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The construction and stability of retaining walls are intrinsically complex and laden with risks, similar to the intricacies of tunnels. Unlike tunnels, retaining walls lack self-supporting geometry and are often engineered with less scrutiny.
Introducing voids within the earth poses potential dangers, from costly damages to hazardous collapses and displacements. Meticulous design and construction are crucial to avoid widespread settlement, water inflows, and compromised structural integrity, mitigating the prevalent risks associated with retaining wall projects.
Action Home Services can be contacted if you ever need any stone retaining walls repair services for your residential or commercial property.
What may be the reasons for failure to retain your wall?
The following are a few signs that your retaining wall may be performing poorly:
Clogged Weep Holes
Retaining walls, located where soil slopes downward, are susceptible to water seepage, leading to soil saturation and potentially weakening the wall.
To mitigate this, weep holes are strategically incorporated into the wall to facilitate water drainage. Ineffective placement, incorrect sizing, or lacking proper filtration can lead to clogging, causing water accumulation and subsequent damage to the wall, underscoring the critical importance of meticulous weep hole design and implementation.
Poorly Designed Backfill
The backfill, positioned behind the retaining wall during installation, resembles loose gravel, enabling water flow to the weep holes. When appropriately placed, it facilitates proper drainage, managing water pressure against the wall.
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The selection of backfill material should align with wall size and land slope to uphold wall integrity. Neglecting this step can lead to compromised structural strength, emphasizing the significance of meticulous backfill material considerations during installation.
Too Much Pressure on the Wall
A robust retaining wall is not just an ornamental structure; it must withstand the pressure exerted by the soil it supports. Moisture-laden soil amplifies this force, necessitating meticulous design, size, and materials for optimal functionality.
Inexpertly constructed walls may succumb to the heightened pressure, risking collapse. Engaging an experienced company with expertise in designing walls tailored to specific requirements is imperative for ensuring structural integrity and performance.
Inferior Installation and Materials
During retaining wall installation, critical considerations extend beyond size, placement, backfill, and weep holes. Addressing soil’s waterlogging tendency may entail replacing it with a less water-retentive alternative.
Additionally, inexperienced installers may erroneously configure vertical joints instead of horizontal ones, or neglect proper reinforcement placement, risking structural integrity.
Careful decision-making throughout the installation process is essential to mitigate potential issues and ensure the wall’s stability and longevity.
Weaknesses in the Overall Drainage System of the Property
To address soil’s waterlogging issue, it is prudent to consider replacing the water-prone soil near the retaining wall with a less water-retentive alternative to reduce moisture accumulation and prevent higher chances of excessive water pressure against the wall, deterioration of weep holes, and erosion weakening the wall’s foundations.
Vertical joints, mistakenly set up by inexperienced installers, compromise the integrity of the retaining wall. This improper placement can lead to the wall buckling and eventually collapsing due to inadequate support and structural stability.
Conclusion
Adequate drainage is essential for maintaining the integrity of retaining walls and safeguarding the overall value of your commercial property.