Things You Need to Know Before Building Retaining Wall
Retaining walls is a structure engineered to retain any material, prevent it from sliding, eroding and resisting the material pressure of the material. Retaining walls can enhance the aesthetics of your house and protect your home from potential damages natural calamities can cause. You might have seen different types of retaining walls in Perth, but might be unfamiliar with the structure despite finding it attractive.
If you are considering adding a retaining wall to your desired place, there are plenty of things you need to consider. Each retaining wall is beneficial in its own way which makes it easier to find out which one is suitable for you.
Retaining walls are structured vertically to retain material on the side and prevent it from collapsing, slipping and preventing erosion. The primary purpose of retaining walls is to withstand the pressure exerted by soil.
Use of retaining wall
The retaining wall supports the soil laterally so that can be retained at different levels on two sides.
Benefits of retaining wall
- It has a protective structure.
- It requires hassle-free maintenance.
- It enhances the aesthetic appeal of your house.
- It is the best run-off solution.
Types of retaining walls
Various types of concrete retaining walls in Perth serve different purposes. Here are the popular ones you need to know about
Gravity walls
Gravity retaining walls rely on their huge weight to retain the material behind them and achieve firm stability.
The walls are thicker and can be constructed using concrete, brick or stone masonry.
Small concrete walls are mostly made of mortarless stone and segment concrete units whereas dry-stacked gravity walls are flexible and hardly require a rigid footing.
Reinforced retaining wall
Reinforced concrete and masonry walls facilitate stability against overturning by the walls and the reinforcement bars present in them.
Concrete cantilever retaining wall
Cantilever walls are constructed using reinforced concrete that consists of a thinner stem and base slab. The base is subdivided in heel and toe. The heel is the part of the base under the backfill whereas the toe is the other part of the base.
Concrete cantilever walls require less concrete than gravity walls, but more careful constructions.
Counterfort retaining walls
Counter front retaining walls are similar to cantilever walls with different have thin vertical concrete webs known as counterforts.
Counterfort ties the slabs and base together to reduce the shear forces and bending moments imposed on the wall by soil. These walls are more cost-friendly than cantilever walls.
Prefabricated modular retaining walls
This wall is made of crib, concrete, timber in a gravity retaining structure that consists of concrete and timber elements. This concrete or metal wall is constructed adjoining open-face or close face bins each filled with compacted granular soil.
Twin side retaining walls
Twin side retaining walls are extremely popular among consumers and are great for retaining soil on your property. This wall is cost-friendly, serves more benefits and requires less maintenance. They are manufactured using pre-cast concrete and serves benefits; Space-saving modular design, durable, termite resistance, variety of choices and colours and does not wrap or fade easily.
Sheet piling retaining wall
A sheet piling retaining wall is a thin wall made of wood, vinyl or steel driven directly into the soil. These walls are often vertically constructed to provide additional reinforcement
Larger walls require additional anchoring such as anchored retaining walls.
Anchored retaining wall
An anchored retaining wall allows a variety of fronts of retaining walls and is driven underground with the help of cables and strips. The anchors are mechanically driven into grounds and their ends are expanded by injecting pressurized concrete or mechanical means.
How do retaining walls work?
Support
Retaining walls are built using various techniques, but the most basic one is step-back construction that allows the retaining wall to step back against the soil.
Vertical walls need extra support to stand strong. Large walls generally have strong tie-backs attached to anchors behind the wall to keep them in place.
Thick walls can bear the burden without extra support but are only suitable for huge-sized gardens.
Foundation
A basic retaining wall needs a gravel-filled trench as a foundation whereas complicated structures require a solid structural foundation.
Backfill
A backfill works the opposite in the effects of soil swelling when it turns wet. The gravel layer lying right behind the retaining wall prevents it from cracking due to soil movement.
Drainage
Backfill of the wall manages the drainage issues. However, concrete retaining walls often need a specialised drainage system for better drainage management.
Things to consider for a retaining wall
Material
Along with your budget and purpose, the third most important thing to consider is the best quality material.
Available in a wide variety of attractive shapes, colours and stone walls, the right material will provide the right elevation changes.
Timber walls are the right fit for all types of landscapes and look naturally blended when added. Similarly, strong concrete walls that come in a variety of shapes, styles and colours can blend well with your home’s exterior.
Location
The base of the walls should be well and dug below the ground level. The taller the wall, the deeper the base should be dug.
In many areas, it is mandatory that retaining walls that are four feet or taller must be designed by a team of professionals.
You might be required to add fencing above the walls that are four feet or taller.
Make sure to learn about the local building codes before getting a retaining wall for your house exterior.
Drainage system
As mentioned above, the backfills in the wall take care of the drainage issues, but if it isn’t there consider taking professional’s help in installing it.
A proper drainage system can prevent the water and soil from passing through the structure of the drainage system.
Enhanced aesthetics
A retaining wall can entirely transform the look of the exterior of your house. A shorter retaining wall adds texture to your landscape and makes flower beds more appealing. This can be an innovative addition to your house so make sure there is sufficient space in your outdoor area to add the retaining wall.
Consider adding multiple walls if possible
A series of short walls can add a visual touch to your backyard and look more appealing. Make sure to position the walls heightwise.
Apart from these, there are plenty of other benefits of adding a retaining wall outside of your house or anywhere you wish to add. To experience them consider contacting qualified professionals who have been in this business for a long and understand your needs thoroughly. Doing it yourself could leave the wall incomplete, as designing of a wall requires proper skillset, professional equipment and knowledge about all the minute mechanics. Once the wall is built make sure to follow the right maintenance tips. Check if you see cracks or dirt after a week or month and follow the right tips to clean it.
Author Bio:
Arina Thoggy is a professional blogger who loves to write on numerous topics for businesses for sale, property fair, agriculture, technical topics, gardening, etc. And, in the above article, she covers up the brilliant tips about different types of retaining walls in Perth.