CEMENT RETAINING WALLS SANTA MONICA

Concrete retaining walls are prized for their strength and versatility. Poured concrete retaining walls can be a decorative addition to your property due to the range of colors, textures and other options available. Concrete is a popular option for retaining walls because it grants homeowners the most design freedom.

The finest examples of poured concrete walls can be seen throughout the freeway network. Watching high-quality concrete walls being formed and poured can give you an appreciation for the skill involved in executing a perfect job.

CONCRETE RETAINING WALL PROPORTIONS

Proper proportioning of a retaining wall is as important to its construction as the specific structural design. When placing concrete, starting with the right proportions can make it easier to work and have enough room for good reinforcement. Construction-friendly proportions make for easy concrete placement and provide plenty of room for structural reinforcement.

 WHAT IS LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE?

A retaining wall can become unstable if it isn’t built to withstand lateral earth pressure. Lateral earth pressure is the force that pushes against a wall and moves it along its lengthwise axis. Where can lateral earth pressures be found? Lateral forces are created by water, wind or soil beneath the surface of an embankment sloping away from your retaining wall. To analyze the lateral earth pressure on a wall, calculations are done depending on known soil parameters. After the lateral earth pressures have been taken into consideration, the stability of the wall is checked and the need for steel reinforcing determined.

How thick should concrete retaining wall be?

Base thickness = 1/8 of the height of the wall but not less than 12 inches. Stem thickness = 6 inches + ¼ inch for each foot of wall height.

Which retaining wall is best?

Poured concrete is the strongest choice for retaining walls, in addition to being durable. Depending on your design preferences, this material can be carved and formed to look like mortared stone (with mortar). Poured concrete retaining walls are solid and compact-able but more importantly do not have the lean of mortared stones, meaning you save valuable space

Another option for a DIY masonry retaining wall is interlocking concrete blocks, which are an easy choice because they do not need mortar. Made with a rough exterior, these blocks can be connected without the help of any mortar and are made to last upwards of 40 years. Masonry retaining walls that are installed by professionals usually require some form of mortar.

The right retaining wall depends on your needs. Give us a call and we’ll help you find the one that’s perfect for you.

 What is the cheapest type of retaining wall?

 The cheapest and most common types of retaining walls are wood, concrete blocks, and concrete. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, which you should take into account as you plan your project.

 Do retaining walls need cement?

 Cement isn’t the only option for a retaining wall. The most basic of walls, a gravity retaining wall relies solely on sheer weight and mass to maintain soil at bay. Because gravity walls get their strength from weight alone, these types of walls offer the broadest range of options when it comes to materials- sheet pile retaining walls don