Engineered Retaining Walls | RECON

RECON is known in the industry as "big block" retaining wall systems. Highly engineered and tested, these pre-cast solid concrete blocks tip the scales at 1410 - 3100 lbs offering strength in mass for tall gravity walls 12' and taller.

Retaining walls are installed under two scenarios, either a cut or a fill situation. RECON has responded to offer blocks for both cut and fill, gravity and reinforced. Typically, a grid reinforced wall will be utilized for fill sites although there are times where a gravity wall is the only choice.

RECON in gravity does not require geo-grid reinforcement, therefore is a solution for site constraints such as:

• Tight property lines
• Environmental concerns to protect wetlands, tree drip lines, property buffers, and water sheds from site excavation
• Retaining needs close to buildings, roadways, and railroads
• Utilities either designed for installation behind the retaining wall or existing utilities (power poles, water lines, fiber optics) within the reinforcement zone behind the retaining wall
• Pool installation on a slope

Big block can also be installed as a grid reinforced wall. This is a very economical choice for fill walls to match the necessary RECON gravity cut wall.

RECON is manufactured in Elkton, Virginia by Skyline Brick in partnership with the expertise of Rockingham Ready Mix.

Manufacturing specifications hold tight dimensional tolerances with 4,000 psi ready mixed concrete that is air entrained for freeze thaw resistance. Big blocks are preferred by DOT agencies especially in cold snowy climates for resistance to deterioration due to salt spray from road treatments.

Aesthetically, the big block provides an 'old world' massive appeal of large cut stone blocks. Our RECON blocks are manufactured with brown sand and aggregate which softens the bright gray of natural cast concrete. Water based staining and sealing of the wall after installation is a popular option and often specified to provide hues to match a project's color scheme. Skyline recommends Legacy's Tinte d'Acqua water based stains and Aqua Clear water based sealant.

North Shore Granite

Rustic Cobbles

North Shore Granite and Rustic faces are currently manufactured by Skyline. New textures are in development and will be marketed in the summer of 2011.

Installation

Set by heavy equipment, hydraulics, and chains, a three man crew is ideal. One operator, one on the wall, and one staging the block and backfilling. 150 - 200 blocks or 800 - 1100 square feet per day can be expected as an average by an experienced installer after the base course has been set. This includes placing the drainage stone and backfilling.

Estimating Cost And Engineering

RECON is priced per job. Each RECON job is unique and requires different layouts, course heights, sizes of block, and freight distance. Contact any of the Ernest Maier Site Solutions team for a quote. To provide the best service and most accurate estimate, please provide the following:

• Grading plans rendering the location of the retaining wall as well as existing and proposed grades
• Soils report
• Pertinent details

The Ernest Maier team highly recommends that a licensed engineer review the plans and provides the preliminary estimate. We will work with an engineer you select or we can provide referrals upon request. It is advised that all walls 4' or taller be engineered.

More Information

Please visit these websites for more information:

• RECON
• Skyline Brick
• Rockingham Ready Mix
• Tinte d'Acqua Stain