In order to provide proper drainage, at least 12 inches of granular backfill (gravel or a similar aggregate) should be installed directly behind the wall. Compacted native soil can be used to backfill the rest of the space behind the wall.
Gravel is a good filling materials and it will cover the voids in gaps and get consolidated well.
Yes, proper backfilling is essential for the stability of the retaining wall. Use granular backfill materials such as gravel or crushed stone, which provide good drainage and help prevent soil pressure buildup behind the wall.
Filter fabric, also known as a geotextile, functions as a permeable filter to prevent soils, sediments and nutrients from migrating into the drainage gravel. This ensures water can flow freely to a safe outlet. Without filter fabric, that debris can build up, clog and obstruct key drainage channels.
We recommend a 10-20mm clean, free drainage aggregate such as river stones or coarse crushed rock. It is imperative that the material is free from any soil, sand or other fines to ensure that water can flow freely through the drainage area and away from the back of the wall.
One major thing to avoid when building your retaining wall is lining the back of your wall with plastic sheeting as this will surely result in the pooling of water behind the wall.
Install (or Add) Weep Holes
Weep holes are small, evenly-spaced holes along the bottom section of your wall. They protect the structural integrity by allowing underground water to seep through, preventing pressure build-up. Every retaining wall should have them.
Leca® LWA has remarkable properties which ensure its versatility for use in a vast number of structural and geotechnical applications. When used against retaining walls, Leca® LWA will reduce the weight acting on the rear of the structure by at least 75%, in comparison to traditional fill materials.
As a sturdy, durable barrier for flood control and landslide damage mitigation, TrapBag is a trusted choice for retaining walls because it's ideal for stabilizing slopes and preventing flood damage. TrapBag barriers are reliable, easy to deploy, and cost-effective as a retaining wall.
Nonwoven landscape fabrics are more permeable than woven landscape fabrics, which means that they're a good choice for areas that need drainage, such as around French drains, under permeable pavers, and behind retaining walls.
Poured Concrete
It is just a mixture of concrete mixed with gravel and pebbles that can be turned into any shape. This is a great inexpensive retaining wall idea for small and large landscapes.
Proper drainage is critical to prevent water buildup behind the wall, which can lead to pressure and eventually cause the wall to fail. For effective drainage, the choice of gravel is paramount. Fractured rock is often the preferred choice for the drainage layer of retaining walls.
So it's essential to use a waterproofing membrane on the back of your retaining wall, just as you would on a basement wall where the same condition occurs.
Using landscape fabric and gravel along the wall base will aid in helping water drain safely and not saturate the soil.
A concrete block retaining wall is one of the most common versions because it is simple and relatively inexpensive to build. Because concrete blocks are available in various sizes as well, they are a versatile option, especially when filled with concrete and/or rebar.
Absolutely! Even a 2-foot retaining wall needs an effective drainage system. Without it, water can build up behind the wall, leading to pressure that might cause the wall to lean or even collapse. All walls need systems to manage water effectively, preventing damage over time.
In order to provide proper drainage, at least 12 inches of granular backfill (gravel or a similar aggregate) should be installed directly behind the wall. Compacted native soil can be used to backfill the rest of the space behind the wall.
Landscape Fabric vs Drainage Fabric. Landscape fabric / drainage cloth is used in landscaping for water to pass through. Drain Field fabric is used in septic drain fields as a filter. They both act as a barrier, are from the same class of synthetic textiles and are similar in their construction.
While many types of solid and durable retaining walls exist, concrete and stone are easily the best options. These materials are long-lasting, rigid, durable, extremely strong, and can easily support your site.
Plan to backfill the wall with well-draining gravel or sand. Higher walls or areas with soil that stays wet may need a drainage pipe. Keep in mind that clay soil retains water and sandy soil drains too easily. You'll need a well-draining soil mix behind your landscape retaining walls.
It is advised to fill the core just below 1" of the top of the block. This ensures a more secure interlocking of crushed concrete when you fill in the course above.
There are a few different types of lightweight fill: Cellular (foamed) concrete, geotechnical polyurethanes, expanded lightweight aggregate concrete, foamed glass, and expanded polystyrene (EPS).
A layer of free-draining material behind the wall serves as a conduit for water movement. Best practices include: Material choice: Clean, angular gravel or crushed stone (typically 20-40 mm or 3/4 to 1 1/2 inch) Layer thickness: Minimum one foot (~300 mm), increasing with wall height.
Applying a liquid membrane over the retaining wall will grant an excellent level of waterproofing for your retaining wall. It creates a rubberised coating over the chosen area, which prevents water penetration. Using a good quality liquid membrane can ensure protection for up to ten years, and longer in some cases.
Hydrostatic Pressure and Wall Failure
When water isn't properly drained, it can accumulate behind the wall, exerting pressure on the structure. This pressure can prompt the wall to shift, crack, or even collapse. To avert such failures, it's crucial to have adequate drainage behind the retaining wall.