Most people view retaining walls as effective structures that offer support to the soil. They are also important in prevention of soil erosion on a given area. Most people are not familiar with the fact that retaining walls can also be used for beauty purposes. They can be used to create and improve the beauty of outdoor living spaces and also integrate multi-use spaces. When one needs to make retaining Walls Huntsville AL offers the perfect location to visit.
They normally differ in size from huge structures rising several feet into the sky to small ones rising just a foot tall. Small structures are much achievable and easier in terms of planning and construction as opposed to huge ones. Huge retaining walls usually present huge risks and are also challenging to construct. Planning and overseeing construction of such structures requires a structural or civil engineer.
If one is planning to construct a wall that is over four feet high, they need to check with the local authorities to ensure they are following the local construction codes. The standards of constructing a retaining wall are usually administered by the local government authorities. If one is unfamiliar with these standards it may result to violation which may land them into trouble. The first condition to observe is to ensure that one has a permit before any construction is started.
There are several different materials that can be used to construct this structure. The material used should be dictated by the purpose the wall is supposed to serve. The best construction materials to use are stones and manufactured blocks because they offer several advantages. First of all, they offer a consistent and beautiful view of the structure. Thus, besides being utilitarian, they offer beauty.
Additionally, manufactured blocks and stones provide the required strength in the structure. This makes it strong enough to hold the pressure applied on it by the retained soils. This way the wall is the structural integrity of the wall is achieved. The other importance is that it keeps away guesswork during the installation process. Besides achieving level using stone is much easier compared to other building materials.
During construction it is important to ensure proper drainage is included. In the case where a slope is dropping to the structure then there is need to include additional drainage. Fabric-covered drainage pipes and gravel need to be added at the base of the structure for one to achieve proper drainage. The fabric serves the purpose of preventing the pipe from clogging. If there is no proper drainage, a lot of work will be needed to unclog the pipes if they get clogged.
Choosing a good design is important because it adds beauty to the structure. It is therefore advisable to conduct research about the available designs. There are certain features such as adding curves into the length may help ensure a great design is achieved. When one follows straight line along the length of the wall usually leads to a boring design.
Adding cap blocks at the top of the structure are some of the final touches to be included. Masonry adhesives may be used in holding the cap blocks in place. When the structure has been finished, it must be given time to cure and dry completely. This should then be followed by backfilling with soil.
They normally differ in size from huge structures rising several feet into the sky to small ones rising just a foot tall. Small structures are much achievable and easier in terms of planning and construction as opposed to huge ones. Huge retaining walls usually present huge risks and are also challenging to construct. Planning and overseeing construction of such structures requires a structural or civil engineer.
If one is planning to construct a wall that is over four feet high, they need to check with the local authorities to ensure they are following the local construction codes. The standards of constructing a retaining wall are usually administered by the local government authorities. If one is unfamiliar with these standards it may result to violation which may land them into trouble. The first condition to observe is to ensure that one has a permit before any construction is started.
There are several different materials that can be used to construct this structure. The material used should be dictated by the purpose the wall is supposed to serve. The best construction materials to use are stones and manufactured blocks because they offer several advantages. First of all, they offer a consistent and beautiful view of the structure. Thus, besides being utilitarian, they offer beauty.
Additionally, manufactured blocks and stones provide the required strength in the structure. This makes it strong enough to hold the pressure applied on it by the retained soils. This way the wall is the structural integrity of the wall is achieved. The other importance is that it keeps away guesswork during the installation process. Besides achieving level using stone is much easier compared to other building materials.
During construction it is important to ensure proper drainage is included. In the case where a slope is dropping to the structure then there is need to include additional drainage. Fabric-covered drainage pipes and gravel need to be added at the base of the structure for one to achieve proper drainage. The fabric serves the purpose of preventing the pipe from clogging. If there is no proper drainage, a lot of work will be needed to unclog the pipes if they get clogged.
Choosing a good design is important because it adds beauty to the structure. It is therefore advisable to conduct research about the available designs. There are certain features such as adding curves into the length may help ensure a great design is achieved. When one follows straight line along the length of the wall usually leads to a boring design.
Adding cap blocks at the top of the structure are some of the final touches to be included. Masonry adhesives may be used in holding the cap blocks in place. When the structure has been finished, it must be given time to cure and dry completely. This should then be followed by backfilling with soil.
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