A retaining wall adds to the landscape’s aesthetic appeal while holding back soil and water, and keeping sloping grounds in naturally impossible positions. Some of the considerations one needs to make when building a retaining wall include:
Material
Select suitable materials that are locally available and will take a shorter time during transportation. Utilizing locally available materials is an essential consideration as it ensures the building process is smooth and done to completion. Retaining walls get used for anchorage; it is thus crucial that its building process is seen to completion as midway stops due to lack of materials may lead to a collapse of the wall. The materials should also be of good quality to enhance the wall’s durability.
Weight of structure
If the retaining wall gets built to give anchorage to a building or shifting area, ensure the retaining wall’s design can hold the structure’s weight. Come up with a plan that is proportionate to the frame’s weight to ensure the retaining wall adequately serves its purpose.
Budget
Ensure one correctly calculates the cost of building a retaining wall to prevent over-quoting or under-quoting. The builders need to decide whether the retaining wall is concrete or dry-laid and then put in other expenses such as excavation to ensure they come up with the correct amount to finish the project successfully.
Concrete walls are more structurally stable, while the dry-laid design is easier to install and less costly. Depending on the retaining wall’s functionality, one can utilize such differences to decide which one is appropriate for the project.
Soil bearing pressure
When building a wall, consider the soil bearing pressure to ensure the wall does not collapse. The builders can include weeping holes on the wall to eliminate water build-up, promoting increased pressure that weakens the walls. Strategically place the wall to ensure it can hold the pressure of the soil and water.
Foundation
A retaining wall’s foundation is vital for ensuring it can withstand other materials’ pressure, weight, and external factors like water and wind. A well-built foundation enables a retaining wall to anchor well and promotes its effectiveness. Ensure the foundation gets built to allow water flow if near a water body and continual hydration of plants to prevent weakening.
Construction of retaining walls should consider functionality and aesthetics. This act ensures a retaining wall fits seamlessly into the overall landscape design.