Retaining Wall Design

A retaining wall can be an attractive and useful feature to divide or accent a yard, as well as help landscape hilly terrains. But its construction requires careful design to meet both your desired needs and ensure its safety for you, your family, and neighbors. A geotechnical analysis should be completed prior to starting construction; this information can help determine what kind of foundation would best suit the site, while providing cost-effective solutions.

Once a geotechnical analysis is complete, a structural engineer can begin designing your retaining wall. Different materials for these walls range in price per square foot. To calculate its total cost in feet (e.g. 2ft high x $13 per sqft = $26) multiply material costs times desired height in feet e.g. 1 foot high x $13 = 26a concrete retaining wall).

Bricks and stones provide natural drainage with their spaces between them; solid concrete structures require additional measures to keep water from pooling up behind your retaining wall and potentially causing damage. Engineers frequently incorporate drainage designs into their retaining walls using weep holes, drain tiles or other systems designed to minimize hydrostatic pressure and reduce potential risks such as hydrostatic failure.

Retaining walls are an excellent way to add style and function to your home, so it is vital that you work with an experienced contractor who can build one according to your specifications and in a safe way for both yourself, your family, and neighbors.