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. The earth that is retained is often referred to as backfill. The word backfill is also used as a verb to describe placing more dirt behind a retaining wall to make the ground more level.
Retaining walls can be the answer if you are blessed (or cursed) to a contoured lot. They can turn a steep slope into a terraced yard, creating a stair step effect instead of a slope.
Retaining walls can be constructed from many different materials using many different techniques. There are several factors that influence which choice will be the best choice for each situation, including cost, height of the wall, soil characteristics, and ground water conditions.
Generally asphalt parking lots New Jersey, most municipalities require that any retaining wall over four feet in height be engineered or approved by a licensed engineer. It is important to check local building codes before starting any retaining wall projects, even if it is below four feet tall. After all, retaining walls should be structurally sound before there is any thought of aesthetic appeal. The retaining wall must be able to stand up to the pressure exerted by the backfill, also called lateral earth pressure. This lateral earth pressure is a majority of the force that the retaining wall will need to bear. Lateral earth pressure is determined by studying the weight of the soil unit, slope of the soil, soil type (for plasticity and adhesion purposes with clay soil types), and groundwater levels.
Engineers do many calculations with asphalt parking lots New Jersey
These factors determine what design to implement with the wall. To homeowners and contractors that do not want to go through engineering steps, it is generally a good rule to overdo it. 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.
However, even methods that may seem adequate for retaining earth can fail if they are not built properly. 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. Cutting costs with a bad contractor, insufficient materials, or neglecting the below grade elements can turn out to be more expensive over time if replacement or repair is necessary often or if collapse of earth causes damage to nearby structures. For example, erosion can cause foundation issues if dirt erodes from under the foundation. This is just one example of how a retaining wall failure can cause expensive problems aside from the cost to repair or replace the retaining wall.
Another aspect that is often neglected or underestimated that can cause failure of a retaining wall is drainage. Inadequate drainage of retaining walls can mean that water is trapped behind the wall, adding to the weight that the wall must hold back. Usually weep holes and/or drainage pipes are used to flush rainwater and groundwater from behind the wall. It is important that the drainage system, whatever it be, has a filter barrier to keep dirt from clogging the drain or weep hole.
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. For example, most railroad tie retaining walls will need a substantial footer to tie the crossties to in order to keep the bottom from sliding out. Also, there needs to be perpendicular members placed into the ground behind the wall to keep the wall from overturning. These members, called deadmen, should be at least 1.5 times as long as the wall is high and should be placed at minimum every 6 feet or so. Because railroad ties are wood (even though they are treated most of the time), there is a risk that they may rot over time or be subject to termite infestation, which can lead to a weak wall likely to bulge or break. And, even though there are areas for water to slowly seep through, it is still a good idea to have a filtered drain or weep holes designed into the wall.
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There are certain construction and maintenance services that are important to improve the usage and efficiency of land.
Retaining walls and concrete repair are among those services.
It is surely a difficult task and requires help from experienced professionals and latest tools and techniques.
Great Western Corporation is a company that works through different phases of corrosion control and repair.Whether you are looking for Washington retaining walls contractor or Oregon concrete repair service, it can be great to rely on GWC who has been working since 1974.
Now that you have the right place to contact, let’s understand the importance of these two terms.Importance of Oregon retaining wallsThese walls are constructed to prevent soil erosion and slide.
Rail road, simple temporary retaining wall, lock and load retaining wall and standard highway retaining wall are some of its examples.
It is when your house looks spectacular from the outside so it can attract people.
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These walls will add a fortune to your house price and will make all the neighbors green with envy.
Read through this article and see what tips and hints we have for your retaining walls Auckland.
Well now you can and its all down to some simple retaining walls.
You can have a retaining wall around the outside of your lawn and this will show the boundary between you and your neighbors.
