The Challenge
A failed rockery on 76th Avenue West in Edmonds, WA of some 20’ in height was repaired by Condon-Johnson & Associates (CJA) under contract to the City of Edmonds. The rockery, which had undergone significant deterioration due to freeze thaw cycles, and drainage failure, was on a busy thoroughfare.

The Solution
Rather than demolish the wall and rebuild it as either a rockery or a gravity retaining wall, CJA and the City decided to install soil nails through the rockery and then face the soil nails with a concrete facia.

In a departure from conventional methods, a shotcrete facia was designed which had a sculpted finish to make the wall blend with the surroundings. The shotcrete was stained a natural color and then sealed for long term durability.

The Result
The resulting wall was so esthetically pleasing that it was awarded the 2003 APWA Washington Chapter Project of the Year award.

Featured Expertise:
Shoring/Soil Nailing
Shotcrete Facia