Is GS2 right for your project?

GS2 Wall Systems technology is built to perform in diverse conditions and applications, but determining whether it fits your specific needs involves technical assessment. Our specialized support team can help you evaluate GS2 for your projects.

Project compatibility

GS2 solutions are ideal for complex commercial, professionally installed projects with challenges, such as tight clearances, environmental impact considerations, and difficult soil conditions. GS2 projects generally require engineering support and are recommended for mid- to large-scale custom and commercial projects with complex site demands.

Brownstone project
Five canyons project wall

Regional Availability

Availability of GS2 products is expanding, but may vary by geographic region. Please contact us to verify current accessibility and supply volume in your area.

Ideal Project Partners

To maintain the highest quality, safety, and engineering standards, GS2 products are exclusively available for licensed contractors, construction firms, and commercial clients who have the experience and resources for complex installations. Our system is ideal for companies with established construction workflows, capacity to handle complex site demands, and management of technical requirements across diverse environments.

We do not offer direct consumer sales or support for do-it-yourself projects, as these solutions require advanced site preparation and installation techniques and adherence to engineering specifications that only certified professionals can provide.

private residence project
Oak park project

Tailored Support at Every Step

We understand that each company and project is unique. Our process begins with a tailored, collaborative consultation to understand your goals and situation. We offer a comprehensive panel of support resources and services – from training to construction – to provide the level of guidance that ensures your company can fully optimize GS2 for your projects.

Frequently asked questions

What is GS2?

GS2 Block is a dry-stack masonry block designed for applications such as retaining walls, sound walls, foundations, and bio-retention systems. Its unique features, including horizontal and vertical rebar channels, enhance strength and stability, making it ideal for challenging construction environments​.

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What are the advantages of using GS2?

GS2 is stronger, faster, and more cost-effective compared to other systems. Its design minimizes soil displacement, reduces material costs, and allows for installation in diverse weather conditions​.

How is GS2 different from traditional blocks?

Built on generations of retaining wall experience in California’s geologically challenging terrain, GS2 was designed to outperform traditional blocks. GS2 integrates bi-lateral rebar channels for greater strength and stability and works directly with helical piles to reduce excavation and installation time​.

What type of foundation does GS2 require?

GS2 can be used with various types of foundations, including helical piers, which make it adaptable to different soil conditions and project types​.

Can GS2 be used for residential projects?

GS2 is ideal for housing developments and custom residential projects, however, it is best suited for projects that require engineered solutions and professional-grade construction expertise.

What types of applications is GS2 suitable for?

GS2 is versatile and ideal for retaining walls, sound walls, building foundations, bio-retention systems, and other engineered structures​.

How does GS2 perform in wet or unstable soil?

GS2 performs exceptionally well in wet or unstable soil conditions, especially when combined with helical piles, allowing for stable wall construction without the need for large excavation​.

What makes GS2 a cost-effective solution?

The combination of faster installation, reduced excavation, and minimal material displacement leads to significant cost savings. Additionally, the ability to use fewer materials, such as concrete, further reduces overall expenses​.

Is GS2 environmentally friendly?

GS2 reduces material waste and soil disruption during installation, making it an environmentally responsible choice for construction projects​.

What kind of support is available for using GS2?

GS2 offers comprehensive support services, tailored to your needs, from project evaluation to installation, ensuring that each wall system is optimized for the specific site and conditions​.

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Can GS2 be installed in all weather conditions?

GS2 is designed for year-round installation, even in wet conditions, when paired with helical piers​.

What testing has been done on GS2?

GS2 has undergone extensive testing to verify its performance, including load and failure point tests, showing its superior strength and structural integrity​.

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What is the typical design for vertical rebar coming out of each helical?

Depending on the wall design, #5 rebar is used at the barrels with three or four bars. Additionally, one #4 rebar is included at 27” on center between the barrels.

What is the typical vertical rebar size?

The typical GS2 Wall System vertical rebar size is #5 rebar at the barrels and a #4 rebar between the barrels.

What is the typical horizontal rebar size?

The typical GS2 Wall System horizontal rebar size is #4 rebar.

Does GS2 require any type of spacer to keep the vertical rebars aligned?

No, GS2 Wall Systems use centralizers to hold the horizontal bars in place. Verticals are then aligned with the horizontals.

With GS2 Wall Systems, do vertical bars get tied at each intersection with the horizontal bars?

No, centralizers hold the horizontals in place, and we align the verticals with the horizontals.

With GS2 Wall Systems, how many helicals can you expect to install per 8-hour shift?

Assuming an experienced 4- to 5-man crew, an expected average installation rate is 25 helicals per 8-hour shift to start.

What rate of block setting can I expect for GS2 sound walls?

Sound walls are highly variable, but you can typically expect to start with 85 square feet per man per 8-hour shift. For crews that are experienced with the GS2 Wall System, you can estimate around 125 square feet per man per 8-hour shift.

What rate of block setting can I expect for GS2 retaining walls?

You can typically expect to start with 65 square feet per man per 8-hour shift for GS2 retaining walls.

What is the yield factor of grout within GS2 Block on a per-square-foot basis?

For a fully grouted wall, you can estimate about 71 square foot per cubic yard.

What type of grout strength is required for GS2 Wall Systems?

3500 psi pumpable grout is recommended, specifically a 4-inch slump pea gravel mix.

How many helicals are needed for my GS2 wall and at what spacing?

While there are standard calculations for walls with level upslopes and downslopes, each wall can have a unique configuration. To determine precise requirements, you’ll need an engineering analysis, which includes geotechnical data, wall dimensions, and the slope’s geometry. Key factors to consider when calculating helical requirements include:

  • Height: Walls over 6 feet tall often require additional reinforcement like tiebacks or anchors to prevent failure, along with other considerations, such as an earthquake surcharge.
  • Cross Sections: Cross-sections illustrate how the wall and anchors interact with the surrounding soil, including details like wall height, anchor placement, soil layers, and reinforcement.
  • Slope Conditions: The terrain relative to the wall impacts the forces on the wall and anchor requirements, such as whether there’s an upslope (rising ground behind the wall), a downslope (sloping ground in front of the wall), or both.
  • Surcharge: Additional loads exerted on a retaining wall, such as other buildings or structures, can result in increased pressure, stability concerns, and slope interaction.
  • Wind Load: Wind velocity, terrain, and climate can impact wind load. Shear wind load can cause walls to tilt or fail and lateral wind load can cause issues with the building’s foundation.
  • Toe conditions: The bottom edge of the wall footing is crucial for stability as it bears the highest soil pressure.

These factors determine how many and what type of helicals will be suitable for your GS2 wall.

Unlock the strength of gs2

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