Retaining walls are a necessary part of civil engineering, and serve to hold back soil and rock from eroding or collapsing. A retaining wall is typically made out of big blocks of concrete, stacked one on top of the other in a perpendicular fashion. The blocks are then filled with concrete, which serves to anchor them in place and add stability to the wall.
Let us then consider big block retaining walls in greater depth to understand how they are built so that they stand up to the job of primarily dealing with the problem of soil erosion. They provide much-needed support as well as becoming a nice feature that will section off properties to great effect.
Different Types of Retaining Wall Blocks
There are many different types of retaining wall blocks, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of block is the interlocking concrete block, which is easy to install and provides a high degree of stability. Another popular type of retaining wall block is the geo-grid block, which is made from a grid of plastic or metal that is filled with concrete. These blocks are less stable than interlocking concrete blocks but are much easier to install.
Choosing the right type of retaining wall block for your project is an important decision that should be made by a professional engineer.
When you have the wall constructed by a professional you will not have to worry about the level of expertise required but will pay more if the job is more complex. It is worth it, however, to have the retaining wall that you want. A wall that will serve its purpose and last a long time. In domestic situations, they are considered one of the home improvements that will add value to real estate in the long term. Also, something expected of a commercial property that has land and needs to address soil erosion and make the appropriate practical and aesthetic divisions.
How to Build a Retaining Wall
Building a retaining wall is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things that you will need to do to ensure that your wall is built correctly. First, you will need to excavate the area where the retaining wall will be built. Next, you will need to level the ground and compact it so that the retaining wall will have a solid foundation.
Once the foundation has been prepared, you can begin to lay the retaining wall blocks. It is important to make sure that the blocks are level as you lay them, and that they are securely interlocked with each other. Once all of the retaining wall blocks have been laid, you will need to fill the gaps between the blocks with concrete.
After the concrete has cured, you can add soil and vegetation to the retaining wall to help hold it in place.
Improve the Stability of a Property
Building a retaining wall is a great way to improve the stability of your property as well as prevent soil erosion. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your retaining wall will be built correctly and will last for many years.
Conclusion
Retaining walls are typically made from big blocks of materials that are easy to work with and strong enough to hold back soil or water. When it comes time to build your retaining wall, you’ll need to choose the right type of blocks for the job. There are many different types of retaining wall blocks available on the market, so it’s important to do your research before you buy. You’ll also need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand before you start construction. Preferably, use a professional to construct the wall for you. With a little bit of planning, good design, and preparation, you or your hired contractor, can build a retaining wall that will last for years.
