Different Types of Retaining Walls

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As the name suggests, retaining wall systems are primarily designed to hold soil in place when defining external areas of real estate. They are engineered so that the structure can withstand any lateral pressure exerted by liquids, soil, and other materials held by the wall.

As mentioned above, constructions can be built to perform various functions depending on the properties of the real estate. Therefore, different types of walls are used to achieve specific goals. In this article we will look at some of the most common retaining walls in construction. Continue reading to learn more.

Cantilever Walls

Many property owners first use the standard system. A cantilever wall consists of a base and a stem. One reason for its popularity is that it can be prefabricated and installed after or constructed on-site. Additionally, the materials making up this wall system can be pre-stressed concrete, precast concrete or reinforced concrete.

It got its name because it projects from the supporting foundations, allowing horizontal pressure of materials behind to be transformed into vertical force transmitted directly into the ground.

Counterweight Walls

Similar to the aforementioned cantilever walls – with a main difference being that they require back support – counterweight or concrete block walls are usually built at an angle for greater stability. They are spaced evenly along the length of the wall, allowing it to withstand soil pressure. These can also add weight to the wall.

Gravity Walls

This type of wall relies on its own mass to resist pressure from materials behind. Therefore, they are mostly made of heavy materials such as stone blocks and rock. In some cases they can be constructed from the same materials that are to be retained, which helps overall stability. Gravity walls are typically large since they require significant weight to withstand the lateral pressure created by soil.

Sheet Pile Walls

These wall systems are anchored using cables stretched underground. Concrete fills the ends of these cables to strengthen the anchoring. These structures for landscaping are typically used when there is minimal space available or a small wall is needed for a retaining wall. Since they are mainly anchored, tall retaining walls can be built using this system.

Pile Walls

Pile walls usually have two types: sheet or concrete pile systems. Reinforced retaining walls built with concrete piles are constructed by placing piles, as already mentioned, next to each other. They are also driven to a certain depth to ensure the ability to withstand soil pressure behind. Due to high resistance, they can also be used in deeper excavations.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many available retaining walls. However, before choosing the ideal system make sure you conduct a detailed and thorough site assessment to know soil type, drainage requirements, slope characteristics, and current weather conditions around the property. This will help you make a more informed decision.