Overview

MSE topsoil-filled bagwork was installed to provide much-needed structural support to build up an area of a sloping garden to act as a retaining wall.

Challenge

The existing site presented a significant challenge as it was an uneven, sloping grass area that required careful modification. The ground level needed to be raised to create a grassed terrace to extend the usable garden area.

This transformation was crucial, as the initial landscape did not provide the necessary stability or uniformity for construction. To address this, it was imperative to build a robust and secure retaining wall.

Solution

SoluForm's innovative MSE topsoil-filled geotextile bags were employed for this purpose; strategically placed around the base and foundation, these bags were essential in providing the crucial structural support needed to ensure the stability and longevity of the foundation.

The bags only weigh 20kg each, so can be handled by a single person, and easily carried to the installation site.

Shear keys, specifically designed to use between the rows of bagwork, also brought further structure to the installation providing additional stability.

Post-vegetation by hydroseeding provides the additional bonding of the bagwork through root growth into the bags to bind the whole retaining wall surface together. It also created the surface vegetation in grass, for the aesthetic finish which conceals the bagwork retaining shape and blends with the surrounding environment.

Outcome

Together with the client SoluForm was able to provide guidance, so that full plans were made before the installation began to ensure the stable structural supports could be installed with ease and precision.

Ultimately the goal for the client was to be able to establish planting on / in the bagwork to encourage growth and increase biodiversity. The prefilled soil bags are filled with the highest quality sand-rich topsoil to promote a diverse ecological environment to enhance plant and wildlife establishment.

The outcome was an extended flat garden area for the client to enjoy.