A VERSA-LOK segmental retaining wall saved the city of Rochester, MN, $60,000 in a flood-control project and helped preserve a portion of a golf course that was eroding into the Zumbro River.

The wall was part of the $100 million Rochester Flood Control Program. The St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had to deepen and widen the waterway channel near Soldier’sGrove Golf Course . The course was in danger of losing three greens and one tee box to the crumbling banks of the Zumbro. However, they didn’t want to close for the season because of the huge potential revenue loss the city-owned course would incur.

The Corps had two options: use poured-in-place concrete cantilevered retaining walls or build segmental retaining walls. After researching their options, engineers concluded that segmental retaining walls would cost the city $60,000 less than poured-in-place walls and allow for quicker, easier installation.

VERSA-LOK Standard was specified because its solid construction was more durable in a riverway application and its pin-to-slot design facilitated smooth installation of the serpentine channel walls. General contractor Ames Construction Inc. of Burnsville, MN, installed more than 17,000 square feet of VERSA-LOK Standard. Riprap was placed at the base of the walls to present further erosion from scouring. In addition to halting the erosion, the VERSA-LOK walls blend in well with the riverway environment and golf course.