Retaining wall construction begins with assessing the soil properties on the site. The designer may base their design on the typical design parameters for soils in a particular location. If the site is unusual or the soil type is unfamiliar, the designer will request a geotechnical investigation. The results of the geotechnical investigation will be used to set the specific parameters for the wall system. Regardless of the size or configuration of the wall, a solidly designed retaining structure reduces the risk and cost of the whole system.
A retaining wall’s design needs to account for the tendency of retained material to move down the slope. When this happens, it creates lateral earth pressure behind the wall. The lateral earth pressure depends on the strength of the underlying soil, the angle of internal friction, and the direction of movement. By planning for these three factors in advance, you can make a design that is appropriate for your site. Here are some important tips for retaining walls.
First, determine the location of the retaining wall. Consider the soil and bedrock, as well as seasonal frost depth. In areas without frost, footings should be dug much deeper. In addition, consider the design of the retaining wall. A solid retaining structure will last much longer than a weak one, so it’s important to carefully calculate the load on the retaining wall. This way, the wall will be more stable.
A retaining wall must be built to counteract the tendency of the retained material to move downhill. This causes a pressure behind the wall that depends on the angle of internal friction, the strength of the cohesive material, and the direction of movement. Ultimately, the proper design will ensure that the retaining structure withstands the pressure and stays in place. However, it can be a costly and time-consuming process to build a retaining structure.
The footings of a retaining wall must be deep enough to withstand the weight of the retaining wall. In addition, the footings of the retaining wall must be constructed to counteract the forces created by the movement of the retained material downhill. If the footings are not deep enough, the wall may be subject to lateral earth pressure. This pressure will depend on the cohesive strength of the ground and the angle of internal friction.
There are many methods of retaining walls, but most require a thorough ground investigation. Trial excavations are often necessary to determine the best placement for the retaining wall. The structural engineer will then design the corresponding retaining wall, using a rigid, reinforced block design. To protect the formation, blinding concrete is applied over the ground. This prevents the reinforcement from contaminating the formation. If the ground is too soft, the retaining wall will not be able to support the weight of the soil.