In 2011, the City of Chicago undertook a major infrastructure project at O’Hare International Airport to address a persistent surface water issue. The goal was to create a drainage channel that could rapidly and efficiently remove stormwater runoff from the airport grounds. This required a durable and effective retaining wall solution capable of withstanding demanding drainage conditions, including “rapid drawdown” scenarios.

For this project, the city selected the Recon Block retaining wall system, supplied by Service Konstruction Supply. Known for its strength, large block format, and flexibility in design, Recon Block was the ideal choice. The project called for an impressive 56,000 linear feet of retaining wall, with an average wall height of 10 feet. To meet structural and hydraulic demands, a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) system was specified.

Recon’s 24-inch deep block was paired with Strata geogrids to reinforce the walls, providing the necessary stability for the large-scale installation. One of the key challenges was ensuring that the wall could handle rapid changes in water levels—also known as rapid drawdown events. The system had to allow for efficient water movement without compromising the wall’s structural integrity.

The Recon Wall’s ability to incorporate free-draining stone behind the structure, along with the option for water to exit through the face of the block, made it uniquely suited for this application. This design not only improved drainage performance but also reduced long-term maintenance risks.

This project stands as a successful example of how high-performance retaining wall systems like Recon can support critical infrastructure in high-traffic environments like O’Hare Airport, where reliability, speed, and safety are non-negotiable.