Sources: Allan Block Corp., Minneapolis; Expocrete Concrete Products Ltd., Edmonton; CP staff
The British Columbia Ministry of Transport has approved Allan Block segmental retaining wall systems in heights up to 9 meters (29 feet), adding the brand to its Recognized Product List earlier this month.
The specification extends prospects for Expocrete Concrete Products, which represents Allan Block in Western Canada through six plants, including one in Richmond, B.C. Expocrete officials especially note SRW systems’ cost competitiveness against large wet-cast block in tall structures, due partly to the limited lifting equipment needs for wall unit installation.
The B.C. Ministry of Transport has approved Allan units in structures up to 5 meters (16 feet) high for the past 15 years, during which Expocrete has shipped product for 3 million square meters (35 million square feet) of retaining walls across the province. Approval of a system for Ministry structures up to 9 meters is a testament of the SRW system’s capabilities, Allan Block officials affirm. Extensive, full-scale seismic testing and product experience, they add, demonstrate a quality, proven system for owners, designers and contractors. Allan Block and Expocrete staff train engineers and contractors on common industry design practices, instilling owner confidence that retaining walls are designed and installed correctly.