Concrete Retaining Walls
Find different types of walls, what the pros and cons are and who can help you with a concrete wall.
Concrete Retaining Walls
Whether built from hollow core, pre cast concrete blocks or poured concrete in the form of a footing and vertical wall, all are highly durable types of concrete retaining walls.
Concrete walls can also be rendered or have a facing attached to them to create the perfect finish.
Concrete retaining walls are usually used as a strong support to contain soils, prevent erosion and correctly installed with sufficient drainage should last between 50-100 years. Possible small cracks can sometimes be repaired.
Different types of concrete retaining walls are constructed to suit differing requirements that include Commercial or Residential walls
Different Types of Concrete Retaining Walls
Some Commercial Concrete Wall installations include:
- Reinforced concrete block walls are reinforced, core-filled hollow concrete blocks that are laid on reinforced concrete footings forming a cantilever retaining wall
- Reinforced vertical concrete walls are cantilever retaining walls which are constructed entirely from reinforced concrete. These walls can be cast insitu or pre cast.
- Crib walls are constructed from precast concrete components that interlock to form an open grid. In between each unit are filled with gravel, enabling an adequate free draining system. Sometimes plants are planted to soften the aesthetic appeal.
- Bored concrete pile walls are usually used for large walls
- Secant Piling Concrete Wall consists of overlapping piles creating a water resistant barrier eliminating issues of scouring caused by waves, tides and other harsh weather elements.
- Pre cast concrete blocks are manufactured in different sizes of interlocking blocks weighing from 4kg up to 5 tonne each. These concrete retaining walls are built as storage bays, diversion barriers, concrete weights, bunker walls, flood control, as well as large retaining walls.
Shotcrete is concrete that is sprayed from a hose on a concrete pump and can be finished off with decorative patterns.
In Residential Construction the following are Common Concrete Retaining Walls
- Dry-stacked concrete masonry walls are usually low-height concrete retaining walls 1.2 m or less (can be more) that can be constructed from dry stacking specially-manufactured interlocking concrete masonry units. These walls act as a gravity wall. The face of the wall may be vertical, stepped or sloped depending on how many units used. Concrete blocks are low cost and no fuss, being easy to install.
- Concrete Sleepers are available in many different finishes that can resemble smooth or rough timber finishes, brick or sandstone finishes making them a popular choice.
- Poured in situ concrete walls are also used for residential purposes
- Hollow core concrete block walls are also used in residential properties.
What are the Pros and Cons of Concrete Retaining Walls
Pros:
- Fireproof
- rust proof
- rot proof
- termite proof
- resistant to road salts
- pre cast are easy and faster to install
- adaptable to building curves and angles
- low maintenance,
- affordable
- and most of all it offers numerous appealing colours and finishes.
Cons:
- The design of a concrete retainer wall must include effective support and drainage meaning its not really a DIY project.
- Most installations require the services of an experienced contractor licensed to construct retaining walls and provide correct drainage according to council regulations.
- It can be limiting if you change your mind in the future, concrete is obviously hard to remove or relocate.
Why Choose a Concrete Retaining Wall
Concrete walls are a durable, strong option for retainer walls as they do not rot or inhabit termites, easily adapting to the majority of suburban landscaping, as well as commercial applications.
With many decorative finishes available these types of retainer walls are proving popular.
Height limits apply to retaining walls, usually differing in each state.
When considering concrete retainer walls, all care must be taken in preparing foundations, drainage and enlisting a qualified experienced tradesperson who is licensed.
Engineers may also be required with council approval/permits aquired before most concrete retaining walls are constructed.
Getting the right advice and deciding on which type of concrete retaining walls is right for you is easy when you have a reliable contact………..Get a FREE no obligation quote from an experienced licensed tradesperson in your area Go here:
Australian Standards required for Concrete Retaining Walls
Concrete retaining walls in Australia are required to be built to the following standards
- AS 3600 Concrete Structures
- AS 4678 Earth Retaining Structures
Other organisations that help regulate the construction of concrete structures are
- Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia
- Concrete Institute of Australia
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Concrete Retaining Wall FAQ
In the past concrete retaining walls were generally regarded as cast insitu reinforced concrete walls or reinforced concrete columns and piles. Now there are many types of walls that sit into this category including
- insitu reinforced concrete walls
- driven concrete piles
- bored concrete piles
- shotcrete retaining walls
- concrete sleepers
- besser block walls
- interlocking concrete blocks
- pre cast concrete blocks
- concrete crib walls
Each Council does have some varying conditions so you should check your local councils specifications. However most councils in Australia allow walls upto 1 metre in height and 1.5 metres from a building or another retaining wall to be built without consent. Check your local council for regulations.
Engineering and costs are generally the limit here. Dam walls of today for example which are basically retaining water are always increasing the limits.
There are different advantages for the different types of concrete wall but the general advantages are
- longevity, councrete walls will outlast most other building products.
- most concrete walls can be built vertically
- Can be built with limited space
Cast in situ walls are best left to the professionals, however concrete sleepers, interlocking blocks and pre cast blocks are great for diy. Remember to comply with council consent restrictions though which are 1m in most states. They vary state to state from 0.2m to 1m.
The cheapest way to retain a bank is to batter it to 45 degrees. Failing this the cheapest walls depending on height are basically
- Timber
- Interlocking Concrete Blocks
- Concrete Sleepers
- Insitu Concrete
- Rock and stone
- Concrete Blocks
- Commercially designed walls