Factors to Consider When Building a Retaining Wall in Your Yard

Retaining walls can be constructed from wood, concrete, brick, or stone to prevent soil, debris, and other objects from passing through a specific area. Depending on how large the area will determine the type of materials you should utilize for your retaining wall. 

Wood-type retaining walls would be the best choice for smaller areas, temporary use, or walls that won’t exceed three feet. Also, keep in mind that treated wood and similar types are the least stable of the construction materials. Concrete walls can be built to be about thirty inches high, making them one of the more durable options, but stone has the most advantages in height, as you can easily build an eight-foot-tall wall that can last a lifetime if it’s installed properly.

Types of Retaining Walls

Gravity

These types of retaining walls stay upright using almost solely their own weight. These walls work by using blocks that create something called a tongue-and-groove system. This means they fit two similarly shaped objects together, edge to edge, which locks them together. The walls stay stable by relying on the contingency of the construction material used to resist the combined weight of the soil and other forces pushing against it. They are usually about four feet tall and are made from concrete and stone.

Cantilever

Cantilever retaining walls are built mainly with reinforced concrete and can have an L-shaped or inverted T-shaped foundation. The stress of the soil pushing down on the wall is transferred to the foundation, which will prevent the wall from crumbling. The T-shaped foundation also benefits from the soil’s weight, especially at the front, providing more stability. There is also a key included in the base that can prevent the wall from sliding from the soil force.

Sheet Piling

Compared to other wall types, sheet piling walls are usually thinner compared to other types. Sheet piling is mainly used for waterfront structures, diversion dams, river bank protection, and retaining the sides of earth cuts. Timber, vinyl, and steel are common materials used in sheet piling walls and are best used in areas with soft soil and tight spaces. Sheet piles are often connected in pairs for additional reinforcement.

Anchored Walls

Anchored walls can be used with any of the wall types listed above, in addition to cables and other items that can anchor the walls down. These walls can also be called a tie-back system due to the use of cables, wires, and other thin walls. These walls are perfect for creating garden levels, tiered beds, or enhancing the terrain. They can balance the foundation and support the load of the soil. Besides the wires and cables, these walls can also be reinforced with concrete and steel rods.

Are you looking for retaining wall blocks in La Mesa or elsewhere in San Diego’s lovely county area? Contact Rock & Block Hardscape Supply in El Cajon & Temecula

Additional Retaining Techniques.

Other than the kinds of retaining walls you can build in your yard, there are other materials to utilize to maintain any sort of retaining wall. Some examples are soil nailing, gabion mesh, soil strength, and mechanical stabilization.

Soil Nailing

Soil nailing can be used for any type of retaining wall material, whether it’s gravity, cantilever, or sheet piling walls, and can reinforce other elements like steel reinforcing bars. It is a form of construction used to treat unstable slopes, whether natural or artificial, making over-steepening safer.

Soil Strength

Also called the facing element, soil strength is the interplay that occurs between structural failure and effective stress. It’s used to reduce the pressure of soil and other things pressing against the retaining wall.

Gabion Mesh

Gabion Mesh is a form of soil strength. It is a wire mesh that helps lessen some of the erosive forces involved with the retaining wall.

Mechanical Stabilization

Mechanical stabilization is a form of artificial strengthening by altering the physical properties of soil structure. This can be done in many ways, such as using horizontal mats, which can expand the resistance past the gravity wall that is put in place.

All these factors are things you should consider as you think about building your retaining wall for your yard or garden landscaping purposes. If you have concerns or additional questions about the material or techniques needed for your wall, contact the contractors building your retaining wall. They should have all the resources and answers you need.

Contact Rock & Block Hardscaping Supply

We at Rock & Block Hardscaping Supply have all the materials you need for your next outdoor project. Check our website at https://rockandblock.co/ or visit our El Cajon or Temecula stores today. Let’s start your next project today!