Retaining walls are structures that are used to hold back soil and other materials from moving downhill. They are often used in commercial and business projects to level sloping ground, create space for parking lots, and prevent soil erosion. They can also be used to add aesthetic value to a property.
There are several types of retaining walls, and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Let us discuss these different types that are commonly used in business and commercial projects.
Gravity Retaining Walls
Gravity retaining walls are the oldest and simplest type of retaining walls. They are made of concrete, stone, or brick and rely on their weight to hold back the soil. They are typically used for small heights, up to 3 meters, and are not suitable for taller walls. They are also not recommended for areas with high water pressure as they may collapse due to hydrostatic pressure.
Cantilever Retaining Walls
Cantilever retaining walls are made of reinforced concrete and have a thinner base than gravity retaining ones. They are designed to resist lateral pressure and are suitable for heights up to 10 meters. This type has a T-shaped cross-section, and the base is wider than the top to provide stability. Cantilever retaining walls are cost-effective and require less material than gravity retaining walls.
Sheet Pile Retaining Walls
Sheet pile retaining walls are constructions made of steel, vinyl, or wood that are used as a temporary solution to hold back soil during construction work that involves excavation. Due to their easy installation and removal, they are a commonly used option for temporary retaining structures.
Anchored Retaining Walls
This type is made of reinforced concrete and used for tall retaining walls that require extra support. They are designed to resist lateral pressure and are suitable for heights up to 30 meters. Anchored retaining walls have a thin base and rely on steel anchors installed deep into the soil to provide stability. The steel anchors are connected to the wall with cables or rods. Anchored retaining walls are more expensive than other types of retaining walls, but they are necessary for tall retaining walls.
Gabion Retaining Walls
Gabion retaining walls are made of wire mesh baskets filled with rocks or concrete blocks. They are used for both permanent and temporary retaining walls and are suitable for heights up to 5 meters. Gabion retaining walls are cost-effective and easy to install. They are also aesthetically pleasing and can be used to create a natural-looking retaining wall. Gabion retaining walls are not recommended for areas with high water pressure as they may collapse due to hydrostatic pressure.
Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls
Reinforced soil retaining walls are made of reinforced soil and are used for heights up to 20 meters. They are designed to resist lateral pressure and are suitable for areas with high water pressure. They also have a thin base and rely on geosynthetic reinforcement that is placed in horizontal layers to provide stability. The geosynthetic reinforcement is connected to the wall with steel strips or bars. Reinforced soil retaining walls are cost-effective and require less material than other types of retaining walls.
Conclusion
Retaining walls play a crucial role in commercial and business projects by leveling the sloping ground, creating space for parking lots, and preventing soil erosion. There are different types of retaining walls, each with its pros and cons. By understanding these, business and commercial project owners can make an informed decision on the best option for their specific needs.
Take the first step towards protecting your investment and ensuring the success of your project by partnering with Great Western Corporation. We offer various services, including consulting, design-build, and onsite installation of cathodic protection systems. Contact us for retaining walls in North Bend.