Retaining walls are built to protect property from the damage of soil erosion. It can also prove helpful in areas where heavy rains can cause rocks and soil to loosen and slip down on top of the property. You should only employ safe construction methods using designs by civil engineering professionals.
Complete Site Assessment
All aspects of site development, use, and soil composition need analyzing to determine the best and safest course of action in the design and build of safe retaining walls. The end results should provide strength, protection from erosion, and durability with as little stress to the wall as possible. Being able to provide this and retain as much natural appearance as possible is the job of the civil engineer. Safety should equal quality when it comes to a satisfactory finished retaining wall.
Meeting Codes and Governing Requirements
Each area might have slightly different codes and requirements when it comes to the construction and design of retaining walls. You need to make sure that all local, state and federal guidelines are met in tackling a project of this magnitude. A licensed civil engineering firm will know what these are and follow them to the letter.
Accurate and Safe Excavation
The excavation process is one of the more essential duties when it comes to preparing for the retaining wall construction. A portion of the materials behind the wall have to get removed to ease the pressure and stress placed on the wall. The soil is replaced by geosynthetic materials and river rock to assist in drainage and strength.
Desired and Necessary Footings
Adding footings is necessary whenever you are dealing with radical grade changes. It helps stabilize the entire retaining wall structure. These are placed in designated spaces both before and after the wall.
Experienced Wall Construction
Use the chosen materials to build the retaining wall by the methods best recommended for the job. You need an experienced crew that can start with the materials and a blueprint to complete a picture-perfect retaining wall. Most walls are built using some stone block, but other materials and methods are used, depending on expected results and size of retaining wall necessary.
Adequate Drainage
Proper grading to draw water away from the wall and correct drainage systems are installed to ensure the integrity of the retaining wall in the event of torrential rains. All water taken away from the wall relieves the potential for pressure and damage.
Contact expert civil engineering firms Seattle like Red Barn Engineering and find out more about safe retaining wall design and construction today!