Common Wall Terminology

Plate Compactor

Is a vibrator plate that is used to compact sand or gravels

Positive Connection

Structural connection of retaining walls specifically designed to mechanically connect facing elements to SRW reinforcement with a low-strain, endbearing connection device that is not dependent on friction for connection strength

Positive Slope

A slope that has an elevation higher than the top of the wall. Also known as a "Backslope"

Pressure

The pressure at any point in a liquid at rest, equal to the depth of the liquid multiplied by its density

Proctor (density)

A method used to determine the compaction or density of soil materials

Pullout Resistance

For soil nails, pullout resistance refers to the capacity of the soil nail to resist outward forces along the axis of the soil nail which may cause the nail to be removed or “pullout” from the surrounding strata. The resistance to soil nail pullout is affected by soil or rock type and strength, contractor installation methods, drillhole diameter, and roughness and cleanliness of the drillhole

PVC Flexible Pipe

Flexible pipe (3/4 inch), made of plastic or PVC and used as a guide for a curved pattern of base wall units