Retaining Wall Installation

How We Build Our Walls 

Restivo Landscapes Retaining Wall Installation Process

At Restivo Landscapes, the installation of retaining walls follows a meticulous process to ensure durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. The retaining wall serves as a structural solution to hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create level terraces for landscaping. Below is an outline of the process we follow:

1. Site Preparation

• Assessment & Design: Before starting the installation, a thorough evaluation of the site is carried out. This includes assessing soil conditions, drainage patterns, and determining the wall’s design based on the slope, size, and type of materials chosen.

• Excavation: The area where the retaining wall will be installed is excavated. This step is essential for ensuring that the base of the wall is level and free from debris.

2. Proper Base Preparation

• Gravel Layer: A critical part of the installation is laying down a solid base. A layer of crushed gravel or similar material is spread and compacted to create a stable foundation for the wall. This gravel base helps with drainage, supports the wall’s weight, and prevents shifting. Base depths up to 2 foot deep.

• Compaction: Proper compaction ensures that the base remains solid over time, preventing settling or shifting. Restivo Landscapes ensures that the gravel base is packed tightly for long-term stability.

3. Wall Construction

• Layering Blocks or Stones: Retaining walls are typically built using concrete blocks, natural stone, or other materials. Each layer or course of the wall is carefully placed, ensuring it is level and properly aligned. Each layer is staggered to provide maximum strength and structural integrity.

• Alignment & Levelling: Throughout the installation, the wall is constantly checked for plumb and level. Precision is key to a long-lasting and effective wall.

4. Backfilling

• Fill Material: After the first few layers of the wall are installed, backfill material is added behind the wall. Typically, crushed clear stone is used for backfilling, as this material promotes good drainage, reducing the pressure on the wall.

• Layering & Compaction: The backfill is placed in layers, and each layer is compacted to prevent voids or settling. This ensures that the wall is supported evenly and that the soil behind it remains stable.

5. Incorporation of Geogrid Walls (if needed)

• Geogrid Installation: In certain applications, especially for taller retaining walls over 3 foot or those in areas with weak soil, geogrid reinforcement is necessary. Geogrid is a synthetic material placed between layers of the wall to provide additional structural support and prevent sliding or shifting.

• Placement of Geogrid: The geogrid is installed in horizontal layers, extending into the backfill. This reinforcement system helps distribute the weight of the soil and prevents failure of the wall under pressure. The use of geogrid allows for taller walls and improved stability.

6. Finishing Touches

• Drainage Solutions: A well-designed retaining wall must have proper drainage systems. Drainage pipes or weep holes are installed behind the wall to direct water away from the structure, preventing hydrostatic pressure buildup, which can lead to wall failure.

• Final Inspection & Cleanup: After the wall is complete, a final inspection ensures that the structure is stable, secure, and aligned. The site is then cleaned up, and any additional landscaping work is carried out to integrate the wall into the overall design.