Earth Retention Systems

Earth Retention Solutions with GEOWEB® Retaining Walls

Structural Cellular Confinement for Vertical Stability and Vegetation

Vertical environments and steep embankments are subject to severe hydrostatic pressure, soil erosion, and mechanical instability. Standard rigid wall systems often fail under differential settlement in soft-soil conditions, leading to cracking and catastrophic wall rotation. GeoCHEM, Inc. delivers the GEOWEB® cellular confinement system, a flexible, three-dimensional matrix engineered to provide superior structural integrity, promote sustainable drainage, and accommodate soil movement in demanding civil applications.

Mitigating Earth Retention Failure

1. Differential Settlement in Soft Soils

The Challenge: Rigid block or cast-in-place concrete walls are highly susceptible to cracking and structural failure when the foundation soil shifts or settles unevenly. This mechanical stress breaks the wall's structural unity, threatening the embankment above.

The GeoCHEM Solution: The flexible GEOWEB® system acts as a high-strength, interconnected cellular mattress. Because it is inherently resilient, the system deforms in response to soil movement rather than failing, effectively mitigating shear stress and maintaining structural stability where rigid walls cannot.

2. Erosion and Stormwater Runoff

The Challenge: Conventional walls force surface water to concentrate at the base or over the top, creating scour zones and erosion paths that wash away the slope toe, eventually destabilizing the entire retaining structure.

The GeoCHEM Solution: Our open-celled facia design allows for natural stormwater infiltration and provides a contained environment for deep-rooted vegetation. This promotes green infrastructure, reduces hydrostatic pressure against the wall, and provides natural erosion control.

3. Modular Installation in Restricted Geometries

The Challenge: Building vertical retention systems in sensitive landscapes or alongside existing bridge abutments often precludes the use of heavy precast units or complex formwork, increasing labor costs and site disturbance.

The GeoCHEM Solution: GEOWEB® panels are lightweight and compact during transport, easily carried to site locations where large equipment cannot maneuver. The modular design accommodates custom curves, multi-tiered heights, and varying slope angles for seamless integration into the existing terrain.

Engineering Resource Center

Design Tools and Specifications

GeoCHEM offers comprehensive resources to simplify your project:

• GEOWEB MSE Wall Design Software for structural planning

• CAD Details including corner, bend, gravity wall, and 3D wall section drawings

• Technical Documentation: CSI-format specifications, GW30v6 wall section details, and installation guidance

With GEOWEB® retaining walls, engineers and landscape architects gain the ability to design structurally sound, visually appealing, and environmentally sustainable earth retention systems that last for decades

GEOWEB® Retaining Walls

Review Your Site Specs with an Expert

Earth retention systems require careful analysis of soil properties and hydrostatic loads. Our engineering team is ready to analyze your site specifications and provide structural recommendations for your GEOWEB® installation.