About projects completed with the Decorwall Block®
Decorwall Block® retaining blocks were used in the construction of the popular Willowbridge Place Office Park in Tyger Valley, on the corner of Old Oak Road and Carl Cronje Drive. The construction project required a cost-effective retaining solution as the building site was surrounded by steep slopes on three sides. As specialists in the field, Decorton was called in to assist and we recommended Decorwall blocks to construct 7m high retaining walls where required.
Being in close proximity to a busy road, the retaining installation required concrete reinforcement to add extra strength. The installation was thus completed with reinforced concrete inside the blocks and geogrid layers in the backfill at certain intervals. By doing so, the block facing and the backfill material formed a combined force to resist overturning momentum. As a large amount of groundwater was unearthed during the excavation, a major drainage system was constructed behind the block layer to keep the retaining walls stable over time.
In this instance, besides affordability and durability, Decorwall blocks were also ideal as they allow for vegetation to be planted as soon as the retaining structure is installed. The retaining walls surrounding the office block is therefore covered in beautiful greenery that adds a welcoming touch to the office estate.
SP van Blerk, one of Decorton’s owners, had the following to say about this prestigious project: “We managed to successfully excavate the backfill as well as install 10 500 Decorwall blocks within a tight timeframe of two months. The client is very happy with the end result and with landscaping complete; the walls create a pleasant green belt around the building.”
For more information about this product, including the range of uses and applications, feel free to get in touch with us to speak to an expert on retaining blocks. We look forward to working with you!
Wall height graphs for different back slopes using Decorwall Blocks
No Surcharge – Top Soil Infill – Internal Friction Angle 30°
Wall height graphs for different back slopes using Decorwall Blocks
No Surcharge – Top Soil Infill – Internal Friction Angle 26°
How to use these graphs for conceptual design
Final designs to be refered to a Professional Competent Person
SCENARIO 1: (max wall height for different back slopes; either graph 1a or 2a)
PART A
- Determine the internal friction angle of the soil (Graph 1 = 30°; Graph 2 = 26°)
- Determine the back slope angle of the soil in degrees
- Determine the proposed wall inclination angle in degrees
- Choose the corresponding wall inclination angle on the horizontal axis of the graph and draw a vertical line until it intersects the back slope curve as determined above
- Now draw a horizontal line from the intersection point to the vertical axis to the left and read the allowable wall height for the wall
- Choose the corresponding wall inclination angle on the horizontal axis of the graph and draw a vertical line until it intersects the back slope curve as determined above
- Now draw a horizontal line from the intersection point to the vertical axis to the left and read the allowable keyless wall height for the wall
SCENARIO 2 alternatively: (max wall inclination angle for wall; either graph 1a or 2a)
PART A
- Determine the internal friction angle of the soil (Graph 1 = 30°; Graph 2 = 26°)
- Determine the back slope angle of the soil in degrees
- Determine the proposed wall height in meters
- Choose the corresponding wall height on the vertical axis of the graph and draw a horizontal line until it intersects the back slope curve as determined above
- Now draw a vertical line from the intersection point to the horizontal axis to the bottom and read the allowable wall inclination angle for the wall
- Choose the corresponding wall inclination angle on the horizontal axis of the graph and draw a vertical line until it intersects the back slope curve as determined above
- Now draw a horizontal line from the intersection point to the vertical axis to the left and read the allowable keyless wall height for the wall
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Email: walls@decorton.co.za
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