How To Design a Concrete Retaining Wall
Concrete retaining walls are built primarily to hold back a wall of dirt that without the wall would fall or slide into a natural slope. Retaining walls are commonplace in mountain communities where houses and roads are built through hilly terrain. Retaining walls help maintain the natural environment while creating a space that blends in with its surroundings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil and paper
- Retaining wall software
- Soil measurements
- Permits
Instructions
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1
Check with your local building codes department before you begin. Many states require that retaining walls be taller than 4 feet and that they be designed and built by a licensed engineer to guard against landslides or other erosion problems. Apply for a permit if required.
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2
Determine the lateral earth pressure of the dirt you will be containing behind the wall. Much of the information needed to measure the weight of the soil, the angle of the internal friction if the dirt is primarily sand, and the location of the nearest water table, can be obtained through your local Agricultural Extension Center or by using an online database of soil properties.
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3
Measure the area to be retained with a measuring tape before digging. Concrete retaining walls must be at least 12 inches tall to provide solid reinforcement. Use the ground as a base and measure upward to the next level area. Draw the wall in relation to the rest of the property to make sure the measurements fit aesthetically with your landscaping plan. Retaining walls are primarily used to hold dirt, but they also must fit with the look of the property.
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Add 2 to 3 inches to the thickness of the wall if you are dealing with heavy soils or clay. Taking into account the weather patterns and general conditions of the area's climate, add 1 to 2 feet of wall that will be built below the surface. Consider erosion and future development in the area when drawing the final depth of the wall.
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Draw the final plans with pencil and paper and use the measurements to determine the amount of concrete you will need. Plan to insert supports every 2 feet along the wall, where you will build the steel reinforcements. Make drawings of the wall from various angles, including the top, side and one end to the other so you can calculate exact measurements as you begin to build.
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Tips & Warnings
Invest in software that has built-in programs which will provide the exact measurements you'll need to build a safe and lasting wall. By entering the weight of the soil and other environmental factors, software can give you more exact measurements for the depth and width that is needed for the wall.
Building a retaining wall with individual rocks is aesthetically appealing, but rocks are very heavy and require extensive planning to be able line up each of the rocks you use.
