Pace Developments has used the Guardian reinforced retaining wall system to maximise car parking space at its new residential development in Ashton Under Lyne. The integrated system, consisting of the Guardian retaining wall and BBA approved Secugrid, was installed to build up and level the existing ground, enabling Pace to develop the area right up to the site boundary.

As the land at the rear of the development dropped by 3m within 500mm of the site boundary, Pace had to build up the ground in order to make the most of the available space. Guardian was specified to retain and reinforce the built up ground as its modular and mortarless construction removed the need for specialist contractors on-site. Jamie Preston, Operations Director, Pace Developments, commented: "We needed a time-efficient solution that would help us to maximise the number of car parking spaces and complete this project to schedule. We have been especially pleased with the quality finish of the Guardian retaining wall which complements this high-specification development nicely."

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With the wall being higher than one metre and soil loadings apparent, CMS Specialist Geotechnical Solutions designed a reinforced Guardian solution, which was eligible for free PI cover. Key to the reinforced system is the Secugrid geogrid, which effectively anchors and extends the serviceable life of the retaining wall. Manufactured from either polyester or polypropylene, Secugrid is made of extruded monolithic flat bars with welded rigid junctions. Increased tensile strength is achieved through the interlocking effect of the granular soil into the grid apertures, and the frictional force transfer between the soil and the structured flat bars.

As an aesthetic choice, Guardian blocks are available in a range of standard colours, and in either a flat or bevelled split face finish. Bespoke colours and finishes can also be manufactured to meet specific project requirements.

(CD/JM)