material which may also be formed for example of an integral structural geogrid either uniaxially or biaxially oriented or a bonded composite open mesh geotextile the mechanical engagement between the matrix 22 and the connector element 38 may take any form but a bodkin connection as discussed above is preferred with such a construction the grid like material of the connector element 38 is bent so that at opposite ends its strands 40 form a loop which is passed through the openings in the top surface of the grid like material of the matrix as seen in fig2 4 the connector elements 38 are secured in place by connection or bodkin bars 42 which pass through the loops beneath the grid like material of the matrix to preclude the connector elements from being disengaged casting forms not shown in these figures are positioned about each of the upstanding connector elements 38 and concrete or the like is cast in place to capture the connector elements 38 within the thus formed blocks 28 and thereby mechanically connect the blocks 28 to the upper surface of the matrix 22 the strength of the mechanical connection of the blocks 28 to the matrix 22 is provided by the engagement of the concrete like material of the blocks through openings apertures or cavities formed by the connector elements 38 alone or in association with the upper surface of the matrix 22 with no need for the block forming material to pass through or engage in the apertures of the grid like material of the matrix this construction permits the.