If you are doing some landscaping that requires a terraced or sloped effect, you likely need to keep a whole lot of dirt in one place for a long time to come. To this end, you will probably build some form of retaining wall. As the name suggests, a retaining wall is a wall that holds soil in place. This may be for the sake of safety or for an aesthetic choice, and may be used to preserve a natural look or create a highly artificial effect. In all cases, it must be strong and secure.
Over the centuries, engineers have studied this problem at length. As a result, there are many different types of retaining wall, all of which accomplish similar results. The differentiation between them is largely a function of the type and consistency of the soil that is being retained, the angle and volume of the slope, and the space available. As mentioned, the overall appearance of the wall may also play a factor in a builder's decision.
The simplest kind of retaining wall that can be constructed is the gravity wall. A gravity wall is really just a heavy wall that is strong enough to resist the force of the soil on its own. As such, it is normally made up of dense blocks - either natural stones or formed concrete pieces. They are piled up (and likely mortared or interlocked in some fashion) and rely on their inherent bulk to keep everything in place. While this can be inexpensive and uncomplicated to construct (with the right materials), is has some drawbacks: the materials are bulky and take up a lot of room, and building higher walls takes more and more heavy pieces, so they tend to be better for shorter walls only.
You can achieve a similar effect using fewer materials if you use a bit of engineering to strengthen the wall; a cantilevered wall has a special foot that juts out under the ground perpendicularly (either back into the soil, or in both directions). This greatly increases the strength of the wall, allowing for slimmer, less bulky slabs to be used.
Another means of achieving soil retention without resorting to massive stones is to use a sheet piling wall. This again uses the earth to create strength - in this case, by burying the bottom two-thirds of each sheet or plank (typically wood or metal, although thin reinforced concrete might be used) into the ground. Some form of anchoring of the exposed wall is often employed as well for additional support.
Retaining walls not only have to hold soil in place, they also must prevent erosion. This means that when the soil becomes saturated (after rain or thawing, for instance) the additional pressure of the groundwater is taken into consideration. Also, steps should be taken to ensure that the soil does not trickle out through the wall. Therefore, plan with care and only contract with a supplier that can help you achieve the results you want.
One thing is certain: if you need retaining walls, you cannot do better than Armtec Retaining Walls. Armtec supplies both materials and know-how in order to complete any retaining wall project. Retaining walls have to be secure, and Armtec delivers the means to build that security into your site.
Over the centuries, engineers have studied this problem at length. As a result, there are many different types of retaining wall, all of which accomplish similar results. The differentiation between them is largely a function of the type and consistency of the soil that is being retained, the angle and volume of the slope, and the space available. As mentioned, the overall appearance of the wall may also play a factor in a builder's decision.
The simplest kind of retaining wall that can be constructed is the gravity wall. A gravity wall is really just a heavy wall that is strong enough to resist the force of the soil on its own. As such, it is normally made up of dense blocks - either natural stones or formed concrete pieces. They are piled up (and likely mortared or interlocked in some fashion) and rely on their inherent bulk to keep everything in place. While this can be inexpensive and uncomplicated to construct (with the right materials), is has some drawbacks: the materials are bulky and take up a lot of room, and building higher walls takes more and more heavy pieces, so they tend to be better for shorter walls only.
You can achieve a similar effect using fewer materials if you use a bit of engineering to strengthen the wall; a cantilevered wall has a special foot that juts out under the ground perpendicularly (either back into the soil, or in both directions). This greatly increases the strength of the wall, allowing for slimmer, less bulky slabs to be used.
Another means of achieving soil retention without resorting to massive stones is to use a sheet piling wall. This again uses the earth to create strength - in this case, by burying the bottom two-thirds of each sheet or plank (typically wood or metal, although thin reinforced concrete might be used) into the ground. Some form of anchoring of the exposed wall is often employed as well for additional support.
Retaining walls not only have to hold soil in place, they also must prevent erosion. This means that when the soil becomes saturated (after rain or thawing, for instance) the additional pressure of the groundwater is taken into consideration. Also, steps should be taken to ensure that the soil does not trickle out through the wall. Therefore, plan with care and only contract with a supplier that can help you achieve the results you want.
One thing is certain: if you need retaining walls, you cannot do better than Armtec Retaining Walls. Armtec supplies both materials and know-how in order to complete any retaining wall project. Retaining walls have to be secure, and Armtec delivers the means to build that security into your site.
About the Author:
Joan Jaynes is a freelance online writer who concentrates on the building industry and related issues. She has a special interest in the large-scale projects, such as Armtec Retaining Walls, as well as other precast concrete products.
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