Retaining Walls
Introduction to Retaining Walls
First, a retaining wall is a structure that holds back, or “retains,” lateral faces of dirt, water, or other materials. Retaining walls are used to prevent erosion or collapse of higher level ground onto a certain building, structure, or general area. Retaining walls can be the answer if you are blessed (or cursed) to a contoured lot. Retaining walls can be constructed from many different materials using many different techniques.
This lateral earth pressure is a majority of the force that the retaining wall will need to bear. Many structural methods to build retaining walls with withhold earth, at least temporarily, with a height up to four feet, are adequate, which is why most local building codes require engineering if the wall will be over four feet tall.
Many times, it is elements below grade that can make (or break) a retaining wall. Problems including bowing, slanting, or cracking are evidence of retaining wall failure because it was not successful in retaining the dirt. Inadequate drainage of retaining walls can mean that water is trapped behind the wall, adding to the weight that the wall must hold back.
Options for Retaining Wall Materials
· Railroad Crossties – Railroad crossties, also shortened to railroad ties, can be used as a retaining wall material; however, as with most every retaining wall material, it must be installed correctly in order to be a solution. Also, there needs to be perpendicular members placed into the ground behind the wall to keep the wall from overturning. · Treated Wood –
Treated wood retaining walls offer many of the same risks as retaining walls because over time it is susceptible to rot and termite infestation. This wall still needs weep holes or drains designed into the wall. · Concrete – Concrete is a great material to use for retaining walls. Aside from a plain, white concrete retaining wall, you can also pour a colored concrete retaining wall, stain a retaining wall after it has cured, pour into a patterned form, apply a vertical stamp material and pattern after poured, etc.
