Segmental retaining wall (SRW) split face delaminations and practical implications

This paper describes a scaling/delamination phenomenon that can occur on the split face of some segmental retaining wall (SRW) units. While this feature may not necessarily be related to environmental attack or material durability, its presence may cause an inspector to incorrectly diagnose environmental degradation of the SRW material. Field examples of SRW units containing this feature in climates with and without freeze-thaw exposure are shown, followed by observations of this phenomenon under laboratory conditions. A simulation is then demonstrated to connect these delaminations to the SRW manufacturing process. Finally, the implications of these features on field inspection and laboratory testing of SRW units are discussed, and suggestions are provided to help avoid misleading interpretations on the condition of SRW units.