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Retaining walls are used to provide support to earth that would otherwise destabilize due to changes to the ground level. They are often used in residential applications to help create level platforms to maximise space usage. Thus, slopes and uneven terrain can be levelled out to be used as building sites but also ensure sufficient space for parking and a level yard for play areas. Besides holding back soil, these walls are also used to protect against erosion in areas where this may be a problem. Concrete retaining walls are often preferred because of their durability. They can be used in almost any conditions since concrete does not rot and are especially effective in areas where they will subjected to constant wetting and drying. What to Consider When Building Walls If you are planning on building any walls on your property, you will first need to check with local authorities to see if you need planning approval. Keep in mind that this will vary from area to area and will generally depend on the height of the wall and making sure an adequate drainage solution has been provided for. You might have to present a drawing of the site plan with structural details as well as design certification from a consultant. Again, it's best to ask so you don't encounter any problems. When building these walls, a good drainage solution is critical because if water builds up behind the wall, there's a good chance it will collapse. These walls are designed to withstand the weight of soil and while that should seem sufficient, water exerts a lot more pressure than soil does so it pays to ensure you have proper drainage.
Types of Wall Blocks These type of walls are differentiated according to the way they are designed to resist the weight of the earth they are supporting. Thus, you can have gravity walls, piled walls and cantilever walls. Gravity walls rely on their own weight to hold the soil back, while piled walls are built by embedding vertical posts into the ground. Thus, piled walls can take a lot more pressure and are generally used for higher platforms. Cantilever walls are generally shaped like an inverted T and the soil resting on the foot of the wall is used to add extra support. Retaining Walls and Fences
Fences are often built directly on top of retaining walls in order to save space. In such situations, you have to make sure the retaining wall can support the weight of the fence as well as the soil, which is why it is a good idea to seek the services of a specialist, no matter how good you are at DIY. Installing a fence on a retaining wall can also be problematic and is certainly more complicated that erecting it directly on soil. Again, it will likely be more cost effective to seek the services of a professional for the whole project so you don't have any nasty surprises later on down the line. Concrete retaining walls are the most durable and effective solution for areas that have been levelled out and where one intends to install a fence. They provided added support and are resistant to a wide range of weather conditions, making these walls the perfect solution in most cases.
Retaining walls are used in residential applications to help create level platforms to maximise space usage. It holds back soil and prevent erosion in areas where this may be a problem. Fence panels can also be installed over a retaining wall for added support and protection from a wide range of weather conditions.
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