Retaining walls promote drainage, help protect and manage plant life, and provide design flexibility while maximizing space. Designers use these walls to create strong borders for flower beds with good drainage and minimal weeds. They can create flat areas for activities like entertaining, walkways, and sports by using retaining walls to stabilize the surrounding space.
Short retaining walls, typically up to three feet in height, are often constructed for these purposes without involving an engineer. Property owners will need help and official documentation from an engineer for walls taller than four feet. Retaining walls without proper drainage and structural integrity poses a safety problem, and the risk is higher for taller walls.
Retaining walls must have proper drainage, soil compaction, width, trench depth, material integrity, anchors, and more. Your method will depend on the use of the wall, the location, soil type, ecological considerations, and water issues. Walls may be made of gravel or loose rock with or without mesh, heavy wood, brick, concrete, or concrete block.
Four main types of walls will suit different purposes and help property owners deal with different water issues. After discussing your structural needs with a qualified professional, choose a gabion, gravity, cantilevered, or anchored wall.
Assess Your Property Slope and Erosion Risk
Gravity walls may not use a trench and significant levels of compaction in all cases, and you may or may not need anchors. Have a professional measure your soil moisture, composition, slope, and depth before deciding. You may want to stack large beams or basket loose rock in wire mesh for major drainage and erosion areas.
Walls designed to reinforce soil while helping drain water might be shaped unusually and covered with vines. You may or may not need large screws to secure the mesh or stack of wood or backfill much. It’s to have a professional consult on the project so you can ensure it is done correctly and the right materials are used.
Many types of walls that do not rely on loose rock or gravity will start with a trench at least one foot wide. You may increase the width to 18 inches for taller walls or structural reasons. Grade the dirt around the trench and put at least one foot of gravel or similar material behind the wall.
Backfill and Support
Consult with a professional about whether you should use a cement slab base, anchors, screws, or other supports. First, you will dig the foundation for any supports or slabs and begin the compaction process. Secure walls need heavy compaction around the base of the wall to maintain durability and functionality.
Stack, mason, or arrange your wall materials according to a permitted design and continue compacting as you go. Your engineering, design, and permitting teams may require certain design elements that promote drainage, walking space, visibility, and more.
Consult with experienced professionals who understand materials in order to coordinate dry times, compaction efforts, and dirt leveling or grading. Timing and finishing work can be essential for the durability and approval of concrete, brick, and other materials.
Published by Jeremy S.
