Mass Gravity Retaining Walls
2020
CAMPS BAY - WESTERN CAPE - South Africa
Private
CAMPS BAY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Problem
Maccaferri/African Gabions was approached bu the contractor to provide a solution in the retaining of an embankment on which a housing development was to be constructed. The structure had to blend into the natural surroundings as the complex was located in an up market suburb of Cape Town where aesthetics is of utmost importance.
Solution
A mass gravity, PVC coated gabion retaining wall, 7m high was designed to retain the embankment and support the housing complex. A batter was incorporated into the design and a back stepped structure was decided upon so as not to encroach onto the pavement and road. Readily available Table Mountain sandstone was used in the front face of the structure to blend into the surroundings. Benefits: A 6° batter to the retaining wall enhanced the stability of the structure allowing the Mass Gravity Wall to be slender. The structure is aesthetically pleasing and promotes growth of the surrounding natural vegetation to provide an environmentally engineered solution