The first South African installation of African Gabions' new MacWall Compac engineered block retaining wall system was completed recently at the Bafokeng Civic Centre in the North West.

The 60m long, 4m-high wall coped with intricate curving as well as a large sump to house the Civic Centre's water pumping system

Gary Matthews, Gauteng regional manager of African Gabions, says the MacWall incorporates a patented interlocking pin system that ensures positive connection between the structural wall units and the soil reinforcement.

"For the Bafokeng project, high-strength pulltruded fibreglass-connection pins were used for maximum durability. The pins provide a shear connector, geogrid proof-positive holder and alignment device - all in one piece. The system ensures a positive mechanical connection between the concrete wall units and geogrids," he explains.

The system is constructed vertically and can support very high loads that would easily cause failure with conventional systems.