GS2
Technology
GS2 Block is the innovative foundational element of GS2 Wall Systems for use in retaining walls, sound walls, and other engineered structures. It is designed to bring foundational versatility to the speed and precision of split-faced, dry-stacked masonry. GS2 is the ONLY dry-stack masonry block on the market engineered to work directly with helical piles. This increases the speed of installation, while significantly reducing soil displacement, material costs, and overall labor.
Stronger, faster, and engineered to perform
GS2 delivers robust, adaptable solutions that enhance efficiency and durability of your wall projects in diverse construction environments. Our innovative, dry-stack design minimizes installation time and costs while maintaining structural integrity. Designed to meet complex project demands, GS2 Wall Systems bring sustainability, flexibility, and resilience to every build.
Structural superiority
GS2 Block offers outstanding structural strength and long-term stability, providing reliable support in challenging environments.
Lateral Strength
GS2 Block is designed to resist horizontal pressure, making it ideal for areas prone to shifting or seismic activity to ensure project stability under dynamic conditions.
Vertical Strength
The load-bearing capacity of GS2 Block efficiently handles vertical pressure, distributing weight evenly and maintaining structural integrity even under heavy loads.
Bilateral strength
The dual-axis reinforced strength of GS2 Block allows for flexible use in walls, foundations, and other structural applications.
Continuous bond
GS2 Block forms a continuous bond, increasing strength throughout the structure without requiring mortar or adhesives. This bond minimizes the risk of weak points within the build.
Dry stackable
The dry-stack design of GS2 Block eliminates the need for mortar, speeding up installation while reducing costs and enhancing cohesion.
Versatile footings
Adaptable for a variety of foundation types, GS2 Block is the only dry-stack masonry block on the market engineered to work directly with helical piles. Its flexible footing options ensure solid grounding in the most challenging of conditions.
How gs2 stacks up
| Feature | GS2 | DSM | CMU | CMU Speedblock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Time | Fast | Medium | Slow | Fast (excluding facing) |
| Work in Wet Soil Conditions | Yes (with helical piles) |
No | No | Yes (with helical piles) |
| Needs Continuous Grade Beam | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Finish Facing | Split Face & Combed | Split Face | None | None |
| Foundation Material Usage | Low | High | High | Low |
| Zero Lot Line Capacity | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Internal Bond Beam | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Applications
GS2 Wall Systems technology is versatile and adaptable, making it suitable for various structural and environmental applications. Its durability and modular design provide tailored solutions for projects in urban, rural, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Retaining walls
GS2 provides strong, stable support for soil retention in landscaping and construction.
Sound walls
GS2 acts as a durable sound barrier to reduce noise pollution in urban and residential areas.
Bioretention infrastructure
GS2 is an exceptional option for bioswale systems to support water management and environmental sustainability.
Pilaster
GS2 ensures structural strength and resilience for bridge supports and abutments.
Foundations
GS2 offers solid, adaptable support for diverse building foundations in challenging solid conditions and tight clearances.
Low-clearance culverts
GS2 fits efficiently into limited-access spaces for effective water flow management in culvert applications.
Is gs2 right for your project?
Is GS2 the best fit for your project needs? Our technology offers versatile, cost-effective solutions designed for various applications and challenges. Discover more about how GS2 can enhance your projects and determine if it meets your unique requirements.
Rigorous product testing
Designed to outperform traditional methods, GS2 technology is based on a deep understanding of California’s unique geological challenges, drawing on generations of experience with retaining wall solutions. We perform extensive testing to ensure GS2 products meet the highest standards of strength, stability, and resilience.
Purpose-built testing site
To validate the capabilities of GS2 products, our engineering team used a controlled, dedicated test site for constructing and load-testing wall sections with various block types. Before going to market, GS2 Block was evaluated using a sliding steel frame constructed within a large steel-framed tent. The frame was positioned adjacent to various constructed wall faces while providing the structural stability required to apply precise force and induce controlled failures. Each phase was carefully measured, documented, and repeated to ensure comprehensive results.
Comparative Stress Testing
For comparative evaluation, we built stand-alone wall sections using common types of commercial retaining wall blocks. These sections were stress-tested to the point of controlled failure. Walls were tested at their mid-points to measure the strength of the face and internal bond beams. Additionally, foundationally-anchored walls were tested with facing loads applied near the top to simulate extreme material retaining conditions. Test results show a clear structural advantage in GS2 Block design, notably related to bilateral bond beams.
Independent Verification
We bring in independent geotechnical and engineering consultants to ensure objective testing methodology and interpretation of data. Reports are leveraged for ongoing product development, improvement of construction processes, and exploration of innovative applications of GS2 products. Key findings, further testing process detail, and associated data are available to strategic partners and manufacturers. Please contact us for additional information about data sharing.
Testing videos:GS2 in action
Watch the performance of GS2 Block in action! Each testing video captures critical phases of load testing, highlighting the block’s structural resilience and unique design features. These tests demonstrate how GS2 Block holds up under real-world conditions, offering insights into its advantages across various applications.
GS2 Block Wall Testing
GS2 Block Stress Testing
GS2 Pressure Testing
Patented Technology
GS2 Wall Systems feature patented technology designed to enhance strength, adaptability, and efficiency in construction projects. Our proprietary system incorporates a unique structural framework, allowing for greater resilience in challenging environments, such as unstable soil, tight clearances, and high-load areas. This rigorously tested technology supports faster, dry-stack installation and minimizes excavation needs, making GS2 a versatile, scalable solution across various applications. Our patented products include GS2 Block, GS2 Helical Barrel, and GS2 Rebar Centralizer.
Advanced Engineering
Cutting-edge GS2 technology is engineered for the most challenging of conditions, demanding high-level engineering expertise. To ensure you get the best results, our engineering services are available to support every phase of your project, from design through implementation. With GS2’s innovative features and adaptable configurations, our engineering team can work closely with you to optimize installation, stability, and performance, creating solutions that fit even the most complex site requirements.
