Retaining Wall helps to direct water flow in particular areas, such as on the sides of a slope. This is especially useful when the slope is near water. In the end, a retaining wall will make your yard leveler and easier for the landscape. Because of these features, retaining walls have to meet many regulations in different cities and states. To avoid any issues, research local building codes and city ordinances before building your retaining wall.
In addition to retaining earth, a retaining wall can be built with tiered or terraced sections. The space between retaining walls must be at least twice as high as the retaining wall below it. The retaining wall can also be made of decay-resistant materials, such as treated wood, as long as the retaining walls are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once installed, a retaining wall can withstand the weight of up to 6m of earth.
Before constructing a retaining wall, determine the height and type of soil it will be facing. Retaining walls should lean into the hillside by 1 inch for every twelve inches of height. Timber walls four feet high and higher should be tied into the hillside with deadmen anchors, which are T-shaped tiebacks buried six feet into the hillside. These tiebacks extend six feet further back to a 2-foot-wide T-bar, which will serve as a support.
If you’re planning on building a retaining wall on a slope, it’s important to make sure you have the right materials. A concrete block is a good choice. This material will prevent the wall from cracking if it ever gets wet. A concrete block placed at the base of a retaining wall can provide additional support for the wall. Using concrete blocks will help prevent frost heaving. You can use a concrete block instead of gravel.
Another option for retaining walls is mortared or cast-in-place walls. These walls are made from a variety of materials. A mortared retaining wall can be beautiful and can add texture to the property. However, it is important to remember that they are more rigid and won’t flex due to natural forces. They can be expensive to build. But they can be a great solution for those who are concerned about the cost and durability of their retaining wall.
Sheet pile retaining walls are typically used in soft soil and tight spaces. They can be constructed in any style, but are often taller than gabion retaining walls. They can support large loads or be used for slender walls. These retaining walls are usually anchored to the ground using a boring. A tie-back anchor is used to secure the anchored wall to the soil behind the potential failure plane. A counterfort retaining wall will also require additional support in the back.
Retaining walls are a must-have safety feature in any landscape. When building a retaining wall, you should replace the native soil behind the wall with 3/4-minus gravel or bank-run gravel. You should then install a 4-inch perforated tile drain over the gravel bed. Remember that gravel bed should slope down about one inch every four feet. Once the gravel bed is filled, topsoil should be added to the top six inches behind the wall.
Retaining walls are used to hold back sloping soil, allowing flat areas to step up and down the slope. Curved walls can be attractive and work well in many landscapes. They can be as small as a few inches tall, but don’t feel limited by this because they don’t have to be straight. Taller retaining walls will likely require engineering design and permits. You should consult a professional before beginning any project.
The cost to build a retaining wall can vary widely. Small concrete blocks, for example, cost about $15 per square foot, while larger decorative blocks can cost as much as $2,200. While a timber retaining wall can be a great option for a rustic setting, it can be susceptible to frost heaving and other issues. This makes it important to consider the site’s drainage condition before you decide on the materials.
The cost of the retaining wall block accounts for the largest part of the total cost. A decorative 17-inch concrete block can cost $570 per pallet and covers 35 square feet of wall face. In contrast, a plain concrete retaining wall can cost only $3.40 per block. The other half of the equation is labor. The more expensive blocks and labor will add up to a hefty bill. The retaining wall block will make up most of the cost.
