How to Design Retaining Wall

• Gravity Retaining Walls

Gravity retaining walls rely on their sheer mass to resist the pressure exerted by the soil behind them. They are typically constructed using heavy materials such as concrete or stone.

These walls are suitable for moderate heights and are often found in gardens and residential landscapes. Their stability comes from their weight, which prevents soil from pushing them forward.

• Cantilever Retaining Walls

Cantilever retaining walls are designed with a horizontal “beam” or slab extending from the base of the wall. This design distributes the weight of the soil and any additional loads over a larger area, increasing stability.

Cantilever walls are commonly used for taller retaining walls and can be constructed using reinforced concrete. They require careful engineering to ensure their effectiveness.

• Sheet Pile Retaining Walls

Sheet pile retaining walls are typically used in areas with soft soil or where space is limited. They consist of vertically driven steel, vinyl, or wood sheets that interlock to create a barrier against soil pressure. These walls are often seen in waterfront areas, such as along rivers and coastal regions, to prevent erosion.

• Counterfort Retaining Walls

Counterfort retaining walls are similar to cantilever walls, but they include thin vertical concrete “ribs” on the backside of the wall, known as counterforts. These counterforts provide additional support and strength, allowing the wall to resist higher pressures. They are commonly used for taller walls where the cantilever design might not provide enough stability.

• Anchored Retaining Walls

Anchored retaining walls use cables or rods to anchor the wall to a stable foundation, typically deep within the ground. This design provides extra resistance against soil pressure and allows for the construction of taller walls in challenging soil conditions. Anchored walls are commonly used in areas with limited space or where a conventional wall may not be feasible.

• Segmental Retaining Walls

Segmental retaining walls are constructed using individual blocks or segments that interlock with each other. These walls are versatile and can be used for various heights and shapes. They are often used in landscaping projects due to their aesthetic appeal and ease of installation. Segmental retaining walls can be made from concrete blocks, stones, or other materials.

• Gabion Retaining Walls

Gabion retaining walls are constructed using wire mesh baskets filled with rocks or other materials. These baskets, known as gabions, create a flexible and permeable wall structure. Gabion walls are often used in areas where drainage is crucial and can be an environmentally friendly option, as they allow for the growth of vegetation between the rocks.

• Hybrid Retaining Walls

Hybrid retaining walls combine different types of retaining wall techniques to address specific site challenges. For example, a hybrid wall might incorporate elements of both gravity and cantilever designs to optimize stability and space efficiency.

• Tied-Back Retaining Walls

Tied-back retaining walls are similar to anchored walls but use a system of horizontal reinforcing elements, such as cables or rods, to provide additional support. These elements are anchored into the soil behind the wall and help distribute the load more effectively. Tied-back walls are commonly used in areas with high soil pressures and where a taller wall is required.

• Diaphragm Retaining Walls

Diaphragm retaining walls are often used in tight urban spaces or areas with limited room for a traditional retaining wall. They consist of a continuous vertical wall supported by a horizontal slab. This design helps distribute the soil pressure horizontally, making it suitable for areas where space is at a premium.

• Sheet Pile Walls

Sheet pile walls are made of interlocking steel, vinyl, or wood sheets driven into the ground vertically. They are commonly used in areas with soft soil, high water tables, or along waterfronts to prevent erosion. Sheet pile walls can be temporary or permanent, depending on the project’s needs.

• Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls

MSE walls use reinforcing materials, such as geogrids or geotextiles, to reinforce the soil and increase its load-bearing capacity. These walls are often constructed by layering soil and reinforcing materials, creating a stable structure that can resist soil pressure. MSE walls are versatile and can be used for a wide range of heights and applications.

• Inverted T Retaining Walls

Inverted T retaining walls have a shape that resembles an upside-down “T.” These walls use the horizontal base of the T as the retaining wall’s base, distributing the load over a larger area. Inverted T walls are suitable for situations where space is limited and can provide effective support for moderate heights.

• Crib Retaining Walls

Crib retaining walls consist of interlocking rectangular or square units stacked together to create a wall structure. These units can be made of wood, concrete, or other materials. Crib walls are commonly used in situations where aesthetics are not a primary concern, such as industrial or commercial areas.

• Hybrid Mechanisms

Retaining walls can often incorporate a combination of different mechanisms for added stability and efficiency. For example, a retaining wall might utilize both gravity and reinforcement techniques to address specific site conditions and engineering requirements.