If you have a piece of property that is on different levels and is therefore subject to flooding, landslips, or simply looks a mess, then one of the most practical solutions is to landscape it. Landscaping will make sure that the land levels stay where you want it and that you can limit erosion damage. When you want to prevent unwanted movement of soil, sand, or water, then you should consider installing some retaining walls. Retaining walls are specifically constructed so that they can withstand the expected lateral pressure placed on them by a load of soil or other material so it is vital that you select the correct retaining wall for your situation.
1. Is a gravity retaining wall right for you?
Gravity retaining walls use their own weight to counter the lateral pressure of the material behind the wall. To design your gravity retaining walls you must work with an engineering team who can calculate the required thickness of the wall and identify the most suitable building materials. Your material options could include stone, brick, or concrete depending on the required strength and also the desired appearance of the wall. If conventional stone retaining walls aren't right for your location then why not think about either the interlocking boxes of a crib wall or the multi-celled mesh cages that characterise Gabion retaining walls?
While gravity retaining walls are highly effective they are not ideal for all situations since they rely on the physical size of the wall to resist pressure, so the wall is often a large structure that takes up more space than is easily available in some locations.
2. Should you anchor your wall?
If saving space is your primary concern, then an anchored wall could be just what you need. Gravity retaining walls rely on the strength of the wall to keep it in position but with an anchored retaining wall, the wall itself can be quite thin. This type of wall is held in place by a fixed anchor which is driven into the ground and provides the necessary support.
3. Would a cantilever wall be a better fit?
If you want a solution for your retaining walls that uses less concrete, then employing the cantilever principle could be the right choice. Cantilever walls can be built into position like gravity retaining walls or the base slab and stem can be pre-cast at an off-site location and put together later at the desired location. Your engineering team should be able to determine whether a counter-fort, buttressed or alternative type of cantilever wall would be the right fit for your wall and the material which you need to keep in place.