Find a Contractor Buyer's Guide
MCAA Logo
Member Login JOIN
NEWS
Join Us For The 75th Anniversary Midyear Meeting Sep 7-11 ↗

Mega-Tandem Wall Block

Words: Dan KamysBelgard Hardscapes has introduced the Mega-Tandem Mass Retaining Wall (MRW) block, a wall block system with the natural look of stone. The system’s size and mechanical structure allow for building reinforced walls up to 15 feet high and gravity walls up to 10 feet without reinforcing.

“The size and connectors in the Mega-Tandem MRW system allow for a gravity wall height of up to 10 feet without a surcharge, which is ideal for wall projects where it is difficult to impossible to excavate for stabilization for a retaining walls,” says Al Pfannenstein, national retaining wall manager for Belgard Hardscapes. “This height is a sharp contrast to the traditional three-foot height that SRW products typically can achieve without reinforcement. The structural benefits combined with Mega-Tandem’s look make it an unmatched innovation in the wall block marketplace.”

Mega-Tandem features a patent-pending, positive mechanical connection. The reinforced polypropylene connecting members create structural integrity in curved or straight retaining and freestanding walls. Available in a 12 X 24 panel weighing 65 pounds, the system has a running bond configuration, so no patterns are required.

Meeting ASTM standards C-1372 and C-1262, Mega-Tandem’s 8,500 psi compressive strength concrete makes it suitable across the country, even the coldest environments, where it can withstand harsh freeze-thaw cycles.

Mega-Tandem also offers national appeal, because of design diversity that appeals to varying regional color trends. Available in three color blends, Mega-Tandem comes in 12 different facial textures with the classic look of natural chiseled stone.

“The design versatility offered by Mega-Tandem provides flexibility for better integration of retaining walls in building and landscape designs of commercial properties and homeowners’ outdoor living spaces,” Pfannenstein says.

For more information and a how-to video, visit youtu.be/WD5fxpFVMnI.
 0
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

Zach Everett
Read More
From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Keith Lolley
MAP Partner
Read More
Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Industry News
Read More
Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More