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Retaining Wall Systems
Types of Retaining Wall Systems and
Installation Tips
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Retaining walls are vertical walls
that are used to hold back soil and prevent erosion. Retaining wall systems
provide multiple benefits. They can transform a sloping yard into a flat or
multi-terraced one. They can direct the flow of runoff rain water away from a
home or certain areas of a yard. And they can be used to create beautifully
landscaped yards. There are numerous types of retaining wall systems that you
can build. Retaining wall system construction can vary in material composition
from as simple as boulders, to as complex as a manufactured segmental retaining
wall system constructed out of modular concrete blocks and tieback systems.
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Choosing the right type of retaining wall system depends upon how high of
a retaining wall is required and what your budget is. A retaining wall
that has a height requirement of only a couple of feet can be constructed
using either simple stones, pressure treated beams, or interlocking
concrete blocks. A retaining wall that has a height requirement of several
feet or more should be constructed out of a segmental retaining wall
system. Segmental retaining wall systems can enable higher and steeper
walls due to the fact that they use tieback systems to hold the wall in
place. Soil behind a retaining wall exerts extreme pressure on the back of
the retaining wall. A tieback system, constructed out of polymeric mesh
geogrids, is buried into the soil behind the retaining wall and acts to
hold the modular concrete blocks in place. The geogrids are designed to
interlock with the modular concrete blocks to ensure that the face of the
retaining wall system doesn’t shift forward over time due to the
tremendous soil pressure behind it.
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Today’s retaining wall systems are designed to require no mortar. The
concrete blocks are interlocking. In addition, concrete retaining wall
blocks are available in many different styles, shapes, sizes and colors.
They are also available in various textured surfaces. As a result,
beautiful retaining wall systems can be constructed to provide both
functionality and aesthetics. Retaining wall systems are also available to
create circular walls, walkways and steps. There are even specific
retaining wall systems for tree rings and planter beds.
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In many cases retaining wall systems can be installed by the
do-it-yourself homeowner. However, installing retaining wall systems can
be back breaking work. It is highly recommended to rent equipment, such as
a Bobcat tractor, to help carry and lift the stones. Also, it is
imperative to install the retaining wall system on a solid foundation
base. All topsoil should be removed and a several inch thick bed of
angular crushed stone should be compacted in place for the retaining wall
to rest on.
| Also, perforated PVC drainage pipes should be installed
behind the retaining wall to direct ground water away from it. The drain
pipe should direct water to a low spot somewhere else in the yard. In
addition, landscaping mesh fabric and crushed stone should be installed
directly behind the retaining wall stones or concrete blocks to prevent soil
from seeping through the stone/block cracks. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
So visit your local home improvement center to find out what type of retaining
wall system will meet your budget and enable you to transform your yard into a
useable and beautiful space.
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