Whether you are a homeowner looking to build a small garden wall or planning a major retaining wall construction project, this guide will provide valuable information on the various materials and wall design considerations. This article will also discuss simple tips for choosing the right retaining wall.

What Is a Retaining Wall?  

Retaining walls are vertical or almost vertical constructions that hold the material against erosion, slippage, or collapse on one side. These walls provide the specific terrain with support and stability when the soil's angle of repose is exceeded, preventing it from collapsing naturally.

Due to the potential for significant pressure from the soil or water behind the retaining wall, careful planning is required when building them. This is to make sure that it will be sturdy enough to sustain any pressure and avoid the following types of retaining wall failure: 

  • Toppling: This failure happens when the wall's ability to bear lateral ground pressure is exceeded at a specific area.
  • Failure Due to Bearing Capacity: The retaining fails when the load exceeds the bearing capacity.
  • Sliding: If the base of the retaining wall has insufficient friction, it could slip and collapse.
  • Internal Failure: Internal failure occurs when a retaining wall's structural component or a component used in its construction fails.

Retaining Wall Design Considerations

Retaining wall designs must consider emergency runoffs, such as when water levels become uncontrollable. Retaining walls are adaptable construction aids that civil engineers utilize on project sites when there is a lack of available space in the surrounding area and for building projects on or along slopes.

A retaining wall's ability to withstand lateral pressure from water or soil caused by a change in a ground level is more significant than the angle of repose of the soil expands on the idea of a retaining wall. 

Several materials are used to build retaining walls designed to contain dirt that might otherwise fall off a slope. They are also utilized to maintain soil between two elevations on unsuitable terrain or where the landscape needs to be prepared for specific objectives like hillside farming, building an overpass, etc.

The most crucial consideration when building and installing retaining walls is understanding the cause of the tendency for the enclosed material to slide down the slope with the slope itself due to gravity. 

This element's motion exerts lateral pressure on the retaining wall from behind, depending on the angle of friction (φ), the direction and the cohesive strength (c) of the held material, and the amount of movement the retaining wall experiences. The lateral pressure is typically 0 at the wall's crown and increases linearly with depth (but only in homogeneous soil).

How To Choose Retaining Walls 

Retaining walls can be a great way to add character and charm to your outdoor space. However, selecting the right contractor and materials can be a daunting task. Here are tips to help you pick the best retaining wall for your property:

Evaluate Your Needs

Consider the size, shape, and style of the space you want to create. Also, think about how much maintenance you are willing to do and your available budget. This helps you narrow your choices and choose the right services for your project.

Get a Contract

Verify your understanding of all the terms and conditions before you sign any agreements. After carefully reading it, ask questions if you don't comprehend anything in the fine print.

Conclusion 

By following these tips, you will be able to find the appropriate retaining wall design and other landscaping services for your property. With the right company, such as Wallis Landscape, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy for many years.

At Wallis Landscape, we want to give our customers an outdoor environment that matches their lifestyle and allows them to create many memories over the years. Our team is composed of friendly and experienced landscaping professionals. While we provide a wide range of services, our areas of expertise are on landscaping, erosion control, and drainage solutions. Contact us and get an estimate on retaining wall construction in Loganville, GA now!