The Living Hardscapes Blog
What Are The Different Types of Retaining Walls?
February 16, 2023
In the realm of retaining walls, we see many different shapes, sizes, textures, and materials used to build these magnificent structures. Retaining walls are everywhere serving many different purposes. In general, the name of the wall lends to its type and function. We will address the different types of retaining walls in relation to their mechanical function, not their aesthetic value. The different types of retaining walls are:
- Gravity retaining walls
- Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls
- Cantilever retaining walls
- Piling/Embedded retaining walls.
Gravity Retaining Walls
Gravity retaining walls are used in cut and fill applications providing one of the most economical ways of building retaining structures. Gravity walls are built in a way that the weight of the wall is sufficient enough to hold back the lateral forces pressing on it. In a typical gravity wall application, the wall wouldn’t be built any taller than 3.5 to 4 feet in height. The height of a gravity wall depends largely on the type of material being used to construct the retaining wall. With the use of technology and computer analysis of soil types, block size, fill type, and base type we can now achieve gravity wall heights as tall as 20 feet high. It is important that you speak to a qualified retaining wall builder before attempting to take on one of these goliaths sized gravity walls.
Gravity Retaining Walls
Gravity retaining walls are used in cut and fill applications providing one of the most economical ways of building retaining structures. Gravity walls are built in a way that the weight of the wall is sufficient enough to hold back the lateral forces pressing on it. In a typical gravity wall application, the wall wouldn’t be built any taller than 3.5 to 4 feet in height. The height of a gravity wall depends largely on the type of material being used to construct the retaining wall. With the use of technology and computer analysis of soil types, block size, fill type, and base type we can now achieve gravity wall heights as tall as 20 feet high. It is important that you speak to a qualified retaining wall builder before attempting to take on one of these goliaths sized gravity walls.
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE)
Mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls, also referred to as Reinforced soil retaining walls are typically found in applications where the wall is so tall that gravity cannot outperform the lateral forces placed behind the wall. In other instances, shorter retaining walls may need mechanically stabilized earth due to a building, pool, road or other heavy structure being placed on the top side of it. These walls are built using products such as geogrid, earth anchors or a combination of both to stabilize the soils behind the wall. MSE Retaining walls need to be engineered by a professional to ensure reinforcement built into the wall is sufficient enough to carry the load it is holding up.
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE)
Mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls, also referred to as Reinforced soil retaining walls are typically found in applications where the wall is so tall that gravity cannot outperform the lateral forces placed behind the wall. In other instances, shorter retaining walls may need mechanically stabilized earth due to a building, pool, road or other heavy structure being placed on the top side of it. These walls are built using products such as geogrid, earth anchors or a combination of both to stabilize the soils behind the wall. MSE Retaining walls need to be engineered by a professional to ensure reinforcement built into the wall is sufficient enough to carry the load it is holding up.
Cantilever Retaining Walls
Cantilever Retaining Walls are almost exclusively built in place using loads of rebar and concrete. In shorter cantilever retaining wall applications, precast units can be bought and delivered to your project site. Cantilever retaining walls are typically vertical and base slab is tied together with the wall stem. If you were to see these walls before they get buried it would look like an L or upside down T. These walls can be used in gravity applications as well as mechanically stabilized earth.
Cantilever Retaining Walls
Cantilever Retaining Walls are almost exclusively built in place using loads of rebar and concrete. In shorter cantilever retaining wall applications, precast units can be bought and delivered to your project site. Cantilever retaining walls are typically vertical and base slab is tied together with the wall stem. If you were to see these walls before they get buried it would look like an L or upside down T. These walls can be used in gravity applications as well as mechanically stabilized earth.
Piling Retaining Walls / Embedded Retaining Walls
Piling retaining walls are highly specialized walls that require a unique set of equipment to build. In most instances these walls are installed before any excavation is performed. You can often see exactly how these walls work and how they are put together when used for building bridges over water. The drive interlocking piles into the ground and then pump the water out of the center to build support legs of the bridge. Piling walls are also used a lot in commercial projects where a parking garage may go down into the ground or a large basement is being constructed.
Retaining walls of all types and sizes are truly amazing structures holding up enormous loads. Any wall structure taller than 4 foot tall is typically considered structural an needs a engineering and a qualified retaining wall builder to get the most out of your space. Make sure you check local building and codes for permits and regulations in relation to your next retaining wall. Stay tuned to the Living Hardscapes Blog. Next, well be talking about what type of retaining wall is best.
Piling Retaining Walls / Embedded Retaining Walls
Piling retaining walls are highly specialized walls that require a unique set of equipment to build. In most instances these walls are installed before any excavation is performed. You can often see exactly how these walls work and how they are put together when used for building bridges over water. The drive interlocking piles into the ground and then pump the water out of the center to build support legs of the bridge. Piling walls are also used a lot in commercial projects where a parking garage may go down into the ground or a large basement is being constructed.
Retaining walls of all types and sizes are truly amazing structures holding up enormous loads. Any wall structure taller than 4 foot tall is typically considered structural an needs a engineering and a qualified retaining wall builder to get the most out of your space. Make sure you check local building and codes for permits and regulations in relation to your next retaining wall. Stay tuned to the Living Hardscapes Blog. Next, well be talking about what type of retaining wall is best.
