Civil engineer guide to fighting positions, shelters, obstacles

AFH 10-222 Volume 14 1 August 2008 115
5.5. Precast Concrete Revetments. The use of precast concrete revetments
(also referred to as concrete retaining walls) is an effective expedient method
for protecting critical assets (Figure 5.18). They can be used in areas that
require protection from fragmentation, airblast from near-miss generalpurpose
bombs, and high explosive artillery shells, rockets, mortars, and
small arms. If used without berming, they provide good protection against a
first strike, but limited protection from repeated or multiple attacks due to
susceptibility to fragment damage and spalling. During repeated attacks,
weakened or displaced slabs can break apart and become secondary fragmentation,
posing yet another threat. The edges of most revetments do not have
overlapping surfaces at the corners. The corners may require additional reinforcement
(e.g., sandbags). If concrete revetments can be acquired locally,
ensure the material used to construct these revetments meets military standards
of construction. Also, be aware that equipment (i.e., flatbed trailer,
forklift, crane, etc.) will be needed to move and place these revetments.
Figure 5.18. Precast Concrete Revetment.