A retaining wall is a structure that holds soil or rock in place. It is usually built on sloped land to prevent soil erosion or to create level spaces for landscaping. Retaining walls can be made from various materials, including wood, stone, concrete, and brick. In this blog post, we will focus on how contractors build retaining walls using concrete.
Step 1
The first step in building a retaining wall is to excavate the area where the wall will be built. The excavation should be deep enough to allow for a layer of gravel at the bottom of the hole, as well as the thickness of the wall itself. Once the hole has been excavated, contractors will install a layer of gravel and compact it using a plate compactor. This provides a stable base for the wall.
Step 2
The next step is to form the wall. This is done by attaching wooden boards to the sides of the hole. The boards act as molding for the concrete and determine the shape and size of the wall. Once the forms are in place, contractors will pour concrete into them and use a trowel to spread it evenly. The concrete must then be allowed to cure for 24 hours before removing the forms.
Step 3
After the forms have been removed, contractors will backfill any remaining space behind the wall with dirt and compact it using a plate compactor. This helps to stabilize the earth behind the wall and prevents future settling. The final step is to add any finishing touches, such as stone veneer or landscaping stones, to give the retaining wall a more polished look.
Building a retaining wall is a big project that should only be undertaken by experienced contractors. By following these steps, contractors can ensure that your retaining wall is built correctly and will last for many years to come.