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A retaining wall in California fortified with advanced carbon fiber reinforcement by the Dalinghaus team. The wall, part of a major construction project, now boasts increased strength and durability thanks to the carbon fiber applied to its surface. The Dalinghaus crew is actively working on the site, ensuring the wall's long-term stability and resilience
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Strengthening & Stabilization

Retaining Wall

Carbon Fiber can be a very effective means to reinforce, stabilize, and repair damaged or deteriorated retaining walls. In order to effectively stop movement in a retaining wall, “restraint” has to be provided. For instance, if a wall is tipping and carbon fiber straps are added, the wall could still continue to tip but would do so as one reinforced section. Carbon fiber offers a unique advantage in that it provides high tensile strength, allowing it to distribute the forces exerted on the wall more evenly. 

A newly repaired schoolyard retaining wall in Portland, Oregon, strengthened with carbon fiber by Ram Jack West. The wall, located next to a playground area, now features enhanced stability and durability, ensuring the safety of the school grounds. The repair work blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, demonstrating the effectiveness of the carbon fiber reinforcement

Superior solutions for lasting stability

Due to the extremely high tensile strengths and very little elongation, the SRS-600 unidirectional carbon fiber is ideal to strengthen concrete structures such as columns, beams or walls. Providing design strengths over 196,000 PSI, this material delivers much greater reinforcement capabilities than steel, is non-corrosive, and at a fraction of the weight by comparison.

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Additionally restraint can be provided by wall tiebacks or anchors that are incorporated into the repair by holding back the top of the wall. This allows the carbon fiber to resist any movement between the tiebacks and the backfill, restraining the base of the wall.

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Moreover, the installation process of carbon fiber reinforcement is relatively quick and non-disruptive compared to traditional repair methods, minimizing downtime and disruption to surrounding areas. Additionally, its compatibility with various surface geometries and configurations makes it adaptable to a wide range of retaining wall repair projects, offering engineers and contractors a versatile solution for addressing structural deficiencies and prolonging the lifespan of critical infrastructure.

Members of the Dalinghaus team operating machinery to drive tiebacks into a large retaining wall reinforced with carbon fiber in California. The team is working on a major construction project, with heavy equipment and materials visible around the site, highlighting the scale and complexity of the endeavor
A team from Dalinghaus Construction is seen drilling tiebacks into a massive retaining wall reinforced with carbon fiber, part of California's largest project of its kind. The crew is focused on ensuring the structural integrity of the wall, surrounded by construction tools and materials that emphasize the project's significance
A retaining wall at Occidental College in Los Angeles undergoing repair by Innovative Painting and Waterproofing. The team is meticulously restoring the wall, ensuring it is properly sealed and reinforced to protect against weathering and structural damage. The project highlights the importance of maintaining campus infrastructure with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship

Multiple fabrics were used on this 60’ long retaining wall at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. The 6” wide SRS-600UNI was employed to provide vertical flexural strengthening of the wall, while the 12” wide SRS-660BI was utilized for anchoring the vertical straps, as well as for crack confinement and horizontal strengthening along the wall’s midpoint.

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In cases where restraint has to be added using tiebacks or other methods, it is important to strengthen the wall to handle the moment that this induces on the wall.

Case Study

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Case Study

Technical Data

SRS-600UNI
Technical Data

Technical Data

SRS-660BI
Technical Data

The Dalinghaus team applying carbon fiber reinforcement to a retaining wall in California. Crew members are carefully rolling the carbon fiber onto the wall's surface, enhancing its strength and durability as part of a significant construction project. The process is crucial for ensuring the wall's long-term stability and resilience against environmental stresses
Workers from Dalinghaus meticulously smoothing out carbon fiber and epoxy onto a retaining wall in California. This precise application ensures a seamless bond and enhances the wall's structural integrity. The process, part of a larger reinforcement project, is critical for providing the wall with increased strength and long-lasting protection
A recently reinforced and repaired retaining wall in California, now completed with a smooth finish coating. The final layer not only provides a polished appearance but also adds an extra level of protection to the underlying carbon fiber reinforcement, ensuring the wall's durability and resistance to environmental wear over time.
A fully finished retaining wall in California, showcasing a smooth, coated surface after a comprehensive restoration. The wall, now reinforced and protected, exhibits a clean, polished appearance, reflecting the careful craftsmanship and thoroughness of the restoration process. This final coating ensures long-lasting durability and aesthetic appeal
A dramatic before-and-after comparison of a retaining wall in California, showcasing its transformation following repair and restoration. The 'before' image highlights the wall's worn and compromised state, while the 'after' image reveals a fully restored structure, now structurally reinforced with carbon fiber. The reinforcement process has revitalized the wall, ensuring its strength, stability, and longevity

The system can be finished with virtually any aesthetic coating

Since the carbon fiber is less than 1/8" thick, the overall finished appearance can have a very low aesthetic impact once the wall is coated or painted. While the carbon fiber has an unlimited lifespan and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and freeze thaw cycles, it is important to protect the epoxy component of the composite system from ultra violet rays. Most exterior paints provide sufficient protection, however some clients may prefer to parge coat the wall for a complete uniform appearance.

A severely deteriorated retaining wall showing significant signs of wear and damage, urgently in need of repair. Cracks, erosion, and structural weaknesses are evident, posing risks to the surrounding area. The wall’s condition underscores the necessity for immediate restoration and reinforcement to prevent further degradation and ensure safety
A retaining wall heavily cracked and showing clear signs of structural failure, with deep fissures running across its surface. The severity of the cracks highlights the urgent need for repair to prevent potential collapse and restore the wall’s integrity. This damage emphasizes the critical importance of timely maintenance and reinforcement
A retaining wall compromised by water intrusion, with visible damage where moisture has seeped in, causing erosion and weakening the structure. The effects of the water are evident in the discoloration, cracks, and crumbling sections of the wall, making it clear that significant repairs are needed to address the underlying issue and prevent further deterioration

Understanding the causes and solutions for retaining wall failure

Concrete retaining walls can fail due to various reasons, often stemming from design flaws, construction errors, or environmental factors. Inadequate drainage can lead to hydrostatic pressure buildup behind the wall, causing it to crack or collapse under the weight. Poor compaction of the soil behind the wall during construction can result in settlement, causing the wall to tilt or bulge. Additionally, corrosion of reinforcing steel within the concrete can weaken the structure over time, especially in areas with high moisture or salt exposure. Freeze-thaw cycles can also cause concrete to crack and deteriorate, compromising the integrity of the wall. Finally, seismic activity can induce significant stress on retaining walls, leading to sudden failure if not properly designed to withstand such forces.

When concrete retaining walls fail, it can mean not only extensive landscape damage, but pose a significant safety risk to the public or surrounding property if left unaddressed. Retaining wall damage can be caused by saturated soils that result from improper drainage, footing damage due to settlement, rotation issues, or reinforcement deterioration over time.

Why surface prep and void filling is an important step before any carbon fiber installation

By diligently preparing the surface beforehand, any imperfections or irregularities can be addressed, creating a smooth and uniform base for the carbon fiber application. Surface grinding helps remove any existing coatings or contaminants, while utilizing SRS-2100 for filling voids and cracks, enhancing structural integrity. This thorough preparation process not only ensures optimal adhesion of the carbon fiber but also minimizes the risk of future damage or deterioration, providing a solid foundation for long-term structural stability. Additionally, proper surface preparation facilitates a smoother surface, allowing for the flawless application of a cosmetic coating, thereby enhancing both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the surface.

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Since carbon fiber needs to remain in contact with the wall in order to remain in tension, it is important to fill the 'hinge point' where the wall opens up on this mortar joint. This important step prevents the receding backwards and potentially de-bonding the carbon fiber. Any voids, cracks, or mortar joints should also be filled with a high compressive strength, non sag material. 

A large crack in a concrete wall being carefully patched by a worker in preparation for the application of carbon fiber. The image shows the worker applying a patching material to the deep fissure, ensuring the surface is smooth and ready for reinforcement. This crucial step is part of a larger process to restore the wall's structural integrity.
A retaining wall after the cracks have been filled and the surface has been ground down smooth, preparing it for the application of carbon fiber. The wall now has a uniform, even surface, free of visible imperfections, showcasing the careful preparation work done to ensure optimal adhesion and effectiveness of the upcoming carbon fiber reinforcement

By utilizing both SRS's unidirectional and bidirectional fabrics which are bonded to the substrate with a structural epoxy adhesive, the walls are able to be repaired and reinforced against future damage. The carbon fiber reinforced polymer system (CFRP) provides permanent localized crack reinforcement as well as global strengthening of the walls. The dual component American made system has been designed by engineers and rigorously tested as permanent repair solution for these applications.

Engineered for maximum  safety & reliability

Case study of a residential retaining wall structural strengthening and restoration and repair

600 gsm unidirectional carbon fiber fabric designed to perform under pressure

A unidirectional, high-strength, non-corrosive carbon fiber fabric designed to be field laminated with SRS-1000 Epoxy adhesive to create a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite for structural reinforcement and strengthening of concrete and masonry structures.

High strength composite product and solution for retaining wall strengthening and repair
A residential retaining wall that has been reinforced and repaired with carbon fiber. The wall now features neatly applied carbon fiber strips, visibly enhancing its strength and stability. The completed repair work highlights the successful restoration process, ensuring the wall's long-term durability and resistance to future damage
American made carbon fiber strengthening systems for bowing foundation wall repair
Carbon fiber reinforcement for bowed walls. 10X stronger than steel. 25 Year warranty. 100% made in the USA

Tested by Scientists, Trusted by Contractors, Approved by Engineers.

Tested and engineer approved systems

ICC-ES & AC125

Tested Systems

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Case Studies

Case study on a residential retaining wall restoration project

Residential Retaining Wall Rehabilitation

Case study on a school retaining wall project with carbon fiber reinforcement and wall tie backs

School Retaining Wall

Why choose SRS?

We are the carbon fiber infrastructure rehabilitation experts. SRS proudly leads the way with American Made carbon fiber strengthening systems that are built around the needs of professionals, designed, and engineered to preserve concrete structural components.

Structural Reinfrocement Solutions products are made in the USA

Technical Data

SRS-600UNI carbon fiber technical data for bowing wall stabilization, reinforcement, repair and strengthening

Warranty

SRS-600UNI carbon fiber 25 year transferable warranty

A client experience you can rely on

Our expert in-house engineers and dedicated support team are committed to providing an unparalleled customer experience. With an extensive carbon fiber inventory and same day shipping, SRS has the materials and expertise you can count on.

• Engineered Carbon Fiber Designs

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