Aspen Inc. Project Reviewshttp://aspeninc.net/Aspen has provided engineering and consulting services in the Midwest. Technical experience and a wide array of industry contacts means Aspen provides their clients with efficient and cost effective engineered solutions.(c) 2009, Aspen Inc.0123456717181920212223SaturdaySunday30StraightnessHere is one straight wall!  This project at Westminster Christian Academy is one of the new tall walls supporting the ball fields.  The project requirements are very strict for wall alignment and the Rosch Company is meeting the challenge.  This specialty color matches the buildings being constructed.]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=24http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=24Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:08:02 GMTInteresting ViewThis is a Redirock project in Washington, MO.  These blocks are massive and they create and attractive wall.]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=23http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=23Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:40:30 GMTRed, White, and Blue]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=22http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=22Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:42:37 GMTKentucky Eagle Beer, Lexington, KYThis new distribution facility needed a retaining wall to maximize the useable space on the site.  Lee Brick and Block manufactured almost 13,000 sf of Keystone units for this project.  The walls were over 1200’ long and get over 20’ tall.]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=21http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=21Thu, 13 May 2010 14:49:00 GMTVersatilityModular block wall layouts are only limited by the imagination.  The contractor did a fine job on this one.]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=19http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=19Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:02:00 GMTPerspectiveHere is a view that only a wall guy can love!]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=18http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=18Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:40:00 GMTWall AnchorsMany times there is not enough room to excavate to install geogrid reinforcements.  Manta Ray anchors are an excellent option.  The Manta Rays are driven into the ground and attached to the wall units to create a stable and attractive wall.]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=17http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=17Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:09:00 GMTSIGNS "Oh OK, now I understand!!" ]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=16http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=16Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:09:20 GMTGeotechnical Engineering "Should I spend money for geotechnical engineering to investigate the soils below my proposed retaining wall?" YES!! ]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=15http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=15Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:34:19 GMTFences Modular block walls cannot effectively resist a moment load.  A fence installed on the cap of a modular block retaining wall will not be stable when a load is applied!  Grouting the fence posts into the units is not much better.  If the fence needs to meet the building code loads then a good solution is a product called "Sleeve-It".  Check it out... it will provide excellent performance at a reasonable price.
]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=14http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=14Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:40:00 GMTStairsStairs are very attractive when constructed with modular block walls.  It is important to protect the blocks from salt degradation by applying sealer.  There are specific sealers available for salt protection, one that we recommend is a brand called "Saltguard".  The wall units on both sides of the steps should also be protected and the wall units sloped slightly to prevent water ponding.]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=13http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=13Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:15:10 GMTRock Abutment This picture is a wall project that is about 8 years old.  The blocks are cut into the rock bluff.  Over the years it has performed well.  From an engineering standpoint we developed and abutment detail that is upgraded from the typical abutment to a concrete wall.  The key to performance though is more related to the craftsmanship of the saw cuts to match the bedrock cut and the durability of the bedrock. ]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=12http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=12Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:09:37 GMTVegetated walls

One thing has become clear about vegetated walls...Sedum is a hardy plant!  When it comes to Hercules walls these plants flourish.  And in the spring they have nice flowers.

]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=11http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=11Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:36:00 GMTLightweight BackfillLooking for a lightweight backfill material to reduce pressures on the foundation soils?  This Bottom Ash material is the by product of the Ameren coal fired power plant.  The material has a high friction angle and is free draining.  It is an interesting color for sure!  It can be used for wall backfill, foundation fills, and slopes.
]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=10http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=10Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:43:50 GMTBoulder WallsIt is hard to argue that boulder walls are not attractive!  This project at Manchester Highlands had special global stability concerns that required long geogrid reinforcements.  In the end they look great!

]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=4http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=4Sat, 30 May 2009 15:46:03 GMTBedrock anchorsTo construct the retaining wall on this project the contractor had the option of excavating the bedrock to install geogrid reinforcements or anchoring the 25' tall retaining wall to the cut bedrock face.  The Rosch Company chose to anchor this Cornerstone wall to the bedrock to form a permanent facing for the bedrock.

Horizontal holes were drilled into the bedrock and cleaned by blowing out the hole with air.  Then resin cartridges were installed in the holes, the threaded rods pushed into the holes, the rods spun to mix the resin.  Within an hour the resin was set and the threaded rods anchored to the bedrock.

The Cornerstone units were then constructed and attached to the anchors with geogrid.

]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=3http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=3Sat, 30 May 2009 15:45:07 GMTCheap priceSo what does a cheap price get you?  The wall shown on the left was constructed by the "low bidder" and does not meet the manufacturer's requirements for backfill placement, has no geogrid, and will likely fall over in the very short term.  Contrast that to the wall construction on the right with proper footings, proper backfill, and geogrid reinforcements.  Both walls are to be constructed to the same height - only one of them will be a permenant wall!

Hire by reputation and performance!!

 

]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=5http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=5Sat, 23 May 2009 15:42:00 GMTSteep slopes

Many times a site can be optimized by using a 45 degree slope instead of a wall or typical 3:1 slope.  This is an economical way to develop the site and is a "green" solution.  The slope is vegetated with materials that do not require maintenance.

This particular project is the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop C headquarters in St. Charles, MO.  R. G. Brinkmann Constructors was the general contractor and chose the Mirafi Reinforced Slope System as a way to create a cost effective site development package for the owner.

]]>http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=2http://aspeninc.net/blog/post.aspx?id=2Fri, 01 May 2009 15:43:00 GMT