CA2075580A1

CA2075580A1 - Block for a retaining wall structure

Info

Publication number: CA2075580A1
Application number: CA 2075580
Authority: CA
Inventors: Angelo Risi; Antonio Risi
Original assignee: Rothbury Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Rothbury Investments Ltd
Priority date: 1992-08-07
Filing date: 1992-08-07
Publication date: 1994-02-08

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A block for a stable gravity retaining wall derived from like blocks, and a method for installing same wherein such blocks are disposed end to end in horizontal courses stacked one upon the other, and wherein the blocks of each course are interlocked end to end as well as interlocked with the blocks of the next adjacent overlying and underlying courses. Each block having a body portion with upper and lower bearing surfaces, front and rear facings, and opposed ends with the body portion including a first recess opening to one of the bearing surfaces and a first projection or anchor upstanding from the other of the bearing surfaces, and also including a second recess opening to one of the opposed ends and presenting a second projection outstanding from the other of the opposed ends. The first recess and projection having a configuration and extent for mating registration of the projection within the first recess of a like block disposed in a next adjacent course, and the second recess and second projection likewise having a configuration and extent for mating registration when disposed end to end in a given horizontal course. Further, the configuration of the recesses and projections all have a centre of curvature such that each interlocked block has a range of swinging movement relative to every other interlocked block.

Description

2~7~0 Field of the In~ention This invention relates to an improved gravi~y retaining wall facing structure derived from horizontally disposed stacked coursas of like blocks ox modules.
More particularly this invention relates to an improved interlocking block or module for repeated use in a gravity retaining wall system derived from such blocks or modules and to improvements in the characteristics of the retaining wall system so constructed therefrom and in the method of installing same.
Background of the Invention Many known gravity retaining wall systems utilize like interlocking blocks or modules of a specific geometry disposed in end-to-end aligned relation and in horizontally stacked courses.
The aligned blocks or modules of the upper course bridge the joints or separation between adjacent aligned blocks or modules of the lower course.
A facing wall so constructed generally resists overturning due to the ~orces generate~ by the confined backfill or embankmen~ by reason of the combined weight or mass of the blocks or modules but where the blocks or modules are of lighter weight or reduced mass, or the wall exceeds a certain height, the introduction of headers or tie-hack blocks or other suitable stabilizing soil elements or anchors, such as grid-like plastic sheeting or an equivalent metal mesh, are required to preserve the integrity of the installa~ion.
The joints between the courses of overlapped blocks or modules are not normally mortared but are esta~lished by a mechanical interlock so as to present a substantially integral uni~orm facing . ' ,' ', .; .. , ' , .
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wall formation through mating recesses and projections presented by the body portions of the respective like blocks or modules.
The character and tolerances of the mechanical in~erlocks usually afford the assembled blocks or modules a degreP of freedom in one direction to shift longitudinally relative to each other under applied loads generated by frost heaving or earth settling, which shifting and subsidence act to preserve the structural integrity and serviceability of the structure over an extended period of time.
The configuration or shape of the block body, the "geometry", the character of the mechanical interlock and the dimensions of the block or module, all affect the efficiency of the productionl transport, and the installation of the blocks or modules as well as the stability of the structure.
Examples of gravity retaining wall structures are detailed in the following patents: Canadian patent no. 1188116, United States patent no. 2313363, United States patent no. 41g3718, and German patent 2755833.
An interlocking facing wall block or module for a gravity retaining wall system is usually formed or moulded from a suitable concrete mix to present a body portion shaped to provide generally parallel upper and lower bearing surfaces, front and rear facings, and side or end surfaces, with an upstanding or outstanding projection for mating registration with integral recesses presented thereto by an adjacent overlying or underlying block or module.
Such interlocks, together with the weight or mass of the ~7~8~

installation, offer increased resistance to the applied loads of a low embankment.
When higher loads are generated by the contained embankment or where a surcharge is applied to a wall by near~y road or rail traffic increased resistance ~o such loads can be produced by including headers or tie back modules a~ the base and a~ selected intervals throughout the wall.
The backfill deposits of soil and other components in elevated embankments can b~, and now preferably are, suitably rein~orced and stabilized by appropriate grid-like plastic sheeting, metal lattices, or other equivalent elements, which disperse or inhibit the thrust of the forces generated.
Also the facing wall may be, and preferably will be, suitably tied to such soil reinforcement or other anchoring members to still better anchor and preserve the installation as well as permit the use of lighter weight blocks or modules and thereby increase the efficiency of the undertaking.
Where a curvate wall section is called for blocks or modules which have a generally overall rectangular or rectilinear configuration in plan view present serious disadvantages, since when placed to define the curved section of the wall ad~acent blocks of a given course leave wedge shaped gaps therebetween.
Such gaps, i interior and left unblocked, are likely to permit the escape of backfill with the consequent disturbance or unsettling of the embankment.
When an exterior curved section is installed such e~posed gaps encourage growth of plant life with root penetration prying the .. . . .
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blocks or modules apart as well as invite burrowing, leading to disturbance and deterioration and an unsightly appearance.
It is also important to note that the specific character of the interlock of the blocks or modules may ~hemselves limit the curved section to a relatively large radius in order to maintain the requisite interlocking function.
Objects of the Invention One object of this invention~ therefore, is to provide an improved interlocking block or module for a gravity retaining wall as outlined above which block or module interengages with blocks aligned in one horizontal course as well as with the bri~ging blocks aligned in ad~acent overlying and underlying horizontal courses in a simplified manner while increasing the resistance to the forces of displacement or movement imparted to one or several blocks, whereby the overall integrity and stability of the installation is enhanced.
More particularly it is a very important object to provide an improved block which through the simplified interlocking structuxe disclosed facilitates the ready formation of a stable curvate retaining wall section where required over a range of arcs, whether an inside or outside curva is required, from which the escape of any contained backfill or embankment constituents will be minimized or substantially blocked.
Still more particularly it is an important objec~ to provide such an interlocking block or module or a facing wall as aoresaid affording alternative block or module dispositions to provide at leas~ two differen~ distinctive artistic expressions or ~looks~l.

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It is also of a very high priority to create and present a range of lighter to heavier weighted blocks or modules to meet varying embankment conditions all of which will have substantial appeal architecturally, yet favourably compete with similar structures originating with other sources, but hava the effect of reducing the overall cost of the project.
Yeatures_oi the Inventîon One feature of this inven~ion resides in providing a modified geometry for such a block or module which includes presenting a socket at one end of the body portion and a matching projection outstanding from the other end for the mating reception within such socket of a matching projection of a like blo~k aligned therewith for disposition in a horizontal course and for the mating registration of such pxojection within the matching socket of another like block likewise aligned therewith for disposition in such horizontal course, and with the lower bearing surface of the body portion presenting a recess in a region centrally thereof and with the outstanding projection presenting an extension or anchoring means upstanding from the upper bearing surface matching such recess for the mating registration with such recess of the matching extension of a like block aligned for disposition in an underlying course and for the mating registration of such extension within the recess of a like block aligned for disposition in an overlying course.
Thus, so structured, movement imparted by the thrust of embankment forces to any one block or segment of a facing wall will - . :

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be increasingly resisted by the transmission of such forces to all adjacent blocks through their aligning interconnections.
Another feature re~ide~ in so shaping the body portion and respective socket and projection such thak they cooperate with respective like projections and sockets as in a hinge for relative swinging movement about a substantially vertical or upright axis, and likewise shaping the extension and matching recess so as to form a pivot for relative swinging movement of the overlying bridgin~ block about the same axis, whereby such blocks can be aligned along a curvate or sinuous path in each course and a stable curvate or sinuous section of the facing wall constructed.
Still another feature resides in so shaping the recess of the lower surface of the block body to present a channel formation to the upstanding extension dimensioned to afford a sliding as well as a rotary fit to further accommodate adjustment of the overlying course of blocks to the underlying course, especially in constructing a curvate wall section, thereby further facilitating installation of the desired facing wall.
It is another feature of this invention to provide the socket in the form of a ~barrel~ as in a ~hinge~ preferably ex-tending from the lower bearing surface to the upper bearing surface and with the outstanding projection or ~pintle~ preferably matching that extent whereby the gap between aligned blocks in a horizontal course can be minimized, if not elimina~ed, whether assembled in a straight or cuxvate or sinuous path, and thereby contain the embankment or backfill.

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Still another feature resides in so locating the recess with reference to the front and rear facings of the block body that the recess and upstanding extension will be offset in relation thereto so that each su~cessive course can be set back from the course next below to provide an inclined profile and thereby increase the stability of the structure.
Another important feature resides in contouring the front and rear facings so as to taper ~owards the ends of the block or module with the socket and projection, respectively, presented where those facings converge, thereby affordi.ng a greater arc of relative swinging movement between aligned blocks of a given horizontal course and thereby extend the limit of the proposed curvature to be included in the retaining or facing wall of the installation.
Still another feature follows from the aforesaid-kapered block geometry wherein the main body portion can be given an increased width centrally from front to rear and the facings thereof suitably contoured and with the central region of the body presen-ting an aperture or cavity to thereby decrease the weight or mass without substantially affecting the compressive strength.
It is also feature of this invention to provide an improved method of constrllcting a retaining wall structure, and particularly a curva~e retaining wall structure, deri~ed from a plurality of such like blocks or modules disposed end to end in aligned horizontal courses and stacked one upon the o-ther so that aligned adjacent blocks of each horizontal course are securely in-terengaged with each other as well as with the aligned bridging blocks o~ the next adjacent stacked horizontal course that includes:

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2~7~0 (a) the step of excavating the soil ko a selected depth and levelling same so as to establish a base suitable for supporting the retaining wall structure;
(b) the step of laying upon the established levelled base a first course of like structural blocks oriented along a selected path to present the projection extensions thereof uppermost and then aligning and fully registering the projections of blocks within the sockets of like adjoining blocks o~ such course;
(c) the step of so laying upon the blocks of the first course a second course of like hlocks oriented to present ~he like facings thereof in the same direction and the recesses thereof to register over the projection extensions of the lower course thereby bridging the separations between adjacent blocks of the lower courses and aligning and fully registering the projections of the blocks of the course within the sockets of like adjoining blocks thereof; and (d) repeating the lattex step until the desired number of courses have been laid.
Descriptlon of the Invention These and other objects and features of the invention will be perceived from the following description of the preferred . . . : .

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embodiments of the invention whic~ is to be read in conjunc-tion with the sheets of drawings illustrating same, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an improved block embod~ing the invention tak~n from a point upwardly and to the right ~hereof;
S Figure 2 is a perspective view of the block of Flgure 1 taken from a point rearwardly and to the right thereo~;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the block of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the block of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the block of Fi~ure 1;
Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of the block of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the block of Figure 1 taken from the right thereo;
Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the block of Figure 1 taken from the left thereof;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gravity retaining wall constructed in accordance with the invention from the improved block of Figure l;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a curvate section of a gravity retaining wall constructed in accordance with the invenkion from the improved block of Figure 1;
Figure 11 is a plan view of the retaining wall of Figure 9 wherein the internal structure is illustrated in broken lines;
Figure 12 is a plan view of the retaining wall of Figure 10 wherein the internal structure is illustrated by broken lines; and Figure 13 is an elevational view of the improved blocks as they would be stacked in three courses in the manner illustrated by Figure 11.

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The improved block or module 10 embodying the invention is depicted in Figures 1 through 8, inclusive, and includes a body portion 12 bounded by front and rear facings generally indicated at 14 and 16, respectively, opposed sides or ends indicated at 18, 20, respectively, and by generally parallel upper and lower bearing surfaces 22, 24, respectively.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention opposed forwardly disposed facings 26, 28, respectively, flank central front facing 29, and rearwardly disposed facings 30, 32, respectively, flank central rear facing 33, with facings 26, 30 converging towards end 18 of body portion 12, and likewise facings 28, 32, converging towards end 20 of body portion 12.
It will be understood that the configuration or shaping to be applied to central front and rear facings 29, 33 and flanking facings 26, 28 and 30, 32r respectively, can be modified to achieve a range of artistic expression and thereby provide several distinct appearances or "looks"~
In the preferred embodiment, body portion 12 of block or module 10, which can be formed with a solid core, is illustrated with a central aperkure or cavity 34, opening to upper and lower - bearing surfaces 22, 24, respectively, minimizing the required materials used in moulding or otherwise constructing block 10, and thereby reducing the weight thereof as well as enhancing the strength to weight ratio of the block; all in a manner known to those skilled in the art.
When constructing a gxavity retaining wall from a plurality of like blocks 10, such blocks a.re disposed end to end in alignment in , ": . ' '- . , .. :
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2~7~;~80 stacked horizontal ~ourses upon a suitably comported and levelled base, and adjacent block~ of each horizonta~. course are interlocked with each other as well as interlocked with blocks of the nex~
adjacent overlying horizontal course. ~ccordingly, body portion 12 5of block 10, in the preferred embodiment, presents an anchoring means such as extension or pivot 36 upstandi.ng above upper bearing surface 22l and a recess 38 within lower bearing surface 24. In the preferred embodiment extension or pivot 36 has a configuration and extent for the mating reception and registration within recess lO38 presented by lower bearing surface 24 of a like block in an overlying course, so as to establish an interlock between successive courses of the resultant retaining wall structure, as will hereinafter be explained.
In the preferred embodiment, recess 3B within lower bearing 15surface 24 of body portion 12 extends from end to end and defines a channel 39 running in a direction parallel to median plane 41 of the block body, as best illustrated in Figure 2.
Further, in the preferred embodiment, recess 38, in the ~orm of channel 39 within lower bearing surface 24, opens to -those 20regions where facings 26, 30 converge and facings 28, 32 converge.
Moreover, extension or pivot 36, upstanding from upper bearing surface 22 of body portion 12 is spaced from front facing 14 of body portion ~2 a greater distance measured from front facing 14 than the extent to which the recess 38 is located so that extension 25or pivot 36 is offset slightly rearwardly in relation to recess 38.
This arrangement dictates that each superior course o like blocks when stacked one upon the other with front faci.ngs 14 2~7~8~

positioned forwardly will be offset rearwardly in relation to the next below course, as best illustrated in Figur~ 13 of the drawings~ providing an inclined pro~ile to the retaining wall constructed, as well as enhancing the stability th~reof.
In order to interlock adjacent blocks of each horizontal course with respect to one another, body portion 12 of block or module 10 presents a proiection 40 outstanding from end 18 and a socket 42 presented by opposed end 20.
In the preferred embodiment projection 40 outstanding from end 18, and socke~ 42 presented by opposed end 20, are spaced uniformly rearwardly from centra]. front facing 29 of body portion 12.
It is to be understood that the configuration and extent of projection 40 and socket 42 are matched so as to matingly register or interengage when aligned and thereby restrain the relative displacement of ad~acent blocks of a given course with respect to one another.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention extension or pivot 36 upstanding above upper bearing surface 22 is integral with projection 40 but could be constituted by a separable pin insert.
This hinge-like structure occupies the separation between ad~acent blocks of a given course and extends from lower surface 44 of projection 40, which is coplanar with inner surface 45 of recess 38, upwardly throughout the remaining depth of body portion 12 and terminates in extension or pivot 36, which is sufficient to register within recess 38 of an overlying like block 10~

2~7~go The block or module 10 embodying the invention can be used in constructing gravity retaining walls having stra.ight or curved sections.
Projection 40, or the ~pintle~ of the "hinge", in the preferred embodiment, has a part c~lindrical configuration with its axis 47 extending generally ver~ically whereas socket 42 is the "barrel~ of the ~hinge~ presenting an open sided cavity of a matching part cylindrical configuration.
When projection or ~pintle~ 40 is inserted into socket or "barrel" 42 a hinge~like structure is established which affords a range of swinging movement between aligned blocks, and which is increased by the tapering of facings 26, 28, 30, and 32, respectively, flanking the aforesaid "hinge" components. Thus, curved wall sections can be readily constructed or included in an installation as will hereinafter be e~plained.
Figures 9 and 11 reveal a gravity retaining wall structure 52 derived from like blocks or modules 10 embodying the invention disposed in aligned horizontal courses and stacked one upon another so that adjacent blocks in each horizontal course are interlocked as well as interlocked with the overlying blocks or the underlying blocks of the ne~t adjacent horizontal courses.
Similarly, Figures 10 and 12 disclose a modified gravity retaining wall 58, but illustrating a curvate section derived from improved blocks or modules 10.
Preparation for the construction or installation of gravity retaining wall 52 illustrated in Figures 9 and 11, requires that the site be cleared and the soil or overburden be excava-ted and a 2~7~80 granular base o~ suitable materials of sufficient dep-th be deposited and compacted and levelled in all directions.
A first course of blocks or modules 10 is then laid upon the base along a line or path de~ining ~he base of the installation with the lower bearing surfaces of the blocks lowermost; all in the manner outlined in the preceding description and with successive courses of like blocks installed until the desired height of the structure is reached.
When constructing a gravity retaining wall such as facing wall 52, successive courses of blocks/ such as 56, are to be aligned over first course 54 so tha~ each overlying block 10 will bridge the separation between adjacent blocks of the inferior course and with extension or pivot 36 of the lower course of blocks 10 registered within recesses 3% of the blocks of the overlying course, and in sliding fit, whlch affords the necessary adjustment for efficient installation.
It will also be appreciated that the geometry of the blocks will dictate mating in~erengagement between projections 40 and sockets 42 of aligned blocks of each course, whereby any movement imparted to any individual hlock or b]ocks within the retaining wall will be transmitted to all adjacent blocks, that is to each end and above and below with the rotary interlock accommodating relative shifting or adjustment preserving, upon subsidence, the overall integrity o~ the structure, and reducing the extent to which such structure must be reinforced through use of tiebacks or grid or mesh anchors.

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It will also be understood that by having recess 38 extending substantially the length of body portion 12 of block or module 10, from ~nd to end, that an upper course of blocks can be shifted longitudinally in mated rela~ion to a lower course of blocks ovPr a range of overlapping positions; a faature assisting in customizing a retaining wall structure to a given site and particularly where curvate wall sections are to be installed, all as illustrated in Figures 10 and 12, yet adequately blocking the separation between the aligned blocks of each course.
While constructing a curved retaining wall section for facing wall 58 as illustrated in Figures 10 and 12, the first or lower course of blocks 60 are set in position in the manner described above.
It will be appreciated that mating curvate surfaces 46 and 48 of projection 40, and socket 42, respectively, accommodate rotation until the desired angle is reached. As earlier mentioned by suitably contouring thQ flanking facings 26l 28 and 30, 32, a wide range of block dispositions can be proposed and curvate wall sections readily introduced into the facade.
It can al80 be appreciated that through providing extension or pivot 36 as a cylindrically shaped extension the rotation within mating recess 38 is utilized in positioning the overlying block at the required angle as i.llustrated by the disposi-tion of blocks 10 of upper course 62 with respect to lower course 60 of wall structure 58 revealed hy Figure 12.
The relative ease by which a curvate section o~ a retaining wall structure can be introduced can be appreciated when one .

2~7~5~0 compares the curvate wall section in Figures 10 and 12 to a curvate wall section constructed from rectangularly shaped blocks, which when placed adjacent to one another to form a curve present triangularly shaped gaps therebetween. In many applications such gaps expose soil or granular backfill, especially upon shifting, which can be washed out by rain or by the seepage of ground waters.
Further, snow and ice can accumulate in exposed gaps leading to prying apart of the blocks during repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Moreover, undesirable plant life may root in the crevices, or animals burrow into the back~ill which will not only affect the stability but the desired "look" of the installation.
It will be appreciated that the geometry of blocks 10 are readily incorporated into straight or curvate retaining wall sections or combinations thereof, while maintaining the blocks in proximity, and substantially minimizing gaps in the assembled structure.
Finally, having regard to Figure 13, it will be observed that by having extension or pivot 36 rearwardly offset in relation to recess 38, like blocks stacked in horizontal courses will be substantially uniformly set back from the next below course so that the gravity facing wall is suitably angled to the vertical imparting a further element of distinctiveness to the "look".
Whereas specific embodiments of the invention and features thereof have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art may undertake or introduce alternatives or modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the in~ention as defined by the appended claims.

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Claims

1. In a block for use in a gravity retaining wall derived from like blocks to be disposed end to end in aligned horizontal courses stacked one upon the other with the blocks of the superior course bridging the ends of the blocks of the inferior course, a body portion bounded by front and rear facings, opposed ends, and by generally parallel upper and lower bearing surfaces, and including recess means opening to one of said bearing surfaces, socket means opening to one of said ends, anchoring means upstanding above the other of said bearing surfaces, and projection means outstanding from the other of said ends, said recess means and anchoring means each having a configuration and extent, respectively, for the mating registration of the anchoring means of a like aligned bridging block disposed in a next adjacent horizontal course within said recess means and for the registration of said anchoring means within the recess means of a like aligned bridging block disposed in the other next adjacent horizontal course, and said socket means and said projection means each having a configuration and extent, respectively, for the mating registration of the projection means of a like aligned adjacent block of the same course within said socket means and for mating registration of said projection means within the socket means of another like aligned adjacent block of the same course.

2. A block according to claim 1 wherein said anchoring means and said projection means are disposed in alignment.

3. A block according to claim 2 wherein said anchoring means is integral with said projection means.

4. A block according to claim 1 wherein said recess means, socket means, anchoring means, and projection means are all located and shaped so as to accommodate relative displacement of adjacent blocks about axes extending at substantially right angles to said bearing surfaces.

5. A block according to claims 1 to 4, inclusive, wherein said socket means and projection means have matching part cylindrically shaped configurations with the longitudinal axes thereof extending at substantially right angles to said bearing surfaces.

6. A block according to claims 1 to 5, inclusive, wherein said projection means and said socket means extend substantially throughout the depth of said body portion between said upper and lower bearing surfaces.

7. A block according to claims 1 to 6, inclusive, wherein the width of said body portion between said front and rear facings tapers from the central region towards the ends thereof.

8. A block according to claims 1 to 7, inclusive, wherein said body portion is provided with a cavity centrally thereof which extends from said upper bearing surface to said lower bearing surface.

9. A block according to claims 1 to 8, inclusive, wherein said anchoring means is offset rearwardly in relation to said recess.

10. In a block for use in a gravity retaining wall derived from like blocks to be disposed end to end in aligned horizontal courses and stacked one upon the other with the blocks of the superior course bridging the ends of the blocks of the inferior course and wherein adjacent blocks of each horizontal course are interlocked with each other as well as interlocked with the bridging blocks of the next adjacent course, a body portion bounded by front and rear facings, opposed ends, and by generally parallel upper and lower bearing surfaces, said body portion including recess means opening to one of said bearing surfaces, and presenting anchoring means upstanding above the other of said bearing surfaces, and said recess means and said anchoring means each having a configuration and extent, respectively, for the mating reception and dilative displacement about an axis extending at substantially right angles to said bearing surfaces of an anchoring means of a like block disposed in one next adjacent horizontal course within said recess means, and of said anchoring means within a recess means of a like block disposed in the other next adjacent horizontal course, and means presented by each of said opposed ends for registering with corresponding means of like horizontally adjacent blocks of a given course for relative displacement about axes extending at substantially right angles to said upper and lower bearing surfaces.

11. A block according to claim 10 wherein said recess means has a channel shaped configuration.

12. In a retaining wall structure derived from like blocks disposed end to end in aligned horizontal courses stacked one upon the other with the blocks of the superior course bridging the ends of the blocks of the inferior course, said like blocks having a body portion bounded by front and rear facings, opposed ends, and by generally parallel upper and lower bearing surfaces, including recess means opening to one of said bearing surfaces, and presenting anchoring means upstanding above the other of said bearing surfaces, said recess means and said anchoring means each having a configuration and extent, respectively, for mating reception of said anchoring means of the bridging block disposed in one next adjacent horizontal course within said recess means and for registration of said anchoring means within the first recess means of the bridging block disposed in the other next adjacent horizontal course, and hinge means presented by said opposed ends for interengagement of adjacent blocks of each course for relative displacement about an axis extending at substantially right angles to said bearing surfaces.

13. A retaining wall structure according to claim 11 wherein said hinge means comprises a socket opening to one of said block ends, and a matching projection means outstanding from the other of said block ends.

14. A retaining wall structure according to claim 12 wherein said anchoring means is aligned with said projection means.

15. A retaining wall structure according to claim 13 wherein said anchoring means is integral with said projection means.

16. A retaining wall structure according to claim 12 wherein said socket means and matching projection means each has a part cylindrical configuration with their longitudinal axes extending at substantially right angles to said bearing surfaces.

17. A retaining wall structure according to claims 11 to 15, inclusive, wherein said projection means and said socket have an extent substantially corresponding to the separation between said lower bearing surface and said upper bearing surface.

18. A retaining wall structure according to claims 11 to 16, inclusive, wherein said anchoring means is offset rearwardly in relation to said recess means.

19. In a method for constructing a retaining wall structure derived from a plurality of like blocks having a body portion bounded by front and rear facings, opposed ends, and by generally parallel upper and lower bearing surfaces, and including a recess opening to one of said bearing surfaces, a socket opening to one of said ends, anchoring means upstanding above the other of said bearing surfaces, and projection means outstanding from the other of said ends:
(a) the step of excavating the soil to a selected depth and levelling same so as to establish a base suitable for supporting the retaining wall structure;
(b) the step of laying upon the base a first course of like structural blocks oriented along a selected path to present the anchoring means thereof uppermost and then aligning and fully registering the projections of the blocks within the sockets;
(c) the step of laying a second course of like blocks upon the blocks of the first course so oriented as to present the recesses thereof to register over the anchoring means of the lower course to thereby bridge the ends of the blocks of the lower course, and aligning and fully registering the projections of the blocks of the second course within the sockets thereof; and (d) repeating the latter step until the desired number of courses have been laid.