

As the setback increases, the wedge decreases, reducing the pressure on the wall.ĭepending on the height of the wall and the slope of the soil, retaining walls can support an enormous amount of pressure, so it’s crucial to ensure proper construction. Whether you’re building one to prevent a hill from eroding, or to maximize garden space on a sloped part of your property, there are a few things to consider before you install a retaining wall. To decrease the amount of pressure on a wall, landscapers increase its setback, or the degree to which the wall tilts toward the soil. The wedge consists of all the soil from the retaining wall to the plane at which it would naturally lie without the wall, also known as the failure plane. When the desired change in ground elevation is higher than the angle of repose, a retaining wall is a solution.Ī retaining wall supports a “wedge” of soil. It’s only possible to pile earth to a specific angle without slumping - experts refer to this as the angle of repose. What Is a Retaining Wall?Ī retaining wall is a freestanding structure built to resist - or retain - the soil behind it. To begin answering these questions, you will first need to learn about how a retaining wall works and what differentiates the various types. To make sure you’re installing the best wall for your project, we’ve created a guide to help answer some of your questions. If I’m building the wall on a slope, how steep is it?.What material is best? What’s my budget?.However, there are several things to consider when deciding which type of retaining wall is best for you. With so many retaining walls to choose from, the styles, colors and varieties are endless. They can offer a chance to use more outdoor space or add a dynamic feature to your garden.

Retaining walls can be a beautiful, functional addition to any landscape.
