Poured concrete gives retaining walls a very modern and sleek appearance. It also allows for many different types of structures and shapes that are very unique. The walls are very durable, and installing drainage is relatively easy.
Disadvantages of Retaining Walls
One significant disadvantage is that they can be expensive to build. Retaining walls require careful planning and engineering to ensure they are strong enough to hold back the soil. Another disadvantage of retaining walls is that they can be difficult to maintain.
Concrete Retaining Walls
The typical lifespan of these walls is between 40 and 100 years, although they can persist for several decades. They may considerably increase their lifespan with proper installation and routine maintenance, making them a dependable long-term alternative.
Both materials have unique benefits and drawbacks that must be evaluated before making a decision. Cinder blocks are often more affordable, but not as long-lasting as concrete. Furthermore, they are more susceptible to water damage and may require periodic maintenance to keep them in good shape.
Concrete retaining walls cost between $20 and $55 per square foot.
What is the cheapest type of retaining wall? Poured concrete is the cheapest type of retaining wall, in terms of materials. Pressure-treated pine is next, and wood retaining walls are becoming more popular now. If you prefer stone, granite is generally the least expensive option.
Concrete blocks are the best material for retaining walls. Unlike timber sleepers, concrete blocks won't rot or warp over time and are incredibly strong.
Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable choice for retaining walls. It may also be carved and formed to look like mortared stone depending on your taste.
Reinforcing bars, known as rebar, play a crucial role in increasing the tension strength of concrete walls. For an 8 ft. tall, 12 ft. wide wall, for instance, a minimum of two horizontal rows of rebar should be used.
Some builders uses a thumb rule stating that the retaining wall's thickness should be at least one-tenth of the wall's height as a quick reference for residential applications. For instance, 0.4 feet (4.8 inches) of thickness might be the beginning point if the wall is 4 feet high.
For a retaining wall to properly do its job of retaining soil, it needs some type of drainage. Water is heavy, and over time soil that is wet and heavy will push against your retaining wall. Adding drainage reduces the amount of that heavy soil, and will help make the retaining wall last longer.
Standing at the pinnacle of durability, poured concrete walls and boulder walls boast the longest lifespan. Their robustness ensures they can endure the test of time, often lasting 50 years and beyond.
Cracks in retaining walls typically occur by the following: Damp or wet soil which adds significantly more pressure than if it was dry. When a flood occurs, it can cause the hillside or area behind the wall to become overwatered.
Where retaining walls are of masonry construction, movement joints must be included. Failure to do so could lead to cracks in the retaining wall that weaken its structural integrity and could eventually lead to its failure.
As well as good drainage, a retaining wall also needs to be waterproofed to help reduce the buildup of hydrostatic pressure.
Commercial or large concrete retaining wall blocks cost $60 to $270 per linear foot for 3' to 6' tall walls or $20 to $45 per square foot installed. Large concrete retaining wall block prices are $25 to $100 per block, depending on the size. Block sizes are from 2'x2'x2' to 6'x2'x2' each.
Don't let a concrete wall or floor stop you from completing your project. Working with concrete walls or flooring is a specialized skill. When you're equipped with the right tools and know-how, drilling into concrete will be a quick, efficient task.
Retaining walls that are built between 3 to 4 feet high also don't require any structural support, as they can hold their own weight and the soil without collapsing.
Wind Resistance
Concrete construction produces homes that can stand up to the severe winds of a hurricane or tornado. In fact, researchers at the National Wind Institute of Texas Tech University found that the strength of concrete walls can withstand 250-mile-an-hour winds and flying debris.
Concrete blocks are a low-cost option for constructing a retaining wall. They are strong, long-lasting, and come in various sizes and forms to meet your design tastes. Concrete block walls may provide outstanding structural integrity while keeping prices low when properly installed.
Retaining Walls Made Of Concrete Blocks
The retaining wall comprises interlocking concrete blocks to provide maximum strength, structure, and support. They are incredibly long-lasting, often lasting a century or more.
Another advantage to concrete block retaining walls is that they're easier to repair. Walls made of other materials, like poured concrete, generally must be replaced and made from scratch if damaged. With blocks, though, the wall can be disassembled and reinstalled with the existing materials being reused.
They are also very durable (lasting up to 100 years) and require little maintenance. However, concrete blocks do have some limitations, particularly with their height and foundations. Generally, concrete block retaining walls are no higher than four feet, and they must have proper support and drainage.
Average Cost of Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
Starting at $480 to $680 per square metre, including standard design, basic excavation, and installation.
Surprisingly, yes. You can use bags of concrete as a retaining wall. And just to be clear, we don't mean using the concrete within the bag, we mean using the bag itself as the wall.