RockSolid Reads

Valvoline Headquarters Plank Pavers by Reading Rock

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:10:51 GMT

The challenge

To provide an outdoor space for employees to gather by tying the architectural features of the building into the outside design. Landscape architecture firm, Element Design, was retained to help accomplish this goal. They set out to find a manufacturing partner who could provide a unique paver solution in a reasonable time and competitive price. Additionally, they would require careful detail by the installing contractor due to the fact these pavers would be installed during regular business hours and while the building was occupied.

The solution

As a manufacturer of custom dry and wet cast concrete products, Reading Rock’s sales, operations and production teams worked with Element Design to discuss possibilities. By listening to Element Design and their needs, Reading Rock determined they could help the team accomplish their goals.

The solution was inspired by the Valvoline logo and corporate office design which both showcase elongated elements. The final paver design, a 3”(H) x 6”(W) x 36”(L) custom paver and color blend, complements the aesthetic of the building’s exterior.

To minimize any disturbance and health hazards to the building occupants during installation, the contractor used a dustless saw that was stationed well away from the installation area. Polymeric sand and sealer were installed in small sections to ensure no overflow onto the building.

Reading Rock was able to optimize the design of the space by using their customization abilities to provide a paver that fulfilled the aesthetics desired and within budget.

The results

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The Yard Club – Grandview Heights, OH

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:59:57 GMT

The challenge

The new addition will serve as a key residential amenity and, therefore, had to look the part. Designers wanted a casual, contemporary style that complemented the surrounding buildings but also stood out. A mixed texture design was desired for the building in order to enhance interaction but also add to the visual depth. The majority of the clubhouse is giant, storefront windows. A product had to be chosen that would visually coincide with the many windows.

The solution

After an initially competitive bidding period, RockCast was chosen because of product flexibility and efficiency. In total, three styles and three colors were manufactured. The Savannah color blend features a combination of three colors. Reading Rock’s RockCast product in the Savannah three color blend provided the contemporary style and quality aesthetics desired.

In addition to the masonry veneer units, hand tamped custom cast stone units in the same color blends were used. A smooth shape was used to portray a clean and contemporary style, while a chiseled-face style represents a heaviness at the base of the building. The designers utilized a more intricate bond pattern above eye level to achieve a sophisticated and contemporary look. The Custom Cast Stone products were used for ornamental purposes and can be found on the window sills, seamlessly tying all the products together.

The results

Due to the fact that all three product styles were produced at the same local facility, selecting RockCast turned out to be a cost effective decision. The Yard Club opened on schedule and can now be used by residents to enjoy the pool, workout or simply catch up with neighbors. Reading Rock’s specialization in creating and developing colors helped create a perfect product for this project. A great design was implemented, making this luxury facility a tremendous amenity and great relaxing hang-out spot for the residents.

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Skyline Plaza Park

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:43:46 GMT

The sky’s the limit have never been truer spoken words when designing the rooftop green space for residence at Skyline Towers in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Open the attached Case Study to read more about this amazing space utilizing Allan Block retaining walls.

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Saddlebrook Golf Club

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:25:42 GMT

Saddlebrook Golf Club was an anchor for the neighborhood until it closed in 2015 due to a default on a loan. The neighborhood started a capitol campaign that allowed for Green Golf Partners, a golf course management group, to purchase Saddlebrook and bring it back to its former glory. During its closure, the greens, fairways and grounds were subject to extensive damage, requiring a lot of construction. One such feature was a tunnel that passed below 56th street and connected the 2 different sections of the course.

Green Golf coordinated with the city as 56th street runs above the tunnel to make the “unusable” tunnel functional again. The entrances to the tunnel consisted of old railroad tie timber walls that were in desperate need of repair.

Open the pdf file to read the entire story about this amazing transformation.

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Residential Design Achieving Consistent Aesthetics

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:14:55 GMT

The challenge

The Kentucky house, known as Chateau Mon Reve, covers over 15,000 sq. ft. making it one of Reading Rock’s largest residential projects. For this job, the homeowner wanted products traditionally supplied for a commercial building rather than a residential home. Additionally, this was a very detailed home that required many products from both the Architectural Masonry Veneer Series (AMV) and RockCast Custom Cast Stone Series. These products require two different production methods and consistency in color needed to be achieved to provide the house with a professional and consistent look.

The solution

Having numerous internal product experts, Reading Rock was able to excel in the transition between the more common commercial job and residential construction. A Reading Rock engineer took a hands-on approach and worked at the construction site to oversee project development and to ensure that a first-class job was achieved. For instance, the balusters were made in custom molds to eliminate seams, and a non-traditional railing was created allowing the balusters to be manufactured at a uniform height.

Reading Rock is a national leader in innovative color blending and was able to provide a seamless color transition between the veneer and cast stone products. Being able to provide this transition between product lines opened the door to unlimited design flexibility.

The results

Using RockCast’s durable and sophisticated RockCast Slate color proved to be a more affordable option than limestone, but also gave the house a refined limestone look and feel. It is obvious that there were no restrictions to imagination for this project and that is what makes it so special. Everything from the Roman aqueduct inspired arched wall to the precise finishing touches make this one of the most talked about homes of the year. The Reading Rock staff worked tirelessly to provide an array of custom, ornamental pieces that the homeowners could be proud of.

Phillipsburg High School – Phillipsburgh, New Jersey

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 10:53:36 GMT

The challenge

The motto for Phillipsburg High School is; Prepared, Self-Confident, Distinguished. It was mandatory that those same characteristics be prevalent in their new 330,000 square foot building to support grades 9-12. The school is located on a geophysical fault line between limestone and bedrock. The structure was situated on the highest and most stable portion of the site. A mixed texture and design was needed on the exterior palette to reflect the same stability and texture as the rock foundation below its walls. This new building needed to provide an enjoyable environment for all who daily walked its halls.

The solution

Caliza Stone Series was chosen for the building façade due to its aesthetics and durability, durability that provides a benefit of reducing long-term maintenance. A dark monotone color in both smooth and split textured finishes was selected to represent the rock on which the building sits. This pattern of smooth and texture forms the base of the academic wings, rises up on the stair towers and accents other areas to assist in breaking up the mass of the building. The Caliza Stone units provided a stable base for both the structure and the aesthetic design of the campus.

The results

Students, faculty and administrative staff occupied their new school in September of 2016. This new building, with its organized and distinctive design, promotes pride in their environment and provides students with the atmosphere to grow in creativity and academics. Sitting atop a high elevation, with fantastic views of the surrounding community, the building’s design joins with nature in providing a visually enjoyable experience while on the campus.

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Permeable Pavers & Retaining Walls Solution for Water Issues

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 10:02:30 GMT

The challenge

Water damage accounts for $11 billion in damages annually and is the second most filed insurance claim in the United States. The location of this home was unfavorable for inclement weather because it faced an uphill road and had another hill adjacent to the front of the house. This caused rain water to rush down the hill towards the front of the house and flood the front yard. The street drain could not accommodate the rush of water and debris quickly caused it to clog, allowing the runoff water to reach the property. The drain required constant monitoring and would elevate the flooding issues when it became blocked by leaf litter and other waste. The property’s ground pitch allowed water to stream down the hill adjacent to the house and instantly flood the driveway and basement, often sitting there for days.

The solution

A Reading Rock specification professional traveled to the home to personally evaluate the site and to find exactly where and why the problem was happening. After analyzing the site and developing a plan engineered to solve the flooding problem, the Reading Rock team member returned to the site on a rainy day to analyze how the water was flowing and how their idea could solve the problem. After witnessing all of this in person the team member was able to propose a multi-step solution to eliminate flooding and ponding of excess storm water.

It was understood that the non-absorbent asphalt driveway was adding to the extreme rain runoff so it was replaced with HydraBric permeable pavers. This product series drastically reduces flooding by providing storage under the surface of the pavers and allows water to filter through the soil directly on-site. The driveway was then expanded to include a sizable parking pad separating the front yard from the street. The extension to the driveway added room for additional parking and also prevented runoffs into the lawn that the storm drain could not contain. Permeability along the driveway pavers was further reinforced by placing river gravel behind the pavers. The gravel was installed to act as reassurance and has a large storage capacity in case some flood water might not dissipate through the pavers.

Lastly, a Europa Allan Block retaining wall was constructed alongside the home and driveway to prevents secondary runoffs from the hill running alongside the house. The retaining wall prevented flood waters from flowing down the hill onto the property and into the basement of the home.

The results

A traditional way to solve this problem would consist of water proofing the basement and adding water piping which would have been very expensive. The advised solution increased the home’s value. This non-traditional solution was a money saver that provided the house with an updated and visually pleasing look. Expert planning, consulting and execution led to an aesthetically pleasing landscape that is now much more functional.

Murphy Parkway, Powell, Ohio

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:50:16 GMT

The challenge

The town of Powell, Ohio was met with a growing need to update its roadways as an increasing population has been causing congestion and backup near major intersections. Extending Murphy Parkway was a great way to alleviate traffic from Four Corners intersection but faced a number of hurdles before the project could successfully be completed. One of the major obstacles was overcoming Tyler’s run, a water pass running through the desired route. Two new culverts, in addition to one remaining, were installed to maintain the water flow underneath the extension. A significant retaining wall had to be built around these culverts in order to securely support the overhead roadway and newly upgraded bike path.

The solution

City officials desired a gravity retention wall to provide more dependable structural support. To best accommodate the steep grade and aesthetic needs desired to complete this part of the extension, a ReCon retaining wall system was installed. Rather than a cast-in-place retaining wall, ReCon offered more flexibility, allowing for a curved design to be enacted that could support itself, relying solely on its own weight. At some sections of the bend, the retaining wall reached almost 20 ft. high and had to be embedded underground for additional support. Riprap was placed at the base of the wall to ensure erosion wouldn’t damage the structure in case of potential high-water. After preliminary designs and project surveys were conducted in accordance with our dedicated partners at EMH&T, construction of the Murphy Extension quickly got underway.

The results

This long-awaited project opened in late September, 2016 and highlights the cities dedication to roadway and capital improvements. The natural color and Weathered Edge look of the ReCon wall was a great addition to the parkway, and ties in seamlessly with the other numerous aesthetic landscape improvements along the addition.

The choice of the ReCon gravity retention wall sped up the construction process and was much easier to install, ensuring that the residents of Powell would be able to enjoy the benefits of the extension as soon as possible. Preparation for construction began in February, and the project was completed ahead of schedule nearly half a year later. In addition to being completed early, the city saved significantly in cost due to product choice. Murphy Parkway is a vital component in connecting the city’s growing population paths and has successfully freed up the Liberty and Olentangy Street intersection.

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Miami University, Armstrong Student Center

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:22:53 GMT

The challenge

Miami University recently opened the doors to a new $53M student union aimed to meet the needs of 21st century college students while also paying respect to the school’s 200 years of history and tradition. Nearly 60% of the Armstrong Student Center was funded through donations from alumni and loyal Miami University supporters. The school wanted to give thanks to those who made this remarkable achievement possible by recognizing them within the building. Miami University in Oxford, Ohio is the tenth oldest public university in the country and has amassed strong alumni support over the years. This is an important and unique element of the school that needed to be showcased throughout the design of the building. The 200,000 sq. ft. facility was designed to stay true to the university’s renowned Georgian architectural style. Overall, The Armstrong center needed a customized look to honor the past while also serving the future of Miami University students.

The solution

Etching the names in tile of those who donated money to the project was a perfect way to deliver a personal and customized thank you. It serves as a rare opportunity for individuals and families to show their Miami pride by having their donation be honored. These transformational tile units can be found along the iconic Slant Walk and around the university seal which serves as the focal point for the entire building. The personalized tile offered Miami University a timeless manner to recognize its past and stay true to its history. Reading Rock members personally provided the water jetting service, radius cutting, and took the tile to an engraver.

The Pietre Native collection from Casalgrande is modeled after natural stone and seamlessly fit in with Miami’s Georgian style campus. This product has an all gray color pallet and complimentary tile colors with over ten different shades and sizes. The Italian manufacturer had the depth of product availability to quickly deliver the tile to Oxford, Ohio. The flexibility of the tile is showcased in the main dining room where three colors are combined to create a fun, three-dimensional design. The amazingly detailed tile throughout the building provides a dramatic and playful entrance for students, alumni and visitors.

The results

Pietre Tile was an attractive choice for this project and Reading Rock was able to assure the most affordable option through value engineering, providing tile at under $4 per foot. This great deal resulted in a material and installation cost 25% under market value. With the product’s ease of maintenance additional savings will continue to be seen.

Kings Island- Cincinnati, OH

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:54:44 GMT

The challenge

Maintaining a business relationship for over 40 years is difficult and Reading Rock has faced many competitors from project to project during that time. When construction began on the original park, Kings Island needed to find a sturdy product to provide support for its large rides and attractions. Durability was not the only thing Kings Island needed; eye-catching designs and imaginative aesthetics are integral to the amusement park atmosphere and attracting guests. Most importantly, Kings Island needed someone they could trust year after year to deliver creative, customized, and continuously improved products.

The solution

This great partnership with Kings Island has been maintained due to customer service, practicality, and durability. Kings Island needed a flexible and structurally strong product, which Reading Rock did not have at the time, so one was made. Paverlock interlocking concrete pavers was introduced by Reading Rock to fulfill the needs of Kings Island, and is now an incredibly popular product for residential and commercial use.

Reading Rock’s color blends and mixtures have been a major part of the park. A black and white checkered paver was designed for Days of Thunder in 1999, and the diamondback color was introduced in 2009 for the nationally acclaimed Diamondback roller coaster.

Just like Kings Island has some of the fastest rides in the country, Reading Rock has one of the fastest turn times in the country. A large in-house inventory and three large production machines allow materials to quickly be delivered to the job site. This is critical for Kings Island because it reduces building time, and gives the park’s three million annual visitors time to enjoy a construction-free amusement park.

The results

Kings Island and Reading Rock have been together through the construction of 80 new rides and numerous record-breaking roller coasters. Due to the mid-price advantage offered by Reading Rock, costs have been up to a third less than what the competition has been able to offer. Both companies look forward to working with each other to deliver Cincinnati and visitors excitement for years to come.

Keystone Parkway- Indianapolis, IN

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:17:15 GMT

The challenge

When the City of Carmel, Indiana needed to add four exit ramps for the new elevated roundabout at Keystone Parkway & Main Street, they were faced with right of way restrictions. The close proximity of backyard property lines and existing utilities prevented excavation for geogrid reinforcements to ensure the proper installation of a conventional segmental retaining wall system. In order to preserve and protect the surrounding properties and not compromise or delay the project, the city took a proactive approach and sought a viable retaining wall alternative.

The City’s Consulting Engineer, American Structurepoint, considered using MSE Wall fascia panels supported by a H-pile and wood-lagged retention system which had been used on another section of the Keystone Parkway corridor. However, this option, which was estimated to cost in excess of $1.7 million, was the most expensive option and therefore was rejected due to budgetary concerns.

The solution

As an Engineered Wall Solution provider, Reading Rock, was able to present Charlie Gannon, Project Manager at Walsh Construction, with another option – ReCon Retaining Wall Systems. ReCon, a high performance tall gravity wall, is designed to eliminate th e time and cost associated with excavation and soil replacement when reinforcing geogrid is required. It’s unique tongue and grove lock and placement design combined with its massive size and weight proved to be the perfect solution.

Reading Rock worked closely with Civil Solutions Group (CSG) and Structures Hardscapes to optimize the design of the project and maximize installation efficiencies all while minimizing construction costs. Both companies have a national reputation for minimizing overall construction costs through use of creative and state of the art design concepts and construction practices.

The results

Using ReCon to elevate the roundabout at Keystone Parkway and Main Street provided the City of Carmel with a more cost effective wall solution and American Structurepoint liked it too! Never having used ReCon in the past, the firm, was delighted to learn that the big block wall was designed very similar to modular gravity wall block, making it easy to use and quick to install.

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Kenwood Towne Centre- Cincinnati, OH

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:01:54 GMT

The challenge

Kenwood Towne Center was built in 1956 and has had the same tile since opening. Kenwood wanted to improve the shopping experience of its 180 stores by creating a sleek updated look to attract new retailers and customers. The rising popularity of open-air shopping centers has pressured tradition style malls to replicate the feeling of being outdoors with enhanced natural lighting, resulting in a more intimate shopping experience. General Growth Properties was seeking new tile for common areas and the food court in efforts to brighten the mall, but did not want to compromise the upscale and relaxed atmosphere with standard products.

The solution

Designers in charge of the Kenwood Towne Centre renovation were very impressed with an internationally desired Italian tile called GranitiFiandre. Reading Rock is the Cincinnati tri-state area’s only Fiandre distributor and was able to deliver Kenwood with a sophisticated product that met and exceeded all restoration requirements. The premier tile line has a variety of styles and colors that emulate the marble effect Kenwood was seeking. White diamond accents were placed around the marble replica tile to bolster aesthetics and light reflective properties which enhanced sunlight.

The results

The reflective tile compliments the new skylights to achieve the desired lighter look that the 15 million customers can enjoy. Fiandre is an exceptional tile that can be found in the best malls across the world giving Kenwood Towne Centre a product that perfectly complements its upscale and relaxed atmosphere.

GRS Bridge Abutment

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:30:52 GMT

The challenge

The Hamilton County Highway Department required four bridges be replaced. The County wanted to engage in innovative construction of its infrastructure. Downtime of the bridges needed to be minimized to reduce impact to residents. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standard for Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) in an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) needed to be updated to allow consideration for alternate products. Alternate products would provide options for the county to save cost and reduced construction time.

The solution

Hamilton County, the engineering firms and Reading Rock consulted with the FHWA to educate and implement the modification of the construction techniques and standards to identify Allan Block Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) units as an approved product.

Allan Block units met specification requirements and were installed in conjunction with Strata GRS 4800 and GRS 7200 geotextile product that reduced construction time to weeks versus months. By constructing a GRS-IBS system using SRW units, there was no need to install deep foundations or to pour concrete such as footings, abutments or wing walls, again reducing time and overall costs of the project.

The results

Hamilton County delivered a savings to its tax payers across all the bridge projects. The reinstallment of the bridges was completed within the strict time constraints. Additionally, the installation of the SRW system reduces future maintenance costs. Aesthetically the abutment is attractive. The entire system is flexible and coherent, all moving with the induced forces reducing the traditional “bump” drivers experience at each crossing.

GRS-IBS system allowed for the utilization of on-site soils which greatly reduced impact on the local environment. The GRS-IBS system will also work to prevent future soil erosion and undermining of the bridge structure.

Nationally, the FHWA continues to realize structures are built better, faster and for less by using a GRS-IBS system. Under the “Every Day Counts” initiative, dollars spent are kept within the local government providing significant cost savings. Local communities are able to improve the safety of their roadways with minimal financial impact to the residents.

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George Washington Middle School- Ridgewood, NJ

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:14:54 GMT

The challenge

George Washington was constructed in the 1920s and has a very historic and classic architectural appearance, including an abundance of brick. Unfortunately, the continuous evolution of building materials and construction has left many of the exterior structural components outdated. Since very few products from that time period are no longer in stock, many items would have to be custom made to match the school’s style.

The gymnasium renovation would have to emulate the pre-existing school building from both a color and style standpoint. Not only would the gym have to embody an old school look and appear historic, but it would have to have the strength and mechanical durability to last for future generations. As a result, a structural component needed to be created to support the brick veneer planned to canvas the addition.

The solution

Reading Rock is the only company in the cast stone industry that can combine all components, wet and dry, of cast stone to make it appear as if it was all manufactured the same way. This is made possible by advanced and innovative color blending methods monitored by in-house experts. Reading Rock provides unlimited design options regarding cast stone that combines old world craftsmanship and low maintenance, giving George Washington the flexibility to match the designs of both buildings. Cast stone products such as base panels, medallions, caps and bands blend decoration and functionality for a great final product.

RockCast’s Custom Cast Stone Series can be structural to support veneer, a feature necessary for this project. This series matches color and texture of architectural units without typical setbacks and allows for specialized anchoring with rebar, tie backs, weld plates, and other anchoring requirements. For this project, 13 large structural support arches, weighing over 10,000 pounds apiece, were created to provide the middle school with necessary structural support.

The result

Prior to the renovations, George Washington had one of the smallest gyms in the Ridgewood School District. The new custom-made gym is now one of the best in the district, even at the high school level. The addition has been applauded for its design and ability to accommodate the whole school during assemblies, something the previous gym could not do.

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Elder Baseball Stadium- Cincinnati, OH

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:58:03 GMT

The challenge

Elder baseball is the all-time leader in Ohio for state championships and wins, and steeped in a long history of tradition. The stadium needed to personify everything Elder’s program has achieved and the design needed to be modeled after the school’s unique castle look. A sixteen foot arch arch over the entrance was designed to greet visitors as they enter the stadium. This would be the largest cast stone arch Reading Rock has made and posed a challenge because it was designed not to be reinforced by structural metal. Construction on the unprecedented stadium began in April 2013 and the project aim was to have the stadium completed in time for the 2014 season, allowing just a year to finish the job.

The solution

Reading Rock’s experienced draft team designed and constructed a cast stone battlement (defensive top found on castle walls) that exemplified the distinct, gothic architecture of Elder High School. These battlements were placed on top of the turrets that flanked the cast stone arch, creating a memorable entrance to the field.

The result

Jack Adam Baseball Stadium is now the centerpiece of the Panther Athletic Complex and recognized as one of the best high school baseball facilities in the country. It has been called a premier stadium of the Midwest and celebrated for incorporating the school’s character into the design. Elder’s baseball team was able to play their 2014 home games in the new stadium finished on April 19, 2014.

DePauw University, Athletic Campus

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:49:29 GMT

The challenge

A $5M donation allowed DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana to move forward with its comprehensive plan to enhance the student and athletic experience. The school’s Athletics and Recreation Facilities Master Plan was designed to strengthen the competitive and athletic quality of DePauw University by providing significant improvements to venues across campus.

One key aspect of the master plan was a 300,000 sq. ft. dual-function retaining wall that descends from the newly renovated athletic campus and Reavis Stadium. DePauw University was seeking a segmented retaining wall with a patterned look to preserve the aesthetics the 78-year-old campus has established. A standard for the wall had previously been specified using a competitor’s product so Reading Rock was faced with a challenge. Aside from securing the bid, numerous architectural revisions on the original plan had to be made due to major stability concerns that were found during the initial stages of the project. The original design consisted of a retaining wall that was straight standing, but this design was deemed unfit for the job site due to safety reasons. The main focus of the project continued to be establishing universal stability.

Further complications occurred regarding the geogrid layers after the original plan was finalized. Extension limits restricted the geogrid layers from extending the necessary distance away from the structure’s footing. Fear of undermining the stadium during construction would prohibit the final section of a tiered wall from being built.

The solution

Reading Rock consulted with the engineer and contractor showcasing the Allan Block’s Ashlar Collection as an equal to the competitor’s product. Reading Rock has been manufacturing Allan Block since 1988 and is the second largest producer in the world. This stylish and strong product would provide the necessary support in addition to the aesthetics desired for the project. A mockup of the wall was designed using the Allan Block and when it was presented to the university it left such a positive impression that this was the perfect solution.

A plan was devised to implement a seven-tiered retaining wall that utilized structurally supportive backfills and geogrid layers to combat the stability concerns. Having a terraced wall was visually intriguing and was able to accommodate a concrete staircase that inclined to the main plaza. This made the site much more accessible for students. The final segment of the terraced wall was constructed with a concrete cut placed beneath the final section, intercepting some areas of concern. This eliminated the dimensional geogrid concerns and allowed construction of the wall to continue with a fully sloped design.

The results

This outstanding tiered retaining wall connects all aspects of the newly renovated athletic campus. The wall will be planted with grass transforming it into a dual-performance structure that provides optimal seating to watch the nearby athletic events. DePauw University saved over $100,000 on the project because of the Allan Block product’s design differences and production rates. The retaining wall, along with the renovated athletic campus, is another example of DePauw’s steadfast commitment to providing championship quality venues.

Cincinnati Zoo- Cincinnati, OH

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:20:34 GMT

The challenge

The Cincinnati Zoo, always expanding, quickly found themselves developing new displays taking over the visitor parking lot. With attendance on the rise and parking becoming increasingly difficult for visitors, the Zoo purchased additional land with plans to relocate the entrance and add additional parking. Although acquiring the land allowed the Zoo to increase parking, exhibits and attractions, the challenge then became how to get visitors from the new parking lot, across busy street and into the Zoo which sat 22 ft. above the parking lot area.

The solution

ME Company designed a 25,000 sq. ft. AB Europa® segmental retaining wall which raised the site and supported a pedestrian bridge, allowing visitors to cross a busy street with no interruptions or safety concerns from city traffic. The wall also gave the zoo room for an expanded entry plaza and space to build the Historic Vine Street Village, a place where visitors can relax, shop and eat. This area is also the location for ticketing, guest relations, memberships and retail shops. Living up to it’s reputation as “the Greenest Zoo in America,” the Zoo sought after and achieved LEED NC Platinum certification for the village project, a first for the city of Cincinnati.

The results

Elevating the new entrance with the support from a tumbled ashlar patterned segmental retaining wall gives the appearance of hand-laid stones and the Zoo’s visitors a fresh and attractive new entrance while also allowing for easier access.

The new entrance had an added benefit as well – it enabled the zoo to continue it’s commitment to being green and preserving the environment. With the addition of the retaining wall, the zoo was able to expand its footprint and gain the additional space needed to collect and store rain water from underneath the permeable pavers that greets visitors as they enter the Zoo. There are over 30,000 sq. ft. of pavers that greet visitors as they enter the zoo which stores millions of gallons of rain water. Captured rainwater is used to irrigate the surrounding landscape.

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Bowie City Hall- Bowie, MD

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:09:42 GMT

The challenge

When designing and planning for their new City Hall, Bowie’s main goal was to pursue energy efficiency and LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program that is transforming how buildings are built and operated around the world. By achieving LEED certification, Bowie City Hall would be recognized as a best-in-class development by the U.S. Green Building Council. To earn this honor, the building must pass and excel in inspection of six categories; sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design.

Not only did the city wish to gain LEED certification, they also wanted a customized color of stone that exemplified the city’s rich history.

The solution

As the need for environmental responsibility has grown, Reading Rock has applied resources to produce products of not only the best quality but products that are also best for our environment. Reading Rock proudly supports the fundamental values of green design and building. Bowie was provided local products that used recycled content. Reading Rock uses bi-products of other resources as additive in stone, limiting the amount of natural resources extracted from the Earth. All products for this project were excavated and manufactured within a 500 mile radius of the project site. This cut down freight costs and other negative environmental impacts related to transportation.

Reading Rock leads the way in implementing new green practices and uses low albedo in mix designs to obtain a lighter color palette, reducing the heat island effect. The light reflective quality of Reading Rock’s stone, as well as the naturally occurring color series, made it a perfect choice for Bowie. To deliver a unique color that Bowie could call their own, Bowie Blend was created. Bowie Blend, a modification of the Savanah shade, is a 4-color blend generated to match a sample of Earth extracted from Bowie.

The results

With help from Reading Rock’s LEED certified team, Bowie achieved their goal when the new City Hall earned LEED Gold Certification. Through innovative design and material combination, Bowie was able to save $10M in construction costs. City Hall was made with more than 20% recycled material, including reprocessed masonry and veneer products. In March of 2013, Bowie became the eighth city in the state to become Sustainable Maryland Certified in part because of City Hall’s Gold Certification.

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Bluegrass-Aspendale- Lexington, KY

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:44:58 GMT

The challenge

Ten acres (187,000 sq. ft.) of the Bluegrass-Aspendale project required storage and management of the increased runoff from roofs, sidewalks, drives and parking areas. With no available land for storage, Steve Garland, P.E. with Sherman Carter Barnhart (SCB) investigated several pavement resurfacing options that included: asphalt, porous pavement and permeable pavers. With a total of 12 parking lots to pave, the goal was to find an economical solution while meeting the needs of the site. The estimated project cost for traditional parking lots was $2.3M ($684K for asphalt, $1.5M for pipe system and $120K to address water quality issues). Porous pavement was investigated as a possible solution; however, it too was cost prohibitive and eliminated as a solution to the challenge.

The solution

SCB was able to manage and store increased runoff while also saving money when he incorporated permeable pavers into the project design. With land at a premium and society’s demand for more environmentally friendly solutions, paving the parking lots with permeable pavers was the most socially responsible option. The water quality generated by the aggregate (reported by 3rd party testing), met or exceeded EPA requirements therefore, requiring no additional treatment devices. Costing just $1M, (including the stone base, filter fabric for the detention and perforated pipe for edge and under drainage), permeable pavers was also the most economical solution for the project.

The results

Bluegrass-Aspendale’s permeable paver parking lots proved to be both an economical and environmental success; saving the project $1M, and today, serving as a model for future projects. The parking lot has also generated excitement from surrounding universities, municipalities and business leaders as they too are interested in implementing socially responsible applications in their communities.

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Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 11:14:59 GMT

The challenge

King Hall, within the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, was undergoing renovations to accommodate 6 classrooms and 12 offices. The building was originally built at the turn of the century when ornamental accents were often made from wood. In addition to the challenge of replicating the ornate entry, there was a requirement to do so in a material that would not produce the ongoing maintenance issues which resulted in the degradation of the original wood portico.

The solution

RockCast Lightweight masonry was chosen, giving the design and installation team the opportunity to recreate the King Hall’s entrance to match the existing façade. The Lightweight profiles are produced with a foam core, encased in an engineered concrete coating, achieving the graceful aesthetic of natural stone. With a foam core, the accent pieces weighed 60%-80% less than natural or cast stone, allowing the designer to use a masonry product without having to structurally carry the weight.

Using the original accent pieces from the building’s entrance, the skilled craftsmen in the RockCast mold shop utilized a variety of materials and tools to build a mold to replicate the original wood accents. This task was challenging due to the extreme rotting and deterioration of the intricate wood carvings. Just as the original craftsmen had done, the talented mold builders at Reading Rock recreated the design by hand, resulting in a dazzling reproduction.

The results

Utilizing this innovative material in the design phase ensured an extraordinary outcome for the project. Selecting RockCast Lightweight provided the design team the ability to recognize their vision of authenticity while increasing durability of the entrance. All of this was achieved without the costly structural support typically associated with this type of stone construction.

Download a PDF of this case study

Allan Block Retaining Wall & Block Plant Add Expanded Territory for Reading Rock

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:29:48 GMT

Starting in April, Reading Rock will be producing Allan Block retaining wall products and concrete block in our newly acquired plant in Champaign, Illinois.

This new plant provides Reading Rock the opportunity to improve partnerships in our existing IL & WI market as well as expand distribution of Allan Block products into Eastern Iowa and Northeast Missouri. As a family-owned manufacturer and supplier of building materials for over 70 years, Reading Rock is looking forward to offering this expanded territory quality Allan Block product solutions for any project.

With a focused Purpose: To help support and finance the initiatives of International Rett Syndrome Foundation; and, grounded by our ROCKS Core Values, it is more than just our products; it is our people that differentiate Reading Rock from other suppliers. The team leading and operating this Illinois location are more than experienced with over 60 combined years of manufacturing concrete products experience and knowledge.

From the plant floor to the job site, our dedication to service stems from our passion to provide the right products and services on time, every time! We invite you to contact us for your outdoor living solutions and look forward to helping you make your next project a success!

Reading Rock Hearth Showroom Now at Both Columbus & Newark Locations

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:25:10 GMT

Our Pickerington hearth showroom will be consolidated to our locations at 1150 Sullivant Avenue in Columbus and 130 N. Cedar Street in Newark. These locations will have hearth products on display starting in March, 2022. Fireplace products and other outdoor accessories will be displayed and burning at these locations to assist with your project selections.

This change provides Reading Rock the opportunity to improve partnerships in the Greater Columbus and Newark regions so you can make all product selections under one roof. Brick, stone veneer, fireplaces, outdoor living and other building material accessories are all available and on display at these locations. As a family-owned manufacturer and supplier of building materials for over 70 years, Reading Rock looks forward to offering this expanded service and making it easier to find all the solutions for your projects.

With a focused Purpose: To help support and finance the initiatives of International Rett Syndrome Foundation; and, grounded by our ROCKS Core Values, it is more than just our products; it is our people that differentiate Reading Rock from other suppliers. The team members leading this initiative are still the same.

From a project’s start to finish, our dedication to service stems from our passion to provide the right products and services on time, every time! We invite you to contact us for all your building material solutions and look forward to helping you make your next project a success!

The New Era of Mold Making

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 08:52:54 GMT

Taking mold making to the next level, Reading Rock recently purchased a 5-Axis CNC router from Thermwood. This amazing, state-of-the-art, made in America, machine routers shapes on all sides changing the game for us in our RockCast lightweight, precast and restoration business. Check it out…..

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Reading Rock Hearth Showroom Now at Both Columbus & Newark Locations

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