Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall Solution in County Armagh

Taranto de Pol, a leading concrete products manufacturer and natural stone supplier in Northern Ireland, planned the expansion of their Tandragee site in County Armagh. A key requirement of this development was the construction of a 9-metre-high retaining wall to support a new access road. This road was essential for heavy aggregate and cement trucks servicing the batching plant, meaning the structure needed to safely withstand significant traffic loads and long-term use.

With extensive experience in concrete construction and direct access to materials, Taranto de Pol initially considered a traditional cast-in-place reinforced concrete retaining wall. However, they recognised the potential benefits of alternative retaining wall systems, particularly in terms of cost, constructability, and performance. To explore more efficient and innovative solutions, they contacted Maccaferri Ltd’s Belfast office for expert guidance on reinforced soil wall systems.

Maccaferri designed and proposed a 9-metre-high reinforced soil retaining wall using the Terramesh® System, a proven solution for high-load infrastructure projects. The wall was constructed with a 75-degree face angle from horizontal, maximising the usable space for the access road while maintaining structural stability.

The Terramesh® system combines a gabion-faced retaining wall with an integrated steel mesh geogrid reinforcement. These geogrid “tails” are installed horizontally within layers of compacted structural backfill, creating a reinforced soil mass that significantly improves strength and load distribution compared to unreinforced ground. This engineered solution enabled the structure to safely support a surcharge load of 20 kN/m² from heavy truck traffic.

One of the major advantages of reinforced soil walls like Terramesh® is their flexibility. Unlike rigid concrete retaining walls, they can accommodate differential settlement without cracking or structural failure, making them ideal for industrial applications. For taller retaining structures where internal stresses are higher, the system was enhanced with polymeric Paragrid reinforcement, further increasing durability and performance.

Taranto de Pol approved the Terramesh® retaining wall solution due to its technical advantages and cost-effectiveness. Although it was their first time using this system, they utilised their in-house construction team to carry out the installation. With on-site training and technical support from Maccaferri engineers, they were able to confidently build the structure, backed by ongoing expert assistance when required.

This project highlights the effectiveness of reinforced soil retaining walls for heavy-duty industrial applications, offering a durable, flexible, and economical alternative to traditional concrete solutions.