A device that punctuates properties, which perfectly frame a garden or a terrace, the retaining wall is everywhere so much so that one no longer pays attention to its presence. While it is often used on public roads and shepherd's huts to effectively combat the risk of landslides or landslides, it is not so rare to find it in the gardens of a dwelling or private residence. What exactly is it used for? What is it made of? How is it built? Find out in this article the basics about the retaining wall or support.
Role and use of a retaining wall
It is above all a type of development that can durably contain pressure at a height of land estimated at a minimum of two metres. The aim is to prevent a landslide or landslide in a practical and effective way. More precisely, the objective of such a development is to contain and keep the earth within a largely reduced, defined and delimited area. Thus, the retaining wall (which is always outside) can be very useful to counter the landslide and at the same time to preserve roads against the risks of landslides or landslides on slopes. Apart from that, it can also become a great type of landscaping to add charm to a private garden decoration. That's right! In the context of a sloping garden, this type of landscaping makes it possible to design a flat area that could later be used to build a flowerbed, a vegetable patch or a terrace.
Characteristics of this type of landscaping
In most cases, the retaining wall is characterized by a series of solid and rigid materials that can withstand the pressure of sloping ground favourably. For example, it can be built with cinder blocks, rubble, bricks, natural stone, etc. It is also possible to design a reinforced concrete wall or retaining area. In fact, the material used depends largely on the type of ground to be supported, the level of the slope, its density, etc. However, depending on these different characteristics, there are usually several typical models of wall or retaining space. One of these is the dry stone model most often used on roadsides, for example. There is also the reinforced concrete or cinder block wall model which relies exclusively on the weight of the earth to ensure its stability, as well as the noise barrier wall which is the result of a perfect mix between mineral wool and hollow bricks.
Constructing a retaining wall in compliance with standards
In order for it to perform its role optimally, the retaining wall or support must be installed according to the required standards and in accordance with the rules of art. In other words, its construction must be subject to certain conditions. Among these conditions, it must in no case be erected on a slope that goes beyond 10°, with a height not exceeding 4 metres. Furthermore, it must absolutely be drained in such a way as to avoid water infiltration and the possibility of cracks that could lead to the collapse of the wall as a result of excessive pressure from the ground or the earth contained therein. Furthermore, it is also not recommended to build a retaining wall on soil or earth that is too loose, for fear that its foundations will not be stable and resistant enough. Of course, the construction of this type of development must be the subject of a preliminary study carried out by a service provider or a company with expertise in the field.
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