Failed Retaining Walls – How To Avoid It

Failed retaining walls are often very expensive to repair or replace especially in cases where they are supporting structures which have been built after the wall.  Our partners at BMC Microfine can install a cementitious mass behind your existing wall, thereby increasing the load-bearing strength. However it should be noted that there are preventative measures you can take to ensure your retaining wall lasts a lifetime!

Let’s explore 3 options that you can use to ensure your retaining wall stands strong

1. Engineering. Certain conditions call for a retaining wall to be professionally engineered before it can be installed.  Our engineers design the ideal retaining wall solution for you so it is able to resist soil pressures and remains a stable structure.
2. Drainage. Good drainage is the easiest way to ensure your retaining wall doesn’t fail.  After water is absorbed into the soil behind your wall, it has no place to go and thus increases the pressure against the wall.  Eventually, it reaches a critical mass of pressure and causes the wall to bulge out and collapse.
3. Compaction.  The soil needs to be compacted otherwise the retaining wall will shift causing large caps in the soil.  Compactors are cheap and should not be skimped out on.

If you’re worried that your retaining wall is about to fail, then give us a call on 08 9309 1933 to discuss the best way forward.