A retaining wall can be an artificial structure which serves to resist the pressure of soil whenever a change in ground elevation exceeds the angle of repose. Not merely will a well-constructed wall properly support sloping earth, it will serve as an effective method of draining water runoff and reducing hydrostatic pressure.

The most common of these structures is really a cantilever wall, which is a freestanding barrier with no lateral support at the very top. Normally, retaining walls are cantilevered from the footing extending up at night grade on one side and holding back a higher level grade on the opposite side. They need to be planned and constructed to resist pressures from both soil and water. Another notable type of wall can be an anchored retaining wall, which is supported by anchors deep in the planet earth behind the wall (in to the slope). Soil nailing is a technique that can be employed to help expand reinforce a retaining wall. Soil nailing can be an economical technique for stabilizing slopes and for constructing retaining walls from the most notable down. This ground reinforcement process uses steel tendons which are drilled and grouted in to the soil to create a composite mass similar to a gravity wall.

Planning and design is essential when placing retaining walls, recognizing that their sole purpose is to restrict the natural movement of soil down slope because of gravity. Pressures are lowest near the top of the wall and dramatically increase toward the base. Improper installing a retaining wall can result in tipping or complete collapse because of the differences in effect on the wall’s surface.

Dry Stone Walling Middleham retaining wall can be constructed using a variety of materials, from stones and concrete blocks, to wood planks and logs. The height and materials of the wall are determined based on a number of conditions. Among the most important factors when contemplating materials and placement are: the proposed height of the wall, the kind of soil to retain behind the wall, the angle of the slope, and whether any objects of significant weight can be found on the slope (structures, vehicles, etc). Additionally it is very important to be sure a drainage solution is set up for the soil above the wall. Once the soil absorbs moisture from watering or rainfall, the stress on the retaining wall increase dramatically. Without proper drainage, the wall will be more vunerable to collapse, sliding or tipping, which can be a very costly and potentially hazardous situation.

By far, the most frequent uses for these walls are parking lots and driveways, however they can also be used to support outdoor patios or border an in-ground pool. Whether the property is residential or commercial, sometimes the contours of the landscape limit the options for the road of a driveway, or the elevation and size of a parking lot. The utilization of these walls allow driveways and parking lots to exist where it would ordinarily not be possible.

Once we all know, functionality doesn’t always mean appearance has to suffer. Stone, concrete and wood (the most frequent materials for construction of a retaining wall) can nicely accent a property, and also can serve as a foundation for a variety of unique landscaping opportunities that ordinarily would not promote themselves. A wall could be constructed in some steps or levels, allowing a distinctive creative outlet for planting shrubs, flowers, along with other decorative elements which will add depth and attractiveness. Stepped walls have also proven to be a more effective type of erosion control.