ICC-ES AC276

Full Name

ICC-ES AC276 – Acceptance Criteria for Segmental (Modular) Retaining Walls

Scope

ICC-ES AC276 outlines the acceptance criteria for segmental (modular) retaining walls (SRWs) used in construction. These retaining walls are dry-stacked gravity structures composed of interlocking concrete units without mortar.

The scope of AC276 encompasses several key areas:

  • Material properties: defines the required properties of the concrete units used in SRWs, including their strength, durability, and dimensional tolerances.
  • Design considerations: provides guidelines for the structural design of SRWs, considering factors like wall height, soil conditions, surcharge loads, and seismic design requirements.
  • Connection and interaction: addresses the interaction between the individual units and the methods for connecting them to ensure the structural integrity of the wall.
  • Testing and evaluation: outlines the testing procedures to assess the performance of SRWs, including tests for connection strength, sliding resistance, and overturning stability.
  • Installation requirements: specifies the proper installation techniques for SRWs to ensure their stability and long-term performance.

By establishing these acceptance criteria, ICC-ES AC276 ensures that segmental retaining walls meet the necessary safety and performance standards for various applications, such as landscaping, erosion control, and infrastructure projects. It provides a standardized framework for manufacturers, designers, and building officials to evaluate the suitability of SRWs for specific projects.

Resources

Keywords

segmental retaining wall; modular retaining wall; concrete units; interlocking; dry-stacked; gravity structure; connection strength; sliding resistance; overturning stability; wall height; surcharge loads; soil conditions; seismic design