Patent ID: 6505999
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: E02D

Abstract:
A retaining wall structure for soil stabilization of earthen slopes and embankments, comprising:(a) a plurality of courses of side-by-side and abutting cementatious blocks having a width and a depth and being stacked together to define a retaining wall; (b) a backfill material provided behind the retaining wall; (c) a lower layer of geotextile material having a width comprising a plurality of block widths defining a leading edge and a trailing edge, and having the leading edge disposed the entire depth between vertically adjacent blocks at a predetermined vertical height of the retaining wall, and the trailing edge extending laterally backward therefrom into the backfill material such that the layer is engaged by the backfill material; and (d) an upper layer of geotextile material having a width comprising a plurality of block widths so as to extend parallel and to overlay and contact at least a portion of the length of the lower layer of geotextile material; wherein the upper layer extends from the leading edge towards the trailing edge of the lower layer; and wherein the upper layer extends for a length from the retaining wall that is at least the depth disposed between the vertically adjacent blocks thereof; whereby a high strength connection between the retaining wall and the backfill material by the lower and upper layers of geotextile material is provided.