GravityStone EVO is a commercial-grade retaining wall system developed by WestBlock Systems and represents the evolution of GravityStone Tradition. It is a dry-stack concrete system that can be configured as a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, a modular gravity wall, or a hybrid of both, depending on site conditions and design requirements.

GravityStone EVO and Fat Face 2.0 refer to the same retaining wall system. The term “Fat Face” originated within the GravityStone Tradition system, where different face unit depths were used depending on whether the wall was designed as an MSE or modular gravity structure. In GravityStone EVO, the system has been unified and refined into a single face unit.

GravityStone EVO units can weigh as little as approximately 50 pounds, depending on the market. The system meets ASTM C1372 requirements and aligns with NCMA and CMHA segmental retaining wall best-practice guidelines. Unit weight may vary by region due to freeze–thaw durability requirements that result in higher-density units.

Unlike traditional lightweight segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems that rely solely on MSE reinforcement, GravityStone EVO can be configured as either MSE structures or as a modular gravity wall with system depths as narrow as approximately 30 percent of the wall height. This capability can significantly reduce excavation and reinforcement requirements in certain applications, allowing GravityStone EVO to address site constraints that conventional SRW systems cannot. Additionally, the Reversable Alignment Plug (RAP) allows for walls to be constructed with a 4.5 degree or a 0 degree batter, unlike other systems that only offer a fixed batter.

GravityStone EVO walls can range from low-height gravity walls under four feet to large reinforced or hybrid retaining walls exceeding 30 feet in height. Final wall height depends on site conditions, soil properties, loading, and project-specific engineering.

Battered walls, whether by base inclination or setback, will change radius as the wall rises in height. This change in radius can cause the running bond joints to wander slightly, which is acceptable.

Concave Walls: The radius increases with wall height.

Convex Walls: The radius decreases with wall height.

The impact of this change in radius on construction is:

Insignificant: When the curve radius is > 4X the wall height. No special considerations required.

Minor: When the curve radius is > 2X the wall height. Check each course that plugs engaged.

Manageable: When the curve radius is > the wall height. Inspect plugs on each course. May required re-spacing of blocks on first course.

Major: When the curve radius is < the wall height. Consider switching to right angle corner. Consult your local GravityStone Evo supplier.

The minimum radius, (min.R) for the various systems is as follows:

Evo: min.R = 2'4" ft. Mini-Cell: min.R = 4.25 ft.

Single-Cell: min.R= 5'8" . Multi-Cell: min.R = varies

GravityStone EVO can be designed as either a modular multi-depth gravity wall or a traditional MSE wall. The system allows designers to select the appropriate configuration based on site constraints, excavation limits, wall height, and loading conditions.

Yes, GravityStone EVO meets ASTM and AASHTO standards and aligns with NCMA/CMHA best-practice guidelines. Project-specific designs should be reviewed by a licensed professional engineer.

GravityStone EVO reduces excavation by allowing portions of the retaining wall to function as a modular gravity system rather than relying solely on reinforced soil zones. Traditional MSE walls typically require excavation extending approximately 70–80 percent of the wall height behind the face to accommodate geogrid reinforcement lengths. In contrast, GravityStone EVO can be constructed with modular gravity sections using trunks and anchors, reducing required excavation to as little as approximately 30 percent of the wall height, depending on site conditions. This flexibility is especially beneficial on tight sites, near existing structures, or where minimizing earth disturbance is critical, and can also provide cost advantages compared to cast-in-place concrete walls or large precast modular block systems.

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