Retaining walls can help in improving the appearance of a property. They can be of several types. They are known to improve drainage and also increase the usable flat areas. Few aspects which deserve consideration while building retaining walls include:
The materials used
Retaining walls may be made from a variety of materials including stone, concrete and wood. These walls help in preventing soil, debris and various other types of materials from entering a particular area. Wooden retaining walls are well suited for smaller needs where walls less than a height of three feet are required. While building a wooden retaining wall, it is important to note that treated lumber is least stable when compared with stone and concrete.
Concrete walls are known to be quite durable and are well suited for accent walls built in gardens and yards. Stone walls are usually built using cut stones and adhesives which help in sustaining the wall. The biggest advantage of building stone retaining walls is that they can be built quite high and tend to last for a considerable period of time.
Retaining wall types
are primarily of four types including anchored walls, sheet piling, cantilevered and gravity walls. The gravity walls are constructed in such a manner that their weight is contingent on the construction materials which include stone, concrete or wood. This is done to improve the stability of the wall against the forces of the earth and to resist their weight from behind. The gravity walls usually do not exceed a height of four feet. They are usually made from stone or masonry concrete.
Another type of retaining walls is cantilevered walls. They are made from reinforced concrete or masonry and require careful construction and design. Steel, vinyl and wood are usually used for making sheet pile walls. These walls are generally built in tight spaces and areas which have soft soils.
While building anchored walls, cables are anchored in the soil. These walls are used in sheet piling, cantilevered and gravity walls in order to provide additional support.
Techniques used
There are several techniques which may be used while building retaining walls. These include mechanical stabilization, gabion mesh, soil strength, soil nailing and several others. The technique of soil nailing is usually used in sheet piling, cantilevered and gravity walls in order to provide reinforcement using elements like steel reinforcing bars.
The soil strength technique is usually used for reducing the pressure exerted by the earth elements against the wall.
Gabion mesh is a type of soil strength and consists of a mesh box made of wires. It is used to diminish the erosive forces of the earth.
The mechanical stabilization technique is used to enhance the resistance of gravity retaining walls.
At Okane, we are involved in planning, supervision, project management, studies, etc. For mining consultants in australia call us today!
If you are in need for wall repair Melbourne, get in touch with We Fix Walls today.
Did you know?How much concrete driveway cost in Melbourne. Get in touch with our experts today for the professional services at competitive price.