24 September 2018
If part of your build is underground or you're dealing with a sloping site then retaining structures will be required to keep the surrounding soil in place. But building a structure or wall isn't as simple as laying down a few rows of brick and cementing them together. Not that that's an easy job either mind (lest we offend our builder friends).
No, retaining walls are a unique structural specialism in their own right and building one doesn’t just require hard graft. It takes on board the principles of gravity, physics, geology and engineering. Using complex mathematical calculations and an advanced knowledge of soil composition and mechanics to get right. All while adhering to the International Building Code, which requires retaining structures to be built to strict safety factors. Something our Mackoy groundworks and civil engineering team know all too well.
A retaining structure, more commonly referred to as a retaining wall, is the general term given to any kind of manmade structure that cuts into the landscape, and has soil resting against it on one side. The purpose of a retaining wall is actually to restrain the earth that's bearing down on it. So these types of retaining structure are commonly used in builds where the landscape is uneven, and requires levelling. As well as to support basements, cellars and other sub-ground level enclosures.
For this reason, retaining structures have to be rigid, solid and strong. With a capacity to withstand enormous pressure from thousands (if not millions) of cubic tonnes of earth pushing against them. But retaining walls aren't only designed to hold back soil. In some cases this type of intermediary structure is designed to contain water too. Such is the case with canals, manmade reservoirs and dams.
In either case, the consequence of a retaining wall collapsing could have dire consequences. Resulting in flooding or landslides that, together with causing widespread damage to infrastructure, may also put human lives at risk. Which is precisely why retaining structures should never be attempted with anything less than expert knowledge and skill.
Although the common end goal of any retaining structure is the capacity to safely restrain water or earth, factors such as the environment and landscape all have a bearing on the design of a retaining wall. As does client budget and aesthetics. As retaining structures aren't only mechanically different in style, but can also be materially different too.
As part of our retaining structures services at Mackoy groundworks and civil engineering we can assess your development, and your proposed plans to determine the best type of retaining structure to create. Ensuring the most economically viable solution for your build. To help keep development times on track while adhering to construction industry safety standards. For which we are fully accredited.
Here are just a few examples of the different retaining wall structures our groundworks and civil engineering team can engineer and install at Mackoy Ltd.
Typically constructed from heavy-duty materials such as stone or concrete, gravity walls rely on their own weight and mass to create a preventative barrier that restrains soil. They're a popular choice for short landscaping walls on developments. Although construction of taller retaining walls is increasingly moving towards composite geosynthetic materials.
Gabions are a steel mesh retaining wall, filled with a Gabion stone inner. They're generally considered more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and are adept at forming a good acoustic barrier. They're also free-draining so a popular choice for developments with excess groundwater. But the build cost of a gabion retaining structure can vary greatly, depending on the quantity of gabion aggregate required, the scale, and complexity of the structure.
This type of retaining structure is commonly applied in cases where the soil is soft, or space is restrictive. The walls are constructed from sheets of steel, wood or vinyl, which are driven into the ground to anchor them in place. Tall structures usually also require a tieback cable or rod to help secure them in position.
Cantilever retaining walls use fewer materials than their gravity wall counterparts, and are usually constructed from reinforced steel covered in a concrete outer shell. They can withstand more pressure from high-density loads, but require strong concrete footings to ground them in place.
Crib walls are made from pre-fabricated concrete or timber components, which interlock together, forming a solid structure. They're a low cost option and one of the fastest to install. Internally they're filled with backfill (which can be repurposed from the site) making crib walls an economical, free-draining and flexible retaining wall solution.
Our CSCS trained and accredited groundworks operatives are fully qualified in the construction of small and large scale retaining structures for the UK property sector. While our civil engineers can help you design and implement a retaining wall that aligns with your timescale, budget and aesthetic needs.
If you're in need of a bespoke retaining structure for a house build or similar development in the South of England, contact our expert team today. We'll make an appointment to assess your site, and come up with tailored solutions of the highest industry standards. Providing the plant and manpower to oversee construction of your retaining structure through from start to finish.
So drop us an email or give us a call via the details on our contact page. And one of our experienced leadership team will be happy to discuss the specifics of your retaining wall project.
Categories: Retaining Structures
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