Retaining walls are manufactured structures engineered to hold back soil in a vertical or near-vertical position. They play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining different levels of ground elevation.
However, these walls are prone to wear and tear, compromising their structural integrity. Factors such as ground movement, hydrostatic pressure, weathering, or degradation of materials can contribute to the need for retaining wall replacement.
To ensure the continued stability of your retaining wall, replacing it once it shows signs of deterioration or damage is crucial. This can help eliminate potential safety risks and prevent property damage.
Below, we delve into how to replace a retaining wall when it shows visible signs of damage to help keep your family and property safe.
Signs of Retaining Wall Damage
Property owners should always look for signs of retaining wall damage to safeguard their property. A damaged retaining wall can lead to a range of problems, including soil erosion, safety hazards, and property damage. However, replacing the wall can prevent potential collapses and maintain the structural integrity of your landscape.
Here are some signs of retaining wall damage to be aware of:
- Tilting or Leaning: A clear sign of a compromised wall structure is when it starts to lean or tilt away from its original position. This deviation suggests a failure within the wall’s foundational support or material degradation, which leads to potential instability and collapse if left unaddressed.
- Bulging: An outward deformation is frequently the result of excessive soil pressure against the foundation. This phenomenon occurs when the earth swells from moisture accumulation or improper drainage, exerting force that compromises the integrity of the walls.
- Significant Cracking: Small cracks can occur naturally due to ground movement and other factors. However, large or expanding cracks may indicate severe damage, particularly if they appear in a stair-step, horizontal, or vertical pattern.
- Water Seepage: Excessive moisture in your retaining wall doesn’t necessarily mean the wall needs replacement. However, it can lead to weakening of the structure, erosion, and drainage problems, so it must be inspected by a professional. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to replace the wall entirely with a properly designed structure.
- Signs of Rot: Timber retaining walls are popular in rural areas. These structures are prone to decay and insect damage, especially when improperly treated. Any visible sign of decay or rot clearly indicates deterioration, which suggests that the wood’s strength has been compromised.
- Separation: The area around retaining walls is supposed to be compact, ensuring the structure’s stability. The separation should not be ignored as it suggests that foundational shifts or soil erosion have occurred, compromising its stability and safety.
How to Replace a Retaining Wall
Suppose you notice any signs of degradation to your retaining wall. In that case, consider replacing it for your continued protection. However, this can be a complex process that requires careful planning and execution.
Here are some steps to follow when approaching the replacement of your retaining wall:
Assessment and Planning
Begin by thoroughly assessing the condition of the existing wall to identify any structural issues such as cracks, bulges, or leaning. Take the time to identify the source of the problem to prevent similar issues from occurring with the new wall. After the assessment, develop an appropriate plan for constructing your new wall, accounting for its size, type, and materials.
Site Preparation
Before dismantling the old wall, ensure the surrounding area is safe. Depending on the size and location of the wall, you may need to support the soil behind it temporarily to prevent collapse.
Creating a Solid Foundation
Prepare the work site to ensure a solid foundation for your new wall. The foundation should reach below the frost line to prevent heaving and be leveled and compacted properly.
Material Selection
When selecting materials for your project, consider its visual appeal and practicality. You have a variety of choices ranging from natural stone and wood to precast concrete blocks.
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to durability, aesthetics, and cost. Take your time to weigh these options and make an informed decision that will best suit your needs.
Construction Best Practices
Ensure that you follow construction best practices when building your retaining wall, which includes incorporating the appropriate drainage and backfill systems. A good drainage system will help prevent water from accumulating behind the wall, which is one of the main reasons for failure.
For backfill, use materials like gravel that promote good drainage and ensure that the soil and backfill are separated by geotextile fabric to increase stability. These measures will help ensure that your wall stands the test of time.
Finish With a Thorough Inspection
After building the new wall, conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything is level and stable and that the wall slopes slightly backward into the hill to increase stability.
Consider Enlisting Professional Contractors
Replacing a retaining wall is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration. To ensure the strength and stability of your new retaining wall, you must always consider using the proper materials, following construction best practices, and complying with local building codes.
If these aspects of construction are too complex, consider seeking professional assistance from a skilled contractor or structural engineer. Enjoy peace of mind and save time and money in the long run.
