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OPEN CORE GEOSTONE

-The Best Kept Secret In The Industry

G12-8 • 8" x 18" x 12" • 1 sq ft • 76 lbs

G10-8 • 8" x 18" x 10" • 1 sq ft • 50 lbs

G12-4 • 4" x 18" x 12" • 1/2 sq ft • 38 lbs

COMPARISON OF ENGINEERED MODULES ON THE MARKET

All engineered modules in the market have been granted patents based upon their unique method of connection. Connection methods fall into two categories:

Built-in - Lips, Lugs, + { Open Core }
- Built-in appendages like lips and lugs have preset setback = no vertical walls
Secondary - Pins, Bars, Clips / Clamps
- Added cost

All engineered modules have been tested in NCMA approved testing labs to determine the precise strength of their connection. Their connection strengths differ.

Engineers use the connection strength numbers achieved by the test results for each wall system to design walls with that system.

Examples of various patented retaining wall modules

NCMA Testing - Block to Block Shear

NCMA Testing - Grid Pull Out Test

NCMA Testing - Grid pullout simulator

Connection Strength Test Results - GeoStone 8" block with SF35 Grid

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These charts show GeoStone's grid pull out tests in comparison to other systems' test results using various grids. GeoStone's open core is shown in comparison to a commercial lip system and a commercial pin system.

Each chart represents a different grid strength or gauge. Wall height is represented as well as pressures exerted in the effort to simulate the force required to represent grid pull out or wall failure. The ultimate goal of these tests is to see how much force is required to produce a simulated wall failure.

The black line represents the GeoStone Retaining Wall System. The chart shows in all cases that due to its larger open core and Rock Interlock, the GeoStone system continues to get stronger as the wall gets taller resulting in far superior connection strength. In other words, the grids do not pull out of the GeoStone wall.

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Connection Strength Comparisons

GeoStone Open-Core vs Pin System

GeoStone Open-Core vs Lip System

Comparison Performed By:

Scott A. Jacobs, P.E.

Senior Geo-technical Engineer

ECS Carolinas, LLP

8702 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite A

Charlotte, NC 28127

GeoStone Walls are built using the same procedures used in construction of all segmental walls. There are no LIPS, PINS, BARS, or LUGS. GeoStone's exclusive OPEN-CORE design achieves maximum connection strength through ROCK INTERLOCK. * Note: Click on spec sheet above to download.

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STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

GEOSTONE USES OPEN-CORE CONNECTION

Advantages of GeoStone

(6) Maximum Connection Strength
(7) Weighs less than most engineered modules

(8) Maximum Flexibility and Freedom to be Creative
(9) Vertical Walls
(10) Corner and Radius
(11) Speed of Construction
(12) Ashlar 3 Piece
(13) Estimating, Engineering, 3D Design

ADVANTAGES OF GEOSTONE OPEN-CORE

Open Core - Top View - GeoStone Open Core Block

Rock Quarry Walls - 47 ft tall / all rock backfill / maximum live load surcharge

Wendy's - 23 ft tall / all rock backfill / Commercial traffic / live load surcharge

Hotel Swimming Pool - 4" block retaining wall 17' tall supporting swimming pool and athletic court - 90° at tallest point

Commercial Dupster Pad - 15' tall retaining wall - GeoStone 4" block - commercial dumpster pad on 90° corner. Footing in wetlands area.

G12-4 Commercial Wall - 25' tall retaining wall - GeoStone 4" block - Proposed medical office and parking lot. Severe bottom slope.

36' Tall GeoStone wall supporting 4 story multi-family

40 foot tall GeoStone wall (under construction) to support 4 story multifamily.

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Maximum Connection Strength

Open Core
- utilizes Rock Interlock Connection
- Larger Core = More Rock = Superior Connection & Drainage capabilities
Rock Quarry Walls
- 47 ft tall
- Max live load - surcharge (mining dump trucks 200+ ton)
Wendy's (Commercial Drive)
- 23 ft tall
- Drive-through within 3 ft of back of wall
Hotel Swimming Pool
- Supporting swimming pool and athletic court - 90° corner at highest point
Commercial Dumpster Pad
- G12-4 Half-Whole corner method
G12-4 Commercial Wall
- 25 ft tall - supporting commercial Bldg
Inkwell
- 6 walls on site totaling 17,000 sq ft
- 3 walls supporting surcharge of 4 story multi-family / 2 supporting commercial drive.
- Wall shown - lean clay seam discovered 15 below proposed wall foundation location - concrete footing - 40 ft micropiles used underneath.
The Grove
- 5 walls totaling 60,000 sq ft
- Main wall - 40 ft tall, 40,000 sq ft
- Raft Footing - Extent of Reinforced Zone
- Supporting 4 story Multifamily

ADVANTAGES OF GEOSTONE OPEN-CORE

Weighs less than most engineered modules

8”x18”x12” – 75 lbs
- 0.32 cu ft core fill
- 4.25' radius
- 1 sq ft wall face per block
4”x18”x12” – 38 lbs
- 0.16 cu ft core fill
- 4.25' radius
- 1/2 sq ft wall face per block
8"x18"x10" - 50 lbs - (NEW)
- 0.31 cu ft core fill
- 4.25' radius
- 1 sq ft wall face per block
4"x18"x10" - 25 lbs - (coming soon)
- 0.155 cu ft core fill
- 4.25' radius
- 1/2 sq ft wall face per block
Lower cost of materials
Easier to produce and palletize
Logistics – more square footage per truck

GeoStone's G12-8 Block: 8”x18”x12” – 75 lbs

GeoStone's G12-4 Block: 4”x18”x12” – 38 lbs

GeoStone's G10-8 Block: 8”x18”x10” – 50 lbs

GeoStone 8" and 4" blocks animated - View all sides

- No "hidden" appendages / connectors! True open core.

Delivery of GeoStone - Simple design = balanced pallet (easier handling in transport than lip and lug systems)

GeoStone Landscape 4" block - lighter weight makes it easier to maneuver on difficult terrain - carrying up hill

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ADVANTAGES OF GEOSTONE OPEN-CORE

GeoStone various stair options - Inside corners, Inside radius, Outside corners, Outside radius - Interior stairs / Exterior stairs

Cross section of stair using shorter 10.5" cap. Options - double cap or block + cap. When 8" block, recess block down enough to provide for code step height. Move cap out to provide full 12" tread or close if code requires. Fill gap with base material or wide joint polymeric sand.

GeoStone Landscape Block: 4”x18”x12” – Dual stairs surround natural area supported by retaining wall

GeoStone Landscape Block: 4”x18”x12” – inside steps with landings in tiered retaining wall application

GeoStone Ashlar retaining wall with steps and landings. Interior & Exterior steps.

GeoStone ashlar retaining wall - transition from interior steps (below grade) to exterior steps (above grade).

GeoStone display - recirculating ponds with dual sheer decent waterfalls (located here)

GeoStone 4" Landscape walls with pool. Sheer descent waterfalls in retaining wall at various locations.

Repair of GeoStone commercial wall - Ladder Technique

Wall Repair - Ladder Technique - Dismantle wall ONLY in affected area.

Wall Repair - Ladder Technique - Dismantle wall ONLY in affected area. Not possible with pin or lug systems.

Wall will abut concrete wall, turn inside 90° and continue along face of concrete wall as veneer

Wall will abut concrete wall, turn inside 90° and continue along face of concrete wall as veneer - Back notch on block

Back notch on GeoStone block shown above in the middle allows block to be "clipped" to another structure without affecting how the next course sits.

Back indention on GeoStone block allows block to be "clipped" to CMU's adding a tail to the GeoStone block for gravity wall applications. This moves the unit's center of gravity back and increases unit weight. Can be used in top courses as additional resistance to overturning.

GeoStone 4" Landscape Block - built in stairs

GeoStone 4" Landscape Block - built in column

GeoStone 4" Landscape Block - column (Half / Whole Corner method) uses 6 block per course. Other column options are available using universal cap.

GeoStone 4" Landscape Block - built in stairs

Slope Walls - Making usable area out of sloped terrain - Top wall retains cut - Bottom wall retains flat patio area - Use material (if suitable) from cut to level out retained area.

Raft Footing - Necessary for conditions that involve unstable foundations / possibility of differential settlement. Raft footings can extend to into retained areas if needed.

GeoStone 4" block is especially easy to manufacture on paver machines and therefore made in paver colors. Picture above shows 3 color mix with white cement. Very popular in coastal regions.

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Maximum Flexibility and Freedom to be Creative

Stairs
- Exterior / Interior
- Radius / Corner
- Above Grade / Below Grade
Ponds / Water Features
Repairs
- Remove section
  - Stair Step vs Ladder Technique
Various Installation Techniques

ADVANTAGES OF GEOSTONE OPEN-CORE

Vertical Walls

Necessary for
- abutting existing structures
- Commercial Codes
  - Parking Lots/Property Lines
  - Sidewalks
  - Toe of Slope
- Rock Quarry Walls
  - Rock Crusher Below
Not Possible With Built-In Batter Systems
- Lips
- Lugs
- Pins (near vertical option)

G12:4 Block: 4”x18”x12” True Vertical retaining wall – Abutting existing brick wall.

G12:4 Block: 4”x18”x12” – Abutting concrete wall and stone veneer - gradual transition from true vertical to 5° setback at corner

G12:8 8”x18”x12” True Vertical retaining wall – Abutting existing concrete wall.

Property code restrictions prevented the use of batter in some places due to sidewalk widths and parking areas. Toe of slope was variable as top of wall location was fixed.

Rock Quarry walls - 47' tall - Max loading. Rock crusher located below mandated minimal batter in wall or near vertical (1°) as settling over time would lead to true vert.

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ADVANTAGES OF GEOSTONE OPEN-CORE

Corner block - different run / color difference

old/sitting up = efflorescence

Corner block - different run / color difference

old/sitting up = efflorescence2

What not to do.

Miter corners - no interlocking properties - separation is emanate.

GeoStone retaining wall corners - Half Whole procedure

GeoStone retaining walls - Inside & Outside Corners

GeoStone Corner - "Half" Side (other half used on next course)

GeoStone Corner - "Whole" Side

GeoStone Corner - "Whole" Side2

GeoStone Corner - "Whole" Side3

GeoStone retaining walls - various radius applications

Summit retaining walls - Pins, batter, and radius - It just doesn't work. Pins won't aling with holes after certain height

Ashlar Wall - Radius and Corners - Get creative!

Tiered Walls with stairs between

Tiered Walls with stairs between - Specifiers concerned about layout and stairs moving sideways with batter. 3D proved it would not be noticeable due to being relative with overall walls layout. Alternate solution would be to build sections true vertical.

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Corner and Radius

Corner Block
- ALWAYS different run
- Not available - have to be made
- Available - sitting up / efflorescence
- Another item to estimate
Miter Corner (cutting on 45°)
- joint always opens up
GeoStone Corners
- Half Whole Rule
- 1.5 Blocks per course
- Corner Video
Inside Corner
Radius
- Radius + Batter
  - Pin Systems
  - Lip Systems
  - Lug Systems

ADVANTAGES OF GEOSTONE OPEN-CORE

Speed of Construction

Speed Video - On Site Footage
Lighter Weight
Balance
8" vs 4"
10" vs 12"
Alignment
- Stringline
- Top alignment grooves

GeoStone Retaining Wall System - G10 vs G12

GeoStone Block Alignment
- Back of front chamfer = 0.35" setback
- 5° on 4"x18"x12" or 2.5° on 8"x18"x12"

GeoStone Block Alignment
- Back of front chamfer = 0.35" setback
- 5° on 4"x18"x12" or 2.5° on 8"x18"x12"

GeoStone Block Alignment
- Top of block alignment grooves -
  - 1st mark = 1" setback per course

GeoStone Block Alignment
- Top of block alignment grooves -
  - 2nd mark = 2" setback per course

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ADVANTAGES OF GEOSTONE OPEN-CORE

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Comparison - Ashlar vs other configurations

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Ashlar Pattern procedure

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Ashlar Pattern

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Ashlar Pattern - Multiple colors

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Ashlar Pattern - Installation

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Ashlar Pattern - Installation - Cut grids at different levels

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Ashlar Pattern - Installation - Rodding the cores (recommended on all wall installations)

GeoStone Retaining Walls - Ashlar Pattern - Installation - Cut grids at different levels

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ASHLAR - 3 Piece

Random
Cost
- Field Mod
- Block Price
Make cuts offsite and re-palletize
Make cuts on site - dedicated man
Ashlar Installation Video
Very Important that block be made at true 4" & 8" tall heights. Slight variations (even within NCMA tolerance) can cause problems with alignment.

Estimating:

Ratio of 8” Landscape Block to 4” Standard Block - 1:1 (SF)

50% 8" block : 38% 4" whole block : 12% 4" cut block

504 sq ft wall (14 pallets) = 7 pallets 8" / 5 pallets 4" / 2 pallets 4" cut

Start with a set of digital plans. Make sure scale is correct by measuring printed scale on plans. Adobe Acrobat will let you adjust scale and measure on screen. Some plans will give you TW & BW ( Top of Wall & Bottom of Wall). Measure between these points but if grade changes unevenly between points, additional measurements may need to be made.

If project contains multiple walls, label each and determine if/how they will impact each other. In this case, Wall 2 will be loading Wall 1 and a distance of 5.35 ft is measured between them. Wall 2 will also be tying in to Wall 1. It is a good practice to determine the start and end points of each wall and label them for future reference. Walls should be designed from left to right as if facing and thus labeled accordingly.

Place numbers in appropriates cells. Enter the BLACK numbers only. RED numbers are calculations done by the program.

TWS: Top of wall start for that section - BWS: Bottom of wall start for that section - TWE: Top of wall end for that section - BWE: Bottom of wall end for that section

Length - Measured length of section / Embed - Block under ground (all measurements should be in feet)

GeoGrid Estimator (In yellow at top) can be adjusted to reflect slopes and surcharges which typically require longer and more frequent grids.

Amounts are calculated automatically and results are listed on front page. Prices per unit can be adjusted in middle bottom section in yellow. An Equalization factor at the top can be adjusted for waste and step ups / step downs. 6% - 10% has been typical for these sheets. This also will help get your estimate number closer to the Vespa wall design if performed. This takeoff is for quick estimates and averages numbers over the sections entered. The Vespa wall design is made to be more precise and in most cases, more accurate.

There are 24 wall estimators for projects with multiple walls. To the right of every estimator, there is a calc section specifically for Vespa Wall Design software. This can be copied and pasted straight into Vespa.

Paste into section of software where wall heights and stations are entered in. Make sure to list any crest and toe slopes and applicable benches that impact the wall. Multiple walls can be designed all in one easy to manage file. Also Revisions can be made without impacting the original design in case changes need to be made or reverted back to a particular state

Surcharge can greatly impact the wall design. Make sure to place the correct loading in the applicable areas behind the wall.

Live load - surchages that move (cars, trucks)

Dead Load - Surcharges that are stationary (buildings / structures)

Offset - how far back off the wall these items will be

A design will be created but this does not always mean adjustments won't have to be made by the designer. In a lot of cases and especially in larger walls or more difficult situations, the design produced by the software will fail its own criteria checks. This is where the wall designer must adjust various parameters such as increasing grid length and/or frequency. Soil friction angles are critical in these situations and must be verified by the site specific geotechnical report.

A calculations report can be generated at this point based on options selected by the designer. It can be as simple as a few pages or very detailed with many pages.

All information at this point can be exported to AutoCAD with Elevation and Section views for each wall in the site package.

This is the most useful and will be crucial to wall construction in the field. An overcomplicated wall design can confuse the installer who is trying to read it out in the field. Keep this in mind when setting everything up. What looks good on paper may not always translate in the field.

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