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TERRAFORCE products can provide you with environmentally friendly earth retaining and architectural landscaping using mortarless and fully interlocking concrete retaining and terracing blocks. Erosion and sediment control of versatile and plantable nature. Retaining walls for any environmental circumstance. Benefits and features Aesthetics Obtainable in different sizes and colours Reversible units for variations on elevation Variable setback allows featuresque appearance Design flexibility - corners, curves and stairs Plant supportive rounded or rock - face elevation Transport Design Design charts and manuals supplied Free design software - www.maxiwall.com Gravity or composite earth retaining options Specification test results available I.C.B.O. evaluation report completed* 80 project profiles on demand Instant design & planning info - www.terraforce.com Easy planning with one - block system Proven product for 25 years Low transport cost - light weight hollow units Easy handling for remote site applications Installation Installed using standard industry procedures No intricate installation manuals required Special units and connectors not required One - block system. Low labour & material cost 2
Initially an importer and distributor of w iremesh gabions from Spain, Terraforce became involved in the construction of gabion retaining w alls and erosion control measures in 1981. This led to the realisation that in many instances gabions are not cost effective or practical. After considering various alternative methods that w ere know n at that time, it w as decided to design a more versatile one block system. Gabion wall built with Terra Gabions during 1980 3
Low terrace walls with steps during construction 4
7 m high walls supporting a driveway 5
Terraforce retaining blocks can be used as part of either a gravity system or as the fascia of a geosynthetic reinforced segmental retaining wall structure or as a fascia for a cement stabilized backfill. Mass Gravity Retaining Walls Gravity retaining walls rely on their self-weight to resist lateral earth pressure, and such walls have been in use for centuries. In a gravity system the Terraforce masonry units can be stacked several courses deep to provide support to the forces imposed by the retained soil; the weight and geometry of the stacked units prevent the constructed wall from sliding on its base or at an intermediate height, toppling over, or rotating out of position. 6
Composite retaining wall with L18 split face blocks 7
Geosynthetic reinforced soil segmental retaining walls utilize reinforcing sheets of geogrid or suitable woven geotextile which are attached to the fascia and are embedded in a body of engineered fill. The integrated nature of the fascia and the abutting large body of reinforced soil thereby supports the applied earth forces. In this case the 'gravity' component of the retaining wall is provided by the reinforced soil mass acting as a monolithic unit. By virtue of their inherent flexibility, such walls are able to accommodate movement and some settlement without suffering distress. This makes the system particularly suitable for construction on (engineered) filled ground or in areas which may be prone to settlement effects. Also, the cost and difficulty of construction of such retaining walls is minimized as the need to provide full frost wall foundations can be waived in many circumstances. 8
Bi-Annual CMA Awards Terraforce has secured the Premier Bi-annual Award in the retaining category from the Concrete Manufacturers Association in the years 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2008 as well as winning several National and Regional Awards at each event. Mixed pattern 9
1) EROSION CONTROL MEASURES Since 1986 Terrafix erosion control blocks have proved themselves as a most versatile and environmentally sound product. They were designed to provide a cost effective, flexible lining to protect against wind and water erosion. Recently the new Terracrete Exec. block was added to our range of products. Terracrete is even more cost effective, and can be specified as a hard lawn - drive over for light vehicles, when provided with a well designed subbase. Terracrete has been designed specifically so that it can be installed with ground anchors for application with high water velocities. Both these durable concrete units, in combination with the original shape retaining blocks, may be used in most saline or polluted conditions, interlock laterally and offer a secure yet flexible lining. The products have been specified in applications, designed to charge our dwindling ground water reservoir and to provide a perfect regime for establishing vegetation. 10
Small stream and inlet 11
Silt traps incorporating boulders 12
The end result 13
Culverts large and small Segmented concrete products are rapidly gaining in popularity over other methods and in combination with vegetation cover are more durable, versatile and cost effective. From the environmental point of view this combination stands out head and shoulders above other earth retaining methods, such as wood, metal-based materials and rock rip rap. 14
L13 and Terrafix erosion control blocks to stabilise a fast flowing river bed and embankments 15
The project a few years later 16
Prevent washout of fill with coarse gravel 17
Storm water detention 18
Lakeside steps and walls 19
Founded at low water mark 20
12 years later 21
Beachfront protection at Durrat Al Bahrain, Persion Gulf 22
Slope Rehabilitation 23
2008 CMA Awards Trophy Winner 24
Terracrete parking area with partial grass cover 25
Terracrete Road surface in Namibia 26
Strong Eco-surface for a boat-lifting facility 27
Terracrete road erosion control in rural areas Smooth round or flat face 28
2) FEATURES AND DETAILS A living wall: The unique design allows you to make plants a part of your wall. Durability: Concrete will not rot and weaken over time, and no chemical preservatives are required. Mortarless interlocking systems: The units are simply stacked up without mortar to provide a cost effective, do-it-yourself system. Layout flexibility: The half moon interlock easily handles convex and concave curves, and the wall angle can vary from vertical to shallow slopes. You can create steps by reversing the block. Colours and textures: Use the blocks round or flat face for the wall front. Consult your local supplier about available colours. 29
DETAILS FEATURES OF TERRAFORCE RETAINING UNITS A terraced garden 30
A terraced garden with good use of plants 31
A terraced garden with stairs 32
Composite wall with terrace 33
Architectural feature concrete filled 34
Seductive curves 35
Various design options 36
A beautiful desertscape 37
Pool and composite retaining 38
Terralite D.I.Y. block and gardenscapes 39
Gardenscapes - Terralite 40
Low wall with Terralite 41
Unlimited versatility 42
3) STAIRS, RAMPS AND HANDRAILS Unlimited curves affix handrails 43
L18 stairways and seating 44
And the most attractive 45
L18 emergency escape route 46
Stand alone stairs with railing 47
Walkway to lake 48
Retaining, stairs and ramp 49
Retaining with 4x4 block stairs 50
Retaining wall and offset stairs 51
Project ready for planting 52
A grand stairway Multi 4x4 and L13 blocks 53
Retaining wall and stairs bordering a tennis court 54
Various stairways 55
Stairs leading to the beach 56
Staircase in Dubai 57
4) SEATING ARENAS Urban renewal low cost pavillion seating 58
Amphitheatre for 2000 people - Turkey 59
Seating arenas 4x4 Multi block 60
500 seater arena 4x4 multi block 61
4) ROADSIDE AND DRIVEWAY SUPPORT AND PROTECTION Toe wall close to the sea with hardy plants established 62
Driveway support 63
Commercial roadside application 64
Complete cover for a softer look 65
A six meter high noise barrier 66
Award winning noise barrier three undulating terraces 67
The same installation a few months later 68
Rock face L11 69
Composite walls in Istanbul 70
5) HEAVY GRAVITY AND COMPOSITE RETAINING 60 000 L13 blocks delivered to site NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED! 71
The completed wall with vegetation 72
Geogrid folded into the blocks alternatively clamped between blocks 73
Reinforced half round supporting the pool 74
After completion 75
View from pool 76
A similar installation 77
9m high installation at commercial development 78
The award wining installation two years later 79
Award winning installation CMA awards 2004 80
Clover interchange in Doha, Qatar Stairways and mixed elevation 81
Road interchange in Dubai 82
Pool and composite retaining 83
Heavy duty composite roadside retaining 84
L11 6 m high composite wall - award winning project 85
We offer Green Solutions 86
Terraforce offers services of selected approved retaining wall contractors for professional quotations and installations of retaining blocks. By using these recommended contractors the public has peace of mind that his or her contract will be carried out professionally as recommended by Terraforce, and that the contractor will give a proper guarantee for any come backs that could occur. Please note that type of blocks available will vary from area to area. Phone 083 658 1056 for more information or visit the website for a list of contractors in South Africa. BE WELL PREPARED...with TERRAFORCE 87