To prevent the erosion and movement of soil, a retaining wall can be used as a stabilizing structure to accommodate and redistribute lateral pressure caused by sloping. Retaining walls usually incorporate seepage holes into their design, allowing groundwater to escape and releasing additional pressure created by accumulated water. Even without prior engineering experience, a retaining wall is relatively easy to construct and is even easier if built with assistance.
Materials
- Gravel
- Mortar
- Stones
- Bricks
- Concrete mix
Tools
- Rake
- Measuring tape
- Strong
- Shovel
- Mallet
- Hose pipe
Instructions
- Remove debris and obstructions from the chosen area before starting construction. This includes cutting away grass and pulling weeds as well as removing large rocks, decorations, plastic, and pieces of metal.
- Keeping in mind that the wall must be half the equivalent of the base, measure how big the structure should be. You can either use the string to mark the ends of the structure or set down the hose pipe instead.
- Dig a hole 12 inches deep and scrape some of the soil off the top; be careful not to dig excessively as this will weaken the foundation, causing the structure to collapse.
- Sprinkle gravel over the hole once it has been excavated. This will form a drainage system, preventing water from clogging up the structure.
- If using bricks to make the wall, overlap each layer for additional strength and add mortar between the spaces. When working with interlocking blocks, add gravel between the gaps. No filler is needed when using stones.
- Use a mallet to help you place the materials into place and ensure proper alignment.
- As the wall becomes higher, measure to make sure that you are getting the correct size. If using concrete blocks, pour cement at the final layer.
- Fortify the retaining wall after you’ve completely assembled the structure. For this purpose, plants can be used.
Tips and warnings
- For steep areas, build several retaining walls at 3 feet tall, arranging them to look like terraces.
- Though chicken wire can be used to fortify stones, only mortar should be used to fortify bricks.
- Do Make sure that you are properly advised on your region’s regulations regarding the building of retaining wall structures before attempting to start construction.
- Specifically designed materials for the building of retaining walls are sometimes commercially available. Check your local hardware stores and compare prices to get the most practical and efficient deal.
- A retaining wall may be constructed in a variety of ways, and by using a range of suitable materials. What is most important is properly assessing the area in which the wall will be built and determining what procedures and materials will be most suitable for it. By doing that, you will ensure a desirable outcome for your retaining wall structure.