There are different types of retaining walls. These are usually made of concrete and can be
installed beside or next to one another. Anchored walls offer the main advantage of being strong
and resistant to soil forces. Moreover, they require less material, as the concrete stems are not
as thick. These walls are used mainly on construction sites. They can either be precast, or built
on-site, depending on the purpose.
Cantilever – This type cantilever retaining wall is perfect for retaining embankments that are up
to 8m in height. It generally consists of three components: the stem, heel, and toe. Under the
pressure of earth, the stem acts like a vertical cantilever. The base slab acts like a pillar, and the
main reinforcement resists tensile or flexural stresses. These walls will have a small amount of
backward batter, approximately one-in-50.
Gravity-based walls are built on the earth’s weight to hold the soil behind them. These structures
have the advantage of being able to be constructed with a wide range of materials. Bricks,
unmortared stones, and pavers are all popular choices. Gravity-based walls are also very
affordable to install. Most shorter walls do not require additional reinforcement. They may need a
concrete footer.
Sheet-pile retaining wall are suitable for both temporary and permanent purposes. Sheet piling
walls are commonly used around waterbodies. They are affordable to build and can even be
reused. They are not recommended for water bodies or terrain that is difficult. They can also be
problematic to install when faced with cobbles and rocks. Before you build a new wall for your
home, consider the type of wall that will best suit your needs.
Timber-based retaining wall are the most cost-effective of all types. They are durable and can
withstand the soil’s pressure. They are bulky and cannot be used for complex designs. However,
timber-based wall retaining walls are very affordable, but will need to replaced sooner than other
types. Installation of mason may be required for more expensive installations.
The slope of the land and the climate will affect the height of the retaining wall. The wall should
not rise above the frost line in your region. If it is not, the retaining walls could crack or bulge,
which can lead to a loss of money. Consider these factors before you build a retaining wall.
These are extremely important. It doesn’t matter if you choose to build a concrete structure or a
wood one. You need to decide how much you can afford to spend on it.
Gravity-based wall retaining walls are the most pricey type. A gravity-based wall is one that is
based on the weight of the structure and resists lateral pressure from the earth. This type of wall
can only be built to a maximum of a few meters because it does not have embedded piles or
anchors. The base should not exceed half to three quarters of the wall’s total height. The
strength and durability of the wall’s structural capacity will depend on the degree of internal
friction and its cohesiveness.
Gravity-based retaining wall are designed to protect steep slopes as well as the cut faces of
roads or bridge abutments. Gravity-based retaining walls are generally larger and constructed of
stone masonry. These walls are more complicated than other types. Another type of wall that is
often used is the breast wall. It’s built on a tilted basis. Obviously, this type is not practical if your
land is more than 3 meters high.
Cantilever and sheet pile are the other types of retaining wall. The sheet pile is the most
commonly used and works well in areas with tight spaces and soft earth. It is a solid barrier
consisting of layers of soil reinforcement elements and compacted backingfill. Both types have
different lifespans. If you choose the cantilever type, be sure to check the soil conditions
beforehand to avoid a weak wall. If the wall is too tall, tie-back anchors will be more effective.
For large-scale constructions, counterfort retaining walls can be another option. These walls are
often made out of steel and reinforced dirt. These walls can resist differential movement and are
therefore used as retaining or retaining walls. These walls are cost-effective and most common
for projects up to 25 ft in height. This type of wall is usually attached to a wall slab, and the walls
are supported by the weight of the concrete in these pieces.