Segmental block connection system

Abstract

A block pad for being disposed between courses of blocks in a segmental retaining wall, the block pad having frictional properties for transferring tensile load from a soil reinforcing geosynthetic to the wall. The block pad further providing cushioning between block courses to minimize block cracking from bearing loads and wall settlement.

1 . A pad for improving a geosyntheticly reinforced segmental retaining wall system, the pad comprising: 
 a resilient material for being disposed between block layers in a segmental retaining wall, the pad for transferring tensile load from a geosynthetic soil reinforcing material to the segmental retaining wall block face.    
     
     
         2 . The pad of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient material is shaped to substantially match the shape of the horizontal surface of the blocks.  
     
     
         3 . The pad of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient material comprises one or more of the following: 
 polyvinyl chloride (PVC);    a needlepunched nonwoven geotextile; or    a polymeric foam applied to a scrim.    
     
     
         4 . A pad for reinforcing a segmental retaining wall, the pad comprising: 
 a resilient material that has a thickness sufficient to substantially fill voids and uneven surfaces between adjacent horizontal surfaces of retaining blocks.    
     
     
         5 . A block pad that is composed of a planar material comprising: 
 a polymeric material either membrane-like, or constructed as in a nonwoven needlepunched product, or scrim with foam covering.    
     
     
         6 . A pad for insertion into the space between courses of segmental block wall to fit the block shape and that provides a frictional connection between a soil reinforcing geosynthetic and the wall.  
     
     
         7 . A pad that provides an interlayer of dissimilar material to the concrete block that reduces cracking of the blocks once installed because of its thickness and compressibility.  
     
     
         8 . A product that improves the system efficiency of the block/geosynthetic combination, causing less soil reinforcement to be needed, or lower strength soil reinforcement to be used.