Retaining Wall Contractor Dallas – Top 7 Retaining Wall Questions
As a retaining wall contractor in Dallas, we get many questions about retaining walls. After years of experience, we know what goes into building durable and well-designed earth retaining structures. Countless successful projects have made Oscar Orduno Inc. the number one retaining wall contractor in Dallas and the whole state of Texas.
Trust in us when it comes to answering your questions about retaining walls:
1. What are the benefits of retaining walls?
- provide support for keeping soil in place
- prevent sinkholes
- provide flood control
- prevent soil erosion
- prevent damage to your and your neighbor’s property
- help to make better use of space
2. What are the different types of retaining walls?
There are many types of retaining walls available for different kinds of applications. Depending on the location, soil, and drainage requirement a specific type of retaining wall will be determined.
Gravity Walls
Gravity walls use their own weight to hold the soil behind them in place. They are typically made with heavy materials such as natural stone, large concrete blocks, or cast-in-place concrete.
Segment Retaining Walls
Segmental retaining walls, also called SRWs, are designed to be used as a gravity wall either with or without reinforcement. They can have heights over 40 feet! Since they are made out of modular prefabricated concrete blocks they are often dry-stacked without mortar.
Cantilevered Walls
The concept of Cantilever retaining walls is based on the principle of leverage. They are most commonly constructed in the shape of an inverted T with reinforced concrete. The big advantage of cantilever walls is that they require less building material than gravity walls.
Sheet or Bored Pile Walls
Sheet pile retaining walls are oftentimes used in soft soil and tight spaces. They are usually made out of precast concrete, steel, vinyl, or even wood planks. The piles or sheets are driven into the ground by vibrating and hammering to ensure their stability.
Panel Walls
Panel retaining walls are usually used in tight spaces and in tall applications like for example highway ramps. Their face panels can be customized and are great for enhancing the aesthetics of a project.
Gabion Mesh Walls
Gabion-style walls use wire mesh boxes that are filled with rocks and stacked together. They are usually tied together with wire and angled back towards the slope.
3. How high can a retaining wall be?
To define how high your retaining wall can and should be you need to consult with a retaining wall contractor and check your local building permit requirements.
Please don’t hesitate to call us. We are happy to assist you!
4. Why is my retaining wall failing?
These are the most common reason for wall failure:
- Lack of proper reinforcement
- Improper drainage behind the wall
- Foundation problems
- Settlement and/or expansion of the soil
- Overloading of the wall
- Construction and/or design errors
5. How long do retaining walls last?
For permanent retaining wall structures, the general lifespan is between 50 and 100 years. BUT it hugely depends on the conditions surrounding the retaining wall like the soil and groundwater and the quality of the built.
6. Do retaining walls require a drainage system?
Most retaining walls require soil compaction, a gravel backfill, pipe/toe drains, and weep holes. These four features will provide the necessary drainage for most retaining wall types and designs.
7. Should you hire a professional retaining wall contractor in Dallas?
Hiring a retaining wall contractor in Dallas and beyond will give you peace of mind knowing that your project is handled by a team of skillful builders, engineers, and designers. Our team at Oscar Orduno Inc. has the experience and knowledge to complete your retaining wall project successfully.
For more information about retaining walls and our other construction services please call 972-717-3070 or fill out our contact form here.
