Different Types of Retaining Wall

 

Retaining walls are an indispensable tool for geotechnical engineers in managing slopes, increasing space on sloped sites or supporting natural slopes at risk of failure. Furthermore, they can even be used aesthetically.

 

Dependent upon the type of retaining wall you require, there are various options available to you. Some are simple enough for even an amateur DIY-er to construct, while others require professional construction expertise.

Gravity Retaining Walls

 

Gravity retaining walls are concrete, stone, or masonry structures which rely solely on their weight to withstand material pressure they are holding back. These walls tend to be thicker at their bases than tops for maximum stability by leaning against retained soil and leaning back against it for added support.

 

These walls should only be used to retain heights up to three meters; higher retention heights tend to put too much strain on the soil beneath and may result in its failure.

 

Piled walls are an economical alternative to gravity walls. Constructed using sheet piles driven into the ground using a rig, piled walls offer several benefits over standard gravity walls: They can withstand extreme digging depths without needing steel reinforcement; more economical; more flexible; can adapt more readily to curves or corners and lastly more flexible than cantilever walls allowing more adaptability for curves or corners.

Cantilever Retaining Walls

 

These walls use less concrete than monolithic gravity walls and can be more cost-effective for medium height applications up to 25 ft in height. Their construction requires specialization and careful design; typically found in parks or other spaces with limited space available for wide barriers.

 

Cantilever retaining walls are comprised of two basic forms, the Stem and Base. The base footing consists of Heel and Toe parts which are designed to withstand passive earth pressures from soil above.

 

Anchored retaining walls are designed to resist active pressures by connecting face units with bars, rods, or strips that extend down into soil or rock and are connected to bars, rods, or strips anchored into it – these anchors serve to resist forces that would otherwise cause overturning and sliding of cantilever walls and can usually withstand larger loads than cantilever walls; they tend to be more cost-effective too! It is important that these structures be designed by an engineer.

Anchored Retaining Walls

 

Anchored walls use cables and anchors embedded deep within the ground to support greater amounts of pressure, making them resilient against earthquakes and high winds, while also offering slope protection – perfect for construction sites!

 

Patios can be constructed using various materials such as pavers, segmented blocks, unmortared stone and precast concrete. Homeowners can select an aesthetic design to complement the style and aesthetic of their property while adding usable space on their property, improving curb appeal and increasing home values.

 

Retaining walls are an attractive addition to any landscape, but it is vitally important that they are built correctly. Poorly built retaining walls can become unstable over time and lead to soil erosion or create hazardous conditions for homeowners. A regularly scheduled inspection should identify any issues and any necessary repairs must be completed as quickly as possible. In addition, an effective water management plan must be in place in order to protect it from groundwater damage.

Segmented Block Retaining Walls

 

These walls are constructed using interlocking blocks that interlock to provide alignment and stability, as well as easy installation with no mortar necessary for quick building times. Furthermore, their design provides drainage pathways which may help avoid hydrostatic pressure build-up, soil saturation, or erosion issues that arise with traditional walls.

 

These wall systems are engineered to be durable, outlasting traditional brick or concrete retaining walls over time. Available in various colors, textures and sizes to meet a range of design requirements for walls as well as steps.

 

For maximum durability, these walls are typically constructed using geosynthetic reinforcement materials such as geogrid. This allows them to resist lateral soil pressure as well as weathering such as freezing/thawing/rainwater damage/insect infestation; making them perfect for commercial applications. SRWs also come equipped with soil reinforcement landscape design adelaide                             units which combine two or more individual units with stabilized masses of soil stabilized using geosynthetic materials for extra support and strength.