• U of Idaho Stadium Access Walls

Defying Gravity: U of Idaho Chooses Redi-Rock Walls to Create Access To Stadium

Project Name

Kibbie Dome Walls at the University of Idaho #133

Customer Name

University of Idaho

Design / Specifying Engineer

John McKervey,P.E., JM Engineering; Scott Becker, P.E., Hodge and Associates

Block Manufacturer

Wilbert Precast

Wall Installer

Allbright and Sons

Project Location

Moscow, ID

Year Built

2011

THE CHALLENGE:

When the University of Idaho needed to create access to the lower elevation of the Kibbie Dome stadium, retaining walls nearly 20 feet tall were required.

Local engineering firm Hodge and Associates was tasked with designing a solution for the project. After debating several options, the firm specified gabion baskets to match other walls on campus.

THE SOLUTION:

The contractor hired for the project was familiar with Redi-Rock and suggested Redi-Rock as a way to cut costs and create a simpler construction sequence than gabion baskets. The engineers agreed that Redi-Rock would be a better solution and updated the spec.

“Gabion baskets are an older technology, and the newer way (Redi-Rock) won,” explained Scott Becker, engineer with Hodge and Associates.

Redi-Rock retaining walls rely on massive, one-ton blocks that stack like giant Legos to create tall gravity walls. This 18.5 ft. tall gravity wall gave engineers a chance to showcase just what Redi-Rock blocks are really capable of!

“We used the Planter blocks because we were trying to avoid using geogrid. Stepping the walls back gave us the ability to go higher,” Becker explained. “We were trying to go high enough with a more gradual slope to discourage students from climbing on them.”

Redi-Rock Planter blocks allowed the wall to achieve its 18.5 ft. height with no geogrid required. By using Planter blocks in several courses of the walls, engineers increased the batter angle of the walls and made these tall gravity walls possible. Engineers could have designed a similar solution using Redi-Rock 9 In. Setback blocks.

THE OUTCOME:

The 18.5 ft. tall gravity walls at the Kibbie Dome are impressive due to their height—but also because they look great! The school chose Redi-Rock Cobblestone texture for the project, which gave the new access point an aesthetic finish.

“The university is very happy with the walls, the way they look, and how the whole project turned out,” Becker said.

Case Studies