Do I Need A Concrete Footing For A Retaining Wall?

Do I Need A Concrete Footing For A Retaining Wall?

Yes, it is always preferable to have a footing for concrete walls. Every retaining wall requires a footing, although the kind varies on the wall’s design, material, height, and weight.

A concrete base is required for large masonry retaining walls constructed of hard materials such as concrete, cinder blocks, cement, or brick.

Solid masonry walls are rigid and cannot bend, or they will crack. As a result, they require a strong and robust foundation to keep them together.

Large stones or paver blocks require a compacted stone base for retaining walls constructed of loose rocks, wood, stacked stones, or brick without cement. Because they are not bound together by cement or concrete, these materials can bend somewhat.

A solid foundation and good drainage are essential for a long-lasting retaining wall. A retaining wall requires a footing because if the earth beneath it moves, the wall will shift as well and may collapse.

They also require drainage because water causes pressure under and behind the wall, which can cause the wall to collapse.

How Thick Does A Concrete Retaining Wall Need To Be?

Concrete retaining walls of 7 1/2 inch thickness are adequate without or with minimum reinforcing. The height between the inner floor level and the completed grade on the outer wall must be 8 feet or less and no more than 4 feet.

Because the minimum reinforcing cover affects wall dimensions, the thickness of concrete retaining walls is critical (usually member thickness).

Depending on the severity of the exposure, the reactivity of the soil, and other factors, a few inches of additional thickness may be added to the wall’s specifications.

The top of the stem of any cast concrete retaining wall should not be less than 12 inches in height for proper concrete installation.

How Do I Build A Retaining Wall Out Of Concrete?

Here is how you build a retaining wall out of concrete;

• The first step is to plan the wall arrangement. This is important because the wall structure is designed to support the soil behind it and serve as a base for a building.
• Ralston’s phrase for removing existing plants, soils, and other things that may be impeding structures is grubbing. Grubbing refers to removing unneeded, encroaching material that can be used to construct the retaining wall.
• Footings must be planned and excavated. They must also be built as soon as possible to prevent any settling.
• Shapes are created in the fourth stage. Concrete must be placed in the wall, and this should be followed immediately by steel reinforcement.
• Ralston reinforces the building by placing rebar every sixteen inches in the middle.
• In the sixth stage of construction, pour the footings and the wall. Separate footings must be placed when the wall is taller than four feet.
• Let the concrete harden. Placing the rebar in the wall before hardening weakens the concrete by creating holes and letting water seep through.
• Place a contraction joint every 4-6 feet. When a joint is in flexion, it is referred to as a contraction joint.
• After removing the forms, install a drainage and waterproofing system.
• Put the finishing touches on the wall. Patios, staircases, and other hardscape components must also be installed.

Is It Critical For Concrete Retaining Walls To Have A Correct Structural Design?

Yes, structural design is just as important as accurate proportioning when designing a retaining wall. Construction-friendly dimensions make concrete pouring and structural reinforcement easier.

A retaining wall must have a correct structural design to be properly constructed and withstand the forces exerted upon it.

A lack of correct structural design can lead to a variety of problems, including failure of the wall, insufficient stability, and increased costs.

The correct structural design for a retaining wall depends on a variety of factors, including the type of retaining wall being constructed, the soil conditions, and the weight of the walls and contents. Construction-friendly dimensions make concrete pouring and structural reinforcement easier and help ensure that the wall is stable and withstands the forces exerted.

If you are planning to build a retaining wall, consult a structural engineer to ensure that the wall has the correct structural design.