admin
How To Choose The Right Type of Retaining Wall
When deciding to construct a retaining wall for either residential or commercial use, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. The choice of the appropriate structure and materials will largely depend on the location of the wall. Building a retaining wall requires thorough planning to ensure that it does not pose a danger. Here are some helpful tips to assist you in selecting the most suitable type of retaining wall for your particular needs.
Tips for Building a Retaining Wall: Location, Soil, Drainage, Design, and Wall Type
Consider the Location
Before building your retaining wall, it’s important to understand the location where it will be built. Details of property lines, including above-ground and underground utilities, are essential to engineering your design. It’s important to consider whether the retaining wall will impede natural drainage patterns and whether there will be additional weight above the wall, such as fencing, pools, or parking lots.
Examine the Soil
To ensure a strong foundation for your retaining wall, you should examine the soil. It’s important to know the soil type, its bearing capacity, the friction angle, and stress parameters. The soil used should be completely dry and firm.
Check for Proper Drainage
Water buildup is the most common reason for retaining wall failure. The selected area needs to have proper drainage. Identify potential water sources in the location and construct a drainage system behind the retaining wall.
Create the Design
The design of the retaining wall will require calculating slopes, footprint sizes, corresponding wall heights, and setback angles. Gravity will need to be counteracted to prevent the retaining wall from naturally moving downslope. Various types of reinforcements, such as mechanically stabilized earth, geogrids, and rock bolts, can support the retaining wall.
Determine the Right Wall Type
After evaluating the location, soil, design, and drainage, it’s time to think about which retaining wall type is best suited for your project. There are many different options to consider, such as:
- Gravity walls: Straight or curved and typically 4-10 feet high, made from cast-in-place concrete or concrete blocks, brick or stone.
- Segmental retaining walls: Made from concrete modular blocks and can be conformed to any shape, ideal for high sloped terrains.
- Cantilevered walls: Ideal for deep excavations, formed into an inverted T using reinforced mortar or concrete, can be poured on-site to heights up to 18 feet.
- Counterfort walls: Similar to cantilevered walls, built to heights up to 40 feet.
- Sheet walls: Typically built around marine locations, help prevent issues from erosion.
- Panel walls: Typically used in tight spaces where there are heavy loads.
The importance of expert retaining wall construction
Installing a suitable retaining wall can have several benefits for your property, including enhancing the overall landscape design and providing essential soil support between different levels.
However, achieving a well-designed and functional retaining wall can be challenging without proper expertise. That’s why it’s crucial to rely on professionals with experience in installing various types of retaining walls, such as limestone builds and twinside retaining walls. Trusted providers like Fosters Fencing can deliver structurally-sound results and comprehensive services from the beginning to the end of the project.
Expert retaining wall installation
The team at Fosters Fencing are highly skilled in designing, constructing, and installing retaining walls. Each team member is qualified and knowledgeable about location and soil analysis, as well as local building regulations and compliance.
If you’re interested in a retaining wall, reach out to Fosters Fencings for a free quote. They also offer a wide range of residential and commercial fencing and wall services, and are available to answer any questions you may have.
