A reinforced wall is a composite structure that relies on Recon blocks (24M or RM), soil reinforcement, and compacted backfill to create a block of soil that will not deform laterally under vertical loading. The result is a coherent mass that can be relied upon to retain soil. There are benefits and drawbacks to building a reinforced wall versus a traditional Recon gravity wall.

Benefits

• Taller walls can be constructed (up to 50 feet)
• Bearing pressure is distributed over a wider area
• A single Recon block (24M or RM) is used
• Fewer truckloads of Recon block required
• Same appearance as Recon gravity walls
• Reinforcements will support heavy equipment
• Soil reinforcements are relatively inexpensive and usually well-stocked

Drawbacks

• Minimum Reinforcement Length 60%H
• Import Select Backfill may be required
• Rollers required for compaction in 8-inch lifts
• Compaction testing of backfill between layers
• Obstructions may require special details
• More complicated compared to gravity walls
• Poor quality backfill, improper compaction and poor drainage could result in wall failure

Reinforced walls are well-suited for fill walls versus cut walls. This is because in cut wall applications, a massive amount of in-situ soil needs to be removed in order to place soil reinforcements that extend at least 60%H behind the wall. This removed soil may not meet the reinforced backfill requirements. In this situation, it would need to be trucked offsite and select backfill would then need to be imported. An optimal development will incorporate Recon gravity walls and reinforced walls.