Retaining Walls – What are they and why are they important?
Sean McGrath • February 28, 2020
Retaining Walls – What are they and why are they important?
A Retaining Wall can be defined as a structure that is erected to retain a material behind it, most commonly soil. Retaining walls are designed to counteract the force of a grounds load, either via the walls individual mass or by an anchoring system.
Retaining walls are used in all types of construction, including in residential and commercial sectors, as well as sea and river defence.
Are there different types of Retaining Walls?
Yes, there are several types of retaining walls, commonly used in construction in the UK.
Some of the most common types of retaining wall systems include:
Cantilevered Retaining Wall
One of the most common retaining wall designs used in the UK uses a cantilevered design. Usually made from reinforced concrete, they rely on the basic principles of leverage.
Gravity Retaining Wall
A gravity retaining wall relies on a large mass to resist the thrust and pressure from the material load so is commonly constructed using materials such as poured concrete, stone or masonry.
Sheet Piling Retaining Wall
Reinforced concrete or steel sheet piles are driven into the ground to provide support to retaining walls. They are typically used in underground structures including basements, car parks and sea defence (river embankments and sea walls).
Why are Retaining Walls so important?
Soil collapse can cause catastrophic damage to a home or commercial property, which is why retaining walls are so important. It is vital to any build that the walls are built correctly and calculated to withstand load and pressure.
For example, retaining walls are vital in basement construction. Once a site has been excavated, groundworks prepared, the walls of any basement structure must withstand a huge amount of pressure which is exerted by the surrounding materials, usually soil, over a long period of time.
Building regulations for retaining walls can be found here.
Can I build a Retaining Wall myself?
If you intend to build a wall over 1 metre in height, it’s vital you instruct a team of experts to advise you. A structural engineer and a team of builders who specialise in retaining walls is recommended.
Things to also consider when building retaining walls are drainage and waterproofing, otherwise you may cause a great deal of damage to your property.
Do you need advice relating to a retaining wall?
If you are planning on building a retaining wall as part of a new build or you have to rebuild an existing wall, contact the experts at McGrath Civils & Rail Ltd, we have over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial clients, as well as local authorities and infrastructure companies build retaining walls on a wide variety of projects. You can view some of our latest projects, including a retaining wall as part of a motorway widening scheme project on the M4, by clicking here.
To speak with us regarding a new project, call us on 07717 014006
or email Sean McGrath at sean@mcgrathcivils.co.uk
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