T-Wall Precast Modular Retaining Wall System

T-WALL® Retaining Wall System

The T-WALL® retaining wall system combines the design principles of precast concrete modular walls with the gravity wall. The precast concrete, T-shaped wall segments that make up the retaining wall are designed to stack and interlock to create the wall surface. The stems of the “Ts” have a friction interaction with the soil backfill placed behind the wall. This method causes the system to act as a stable gravity wall.

The T-WALL® modules are stacked and arranged to create an earth retaining wall for the substructure of the bridge.

T-Wall Bridge Abutments

The modules are stacked and connected using key elements. The weight of the modules and the friction between the wall stems and the soil hold them in place.

This system combines the ideas behind the modular precast wall and the geosynthetically confined soil wall. Construction of this system is simplified in that only the modules and the backfill need placed sequentially.

Phone Credit: The T-WALL® retaining wall system

Where is the substructure and/or foundation on a bridge?

Substructure

The substructure consists of the portion of the bridge that supports the entire structure on the given surrounding soil. There are varying designs due to the different soil conditions for each bridge site and the different weights of the structures for each project.

Foundation

The role of the foundation of a bridge structure is to create a smooth transition allowing the internal forces to flow between the bridge and the ground. Foundations are the ‘bridges’ or links between the bridge and the ground.

There are really only two types of bridge foundations – although each has many variations – ‘spread’ foundations and ‘piled’ foundations. Both types must transfer forces into the soil beneath the bridge.

Spread Foundation

Piles Foundation

Photo Credit: Bridges