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Retaining walls are a staple in construction that many people often overlook. Perhaps you installed a concrete wall when you built your house. Maybe you only notice them as you glance over your neighbor’s landscaping. Either way, retaining walls work well in a variety of areas, especially when done correctly. That’s why our team of concrete experts at Harper Precast put together a guide to all things retaining walls. Whether you are trying to find the right type for your home or want to understand the differences between the types of retaining walls on the market, Harper Precast is here to help. Take a look at our concrete retaining wall breakdown below for all the information you need.
Retaining walls are structures engineered to keep groundwork, soil, and rock. Instead of natural inclines, retaining walls incorporate flat areas and sloping walls, creating an overall structure with less distance and better stabilization. Many contractors and engineers use retaining walls when grading landscaping or implementing significant changes to the land. These structures allow for increases in the right-of-way and help bolster the toe of slopes.
However, a retaining wall isn’t necessary for every area. A good rule of thumb to follow is that structures with higher face inclinations are more likely to need a retaining structure. There are several types of retaining walls that work better in different locations.
For example, a concrete wall with a slope of more than 70 degrees would also be considered a retaining wall. These concrete retaining walls work well in highway, commercial, and residential construction, depending on the needs of the land. There are also other types of retaining structures, including concrete retaining walls, MSE walls, sheet pile walls, cantilever walls, anchored earth structures, and more.
Engineers created retaining wall structures to help retain the soil’s pressure and keep it intact in a sophisticated way. While the science behind a retaining wall can get complicated, there are a few basics that can help you better understand how it works.
At its core, a retaining wall must have the durability and strength to uphold the soil. This typically includes wedging the earthwork behind the structure and building the wall enough for it to stay in place. If installed correctly, the wedge of soil next to the wall would fall down the slope if you were to remove the structure.
Concrete specialists usually customize the retaining wall structure to match the needs of the area. It will most likely lean slightly inward to better withstand the pressure of the soil. It will also drain properly and won’t allow for any water backup. Some concrete retaining wall designs even incorporate specialized drains if needed.
Let’s dive deeper into the types of retaining walls so you can better understand what will accommodate your construction project’s needs.
There are several different designs for concrete retaining walls that work well for most commercial or residential projects. Here are some of the most popular types.
Gravity retaining walls incorporate concrete, rocks, and soil materials to help the structure use its weight to restrain earth pressures. These retaining structures provide resistance against sliding, overturning, bearing, and seismic activity.
One type of gravity retaining wall is a crib wall. These retaining wall interlock precast concrete elements and free-draining materials like crushed stone. Crib walls are often used in tandem with other structures on roadways and highways. Our specialists recommend installing crib retaining walls when supporting planters, as they are unable to hold back large amounts of soil.
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are another type of gravity retaining wall that has gained popularity in recent years. The design for current MSE walls originated in the 1960s. However, since then, many modern fabrication techniques and technology have made the original creation even better than before. But, the basic concept remains the same.
MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) walls are used to stabilize slopes and retain soil. These structures generally incorporate precast segmental blocks, panels, or geo-cells to tolerate movement. The precast forms are then filled with soil to create a sturdy structure that can retain the soil backfill. Many MSE walls use inset fascia rows to create individual cells filled with topsoil for planting to create green walls.
MSE walls provide several unique benefits that standard retaining walls can’t. One of the critical attributes of an MSE wall is its flexibility. This flexibility enables MSE walls to withstand higher seismic stress without sustaining major damage. MSE retaining walls are also easier to install and allow for a quicker construction process.
You can find MSE walls functioning as retaining walls, bridge abutments, dams, sea walls, and dikes.
A popular option for residential homes and commercial projects which emphasize aesthetics are gravity block walls. Gravity block walls stack massive blocks using a tongue-and-groove system that locks the structure in place. The entire retaining structure relies on its own weight to hold back the earth behind it.
One of the biggest advantages of using a gravity block wall is its flexible design. You have a near-infinite variety of options when you begin a landscaping project using gravity block walls. It is the best option for making your small piece of land feel a lot bigger, especially if your yard is on a hill.
With its flexibility, gravity block walls are highly durable, easily installed, and work well for most situations. They are also popular for roadways and bridges because they do not impose on right-of-way areas.
After understanding the available concrete retaining wall types, you will need to find a contractor to help you install the design properly. Harper Precast is one of the leading concrete retaining wall companies in Utah and the Intermountain West. Working with our experts, you can discover the retaining wall design that will work best for your project.
Whichever retaining wall system you need, our team will determine the exact specifications of the structure considering the location of the project, soil, and drainage requirements. Harper Precast also offers customized retaining wall designs, so you will always have the options you deserve working with our team.
Visit our homepage for more precast concrete and precast concrete wall solutions.
