Design options

Positive Connection Retaining Walls

Positive Connection retaining walls are built to enhance long-lasting geogrid soil reinforcement through greater connection strength with advanced engineering designs. This is done by wrapping the approved, specified geogrid underneath the backfill, through the hollow core of the blocks and back over the compacted backfill again with one continuous strip of geogrid.

By maintaining a running bond pattern for this design, MagnumStone achieves 100% geogrid coverage for Positive Connection retaining walls. Attaining 100% geogrid coverage for Positive Connection retaining wall designs is a signature feature of MagnumStone’s interlocking precast big block system.

Through Positive Connection, the retaining wall’s strength is evenly distributed along each course and forms a secure resistance to eliminate pullout connection failures. This delivers the ultimate geogrid reinforced connection, soil retention and stability to withstand extreme live loads above or behind the wall.

Difference Between Geogrid Walls and Positive Connection Walls

Traditional geogrid reinforced walls rely on the friction of geogrid being pinched between the mass of two concrete retaining wall blocks to keep it in place. Positive Connection walls use continuous strips of geogrid along the bottom and top of each layer of compacted backfill, while the geogrid wraps through the block’s vertical hollow core.

Positive Connection offers a frictionless geogrid connection and delivers 100% geogrid coverage thanks to MagnumStone’s large hollow core block design. These hollow cores also provide integral built-in drainage columns in the retaining wall. Positive Connection designs are often required to meet criteria and standards of Departments of Transportation and Ministries of Transportation, as well as the specifications of AASHTO LRFD.

Advantages of Positive Connection Retaining Walls

Achieve 100% Geogrid Coverage

MagnumStone’s 100% geogrid coverage for Positive Connection designs is a defining feature of the system, thanks to the block’s advanced hollow core design

Supreme Soil Reinforcement

Positive Connection offers high-performance soil retention wall solutions, capable of features like curves, corners and more

Geogrid Performance for Proven Success

MagnumStone has multiple geogrids tested for Positive Connection wall solutions, giving engineers and installers more selection to choose from

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When to Use Positive Connection Retaining Wall Designs

The purpose of Positive Connection retaining walls is to have the maximum connection capacity of the geogrid and retaining wall blocks to stabilize and reinforce soil. Departments of Transportation and Ministries of Transportation commonly specify Positive Connection for walls along roadways, railways, bridges and other high-risk areas. In certain jurisdictions, regulators have made Positive Connection designs mandatory.

The full impact and benefits of Positive Connection retaining walls are best exemplified by super tall retaining walls, as the structural performance is critical and is even the preferred design for regions with high seismic activity. The reliable design of these walls complements the durability of MagnumStone’s precast blocks for an integrated system that’s trusted by engineers, contractors and developers worldwide.

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Common Applications of Positive Connection Retaining Walls

Mostly Used in Extreme Conditions
Very Tall Walls, or Heavy Loading Scenarios
Bridge Structures
Roadways & Railways

Positive Connection Retaining Wall Design Considerations

Heavy Loads
Slopes Above and/or Below
Soil Types
Structures Within the Wall – Piping and Utilities
Global Stability & Seismic

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Our team of professionals is ready to assist with the design and installation of your MagnumStone Retaining Wall.

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