Download the free GeoLok Design Program, our retaining wall design software for the GeoLok Earth Retaining System. Please note the GeoLok Earth Retaining System is only available in KwaZulu-Natal.
Users of concrete retaining blocks should seek the advice of a professional geotechnical and/or civil engineer when designing any wall in excess of 1m in height. Concrete retaining walls must comply with local building regulations.
All burnt clay bricks demonstrate irreversible expansion after extended exposure to moisture. The extent of the expansion will vary according to brick type. Movement related to irreversible expansion can be accommodated through the insertion of vertical movement joints into horizontal lengths of walling.
SABS 0249 recommends design for potential movement due to moisture expansion, in mm/m:
Category I bricks – 0.5mm/m
Category II bricks – 0.5-1mm/m
Category III bricks – 1-2mm/m
Southern Africa can be divided into four exposure zones, which are defined in SABS 0164 Part 2.
Zone 1 – Protected
All areas 30km or more inland from the coast.
Zone 2 – Moderate
The coastal belt extending up to 30km from the coastline, but excluding the spray zone.
Zone 3 – Severe
Sea spray zone. This includes areas at sea level on the east and north seaward sides of the Durban Bluff and other similarly exposed coastal headland areas.
The 15km coastal zone which extends from Mtunzini to the Mozambique border. This includes Richards Bay and St Lucia.
The coastal belt of Namibia.
Zone 4 – Extremely Severe
Area such as Walvis Bay, where the moisture from sea mist and high ground water tables, high soluble sulphates in the soil, and / or rapid temperature changes, combine to create the most severe exposure and weathering conditions in Southern Africa.
Industrial areas where high acid and or alkali discharges occur.