Factors to Consider When Selecting a Retaining Wall

Choose the right type of Retaining Wall for your next construction project which assures durability and aesthetic appeal with the help of this extensive guide

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Retaining Wall

Retaining Wall is installed with the purpose of withstanding pressure from the soil. You may be wondering where this soil pressure comes from. It can be a result of sand, liquid pressure or earth filling.

 

Retaining provides additional support to slopes. They come in different materials, sizes and types. So in this article, we are going to help you choose the right type of wall for your construction project.

 

Types of Retaining Wall

There are 4 different types of retaining walls. Their details are given below:

 

  • Gravity Retaining Walls

Gravity Retaining Walls use the gravitational force of their large weight to resist soil pressure. They are the most simple type of retaining wall. They are easy to build. They are best for heights of 3 meters. 

 

  • Cantilever Retaining Walls

Cantilever Retaining Walls are created with reinforced concrete which makes them strong. It has an L-shaped foundation with a stem and base slab. The soil stress shifts towards the foundation hence its shape.

 

  • Embedded Retaining Walls

Embedded Retaining Walls, as the name suggests are embedded deep in the ground. Some may even go deeper than 40m in the ground! It is commonly used in car parks and stations.

 

  • Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls

Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls have high load-bearing capacity because they are reinforced by some material such as geogrid. They are mostly used in railways, roads and terraces.

 

Considerations for Choosing a Retaining Wall

 

1) Ground Conditions

The site conditions are a big influence in selecting a retaining wall. Examine the soil type, vegetation and structures. It needs to support the wall. Avoid organic soil as it offers little to no support.

Other than that, also examines above-ground and underground elements such as irrigation systems. Your chosen site needs to support the walls.

 

2) Budget

Do take your budget into account before selecting a wall. It is a time-consuming and exhausting task to create a budget for a building retaining wall. But it can be made easier by breaking it down into manageable costs. Here are some of the most common materials costs:

 

  • Concrete blocks are priced from $15 - $30 per block

  • Natural stone falls in the range of $50 - $100

  • Timber material costs around $5 - $15 per linear meter

  • Gabion's average pricing is from $30 - $50 per cubic meter

 

In the case of labor, for 50 hours the cost is about $2500 - $5000 and contractors fees typically range from $1000 - $5000.

 

You can also get professional help from a cost estimating company like Bidding Estimate to calculate the cost of your project.

 

3) Strength of the Wall

What is the Strongest Type of Retaining Wall? Concrete is the strongest material used for wall retaining. So that makes cantilever retaining walls the strongest type of wall. There are some drawbacks to using concrete. It is vulnerable to chemical damage and cracks. 

 

4) Material and Type of Wall

The most paramount factor is to select the right kind of material for a wall. It must provide an aesthetic appeal as well as meet all the objectives of practicality. Choosing the right material will make all the difference. Below are some of the most commonly used types of walls:

 

  • Concrete

This material is often used in construction for these walls because of its versatility and robust features. Concrete Estimators are responsible for Estimating how much material is required and what size and shape is appropriate for the project.

 

  • Stone

Stones like granite, limestone and sandstone are durable and can be customized according to various patterns.

 

  • Timber

Treated timber provides a rustic look and is considered essential against rot extending the life of a Wall.

 

  • Gabion

These walls are made of mesh which is a mixture of rocks and other materials. They are highly effective against erosion as well.

 

5) Durability and Maintenance

In the case of a Retaining Wall, durability is necessary and it is the combination of longevity, safety and functionality. There are certain elements to account for when we talk about durability and these are:

 

  • How much load can a wall bear?

  • How much reinforcement is required which is set perfectly with the needed strength of a wall?

  • How strong and well-designed is the foundational design?

 

Along with durability, there is also maintenance which is crucial for supporting walls. Proper maintenance is directly linked with the factors mentioned above. Thus, maintenance is comprised of the following:

 

  • Conducting routine inspections 

  • Regular cleaning and sealing

  • Repair and replacement when needed

 

6) Environmental Considerations 

Considering environmental factors is not an option but a responsibility for an Estimating Firm. In today's world, such material must be used which promotes sustainability. Here are some of the most important factors to consider environmentally:

 

  • Utilizing sustainable materials

  • Implementing energy-efficient techniques

  • Green LEED certificate ensuring to meet higher environment-friendly standards

  • Implementing sufficient waste management strategies.

 

To Conclude 

In conclusion, selecting the right Retaining Wall depends upon an array of factors and a professional with extensive knowledge is aware of all these factors. You can choose one yourself but hiring a professional seems the right way to go. As they have knowledge of how to steer through the complexities of a project within the constraints of a budget. This article discusses in detail several types of Retaining walls and what to consider when selecting the most suitable option.

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