Retaining Walls

The purpose of any retaining walls are that they do exactly what they say, to hold back or 'retain' a bulk of ground or soil that would otherwise fall or move forward.

A true shape of any retaining wall would be a third in width at the base as it is in height.

The reason for building it in such a way means that the pressure at the top of the wall caused by heavy soil, will be compensated by the pressure on the base to 'hold it firm', a bit like stepping on the toe of a boot and then trying to push the top backwards...it doesn't move easily.

Compare this to building a retaining wall the same thickness from top to bottom.
Because there is pressure at the top, there will be a weakness created towards the lower part of the wall causing it to 'break' or move off the foundation.

An additional way to release pressure, is to create 'weep holes' or drainage holes allowing any build up of moisture behind the wall to be released through the wall.

This is done by fixing tubes or pipes at varying points from the foundation up then backfilling the rear of the retaining wall with stone and chippings to allow free drainage through your weep holes.

This method has been used successfuly for centuries and although I don't date back that far I've built many retaining walls in stone and brick, all of which are in perfect shape today.

Mike Lyons.....Any questions! Please contact me.

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