Breinco offers a fully integrated technical solution: feasibility studies, preliminary design, and the construction of the retaining wall carried out by certified installation teams with over 30 years of experience.
An engineered retaining wall system designed for simplicity
The system’s characteristics make layout, design, and construction easier. These engineering principles make the AB retaining wall collection one of the most efficient and reliable systems on the market.
Mortarless construction
The “Mortarless” technology works. Building flexible structures with dry-stacked and interlocked materials delivers higher performance compared to rigid construction methods. It also provides key advantages such as adaptability to site conditions, faster installation, and sustainable modularity.
Integrated interlocking
Each facing block is securely locked by the patented front “lip”. No pins, mortar, or connectors are required.
Built-in inclination
The front lip also defines the final wall batter automatically. Three inclination options are available: 12°, 6°, or 3°. Wall stability calculations consider this inclination based on Coulomb’s theory: the greater the inclination, the lower the active earth pressure acting on the wall.
Integrated drainage
The hollow-core design allows water to drain freely from the retained soil through the wall face. Water moves through a vertical drainage zone made of granular material placed behind and within the blocks. This system relieves hydrostatic pressure, a key factor for structural stability and long-term performance.
Positive connection
Another key advantage of the AB system is the positive connection between geogrid layers and the blocks. This is achieved through the granular fill (12/18 gravel) placed inside the block cavities. The larger the friction surface, the more effectively loads are distributed.
The wall face becomes the cladding, while the reinforced soil mass with geogrid acts as the structural element.
This interlock between facing units and geogrid is known as the “rock-lock” effect, considered one of the most efficient connection systems available.
2. Gravity walls
A gravity wall relies solely on its own weight to resist the lateral earth pressure behind it.
The wall batter, combined with the unit mass of the blocks and the site soil conditions, determines the maximum achievable height of a gravity wall.
3. Geogrid-reinforced walls
When wall height or soil conditions exceed the capacity of a gravity system, geogrid reinforcement is added to provide the necessary structural strength. The main components remain similar, except for the geogrid and drainage pipe, which are essential for stability and performance.
4. Technical design and installation service
Since 1990, a dedicated technical department has provided expertise in advising, calculating, and delivering structurally safe retaining wall solutions.
Breinco offers technical support for feasibility studies and preliminary wall design, along with calculation software and construction details to support project development.
For any inquiries, contact Jordi Buldó, Product Manager specialist in AB Retaining Walls at Breinco:
Contact Jordi Buldó
Bibliography:
Allan Block Retaining Walls
Breinco Reinforced Soil Wall Design Manual
