Different types of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls (also known as fence lines) are the most practical structural elements. They are designed to preserve the soil layer at two different ground levels. The retention wall effectively prevents the structural weakness of the soil layer from toppling, flowing, rolling, and sliding. The structures are usually made by combining a precast wall or a cement wall with gravel. However, the concrete walls are much sturdier than the precast walls. But both these wall types prove useful for various purposes.

Owners have many benefits from retaining walls. They can increase the property’s value and resale. They protect the structure from soil shifting, erosion and flash flooding. We will be discussing the many benefits of reinforced concrete wall and natural stone wall in the following discussion.

Improper excavation can result in massive structural damage that may sometimes lead to the collapse of the retaining wall. For example, excavating beneath the footers of the house can result in the dislocation of the foundation footer wall. This forces the soil and vertically shift it away from the wall. Another reason for the dislocation of the foundation footer wall is poor water drainage. Water from the yard must be drained away from the house to avoid the pooling of soil underneath the footers of the house.

Since gravity is an important force that acts on the earth’s surface, the earth’s gravitational force acts on the retaining walls as well. Gravitation pulls any object up when it is placed on a wall. The weight of the objects should not pull the retaining walls up. So, the main aim of the retaining walls should be to provide the foundation with a strong support so that it should not break. Gravitation acting on the wall will cause the walls to move up and fall, which would result in a gap between the foundation and the wall.

Anchoring the walls with nails is a common method of anchoring them. In most cases, the nails are made of galvanized steel or iron. These nails are often used for long span because they provide a constant holding power. You can also use nails in interior and exterior construction.

Fiberglass is one of the best materials to be used for constructing retaining walls. Fiberglass is stronger than the other materials. It is very light, flexible and very much dependable. Fiberglass’s best qualities include its strength, waterproofing and weed resistance.

Concrete sheet is often used for constructing retaining walls. There are many benefits of using concrete. These benefits include cost effectiveness, easy installation and repair and maintenance. However, concrete is not very strong as compared to shotcrete. If you want to make a strong wall, you should try to use shotcrete.

A retaining wall can be constructed for both domestic and public purposes. These walls play an important role in maintaining the soil structure. These walls can act as a foundation for the entire landscape in many cases. Retaining walls are of great importance and can be used in many ways. Moreover, these walls are very affordable and don’t require you to make many people’s efforts to install them.

The next option available for you is the use of pergola. Pergolas are highly decorative and quite suitable for different types of settings. If you are looking for cheap ways of creating retaining, you can try to make use of lumber, landscaping trimmings, bricks, crushed stones or planter boxes. Another alternative, if you want to create large retaining walls, you can opt for pole and gutter systems.

The last option is the usage of gabion basket structures. Gabion basket structures are highly efficient ways to create retaining walls at a low cost. These wall structures are extremely large in size and it is not easy to move them from one location to another. However, if you want to save your money, you can try to use poured concrete instead of lumber.

If you are ready to spend more money, you can go ahead and try the usage of shotcrete walls. You need to take certain precautions like ensuring that the ground is leveled and that you will be provided with an even amount of dirt. If the required soil is not available, you can simply use landscaping trimmings instead. The last option is the usage of gabion baskets and soil nail.