Tips for Building a Strong Retaining Wall

Retaining walls are effective functional structures to control water drainage and prevent erosion on sloped properties.  Some of our most beautiful homes in Southern Oregon and Northern California are built on mountainsides, and these homeowners often rely on substantial retaining walls to create a level surface for their yards, patios, and driveways.  However, retaining walls can also add visual interest for a property with only a mild slope.

Start with a good plan.

The complexity of a retaining wall is related to the slope of the ground behind the wall.  The weight of the soil, rock, and groundwater pushes against the back of the retaining wall.  An experienced excavation company will have the engineering skills to assess the area and calculate the amount of pressure that will be placed on the wall.  Information about the force is critical to ensuring the wall is built to handle the weight during wet and dry weather conditions effectively.

With that information in hand, the next step is to design the wall, including the materials and type of construction.

There are four basic types of retaining walls:

1. Gravity retaining walls.  Loose stone or rock walls are an excellent example of this type of structure.  They rely on the weight of the piled material to hold the ground back.  Many materials can be used for this construction, including bricks, pavers, and unmortared stone.  The finished look can enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
2. Cantilevered retaining walls.  This type of wall combines decorative materials with concrete construction reinforced with steel bars.  The entire unit is constructed as an “L” shape with the weight on the ground behind the wall pushing down on the bottom part of the “L.”  By doing so, the downward weight prevents the wall from being able to tip forward, giving it exceptional strength.
3. Anchored walls.  The concrete blocks or other construction materials used in these walls are held in place with a series of anchors that connect to rods that are driven deep into the ground behind the wall.  They work similarly to anchoring a bookcase to a wall stud.  Often, a decorative facing is applied to the front to give it a more natural look.
4. Sheet piling walls.  These walls are often used in commercial applications or to manage severe slopes.  Sheets of steel are most commonly used for these walls.  The sheets are corrugated and then driven deep into the ground.  They have enormous strength and are widely used to hold back the earth from roadways or other large construction projects.

With a plan in place, it’s time to excavate.

Excavation is back-breaking work and, if it’s not done correctly, will destroy all the work put together in the plan.  Rather than trying to save a few pennies by digging out the ground yourself, choose a professional excavation team.  These crews are highly skilled in accurately and efficiently digging out the ground and preparing the site for the wall’s construction.  After the wall has been built, this same crew can install the appropriate drainage material (such as gravel) behind the wall and then backfill the dirt safely for your finished landscape.

If you’re considering adding or replacing retaining walls on your property, start with a call to Excavation Oregon.

If you want a retaining wall that will stand the test of time, Excavation Oregon is the team to do it!  Based in Southern Oregon, we know the landscape and how to prepare the ground and construct well-engineered drainage management systems, including retaining walls.  Our crews are experienced, using top-of-the-line equipment to do the job right the first time.  With Excavation Oregon by your side, you’ll rest easy knowing your land will be managed correctly, so your dream home or commercial building will stand the test of time.  Contact us today to learn more about all the services we offer.