Designing a retaining wall for this Dollar General project required solving a complex grade separation challenge within tight property constraints.

Geotechnical analysis revealed marginal shear strength in the site’s clayey sand, ranging from loose to medium density. In addition to the 15-feet height requirement and tight proximity to the property line, the top of the wall needed to support a crest slope and drainage swale to effectively manage surface run-off.

Additionally, a drop inlet would be placed immediately behind the wall that would serve to drain the crest swale. The drop inlet structure would need to match the full height of the retaining wall with an 18-inch diameter outlet pipe to cross under the base of the wall.

Due to limited space and the close proximity of drainage infrastructure, external geogrid reinforcement was not feasible. A gravity wall system capable of the required design height would be the only suitable option. To help strengthen the foundation, the bottom of the wall featured a 3.5-foot undercut zone with crushed stone drainage fill.

Collaborative design and cost estimating between Rozier Construction, MMC Materials, and JC Hines & Associates ensured the Redi-Rock solution met both engineering and budget requirements.