Retaining wall systems are designed and manufactured to hold earth elements like rock and/or soil. In commercial settings that showcase grade changes, retaining wall structures help increase right of way and strengthen the toe portion of slopes.
The industry has classified them based on their face inclination to help builders identify the correct type of retaining structures to use in their respective projects. For instance, if the incline is greater than 70 degrees, they are typically referred to as retaining walls. On the other hand, those that are flatter than 70 degrees are technically slopes. Let’s look at the different retaining structures commonly used for reinforcement in commercial construction settings.
Soil retaining walls
A soil retaining wall system supports massive volumes of earth, which contributes to the form of a vertical or near-vertical face. Soil retaining walls are typically used on sloping worksites to create terraces to relieve lateral earth pressure from surrounding structures. Contractors pick retaining wall systems based on their ability to carry surcharge and live loading. In the cases of bridge abutments, the earth retaining wall is selected based on its full horizontal and vertical deck loading capacities.
Gravity retaining walls
Gravity retaining wall systems leverage their weight to resist earth pressure effectively. They are usually made from heavy and dense materials, including concrete, rock, and soil. Additionally, gravity retaining walls offer resistance against failures, such as bearing, overturning, sliding, and failures caused by seismic activities. There are different types of gravity walls that builders use in commercial applications. For instance, crib one is a gravity retaining wall system made from interlocking precast concrete elements featuring a free-draining material. This type of retaining wall is popular for wall constructions along highway cuts and roadways. Gabion is a gravity retaining wall type that delivers superior erosion and scour protection. They are reinforced with rockfill and stacked on top of each other to form a sturdy retaining wall system.
Sheet pile walls
A sheet pile wall is a retaining structure made from steel sheet piles installed into the ground to support earth pressure. Depending on the type of construction project and existing subsurface material, sheet pile walls are usually installed with vibratory equipment or an impact hammer. They are also commonly used in worksites that involve deeper excavations. Furthermore, they are generally left in place even after the completion of commercial construction projects.
Cantilever walls
Cantilever walls are retaining wall structures made from thin steel-reinforced concrete. The T-shaped design of cantilever walls aids in carrying the weight of the soil and rocks they hold. Lagging and soldier pile walls are famous examples of cantilever walls used in commercial worksites.
Conclusions
A lot goes into manufacturing retaining wall structures used in commercial applications. Overall performance is crucial in the success of commercial, industrial, and mining projects. To deliver superior integrity of commercial structures, contractors undertake a rigorous vetting process among companies that fabricate retaining walls. It is also imperative for contractors to perform assessment and surveying at different phases of construction to ensure that retaining walls are capable of providing excellent reinforcement in the long run.
Sources: warrington-worldwide.co.uk, newenglandenterprises.com
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