GRAVIX - INNOVATION TODAY

for the Infrastructure of Tomorrow

Why Gravix?

  • Designed for DOT applications
  • Gravix® is accepted by 42 DOT’s across the United States and expanding rapidly
  • Gravix is available with stem lengths up to 40 feet
  • Cost reduction and time savings due to smaller (typically 3 to 4 man) crews/100% precast
  • Onsite soils can often be utilized with the Gravix system (AASHTO Prefabricated Modular Design Methodology)
  • Gravix Slot Construction – tighter sites, existing utilities & obstructions


Gravix wall is the best and quickest option for the earth retaining world. It is cost effective.


Siddharth Balar -CMES Inc.

THE DESIGN

The Gravix wall units vary in stem depth dependent upon the wall height, as well as surcharge. A standard unit is 32 SF of face area (8’ x 4’). A typical wall section has the longest units at the bottom and get shorter as they are stacked vertically. Also, at the top of a wall, to follow grade, the casting mold is placed on a tilt table to allow the top of the unit to be cast on a slope. The sloping top edge of the units allows all of the unique geometry top units to be precast and customized for each project. The angled precasting also produces a leveling unit to be used directly below traffic barrier units to allow the uniform traffic barrier unit to parallel roadway grade. The precaster can then provide a complete retaining wall package to the highway contractor. Gravix, providing large precast units and a complete retaining wall system, allows the highway contractor to use less labor, common equipment and achieve higher installation rates, saving time and money.

All of the units incorporate a triangular section in the stem perpendicular to the face that allows the weight of the backfill to bear on the units below, thus transferring downward pressure, which results in a stabilizing effect. In combination, the units create a coherent gravity mass designed to resist overturning, sliding and bearing failure. The design methodology follows the well-accepted AASHTO guidelines of a conventional Prefabricated Modular Retaining Wall.

MASH TL-4 TRAFFIC BARRIER

Gravix® entered the highway market after becoming the first all 100% precast traffic barrier to pass the MASH TL-4 impact test. In 2013, a test Gravix® wall was constructed at the Texas Transportation Research Institute (TTI) testing and proving grounds in College Station, Texas. The test wall and barrier successfully passed the MASH TL-4 test and received its Letter of Eligibility from the FHWA.

  • Integrated moment slab
  • 42” single slope
  • Can be placed on top of Gravix as well as MSE panel walls

TOP AND LEVELING UNIT

  • Custom top units
  • Leveling units to meet roadway grade
  • No cap or coping required

To allow the top of the retaining wall to follow grade, angled top units are cast using molds on a tilt table. For Gravix retaining walls that require a traffic barrier, a leveling unit is installed directly below the Gravix traffic barrier unit, also cast on a tilt table, to allow the Gravix traffic barrier to follow roadway grade.


SLOT CONSTRUCTION


  1. Eliminate temporary shoring
  2. Provide a safer sloped back-cut
  3. Reduce infill stone volume

Resources

Need engineering assistance?