The Connection You Can Count On >

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1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW

2 Only Mesa Walls provide the dependability engineers require, the efficient installation contractors have come to expect and the aesthetics owners and architects demand in the industry today. Tensar Geogrids The Mesa Retaining Wall Systems owes its strength and durability to Uniaxial (UX) Geogrids, Tensar Earth Technologies patented reinforcement geogrids. Due to their stiff interlocking capabilities, these geogrids stand the test of time, performing better than other commercially available geosynthetics. For more information, visit The Connection You Can Count On > A Single-Source Solution For over a decade, the Mesa Retaining Wall Systems from Tensar Earth Technologies have been the retaining wall solution of choice for both architects and engineers alike. One of the only segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems with a proven, positive mechanical connection, the Mesa Systems offer superior and cost-effective solutions for all of your structural and landscaped retaining wall needs in the commercial, industrial, residential and transportation markets. With a network of licensed manufacturers throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America, the Mesa Systems have become the new standard in SRW technology. Designed as a truly integrated solution, they are the only SRW system that comes from a single source of supply and demand. Unlike other SRWs, every component of a Mesa Wall has been specifically designed to work together for optimum efficiency and performance. High-strength, low-absorption concrete units, corrosive-resistant connectors and Tensar Geogrids all work together to forge a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) system that meets or exceeds every industry standard. In fact, this optimal connection strength is so strong and reliable that core fill* is rarely needed or required. This translates into reduced costs and faster installation schedules. If you re looking for long-term durability, increased structural integrity and simplified construction, all at lower costs than conventional alternatives, specify the Mesa Retaining Wall Systems on your next project. * Core fill is defined as the aggregate fill added to the open void space of the Mesa Unit. Mesa Systems Components Component Tensar Geogrids Mesa Segmental Units Function High-density, polyethylene (HDPE) structural geogrids internally reinforce structure and fill materials. Inert to chemical degradation, they can be used with non-select fill or even crushed concrete. High-strength concrete block with a compressive strength that exceeds AASHTO standards (>4,000 psi). Mesa Connectors Unique locking connectors are designed to mechanically connect the Tensar Geogrids to the Mesa Units. Provide a low-strain, end-bearing connection that is not dependent on friction for structural integrity and allow walls to be built near vertical or with a 5 /8" setback. Full Engineering and Construction Services Detailing, design, construction services, site assistance, drawings and construction installation available for each Mesa project upon request.

3 Standard Units The most popular Mesa Unit in our full line of products. The Standard Unit can be used for virtually any SRW need. 8"h x 18"w x 11"d nom./75 lbs. XL Units Unit has an extended tail that provides installers an option for taller gravity wall installations. 8"h x 18"w x 22"d nom./110 lbs. Full Line of Products > Unlimited Landscapes, Structural Solutions Whether you re increasing useable land or improving property value, the Mesa Systems can solve your most challenging grade change requirements with a full line of SRW products. From building large structural walls to small tiered gardens, Mesa units blend effortlessly with the natural surroundings of any site. Ashford Units Create randomly patterned, mosaic-like walls using the Ashford Unit. Available in many different sizes for an infinite number of facing options. Ashford Units are only available with a straight face. Tall Unit: 16"h x 6"w x 11"d nom./60 lbs. Medium Unit: 8"h x 12"w x 11"d nom./60 lbs. Standard Unit: 8"h x 18"w x 11"d nom./75 lbs. Aesthetically Versatile Whether you re creating stairs, 90-degree corners, or convex or concave curves, Mesa Walls can easily accommodate a variety of design considerations. Based on your specific aesthetic requirements, units can be variegated by color and texture, and walls can even be built by mixing different facing options. Designs are limitless architects and designers are bound only by their imaginations. Gardener Units Simple, do-it-yourself blocks that are perfect for edgings, borders, sidewalks and other types of landscaped walls up to 3-ft. high. Gardener Unit: 4"h x 12"w x 8"d nom./25 lbs. In addition to the units listed above, we also offer Mesa Cap, Landscape and Corner Units. Manufacturing of each Mesa Unit depends on local availability. For more information on the units produced in your area, please call 800-TENSAR-1. 2

4 By coexisting with both nature and industry, a Mesa Wall combines creativity with functionality, providing the ideal solution for any situation. Creative Commercial and Industrial Projects > When designing for commercial applications, the need to combine creative looks with practical installations becomes a necessity, all while maintaining the bottom line. That s where the Mesa Systems can help. By coexisting with both nature and industry, a Mesa Wall combines creativity with functionality, providing the ideal solution for any situation. Endless Applications Commercial Developments Retail malls, big box stores, office complexes, etc. Recreational Jobs Golf courses, amusement parks, amphitheaters, sports facilities, etc. Municipal Projects Schools, hospitals, government buildings, public parks, libraries, etc. Industrial Sites Manufacturing and waste facilities, aggregate quarries, freight yards, mills, power plants and much more. Building on Codes Local building codes are applicable to almost all retaining walls in the commercial, industrial and even residential markets. The importance of conforming to these codes is increasingly imperative. If codes are not met, you risk the chance of wall failure or fines. In fact, there is even a code that regulates the design of SRWs that exceed four feet. This ensures that all participants design and inspect structural SRWs based on national standards. That s why we re proud that the Mesa Systems have been positively evaluated by the unified International Code Council (ICC) Evaluation Service. Standing Up to Industrial Sites Industrial sites often have heavy loading conditions and contain high-traffic areas. With a greater tolerance to differential and total settlement, the superior connection capabilities of the Mesa Systems make them the best solution for these types of projects. In fact, Mesa Walls can even be designed to stand up to extremely high static loads and have been known to handle areas with the highest seismic activities.

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6 Whatever your need, you can be assured that by building a Mesa Wall you are adding property value to your land it s as simple as that.

7 Reliable Residential Applications > Mesa Walls provide a variety of solutions for your singlefamily and multi-family home projects. Whether you need a structural or landscaped wall, Mesa Units coexist with nature and industry and combine creativity with functionality to provide the ideal solutions for any residential situation. Whatever your need, you can be assured that by building a Mesa Wall you are adding property value to your land it s as simple as that. Power of the Positive There s a lot to be said for beauty and versatility in the residential market. But you want to make sure your wall withstands the test of time. With structural walls, it all comes down to connection. If you compromise connection strength, you risk wall failure. Most other SRW systems rely on aggregate interlock or friction between the components to hold the geogrid reinforcement in place and call it a connection. The Mesa Systems unmatched connection strength assures efficiency and performance. This creates a structural wall that will last for years to come. More than Just Landscaped Walls Beyond structural walls, your property can be enhanced using simple landscaped wall designs. The Mesa Systems offer simple aesthetic considerations to blend with any home and are easier to maintain than other types of conventional wall alternatives. Unlike treated lumber and railroad ties, Mesa Units will not split, rot or warp. Their high-compression concrete resists cracking and insect infestation. This assures a maintenance-free and environmentally friendly wall that is sure to please any property owner. 6

8 With the Mesa Systems unmatched structural mechanical connection, you are assured connection integrity where it is needed most at the face. Tried and True Transportation Solutions > Seldom is the connection of an SRW system tested more than within the transportation market. Differential settlement and traffic barriers, as well as construction and seismic loads, can test the strength of any retaining wall. In these scenarios, connection strength must be reliable. With the Mesa Systems unmatched structural mechanical connection, you are assured connection integrity where it is needed most at the face. Exceptional Performance, Uncompromising Integrity With superior holding capabilities, the Mesa Systems positive, mechanical connection makes it the ideal solution for critical transportation applications. The systems connection components are unaffected by abrasion, tearing and hydrolysis real considerations that undermine the performance of frictional systems using woven polyester geogrid reinforcement. The result is exceptional performance and uncompromised structural integrity under a variety of soil, loading and environmental conditions. Recognized for Its High Standards If it s good enough for the Highway Innovative Technology Evaluation Center (HITEC), chances are it will work for you. Impartial performance reviews conducted by HITEC provide credible and comprehensive information about products and technologies that help DOT organizations make informed purchasing decisions. The fact that the Mesa Systems are one of the few geosynthetic-reinforced retaining wall systems that have been evaluated by HITEC is often a determining factor in most transportation projects. For a complete copy of the Mesa Systems HITEC evaluation, please call 800-TENSAR-1 or visit

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10 MesaPro Software helps you make sound technical decisions based on your specific site requirements while continuing to optimize your designs using the Mesa Retaining Wall Systems. Designing with MesaPro Software > We are proud to offer engineers and architects our MesaPro Software, the most advanced, computer-based design software program available for the analysis of SRWs. This unique program helps you make sound technical decisions based on your specific site requirements while continuing to optimize your designs using the Mesa Retaining Wall Systems. MesaPro Software has the flexibility to adjust design criteria to meet project specifications. The program lets the user work with all available types of Tensar Geogrid options (all of which have been specifically developed for use with the Mesa Systems). Engineers are also given such options as choosing between Standard Mesa Units or High Performance Mesa Units, selecting walls with or without batter and designing for global stability. other unusual site and loading conditions, and it can help you define up to five different foundation soil layers and ground water locations. Design considerations include, but are not limited to: bridge abutments, superimposed walls, trapezoidal walls and back-to-back walls. This interactive software provides you with immediate feedback while allowing you to see your design as work progresses. And, you have the confidence of knowing that this program is offered by Tensar Earth Technologies, the industry s leader in soil reinforcement for over 20 years. MesaPro Software can be run on Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT or XP platforms. It is available at a cost of $99 per program. To order your copy, contact our customer service department at 800-TENSAR-1. Based on AASHTO, MesaPro Software has the flexibility to conform to NCMA and other design requirements. It allows you to save time when analyzing for global stability and

11 Standard Mesa Design > The information contained in this section is for preliminary design use only. Prior to final design, a registered design engineer should be consulted for assistance. Tensar Earth Technologies accepts no liability for the inappropriate use of this information. Using the Charts: The design charts on the following pages cover six different design scenarios with a range in wall elevations from 4 (1.2m) to 14 (4.2 m)-ft., increasing in height incrementally by 2-ft. (600 mm). The design scenarios alter the wall batter, backfill soil type and loading conditions. Understanding these different scenarios is important in selecting the proper solution for your specific design. Wall Batter The Mesa Units can be constructed at a near vertical (±1%) or a 4.5 batter. Loading Conditions The three loading conditions are a horizontal surface at the top of the wall with no surcharge load, a horizontal surface at the top of the wall with a uniform surcharge of 250 psf and a 3 horizontal to 1 vertical slope on top of the wall. Once the proper design case has been identified, the chart will present the geogrid type, length and spacing required. All lengths listed are measured from the Mesa connection to the last transverse bar on the Tensar Geogrid and are uniform throughout the given elevation of the wall. The design charts assume that the walls are constructed in accordance with the Mesa Systems standard specifications and construction guidelines. Please visit or call 800-TENSAR-1 for more information on Mesa Systems standards. Soil Types The two backfill soil types are a sand material (32 ) and a silt or lean clay (28 ). Foundation soils are assumed to be competent. Typical Cross-Section (Near Vertical) Typical Cross-Section ( 5 /8" Setback) 10

12 Mesa Design Charts > Sand: Ø=32 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 REINFORCED BACKFILL SOIL TYPE Silt/Lean Clay: Ø=28 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 Wall Height (H) H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' Geogrid Length (L) L=4' L=5' L=6' L=7' L=8' L=9' Geogrid Type LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' L=5.5' L=6.5' L=8' L=9.5' L=11' L=12' LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 Sand: Ø=32 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 REINFORCED BACKFILL SOIL TYPE Silt/Lean Clay: Ø=28 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 Wall Height (H) H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' Geogrid Length (L) L=4.5' L=5.5' L=6' L=7.5' L=8.5' L=10' Geogrid Type LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' L=5.5' L=6.5' L=8' L=9.5' L=11' L=12' LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 Sand: Ø=32 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 REINFORCED BACKFILL SOIL TYPE Silt/Lean Clay: Ø=28 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 Wall Height (H) H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' Geogrid Length (L) L=4.5' L=4' L=5' L=6' L=7' L=8' Geogrid Type LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' L=4' L=4.5' L=5.5' L=6.5' L=8' L=9' LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 R

13 Sand: Ø=32 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 REINFORCED BACKFILL SOIL TYPE Silt/Lean Clay: Ø=28 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 Wall Height (H) H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' Geogrid Length (L) L=4.5' L=4' L=5' L=6' L=7' L=8' Geogrid Type LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' L=4' L=4.5' L=6' L=6.5' L=8' L=9' LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 Sand: Ø=32 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 REINFORCED BACKFILL SOIL TYPE Silt/Lean Clay: Ø=28 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 Wall Height (H) H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' Geogrid Length (L) L=4' L=4.5' L=5' L=6' L=7' L=8.5' Geogrid Type LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' L=4' L=6' L=8' L=9.5' L=11' L=13' LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 Sand: Ø=32 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 REINFORCED BACKFILL SOIL TYPE Silt/Lean Clay: Ø=28 º ; γ =120 pcf; c=0 Wall Height (H) H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' Geogrid Length (L) L=4' L=4' L=5' L=6' L=7.5' L=8.5' Geogrid Type LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 H=4' H=6' H=8' H=10' H=12' H=14' L=4' L=6' L=7.5' L=9' L=11' L=12.5' LH800 LH800 LH800 UX1100 UX1100 UX1100 For more detailed design guidelines, please refer to the Mesa Design Guidelines Manual and/or MesaPro Design Software available from Tensar Earth Technologies. To order, visit or call 800-TENSAR-1. 12

14 Mesa Walls are more than a site solution: they create a visually appealing landscape feature on your site. The Many Different Faces of Mesa Walls > Endless Design & Aesthetic Options Beyond design, if your site needs a retaining wall, why not make it as attractive and useful as possible? In today s competitive and ever-changing wall market, architects and owners are continually looking for new ways to build walls that look as good as they work. Not only do they want a wall that is structurally sound, they also want a wall that blends naturally with its surrounding environment. The Mesa Systems are at the forefront of the industry with a wide array of design options. From blending and variegating colors and textures to planting greenery on tiered walls and top slopes, walls become more than a site solution they become an appealing landscape feature on your site. Mesa Ashford System Recent design and architectural trends are calling for solutions with a uniform look and a more natural and aesthetic appeal. SRWs are no exception. The Mesa Ashford System is meeting this market demand with an Ashlar-inspired, mosaic-like pattern facing. Locally available in three different block sizes and several different colors, Ashford Units can be split-faced providing a clean line appearance or antiqued for a weathered look. And unlike other ashlar-inspired SRW systems, the Mesa Ashford System features a unique positive mechanical connection assuring a stronger facing connection to the geogrid reinforcement. Mesa Optima System While Ashlar-inspired SRW systems are naturally beautiful to look at, their installation and cost demand more from standard SRW technology. That s why the Mesa Systems are proud to introduce the most recent and innovative addition to our product line the Mesa Optima System. The most dependable and aesthetically pleasing molded-faced SRW system available on the market today, Optima Walls get their look from digitized form liners that have been manufactured into three different standardized choices. These include: Flag Stone, River Rock and Ledge Stone. Using precise laser

15 technology to recreate natural stone facings, a threedimensional image is superimposed onto the face of a Mesa Standard Unit. The result is an unmatched, visually attractive, structural SRW solution that remains both cost-effective and easy-to-install. Designing for Special Considerations Serpentine walls blend with naturally curving contours, while inside and outside corners complement the traditionally angular look of existing structures. With the Mesa Systems, your design options know no bounds. Curves and Corners Designing for inside, outside and serpentine curves as well as 90 inside and outside corners is easy as the unique locking connector makes alignment and installation quick and simple. Steps Whether you require steps in front or inside of your wall, the Mesa Systems are up to the challenge. By offering different units to aid in your project requirements, virtually any design can be realized. Tiered and Terraced Walls A less obtrusive alternative than conventional wall solutions, tiered and terraced walls can be built in areas with sufficient land space. A typical design guideline for this type of application is to have enough green space in between walls that s equal to twice the height of the lower wall for each wall that is considered its own structure. For more information on design and construction of these or other special considerations, please refer to the Mesa Installation and Special Considerations Manual. For local availability on the different unit and color options in your area, please contact your regional Mesa Systems representative. 14

16 Standard Installation Procedures > The following steps provide a general guide for installing the Mesa Retaining Wall Systems. These steps will help you through standard installation procedures from start to finish. If you are installing the Mesa Systems on a specific project and require more detailed information, please refer to the Mesa Installation and Special Considerations Manual or the project s installation instructions and drawings within the contract bid documents. A copy can be obtained by calling 800-TENSAR-1, visiting or contacting your local Mesa representative. Step 1: Preconstruction Preparation It is important to make yourself familiar with the components of the Mesa Systems prior to the start of construction. Below is a list of these components and the tools needed to aid you in the construction of a standard Mesa Wall. Mesa Corner Units, drainage composite, piping and geotextile materials may also be required. List of suggested tools for the installation of the system: Dead blow hammer 2-ft. 4-ft. level Utility saw and/or grinder Masonry string and chalk line Pitchfork (used to help remove slack from geogrid) Shovels Compaction equipment Step 2: Prepare the Leveling Pad Prepare the subgrade by excavating vertically to plan elevation and horizontally to design geogrid lengths. If stockpiling excavated material for reinforced fill, remove all surface vegetation and debris prior to backfill. Start the leveling pad at the lowest elevation of the wall. Level the prepared base with 6" of unreinforced concrete or well-compacted granular fill (gravel, road base or 3 /4" minus [13 20 mm] crushed stone). The leveling pad is typically 12" wider than the Mesa Unit, 6" in front and behind the Mesa Unit. Compact the well-graded stone to 95% Standard Proctor or greater. Steps in the leveling pad are required to change elevation. It is important that the height of the step is equal to the height of the number of unit courses. Aggregate leveling pads are generally overbuilt and should be carefully trimmed down to meet the proper elevation. If a concrete leveling pad is used, it is important to have the step-up heights match the Mesa Unit s height exactly. If not, grinding and/or shimming may be required. Step 3: Install the Base Course Once the pad is in place, begin by making a wall line where the units will rest. Chalk works well for concrete, while string works well for aggregate. Place the first course of Mesa Units tightly together with the sides touching and the textured face outward. The first course must be accurately placed to align with the string line, carefully spaced and leveled to facilitate construction and enhance the appearance of the wall. Occasionally a unit will have a slight difference in height. If this occurs, a geogrid rib or fingers may be used to shim the face or tail back to level.

17 Mesa Systems Components: Mesa Standard Units Mesa Cap Units Mesa Connectors Tensar Geogrids Step 4: Geogrid and Connector Placement Prior to placement of additional courses, two Mesa Connectors are inserted into each preceding Mesa Unit. The flag s (exposed portion of the connector) orientation will create the batter of the wall face. If the design dictates the need for a geogrid at a particular elevation, the Tensar Geogrid will be installed with the Mesa Connectors penetrating through the geogrid apertures. Snug the geogrid against the connector teeth, and then drive the connector the rest of the way using a rubber mallet. Note: The transverse bar of the geogrid must be pulled taut against the connectors prior to final seating of the connector into the block. Any slack in the geogrid may be removed by anchoring it with stakes or rebar. Once the connectors and, when required, the geogrid are in place, the Mesa Units must be swept clean prior to placing the next course. Failure to do this can result in problems with seating and leveling of the subsequent courses. The connected geogrid can be draped over the front face of the wall while the backfill is placed up to the geogrid elevation. Step 5: Place and Compact Backfill Install drainage fill, typically 3 /4" welldrained stone, behind the wall face as directed by the design drawings (12" min.). Peagravel should not be used for drainage fill. Behind the drainage fill, use backfill material that meets project specifications. When placing backfill over the geogrid layer, the fill should be placed to minimize any slack in the geogrid. Placing the fill in a direction away from or parallel to the face of the wall will minimize this slack. In addition to the direction of fill placement, a pitchfork can be used to assist in fill over the geogrid and remove slack. Loose lifts of the reinforced fill shall not exceed 6" where hand compaction equipment is used, or 10" where heavy compaction equipment is used. These thicknesses may vary depending on the approved project-specific soil types used. Compact fill to 95% Standard Proctor per ASTM D-698 or as required by the contract documents. Note: Only hand-operated compaction equipment shall be used within 3-ft. of the tail of the Mesa Units. Heavy equipment in this area can dislocate the geogrids and face units. Step 6: Install Additional Courses Place the next course over the Mesa Connectors on the previous course, fitting the flags inside the open cavity of the block. Pull the unit forward, so that it makes contact with the connectors. The vertical joint alignment should be checked frequently as the connectors allow the units to slide from side to side. To maintain level on each course as you build up, continue to check for level front to back and side to side. If needed, shim when required. Once the current course is level, continue to repeat steps 4 through 6 until final elevation is reached. Step 7: Place Cap Units (when required) Using an approved, exterior concrete adhesive, Cap Units may be secured to the course of units below. These units may be placed such that a nominal 1" overhang is achieved or flush with the face of the wall. For additional information on installation quality and control procedures, please refer to the Mesa Installation and Special Considerations Manual. This document may be obtained at 800-TENSAR-1 or 16

18 By combining beauty and elegance with efficiency and performance, Mesa Walls are built to last the test of time. The Solutions of Choice > The Mesa Systems have increasingly become the solutions of choice for residential, commercial and transportation applications. By combining beauty and elegance with efficiency and performance, Mesa Walls are built to stand the test of time. Our entire distribution team throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality products, service and support. With more than 30 in-house engineers, Tensar Earth Technologies strives to keep its systems at the forefront of today s design technology and market trends. For more information on the Mesa System, please call 800-TENSAR-1, visit or info@tensarcorp.com. We are happy to supply you with additional Mesa product information, complete installation and design guidelines, system specifications, design details, conceptual designs, sealed construction drawings, preliminary cost estimates, summaries of completed projects, design software and much more.

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20 Tensar Earth Technologies, Inc Glenridge Drive, Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia TENSAR-1 Authorized Representative: 2006, Tensar Earth Technologies, Inc. Certain products and/or applications described or illustrated herein are protected under one or more U.S. patents. Other U.S. patents are pending, and certain foreign patents and patent applications may also exist. Trademark rights also apply as indicated herein. Final determination of the suitability of any information or material for the use contemplated, and its manner of use, is the sole responsibility of the user. Printed in the U.S.A. MESA_BRO_ALL_E_1.06