RETAINING WALLS

Retaining walls add beauty and increase functionality for both residential and commercial properties. But many are unaware of the hazards if not installed correctly. A retaining wall must be able to hold the soil behind it and allow for proper drainage.

 

There are also several types of retaining walls. H & S company will ask you several questions to determine the proper type for your property. For example, is there something in between or above the wall, what type of soil do you have, and will the ground above or below be sloped or level? These and other factors will determine if you need a Geogrid Reinforced Retaining Wall or a Gravity Retaining Wall.

Geogrid Reinforced Retaining walls are used to give more strength to the retaining wall structure. Placing Geogrid between courses of blocks in the wall and then rolling it back into the slope or hillside during installation creates a stronger and more stable soil mass. There are various types of engineered blocks to provide the retainage desired. If your space is not big enough or there are other site conditions you can still use alternative reinforcement materials such as soil nails, earth anchors or no-fines concrete. Although these types of reinforcements often require a local engineer for the design and a certified contractor to install.
The most common retaining wall for residential is the Gravity Retaining Wall. They depend on their own setback and weight to retain the soil. Because the Gravity Retaining Wall is typically much shorter in height than the Geogrid Retaining Wall, stacking blocks such as the Allan Block are ideal. The Allen Block stacks into place and forms a setback. This setback is helpful to support the pressure from the soil behind it. There are many other types of block and materials that can be used.

Hiring an experienced contractor will ensure your retaining wall is both beautiful and functional.