Construction and Quality Control Manual: T-WALL® Retaining Wall System

Construction and Quality
Control Manual
T-WALL® Retaining Wall System

Version v2021.1
T-WALL® Construction Manual v2021.1
Contents
Proper Positioning of Ring Clutch for Lifting T-WALL Units ......................................................................... 4
Safety Tips for Unloading T-WALL Units...................................................................................................... 5
Preface ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Non-Disclosure Notice and Disclaimer ........................................................................................................ 7
Part 1: Earthwork ........................................................................................................................................ 8
The Structure Depends on It! .................................................................................................................. 8
Important Earthwork Items .................................................................................................................... 8
Part 2: General Overview ............................................................................................................................ 9
Work to be Performed by the Contractor ............................................................................................... 9
Typical Wall Erection Crew ..................................................................................................................... 9
Production Rates..................................................................................................................................... 9
Basic Construction Procedures ............................................................................................................... 9
Equipment, Materials and Tools Supplied by the Contractor ................................................................. 9
Materials and Services Supplied by RECo and/or the Precast Manufacturer ........................................ 10
Part 3: Construction Procedures for Single Sided Structures .................................................................... 11
Site Preparation .................................................................................................................................... 11
Leveling Pad Construction..................................................................................................................... 12
Precast Leveling Pads ............................................................................................................................ 13
Steps in the Leveling Pads ..................................................................................................................... 13
Wall Alignment ..................................................................................................................................... 14
T-WALL Unit Delivery ............................................................................................................................ 14
Unloading the Units .............................................................................................................................. 14
Erection of the First Course .................................................................................................................. 15
Filter Fabric and Joint Material ............................................................................................................. 17
Vertical Filter Fabric .......................................................................................................................... 17
Horizontal Filter Fabric ...................................................................................................................... 17
Horizontal Joint Material .................................................................................................................. 17
Shear Keys ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Backfill................................................................................................................................................... 19
Staged Construction.............................................................................................................................. 20
Subsequent Courses ............................................................................................................................. 20
Part 4: Construction Procedures for Back-to-Back and Interlaced Structures .......................................... 21
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(800) 446-5700
Example 1: Back-to-Back Elevated Rail Corridor ................................................................................... 21

Example 2: Interlaced Bridge Approach ................................................................................................ 22
Part 5: Handling, Backfilling, and Compaction .......................................................................................... 24
Setting Units in Place: Lifting Details ..................................................................................................... 25
Construction Alternatives by Access and Wall Type ............................................................................. 26
Compacting Lifts of Backfill: Equipment and Methods ......................................................................... 28
Part 6: Structural Details ........................................................................................................................... 29
Fences and Railings ............................................................................................................................... 29
Barriers ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Corners and Angle Points ...................................................................................................................... 30
Large Pipe Penetrations ........................................................................................................................ 30
Part 7: Unit Dimensions and Weight ......................................................................................................... 31
Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Contact Information ................................................................................................................................. 33
(800) 446-5700
Proper Positioning of Ring Clutch for Lifting T-WALL Units
To ensure that the ring clutch properly engages the anchor,

position the ring clutch so that the bail is ABOVE the clutch.
When lifting, ensure both anchors are EQUALLY loaded.
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Safety Tips for Unloading T-WALL Units

1. Upon arrival of truck, examine the load for any shifting or unstable conditions
prior to removing tie downs.
2. The truck should be on level ground when unloading. Unloading on unlevel
ground could result in shifting of precast units or possibly precast units falling
from trailer.
3. Lifting equipment (straps, cables, ring clutches, etc.) should be checked for
excessive wear or cracking prior to unloading truck.
4. Do not move the tractor while the product is not tied down.
5. If drivers are required to remove chains or binders next to lane of moving traffic,
cones and flagman should be used to direct traffic away from the trailer and
driver
6. Drivers are not trained as riggers or swampers and should stay in cab or clear
away from unloading operations. The drivers are acting in a delivery capacity
only.
7. Personal protective equipment required by the general contractor on site should
also be required of delivery drivers
8. Personnel should not be allowed under a suspended load.
9. Once removed from the trailer, precast units not placed directly on the wall
should be stacked or secured on fl at ground to prevent tipping or falling.
10. Areas between the truck and crane should be restricted to personnel required to
unload the trailer.
11. If any unsafe situations exist while loading or unloading RECo products, contact
The Reinforced Earth Company immediately to eliminate any hazards or
exposure to illness or injury.
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Preface
This Construction and Quality Control Procedures Manual has been prepared as a
guide in building T-WALL structures.
Its contents should be thoroughly reviewed by the Contractor, the superintendent and
the foreman responsible for construction prior to the delivery of T-WALL materials to the
job site. The Reinforced Earth Company will provide construction advisors to assist the
Contractor in the implementation of correct construction procedures. However, in the
event of any conflict between the Plans, Specifications or Contract Documents and this
Manual, the former will prevail. If there is any doubt with regard to any aspect of the T-
WALL construction, contact The Reinforced Earth Company (RECo) before
commencing or continuing work.
The Reinforced Earth Company supplies precast concrete units and accessories to be
used in conjunction with other materials in the construction of T-WALL retaining walls
detailed from the construction drawings. The construction and quality control
procedures manual furnished by The Reinforced Earth Company is intended to provide
a general explanation of the system. It is the Contractor’s obligation to devise and
execute a project specific erection sequence, panel unloading, handling system, and fall
protection system. Compliance with the guidelines in this manual does not relieve the
Contractor of its responsibility to adhere to the project plans, specifications and contract
documents or compliance with all fall protection, safety laws, standards and procedures
at the job site. Contractors should take special precautions to prevent the units from
shifting or falling during the handling and erection processes.
© 2021, May, The Reinforced Earth Company. The information contained in this Construction
and Quality Control Procedures Manual is provided for the construction of T-WALL structures
comprised of certain materials by The Reinforced Earth Company. This Manual is not to be
used for any other purpose. Reproduction of the contents of this document in whole or part
without the written consent of The Reinforced Earth Company is expressly prohibited. All rights
reserved.
“T-WALL”, and the Reinforced Earth logo are registered trademarks of The Reinforced Earth
Company.
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Non-Disclosure Notice and Disclaimer
1. This Document is the property of The Reinforced Earth Company, with headquarters
at 45610 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA, 20166, and contains information, which is
proprietary to The Reinforced Earth Company. This Document is being made
available solely for use in connection with your interest or participation in the
proposed T-WALL project, and for no other purpose.
2. Except as specified in the paragraph above you must not, without the prior express
written consent of The Reinforced Earth Company, use any of the information
contained in this Document whether to construct, design, manufacture, fabricate,
assemble, produce or install, or otherwise utilize - or cause the same or any of them
to be done - any elements of T-WALL (whether or not patented), or special forms of
equipment unique to the production, manufacture, fabrication, assembly, installation,
or utilization of T-WALL, or for any other purpose.
3. This Document and the information contained herein must not be copied or
disclosed in any manner or form, in whole or in part, to any third party without the
prior express written consent of The Reinforced Earth Company.
4. Receipt of Document gives no entitlement to any property right in the Document or in
the information contained therein by virtue of the temporary supply of the Document
in accordance herewith.
5. T-WALL structures designed by The Reinforced Earth Company comprise or are
based solely upon:
a. The internal stability of the T-WALL structure based upon the design
assumptions noted on all drawings provided by The Reinforced Earth
Company relating to the structure and the external loads, surcharges and site
geometries supplied by or on behalf of the Owner.
b. The layout and geometry of the structure based upon survey details, plans
and drawings supplied by or on behalf of the Owner.
c. The Job Specifications.
6. The design does not include a check of the overall stability of the foundation soils
below or behind the structure, nor a check of the stability of any permanent or
temporary slopes above or below the wall, or temporary excavations. Based on the
completeness and accuracy of the above information used or relied upon in
designing the structure only.
7. Upon demand, the Document and all copies thereof must be immediately
surrendered and returned to The Reinforced Earth Company
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Part 1: Earthwork
The Structure Depends on It!

The concrete T-WALL units are one part of a two-part structure. The other part is the
structural backfill. It is the combination of T-WALL units and specified granular backfill
that produces a successful wall structure.
Important Earthwork Items

Foundation: The owner’s engineer must inspect and approve the foundation before the
CIP or precast leveling pads are placed. If the foundation is soft the wall will settle.
Granular Backfill Gradation: Proper backfill gradation is critical to the stability of the T-
WALL structure. Backfill requirements are listed in the project specifications and may
also be shown on the shop drawings for each project. It is important that gradation tests
be performed throughout construction to ensure the backfill meets specifications.
Granular backfill gradation affects wall stability, drainage, and settlement.
Compaction: Proper compaction of the backfill between and behind the stems is
required to prevent settlement, which affects any paving, structure, or rail at the top of
the wall. Details for proper compaction are found in Part 3.
Note: Failure to follow the specifications and notes in the approved T-WALL shop
drawings for the project may result in wall movement.
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Part 2: General Overview
Work to be Performed by the Contractor

• Site preparation, including excavation and compaction.
• Forming and placing of the cast-in-place (CIP) or precast leveling pads.
• Wall construction, including the process of placing and compacting backfill.
• Installation of fences, guardrails, barriers and/or other necessary items.
Typical Wall Erection Crew
• Four (4) to Five (5) people.
• One excavator/crane operator for setting units and placing backfill.
• One working foreman to check alignment.
• Two men for setting units, shear keys, and joint material.
• One front-end loader and operator to move backfill and T-WALL units.
Production Rates
Construction rates for T-WALL depend entirely upon site access and the rate at which
backfill can be delivered, placed and compacted—plus time to install/uninstall any
necessary shoring.
Basic Construction Procedures

• Prepare the site with any necessary excavation and compaction.
• Form and place CIP or precast concrete leveling pads.
• Compact fill between leveling pads.
• Set first course of units.
• Place vertical filter fabric.
• Place and compact granular backfill.
• Install rubber blocks and wrapped shear keys.
• Set second course of units and repeat cycle.
• Place horizontal filter fabric.
• Repeat courses as specified.
Equipment, Materials and Tools Supplied by the Contractor
• T-WALL unit lifting equipment: excavator or crane and correct lifting attachments.
• Equipment for hauling, dumping, and spreading backfill: dump rocks, front-end
loaders, and dozers.
• Compaction equipment suitable to project accessibility: ride-on compactor, small
walk-behind vibratory roller or trench roller type equipment.
• Tools:
o Instrument level to check the grade of the leveling pad
o Broom to sweep the leveling pad
o Lifting beam
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o Ring Clutches for connecting to inserts

o Chalk Line
o Shims
o Pinch bar
o Four foot level (minimum)
o Smooth, 18’ long, ¹/2” diameter steel rod (for gauging vertical joint widths)
o Crow bar
o Short ladder
o Construction adhesive with cartridges and gun(s)
o Hammer drill with 10’’ x ³/4” carbide bit (for drilling bolt holes in corner
units-when required by design)
Materials and Services Supplied by RECo and/or the Precast Manufacturer
• On-site technical assistance
• Engineering and design of the structure
• Delivery of the following wall materials to the site:
o Precast concrete T-WALL units
o Shear keys and shear key wrap material
o Rubber blocks for horizontal joints
o Filter fabric for horizontal and vertical joints
o Connection hardware (when required by design)
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Part 3: Construction Procedures for Single Sided Structures
Note: For ease of understanding, the construction procedures described in this section
focus on single-sided structures with front or back-of-wall access. Please refer to Parts
4 & 6 for more details on back-to-back structures and walls with limited access.
Excavated site Incremental site excavation
Pouring of leveling pad
Site Preparation
• Excavate the site to the elevation shown on the contract plans for the entire
footprint of the T-WALL structure (including the area covered by the granular
backfill between the stems).
• All unsuitable materials below subgrade must be removed and replaced with
compacted, granular backfill at the direction of the owner’s engineer or
designated representative.
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• Compact the subgrade to 95% standard proctor and proof roll the foundation in
accordance with the project specifications.
• The foundation is to be inspected and approved (in writing) by the owner/owner’s
designated representative for required bearing capacity as shown on the
approved T-WALL drawings.
• Excavate for the leveling pads-5’-0” x 7’x6” units require both front and rear
leveling pads.
• Where possible, the width of excavation should allow sufficient room to set the
first course while still leaving access space behind the T-WALL stems for
compaction equipment.
• Any under-drains, drainage piping, or drainage blankets should be installed at
this time.
Leveling Pad Construction

• The leveling pads are 15 inches wide and a minimum of 6 inches deep, unless
otherwise shown on the approved shop drawings.
• Form the leveling pads similar to forming a sidewalk. The edge forms are screed
rail. They must be checked with a level to assure proper elevation and tolerance.
Finished surface tolerance is 1/4” in any 10’-0” length with no more than 1/4”
overall.
• Checking for alignment. The leading edge of the front pad should be about 31/2”
outside the front face line of the wall.
• Check the project drawings for the location of the rear leveling pad.
• The leveling pads are for construction alignment only. The concrete may be low
strength, minimum 2,500 psi, without rebar in the leveling pads.
• Check the leveling pad forms for line, grade, tolerances, and correct elevation
with a level. If the forms are out of tolerance, make corrections at this time.
• Place the CIP or precast concrete leveling pads. The concrete surface finish
must be smooth and flat. A steel trowel finish is desired. Leveling pads are to be
checked with an instrument after removing forms. High spots must be corrected.
• Bring the subgrade to the top of
the leveling pads and compact
before setting units. *Units should
not be placed for 24 hours after
placing CIP concrete leveling
pads.
Using steel trowel to finish leveling pad
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Precast Leveling Pads

• Where necessary, precast leveling pads may be used if written approval is given
by The Reinforced Earth Company.
• Precast leveling pads are cast with rebar and lifting inserts for ease of placement.
Leveling pads must be of uniform thickness. Precast leveling pads must be
5,000psi.
• Compaction and grading under
precast leveling pads are
extremely important because any
settlement or tilting will result in an
unacceptable joint pattern or
spalling of the concrete units.
• Precast leveling pads should be
backfilled on both sides prior to
setting T-WALL units on top.
Lowering precast leveling pad
Steps in the Leveling Pads

• Construct the lower leveling pads.
Leave an 8-inch gap before
constructing the higher pads. The gap
will ensure that the higher pads to not
interfere with the placement of the
units on the lower pads.
• For a vertical wall, the typical step
(change in elevation) is 2’-6 ½” or 5’-
1/2”.
Front face of units on stepped leveling pads
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Wall Alignment
• To establish wall alignment, snap a chalk line on the surface of the front leveling
pad that marks the front face of the wall. The units should be centered on the
leveling pad.
• Fill material should already be graded level with the pads for the entire stem
length/area between the pads.
T-WALL typical section
T-WALL Unit Delivery

• Prior to the start of the construction, during the design phase, the contractor and
the precast manufacturer should develop a schedule for material deliveries.
• This timetable will allow the producer to match unit production with the
construction schedule.
Unloading the Units
• Under normal circumstances a two-hour maximum unloading time is allowed for
each delivery. During this period of time the units may be unloaded and stacked
on the ground using the appropriate equipment and lifting device. If permitting
and time allows, the units may be placed directly the wall structure.
• A typical truck load is 4 to 5 units.
• Care must be exercised during unloading to protect the units and joint materials
from damage.
• Dunnage and plastic edge guards are the property of the precast manufacturer
and must be collected and returned as soon as possible.
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Lifting insert and ring clutch

Units on a truck
Lowering a unit into place Setting a unit
Erection of the First Course

• Always begin erecting T-WALL at a fixed point such as a corner, step, or an
existing structure tie-in point. If there is no fixed point, simply start on the lowest
leveling pad. Using a smooth 1/2” diameter, 18” long steel rod, or ½” x 2” x 18”
plywood, create a ½” vertical space between the units.
Note: Walls have a tendency to expand or shrink in length depending on the
amount of care taken to properly layout and align the first course.
• No joint material is required between the leveling pad and the precast units.
• Set the first units on the leveling pads, aligning the front faces to the chalk line
guide.
• Plumb the front faces of the units by adjusting the rear elevation of the stems.
• It may be necessary to plumb the units by placing shims between the rear stem
ends. Shims may be pieces of standard asphalt shingles or plastic.
• If you encounter a unit that is out of square it is best to use the face as an
alignment guide. Keep in mind that this is purely an aesthetic concern, not a
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structural problem. Difficulties with plumbing and alignment should be reported to

The Reinforced Earth Company.
• After aligning the front faces, check the tops for correct level and heigh relative to
other units in the course. If the top of a unit is irregular, place the level on the line
where the top of the front face is chamfered. Shim as necessary. Continually
check alignment, level, and plumb as one unit may be disturbed while adjusting
others.
• Periodically, step back and sight down the tops of the units. This visual check
allows you to fine tune the alignment.
• Every effort should be made to ensure that the first course of units is properly
aligned and level.
• Construct the wall in horizontal lifts.
First course of units on leveling pad Second course
Placing units into position
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Filter Fabric and Joint Material
Filter fabric covering a vertical joint between two units Filter fabric covering a horizontal joint between the first and
second courses
Horizontal filter fabric layout
Vertical Filter Fabric

• Prior to the initial backfilling, cut the 12” wide filter fabric into lengths equal to the
height of each vertical joint.
• Center the cut strips over the ½” vertical joints on the interior faces between the
units. This procedure prevents migration of the backfill material through the
vertical joints.
• Throw any excess filter fabric over the front face of the units during backfilling,
then pull it back over the backfill during setting operations.
Horizontal Filter Fabric
• Cut 8’-6” lengths of fabric for each horizontal joint.
• Place this second strip of filter fabric over the horizontal joints between the
stacked units on the interior face. Backfill material migration is now prevented
through the horizontal joints as well.
• Adhesive may be placed in spots on the units to hold the fabric during backfilling.
Horizontal Joint Material
• Four rubber blocks act as a cushion to prevent concrete-to-concrete contact.
• Place two of the four rubber blocks on each end of the horizontal joint between
the unit faces, flush with the rear edge.
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• Place two rubber blocks on the top of the stem, one at the front where it meets at
the haunch and one at the rear where the stem from the unit above will end.
Rubber blocks Rubber block layout
Shear Keys
• Shear keys, wrapped twice with the provided shear key wrap, should be placed
stern notches where the unit above will meet the unit below.
• Approved, project specific T-WALL show drawings show section defining the
required number and placement of keys per unit.
• The purpose of the shear keys are to:
o Provide an alignment guide.
o Prevent movement of the units during backfill placement and compaction.
o Provide additional pullout resistance at the top of the wall.
Shear keys wrapped in joint material
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Backfill
• It is mandatory that the backfill material meets the gradation specification shown
on the approved project drawings.
• Dump the granular backfill material directly on top of the stems. Dumping in this
manner will fill both sides equally and prevent lateral movement of the unit.
• Backfill and compact each course of units completely before starting the next
one. The loose lifts of backfill should not exceed 12” before compaction, or the
maximum specified by the state DOT, appropriate local agency, or project
specifications. Each lift must be thoroughly compacted before more fill is placed.
Failure to adequately compact the backfill will jeopardize the stability of the wall.
• Backfill and compact the fill to the proposed finished grade in front of the wall as
soon as possible. This procedure must be accomplished before the wall is 20’-0”
high.
• At the minimum, select granular backfill material must be compacted to 95% of
maximum density, per AASHTO T-99, methods C or D (with oversize correction
as outlined in Note 7).
• If 30% of the select granular backfill material is greater than ¾” in size, AASHTO
T-99 is not acceptable. For such material, the acceptance criterion for
compacting is either a minimum of 70% of the Relative Density of the material as
determined by ASTM D-4254, or a method specification based on a test
compaction section which defines the type of equipment, lift thickness, number of
passes of the specified equipment, and placement moisture content.
• Moisture content of select granular backfill material during placement should be
approximately 1% to 2% less than its optimum moisture content.
• At the end of each day’s work, backfill must be graded to slope away from the
back of the wall units in order to divert water runoff from the structure area.
Placing the backfill Spreading the backfill
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Staged Construction
• T-Wall should be constructed
horizontally, one course at a time.
However, there are some
situations where staged
construction may be necessary.
• Be aware that if the vertical height
difference between adjacent
columns is greater than one unit,
the vertical joints will open due to
the unbalanced earth pressure.
Backfilling, handling, and
compaction techniques may vary
for staged projects and are Staged construction
detailed in Part 6.
Note: To avoid problems with the wall alignment when planning for staged
construction, contact The Reinforced Earth Company for project specific
guidance.
Subsequent Courses
• Do not stack the units more than one unit high without backfilling, otherwise
visibility of workers may be reduced and shifting of units can occur. In addition, it
is unlikely that the subgrade will support the point load of the stem, causing the
front face to be out of plumb by the time backfill is placed.
• Repeat the same steps followed when installing the first course when installing
subsequent courses. Use the faces as a sight line. Continue the use of filter
fabric, joint material, and shear keys. Per project specifications, shear keys may
or may not be used at the top of the wall.
• Place units on top of the previous course by aligning the vertical center line of the
new unit with the one below. The left and right vertical edges of the T-WALL face
may vary SLIGHTLY with those of the unit below it.
Placing second course Placing second course on completely filled first course
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Part 4: Construction Procedures for Back-to-Back and

Interlaced Structures
Construction procedures for back-back structures follow the same construction

methodology as that defined for single-sided structures. Backfill, handling, and
compaction techniques will vary from single-sided methods and are addressed in Part 6.
The following are two examples of back-to-back and interlaced structures:
Example 1: Back-to-Back Elevated Rail Corridor

Back-to-back structures can be constructed in several ways:
• Phased: one side at a time, working around/under or incorporating existing
structures.
• Concurrently: equipment works between the walls as both sides are constructed.
• Simultaneously: course-by-course construction with equipment working on top of
the stems.
Back-to-back wall typical section
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Wichita Central Rail Corridor Grade Separation
Example 2: Interlaced Bridge Approach
Interlaced bridge approach typical section
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The T-WALL bridge approach for Tri-Rail New River Bridge has a live track on one side
and a major highway on the other (Figures 29 and 30):
A cantilevered walkway was built on the field side of the approach to provide
maintenance crews safe access to the new tracks (Figures 31 and 32):
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Part 5: Handling, Backfilling, and Compaction
Large flat-bed or step deck semi-truck averaging 4 to 5 units per

load
Small flat bed truck where access is restricted
Front end loader where access is very restricted
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Setting Units in Place: Lifting Details
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Construction Alternatives by Access and Wall Type

Setting Units Placing Backfill
Rear Only
Access
Offload units directly into wall from truck using a Front-end loader
tracked excavator.
Front Only
Access
• Offload units into holding area Telebelt trucks or towed conveyors. Excavators supply
• Transport to excavator with front-end loader backfill to telebelts.
• Set with excavator from in front of the wall
Top/Side
Only
Access
• Offload units into holding area Telebelt trucks on backfilled T-WALL.

• Transport to excavator with front-end loader
• Set with excavator from the side/end or top of the
wall
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Compaction
Skid Steer Loader Excavator Ride-on compactor
Slinger truck Long boom excavator Walk-behind compactors

Remote compactors
Vibratory plates
Slinger truck on backfilled T-WALL. Note: Excavator on backfilled T-WALL stems Small compactors lifted over the T-
equipment on top of stems should always WALL stems by on-site equipment
be rolled over timbers or a layer of fill.
Never directly on unit stems.
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Compacting Lifts of Backfill: Equipment and Methods
Trench rollers are very maneuverable and Operator driven smooth drum vibrating compactor working
effective between the stems
Compacting with vibrating plate compactors. Small jumping jack type compactor
Note: water truck and hose for moisture
control
Close up of vibrating plate compactors working between stems A nuclear density gauge is used to measure density and
moisture of the compacted soil. Each lift should be tested
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Part 6: Structural Details

Fences and Railings
Fabricated fence Fabricated fence with coping
Set chain link fence Bolted chain link fence posts
Barriers
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Corners and Angle Points
Interlaced corner detail
Bolted corner Angle point
Large Pipe Penetrations
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Part 7: Unit Dimensions and Weight
Notes:
1. Stem lengths may extend to 32 feet long.
2. Top units may extend up to 10 feet tall.
3. Refer to shop drawings for unit weights not shown here.
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Glossary of Terms
Agency: The person(s), firm, or corporation acting as Agent for the Owner
Contract Documents: The Owner-Contract agreement, including the conditions of the
Contract (general, supplementary, and other conditions), the drawings, Specifications
and the provisions of the agreement between the Contractor and The Reinforced Earth
Company; and also including all addenda issued prior to execution of the Contract, all
modifications thereto and any other items specifically stipulated as being included in the
Contract Documents.
Contractor: The individual, firm, or corporation undertaking the execution of the Work
under the terms of the Contract, and acting directly through its Agents or employees.
Engineer: The person(s) designated by the Owner, as having authoritative charge over
certain specific engineering operations and duties.
Inspector: The authorized representative assigned to make a detailed inspection of any
or all portions of the Work or materials thereof on the Owner’s behalf.
Owner: The Owner of a project. The agency, person, fi rm, or corporation with which a
Contract has been made for the payment of the Work performed under the Contract.
Plans: The official approved plans, profiles, typical cross-sections, working drawings,
and supplemental drawings, or exact reproductions thereof, which show the locations,
character, dimensions and details of the Work to be performed.
Specifications: A description, for contract purposes, of the materials and workmanship
required in a structure(s), as also shown on the related working drawings. The written
material containing the standard provisions and special provisions, as may be
necessary, pertaining to the quantities and qualities of materials to be furnished under
the Contract.
Technical Advisor: Representative of The Reinforced Earth Company or licensed
precaster who may be available to assist the Contractor with material scheduling and
coordination, and give advice on the recommended construction procedures applicable
to The Reinforced Earth Company’s structures as set out in this manual.
Work: The entire scope of the Work to be performed at the site of the construction
project including labor, materials, equipment, transportation and such other facilities as
are necessary to fulfill all obligations under the Contract.
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Contact Information
The Reinforced Earth Company maintains full-service offices throughout the United
States. Contact the office serving your area for technical service.
Southeast Region Atlanta, GA (770) 242-9415
(AL, GA, MS, SC, TN)
Northeast Region Boston, MA (978) 664-2830

(VT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT)
Central Region Dallas, TX (817) 283-5503

(AR, LA, NM, OK, TX)
Midwest Region Chicago, IL (630) 898-3334

(IA, IL, IN, MN, MO, WI)
Southwest Region Los Angeles, CA (949) 427-3601

(AZ, CA, HI, NV, UT)
Western Region Denver, CO (303) 790-1481

(AK, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND,
NE, OR, SD, WA, WY)
Central-Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Regions Sterling, VA (703) 547-8797

(DC, DE, KY, MD, MI, NC,
NJ, OH, PA, VA, WV)
Florida Region Orlando, FL (407) 226-2840

(FL)
Corporate Headquarters
The Reinforced Earth Company
45610 Woodland Rd., Suite 200
Sterling, Virginia 20166
Phone: (703) 547-8797 or (800) 446-5700
(800) 446-5700 33
NOTES
Corporate Headquarters
45610 Woodland Rd., Suite 200
Sterling, Virginia 20166
(800) 446-5700
© May 2021, The Reinforced Earth Company. T-WALL, Reinforced Earth, and the
Reinforced Earth logo are registered trademarks of The Reinforced Earth Company

Construction and Quality Control Manual: T-WALL® Retaining Wall System

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Construction and Quality

T-WALL® Retaining Wall System

Example 1: Back-to-Back Elevated Rail Corridor ................................................................................... 21

Proper Positioning of Ring Clutch for Lifting T-WALL Units

To ensure that the ring clutch properly engages the anchor,

Safety Tips for Unloading T-WALL Units

Non-Disclosure Notice and Disclaimer

The Structure Depends on It!

Important Earthwork Items

Part 2: General Overview

Work to be Performed by the Contractor

Basic Construction Procedures

o Ring Clutches for connecting to inserts

Part 3: Construction Procedures for Single Sided Structures

Excavated site Incremental site excavation

Pouring of leveling pad

Leveling Pad Construction

Using steel trowel to finish leveling pad

Precast Leveling Pads

Lowering precast leveling pad

Steps in the Leveling Pads

Front face of units on stepped leveling pads

T-WALL typical section

T-WALL Unit Delivery

Lifting insert and ring clutch

Lowering a unit into place Setting a unit

Erection of the First Course

structural problem. Difficulties with plumbing and alignment should be reported to

First course of units on leveling pad Second course

Placing units into position

Filter Fabric and Joint Material

Horizontal filter fabric layout

Vertical Filter Fabric

Rubber blocks Rubber block layout

Shear keys wrapped in joint material

Placing the backfill Spreading the backfill

Part 4: Construction Procedures for Back-to-Back and

Construction procedures for back-back structures follow the same construction

Example 1: Back-to-Back Elevated Rail Corridor

Back-to-back wall typical section

Wichita Central Rail Corridor Grade Separation

Example 2: Interlaced Bridge Approach

Interlaced bridge approach typical section

Part 5: Handling, Backfilling, and Compaction

Large flat-bed or step deck semi-truck averaging 4 to 5 units per

Small flat bed truck where access is restricted

Front end loader where access is very restricted

Setting Units in Place: Lifting Details

Construction Alternatives by Access and Wall Type

• Offload units into holding area Telebelt trucks on backfilled T-WALL.

Skid Steer Loader Excavator Ride-on compactor

Slinger truck Long boom excavator Walk-behind compactors

Compacting Lifts of Backfill: Equipment and Methods

Part 6: Structural Details

Fabricated fence Fabricated fence with coping

Set chain link fence Bolted chain link fence posts

Corners and Angle Points

Interlaced corner detail

Bolted corner Angle point