A Brief Look at Retaining Walls Construction and Function
Basically retaining walls are generally man made devices that are used to hold back the soil that would otherwise move outwards or downwards. In doing this they help to stabilize slopes and terraces and make more area useful. And that\’s all there is to it; well not exactly because there are many different kinds of them. There are also many different construction techniques used to make them.
They can be made of many different materials. Depending on the location they are made and the ultimate function of the fortification. Commonly stone, concrete, vinyl and steel have been used. While in the past people have used wood and quarried stones in their construction. There is no real correct method, or material in their design. Function plays a larger part than form in their design, and there are many different kinds to choose from.
Gravity walls are dependent on their own weight to stop the soil from moving. They are generally constructed from heavy material like stones and concrete. These are often used for short landscaping borders and the dry stacked method is often used to build them. Because of their greater flexibility they often do not need a more rigid footing.
A sheet pile wall is generally used in very soft soils while working in tight spaces. They have fortifications made from steel, vinyl, fiberglass, plastic and wood planks set in the ground. They are generally a third above the ground with their remaining two thirds buried into the ground. They often require some sort of tie back bracing to be effective. When using this type, provisions must be made for drainage for them to be effective.
A cantilevered wall is generally made from a thin stem of reinforced concrete or masonry. What makes them unique it that they shift the load to a large footing changing horizontal pressures into vertical pressures into the ground underneath them. Because of this they require a massive footing deeper than the frost line where they are being used.
An anchored wall uses some sort of anchoring medium into the soil behind them to hold them in place. For instance lines are drilled into wall faces, and cables placed in them. The very end is than expanded to prevent it from slipping. Because it is now immobile, it can be attached to a thinner wall for stability. Because of their design, this is the preferred method when thin walls are required.
Soil nailing is a tactic commonalty used for growing vegetation and irrigating when you have gentle slopes. Generally thin items are driven into the ground in pre drilled holes. They are than grouted in place or they can be grouted and drilled at the same time. Usually having a downward tilt, they are most often used to prevent erosion in farming.
Soil strengthening and gabion meshes are used generally for aesthetic reasons. They consist of using either soil itself or a mesh box with soil in it to for a wall. While these lack the strength of true retaining walls, they can be made in almost any shape or size. Whatever you call them they are sure to be around for years to come.
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Author Bio: Prior to buying Retaining walls London Ontario, stone and bricks London Ontario or any other landscaping supplies, browse websites to become familiar with all the products and buy them from premier suppliers. Fisher Landscape & Golf Supplies 258 Exeter Road, London, ON N6L 1A3 (519) 652-6752
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