2001
Kingswood, Bristol
Park School
Cowlin Construction Ltd
Rexon Day Consulting Engineers Ltd
Retaining Wall Solution for Kingswood School, Bristol
Post construction of MacWall
Post construction of MacWall
Challenge
Maccaferri was approached by Rexon Day Consulting Engineers Ltd to deliver a high-performance retaining wall solution for a new school development in Kingswood, Bristol. The project required a structurally reliable and aesthetically pleasing retaining system that would complement the educational environment while meeting strict safety and design criteria.
A key challenge was the need for a retaining wall that could seamlessly integrate terraces, as well as internal and external corners, without compromising visual quality. The school environment also introduced specific safety requirements, particularly the need to prevent pupils from climbing the wall. In addition, effective drainage was essential to ensure long-term stability by preventing the build-up of pore water pressure behind the structure. The solution also needed to be efficient to install, minimising construction complexity and programme time.
Solution
Maccaferri proposed the MacWall system, a segmental retaining wall solution designed for durability, flexibility, and visual appeal. The system consists of split-face concrete fascia blocks combined with Paragrid 80/15 geogrids and engineered backfill to form a reinforced soil retaining structure. This approach provided the adaptability required to accommodate complex geometries such as terraces and corners, while maintaining a consistent, high-quality finish suitable for a school setting.
The design also addressed safety concerns by incorporating a near-vertical wall face, achieved through a 25 mm setback per 200 mm high block. This configuration significantly reduces climbability, making it ideal for use in school environments where pupil safety is a priority.
To ensure effective drainage and long-term performance, a 300 mm wide drainage zone of clean pea shingle was installed behind the wall face. A geotextile separator was included to prevent contamination of the drainage material by the structural backfill. This drainage layer was connected to a perforated collector pipe, which directed water into the site’s drainage system, preventing hydrostatic pressure build-up and enhancing wall stability.
The MacWall system also offered significant construction benefits. Its dry-build, mortarless design, combined with integrated locator lugs and cams, allowed for quick and straightforward installation without the need for highly specialised contractors. This contributed to improved installation efficiency and reduced project timelines.
To complete the solution, pedestrian safety fencing was installed at the crest of the slope. This was achieved by placing plastic void-forming pipes vertically behind the wall face, which were then concreted into position. Fence posts were securely grouted into these pipes, providing a robust and integrated fencing solution.
This project demonstrates how Maccaferri’s engineered retaining wall systems can deliver safe, durable, and visually appealing solutions for educational infrastructure, meeting both technical and environmental requirements.
Used Products
