All You Need To Know About Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are commonly used in areas where you wish to create a flat surface on a slope or improve soil stability. Below is an article discussing the considerations that you should make when building a retaining wall.
Assess The Site Conditions
Your immediate concern should be whether there are regulations on retaining wall construction in your area. As such, assess the building code and strata bylaws to ensure you do not flout any laws when building the retaining wall.
Assess the site to determine the suitability of retaining walls. Typically, the site should have a functional drainage system. It helps prevent waterlogging during heavy rains. Remember, the retaining wall could collapse if the soil becomes too heavy. You should also examine the soil at the base of the retaining wall. Soils such as clay expand and contract rapidly. Therefore, they will weaken the retaining wall.
Choosing An Appropriate Retaining Wall
There is a wide range of retaining walls to choose from. They include:
Gravity retaining walls use the pressure they exert to resist earth movements. When building this type of wall, consider bearing, sliding resistance and passive resistance forces.
Crib retaining walls are similar to gravity retaining walls. However, they incorporate timber or precast concrete interlocking boxes to hold the wall in place and improve drainage.
Gabion retaining walls utilise gabions to improve soil stability. They are also used to prevent erosion.
Cantilever retaining walls use precast concrete walls that have a base to enhance the wall's strength.
Pile retaining walls use concrete piles to prevent soil movement. These walls are commonly used in construction sites where employees work at depths.
Work With An Experienced Contractor
Although you will find many DIY guides on how to build a retaining wall, these works are best conducted by an experienced contractor. The professional will assess the site to determine the various forces and advise on a suitable wall. Besides, the contractor will advise on an appropriate wall design. It is especially so if the wall is part of your landscaping project.
When hiring a retaining wall contractor, assess their reputation by checking their portfolio, visiting some of their sites or interviewing their customers. Although you could be on a budget, insist that the contractor uses quality materials when building the retaining wall. Besides, the contractor should have adequate insurance coverage. Ask for guarantees to avoid losses should the retaining wall collapse.
You should now have an easy time installing a retaining wall. Assess the site, choose an appropriate retaining wall and work with an experienced contractor.