Repairing and Reinforcing Retaining Walls

Most people have heard that "good fences make good neighbors." Exactly the same could be said for retaining walls. An excellent retaining wall allows adjacent properties to be safe and functional despite significant differences in elevation. Retaining walls can transform a sloping site that is unsuitable for development, and transform it into one or more level lots that may support buildings, parking areas, walkways or recreation areas. On a smaller scale, a wall can create a level parking or turnaround area for a residence or "carve out--" an even area suitable for an outdoor patio or walkway.

Retaining Wall Problems Require Attention

Irrespective of its size, a retaining wall doesn't usually attract attention until something goes wrong. https://dhallwalling.uk/best-dry-stone-walling-yorskhire/ are more than aesthetic; they indicate structural issues that could eventually cause all or the main wall to fail. That's why small wall problems ought to be addressed the moment they become apparent.

We most often see smaller walls tilting or bowing as soil pressure on the uphill side of the wall becomes too ideal for the wall to hold. In a masonry wall, cracks are likely to develop in areas where the soil pressure is greatest. If the wall is constructed from blocks or CMUs (concrete masonry units), "stair-step" cracking along mortar or joint lines is common. A poured-concrete wall can crack and bow in a far more random fashion; additionally, it may start tilting downhill.

Damage

There are certain instances when a damaged retaining wall must be dismantled and rebuilt. For example, you can't usually fix damage from rotting railroad-ties in a wood wall. However, many masonry-based walls can be "rescued" rather than demolished when damage occurs.

Retaining wall damage is very like the damage that can eventually foundation walls. That is why, foundation repair contractors have the training and materials to repair and reinforce smaller walls. This kind of specialty contractor is usually the best choice for small wall fixes.

Helical Repairs

Foundation repair contractors often utilize helical anchors, also called "tiebacks," to fix a retaining wall that has begun to crack and/or tilt. These steel anchors are designed to work like giant screws.

First, a hole should be manufactured in the retaining wall to provide clearance for the anchor. Then helical-shaped plates on the shaft of the anchor pull it in to the soil behind the retaining wall because the anchor is turned. By measuring the hydraulic pressure required to turn the anchor, technicians can determine when an anchor is deep enough to exert sufficient bracing force on the retaining wall. After a steel plate is installed on the end of the anchor that protrudes through the wall, a large-diameter nut can be tightened on the anchor shaft to exert claming pressure on the wall.

Helical anchors aren't the only real weapon in a contractor's wall repair arsenal. It could be necessary to install curtain drains above the wall so that water can be directed away from the wall. A partial or full excavation of the wall may need to be achieved in badly damaged areas. Making repairs sooner rather than later is the best way to avoid the more expensive repairs that are necessary after greater damage occurs.