TYPES OF RESTRAINT AND STABILISATION OF RETAINING WALLS
The restraint and stabilisation of retaining walls play a crucial role in ground stability when it comes to building solid and safe structures. There are different types, whose purpose is to contain and support large loads of soil, providing stability and preventing slides or collapses. However, the effectiveness of a retaining wall largely depends on its correct restraint and stabilisation.
TYPES OF RESTRAINT FOR RETAINING WALLS
As we have previously mentioned, the restraint of a retaining wall is crucial to keeping the structure in place and preventing undesired displacements. However, there are a variety of methods that can be employed depending on the type of soil, the wall’s design, and the expected loads. Let’s look at the main methods used:
TIEBACK RESTRAINT
This is an excellent choice for retaining walls that need to support significant loads. Tiebacks, which are essentially tensioned steel bars, are anchored in the ground behind the wall and adhere to it through anchor plates. Once tensioned, they create a horizontal resistance that counteracts the pressure of the soil. Installing tiebacks requires a careful drilling process and the correct tension is essential for their proper functionality. Additionally, their use is more effective in firm and rocky soils.
PILE RESTRAINT
This is another commonly used method to support retaining walls. The piles, which can be made of steel, concrete or wood, are driven into the ground behind the wall to provide a stable base. Piles function in two ways. Firstly, they act as a supporting wall behind the retaining wall, providing additional strength.
Secondly, part of the load of the retaining wall is transferred through the piles to the ground, which helps to prevent the wall’s displacement. Piles are an excellent choice for unstable or soft soils where other restraint methods may not be effective. However, their installation can be more complex and costly than other methods.
STEEL MESH RESTRAINT
Another restraint method worth mentioning is restraint with steel meshes. These meshes, which are placed at the back of the wall, function similarly to tiebacks, but are more flexible and better adapt to soil movements. The steel mesh connects to the retaining wall and extends back into the ground, providing additional resistance that helps keep the wall in place. This method is particularly useful in soils with a high degree of mobility or in retaining walls that are subject to dynamic loads, such as vehicle traffic.
TYPES OF RETAINING WALL STABILISATION
The stabilisation of the retaining wall, on the other hand, involves techniques that increase the wall’s resistance to displacement and deformation, which are essential factors in maintaining the wall’s integrity and functionality. Some of the most common methods are:
GEOMESH STABILISATION
Geomeshes are a relatively recent innovation in the field of stabilisation. Made from durable synthetic materials such as polyester or polypropylene, they are installed between layers of soil behind the wall, creating a sort of “sandwich” that more evenly distributes the weight of the soil and reduces pressure on the wall.
One of the main advantages of geomeshes is that they are flexible and can adapt to soil movements, making them ideal for soils with a high degree of expansion or contraction. However, their installation requires careful planning and execution to ensure uniform distribution and correct interaction with the soil.
STABILISATION WITH REINFORCED EMBANKMENTS
This method consists of placing layers of compacted material, such as gravel or crushed rock, behind the wall. This material reinforces the wall by distributing the weight of the soil more evenly, which helps reduce pressure on the wall.
Additionally, reinforced embankments can provide an economical and sustainable solution for retaining wall stabilisation, as they can use local or recycled materials. However, their effectiveness depends on correct compaction and drainage and may not be the best option for soils with a high degree of water saturation.
DRAINAGE STABILISATION
Although not a stabilisation technique in itself, the installation of an adequate drainage system is essential for maintaining the stability of any retaining wall. Water pressure can be one of the main causes of displacement of retaining walls, so it is crucial to ensure that any water that accumulates behind the wall can be drained effectively.
This method may include the installation of drainage pipes, gravel trenches, or even drainage blankets to allow water to flow away from the wall. The correct choice will depend on the specific soil conditions and the climate of the area.
IMPROVE RESTRAINT AND STABILITY WITH SOLID RETAINING WALLS
It is important to note that the choice of the type of restraint and stabilisation of a retaining wall largely depends on the specific project, the type of soil, and the weight the wall must bear. The wrong choice can lead to costly and potentially dangerous structural failures.
Therefore, it is crucial for the safety and structural integrity of any construction. Whether using tiebacks or piles to restrain the retaining wall, or employing geomeshes or reinforced embankments for its stabilisation, each method has its unique advantages. However, success in their use largely depends on having a clear understanding of the soil conditions, the wall’s design, and the loads it is going to bear.
So, what is the best option for your project? This is where the experience of a reliable construction company with years of service comes into play. At MLZ Construction, our team of experts can assess your project, determine the best methods for you, and subsequently provide you with a detailed budget according to your needs and those of your construction project, in this case, your retaining wall.
