MSE Wall Leveling Pads: Concrete vs. Gravel - Eng-Tips

07 Jul.,2025

 

MSE Wall Leveling Pads: Concrete vs. Gravel - Eng-Tips

Here in Colorado we have a proposed MSE retaining wall (Allan Block) with heights varying from ~6'-4" to ~24'-9". The wall is surcharged with highway vehicle loads (250 psf) and it has a toe-slope of 2H:1V. I have the wall embedded to H/7, plus I have 4' of horizontal soil cover per AASHTO recommendations. In addtion, much of the toe is to be paved over with 4" of concrete for slope protection. My question is regarding the advantages of a concrete vs a gravel leveling pad. It appears that CDOT specifies only concrete leveling pads. Why would CDOT do that? Is a concrete leveling pad the way to go? A concrete pad is not in agreement with the development of the segmental interlocking block wall (SRW) and a concrete pad does not comply with the philosophy of the wall system that has been used internationally for over 20 years.

I suggest contacting Allan Block to get to the bottom of the situation since I know this has come up in many provincial areas and they constantly work with DOTs on numerous industry projects for similar products also.

Dick.

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design. Concretemasonry - I wouldn't say that is not in agreement? Most manufactures allow a low strength concrete (500psi) 6" thick as a leveling pad. Granted I agree and would try to submit a granular leveling pad as concrete leveling pads are usually difficult to work with (may need leveling mortar or sand bed).

EIT "It appears that CDOT specifies only concrete leveling pads. Why would CDOT do that?"

Because they are CDOT and all it takes is a single problem and a master solution is imagined. Cynical, I know. But fits what I have personally seen in over 40 years. The trully frightening result is that CDOT specs are adopted by most county and city govs and the foolishness is magnified. In MN, the MDOT uses SRWs according to the licensors requirements because of the support provided to engineers. The same follows in most countries that use far more SRW walls. Our municipalities have standard design plate for engineers and contractors regarding installation and none show concrete.

CDOT may have some unique and provincial situations due to the rock and lack of geo-grid length possible for development of the soil strength in some mountainous locations. Then, an application not recognizing the feature of a flexible wall may be used if engineered without the developers support.

In Spain, there is a mountainous stretch of road curving through rock cuts for several miles and the curved wall segment heights vary between 5' and 40' engineered without concrete "pads".

Dick



Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design. It is a leveling pad not a footing. They are flexible systems, why put them on a rigid "footing"?

Concrete causes a constructability issue too. An uneven concrete surface can cause leveling issues when setting the blocks.

NCMA allows the use of a concrete leveling pad, but not sure why you would want to use it. What is the benefit of concrete?

Adjustable Feet vs Leveling Feet vs Machine Feet | NHK Group

What Are Adjustable Feet?

Adjustable feet are designed to provide flexibility and ease in adjusting the height of machines, equipment, and workstations. These feet are typically threaded or have a screw mechanism that allows users to increase or decrease the height as needed. This makes them highly versatile, as they can be used to compensate for uneven floors or surfaces, offering a stable foundation for a wide range of equipment.

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Key Benefits of Adjustable Feet

  1. Flexibility in Height Adjustment
    The most significant advantage of adjustable feet is their ability to be adjusted to different heights. Whether dealing with floor slants, uneven surfaces, or the need to achieve a specific height for ergonomic purposes, adjustable feet can be finely tuned to meet these requirements.

  2. Enhanced Stability
    Adjustable feet ensure that the load is evenly distributed across the surface of the equipment, reducing the risk of vibrations or unbalanced pressure that could affect the equipment’s performance. This is particularly important in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, where precision is crucial.

  3. Protection of Equipment
    By ensuring machines are level, adjustable feet help protect machinery from wear and tear caused by uneven loading or pressure points. They also protect the equipment from external environmental factors such as water or dust.

Common Applications of Adjustable Feet

Adjustable feet are commonly used in applications where equipment height may need to be frequently altered, such as in laboratories, production lines, food processing plants, and manufacturing environments. The versatility they offer makes them indispensable in industries requiring adaptability and high hygiene standards, such as in the pharmaceutical or food industries.

What Are Leveling Feet?

Leveling feet are a specific type of foot designed primarily for leveling machines and equipment. They are typically used to ensure that equipment is perfectly level, especially when the surrounding surface is uneven or slanted. Leveling feet may feature a fixed height or, in some cases, be adjustable through a simple mechanism, but their primary function is to maintain a precise level of alignment for machines.

Key Benefits of Leveling Feet

  1. Precision Leveling
    The main function of leveling feet is to provide accurate leveling of machinery, regardless of floor irregularities. For machines such as industrial mixers, packaging lines, or filling machines, it’s essential to ensure that the equipment remains steady and aligned during operation.

  2. Increased Safety
    Proper leveling prevents machines from tipping, which could lead to accidents, breakdowns, or costly damage. This is especially critical in environments where high-speed or high-precision operations take place.

  3. Prevention of Vibrations
    Leveling feet also play a crucial role in reducing vibrations that could cause disturbances in the performance of sensitive machinery. This is particularly important in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, where stability is paramount.

Common Applications of Leveling Feet

Leveling feet are commonly used in machinery where precise leveling is crucial, such as in packaging, medical devices, assembly lines, or automated systems. They are ideal for heavy equipment and machines that require absolute stability to function correctly, especially in environments with significant vibrations or irregular flooring.

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What Are Machine Feet?

Machine feet are a broad category of feet used to provide a stable base for various machines, devices, and workstations. Unlike adjustable or leveling feet, machine feet can be designed for fixed use, supporting a variety of machines or equipment in different industries. Machine feet often come in a fixed height or are designed to suit specific applications where height adjustment or fine-tuning is not as critical.

Key Benefits of Machine Feet

  1. General Stability
    Machine feet provide a stable and solid foundation for equipment, ensuring it doesn’t wobble or shift during use. They are often made from durable materials such as stainless steel, rubber, or plastic to provide maximum grip and stability on a variety of surfaces.

  2. Cost-Effective Solution
    Unlike adjustable or leveling feet, machine feet tend to be simpler and more affordable. They don’t require complex mechanisms or adjustments, making them an economical choice for many industries.

  3. Durability and Resistance
    Machine feet are often designed with robust materials capable of withstanding harsh industrial conditions. They are resistant to chemicals, oils, heat, and moisture, making them suitable for challenging environments like warehouses, factories, and heavy-duty machinery operations.

Common Applications of Machine Feet

Machine feet are most commonly used in heavy-duty machinery, such as those found in factories, warehouses, and large-scale manufacturing plants. They are ideal for equipment that is typically stationary and doesn’t require constant adjustments, such as large conveyor belts, industrial presses, or storage racks.

Key Differences Between Adjustable Feet, Leveling Feet, and Machine Feet

Feature Adjustable Feet Leveling Feet Machine Feet Primary Function Flexibility in height adjustment Precise leveling and stability General stability for machinery Adjustability Yes, height can be adjusted Some are adjustable, but primarily level machines Fixed height or limited adjustment Precision High, depending on adjustment Very high, designed for leveling Moderate, depends on design and material Materials Stainless steel, plastic, rubber Stainless steel, plastic, rubber Stainless steel, rubber, plastic Applications Adjustable for uneven surfaces, ergonomic needs Primarily for leveling equipment in varied environments Stationary machinery, heavy-duty operations Ideal Industries Food, pharmaceutical, laboratory Food processing, medical devices, robotics Manufacturing, warehouses, factories

When to Use Adjustable Feet, Leveling Feet, and Machine Feet?

  1. Adjustable Feet
    Choose adjustable feet if your machinery or equipment requires frequent height adjustments, needs to be positioned on uneven surfaces, or needs to be aligned at different heights based on operational needs. They are ideal for flexible environments where equipment might need to be reconfigured often, such as in food processing lines or scientific laboratories.

  2. Leveling Feet
    Leveling feet are the best option when your primary concern is achieving precise leveling of machinery. If your equipment must be kept level at all times to prevent malfunctions, reduce wear, or ensure accurate measurements, leveling feet are the right choice. This is especially important in industries like pharmaceuticals or food packaging.

  3. Machine Feet
    If you need a simple, durable, and cost-effective solution for providing a stable base for stationary machinery, machine feet are the way to go. They are most suitable for heavy-duty machines or when precision leveling and adjustment are not a priority.

Select the correct type of feet for your machines

In summary, the choice between adjustable feet, leveling feet, and machine feet largely depends on the specific requirements of your equipment and the environment in which it operates. Adjustable feet offer flexibility in height adjustments, leveling feet provide precision in keeping equipment perfectly aligned, and machine feet offer a general solution for ensuring stability. Understanding these differences allows businesses in food processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and other industries to make informed decisions about the most suitable component for their machinery.

By selecting the correct type of feet for your machines, you can improve the efficiency, safety, and longevity of your equipment, ensuring that your operations run smoothly and reliably.