As its name suggests, a gravity retaining wall is completely dependent on its own mass and weight to maintain its structure and stance. It is commonly used in beautiful outdoor landscapes wherein it is used to retain massive soil formation. If you are planning to transform your yard into the garden of your dreams where you want to place a higher slope of soil to create different designs of garden beds, then the gravity retaining wall will be perfect for you.
Depending on what you plan for your property, whether you are looking to create higher slopes of soil for garden beds or adding a higher slope of soil to create a different design in mind, a gravity retaining wall can be constructed up to 10 feet in general.
Gravity Retaining Wall Survey
Prior to planning which gravity retaining wall to construct on your property you need to make sure that a proper survey must be done. The worksite must be checked such as the mass and condition of the soil and the surrounding structures that could possibly affect the stability of the gravity retaining wall to be constructed. The retaining wall to be constructed must be able to resist the force coming from the soil it retains behind and above it. In general, a gravity retaining wall should consider sliding, overturning, and bearing forces prior to its construction and design. On properties that have slopes and surcharges, a universal solidity must be necessary to ensure safety and stability.
Sliding
The capacity of a gravity retaining wall construction must be able to withstand the sliding or parallel force against the wall. This could include the soil it retains and the structure above it.
Overturning
The capacity of a gravity retaining wall construction must be able to withstand the overturning instance brought by rotating movements from behind the wall. Depending on the soil mass, the thickness of the wall must be adjusted to support any overturning movements caused by soil shifting.
Bearing
The capacity of the soil to bear the weight of the gravity retaining wall.
Universal Solidity
The capacity of the soil’s firmness to hold up the complete soil mass. An expert in your area must be consulted as the type of soil you might have is softer than the regular type.
Gravity Retaining Wall: Construction and Materials
Depending on the type of soil you have on your property, the materials to be used for the gravity retaining wall must be compatible to ensure stability and safety. If the type of soil you have on your property comes with groundwater, additional rock filling must be added as an additional layer before the wall construction to make the structure solid enough to avoid it from collapsing.
If you have a clay-type soil, it contains cohesion that makes it a preferred soil for a gravity retaining wall on vertical structures that make it partially intact. What’s important is for you to find an expert contractor to check the type of soil you have and find the best material that works and passes the safety standards. Typically, concrete, geotextile, and retained materials are used for the gravity retaining wall construction.
What is the difference between a gravity wall and a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil or other materials and prevent erosion or collapse. There are different types of retaining walls available, including gravity walls and cantilever walls.
A gravity wall is a type of retaining wall that relies on the weight and mass of the wall itself to resist the pressure of the soil or other materials behind it. These walls are typically made of large, heavy blocks of concrete or stone, and they are designed to be thick and sturdy enough to withstand the forces of soil pressure and other external loads.
On the other hand, a retaining wall is a broader term that can refer to any type of wall designed to hold back soil or other materials. Retaining walls can be made of various materials, including concrete, masonry, timber, or even earth.
The main difference between a gravity wall and a retaining wall is that a gravity wall relies solely on its own weight and mass to resist the pressure of the soil, while a retaining wall can use a variety of techniques and materials to achieve stability.
Gravity walls are typically used for shorter retaining walls, such as garden walls or small landscape features, while cantilever walls and other types of retaining walls are used for larger-scale projects, such as highway or bridge construction.
Another difference between the two types of walls is the construction process. Gravity walls are generally simpler and easier to construct than other types of retaining walls, as they require less excavation and reinforcement work. However, they may not be suitable for all types of soil or terrain, and they may require additional reinforcement if the soil conditions are not stable.
Both gravity walls and retaining walls are designed to hold back soil and other materials, the main difference between the two is the method of construction and the materials used. Gravity walls rely solely on their own weight and mass to achieve stability, while retaining walls can use a variety of techniques and materials to achieve the desired result. It is important to consult with a professional engineer or contractor to determine the best type of retaining wall for your specific needs and soil conditions.
Do you need to have a retaining wall installed? No need to look further.
Ask your neighbors who did their beautiful retaining walls and chances are you will hear our name. Our company has been established since 2010 and has since then continued providing our services to locals in Raleigh, North Carolina, and nearby areas.
We are comprised of experienced workers who have been installing various types of retaining walls for many years. Together, we made it our goal to always give quality services to all our customers and to ensure that we deliver a finished project that is both durable and attractive.
When you work with us, expect to receive high-quality work, no matter how big or small the project is.
Our pledge to you
Our company will always seek to:
- Have experienced workers and treat them like family
- Listen to our clients’ needs
- Offer great packages
- Accept our clients’ reviews
- Always use the best materials and equipment possible
Services our team offers
We are always grateful to our experienced workers who have been constructing retaining walls in Raleigh for so many years. Locals trust their abilities and they have always been excellent with their work.
Our professional crew can do:
✔ Gravity Retaining Walls Installation
✔ Piling Retaining Walls Installation
✔ Cantilever Retaining Walls Installation
✔ Anchored Retaining Walls Installation
Want to have a retaining wall on your property? Talk to us.
Have you already reached the decision to finally invest in a retaining wall for your property? These walls can not only provide support but can also make a statement on your lawn. If you are unsure whether a gravity retaining wall would be the best fit for the function you need and are looking for other alternatives? Do not hesitate to talk with our staff.
Tell us all about your project. Our crew will ask you some questions that most clients find helpful especially if they do not have a specific design yet.
Some of the questions the team will have to understand your project:
Do you need a high retaining wall or is a smaller wall better?
Do you have a theme in your landscape that can influence the material you want your retaining wall to be made of?
What is your budget?
When do you plan to have the wall built?
If these are all confusing to you, it might be better to set an appointment. Just give us a call at this number and we will be glad to help.
