Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Retaining Walls Need Proper Engineering

A retaining wall fights against tremendous forces. Soil weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot, and when it gets wet, the weight increases significantly. The wall also needs to resist the lateral pressure from soil trying to move downhill. This is why proper design and construction are critical.

Walls over 3 to 4 feet high typically require engineering calculations and building permits. The engineer determines the right foundation depth, wall thickness, reinforcement, and drainage requirements. We work with structural engineers when needed and handle all permit applications and inspections.

• •Foundation design: Proper footing depth and width to support the wall and resist overturning
• •Reinforcement: Steel rebar placed correctly to handle tensile forces and prevent cracking
• •Drainage systems: Weep holes, gravel backfill, and drain pipes to relieve water pressure behind the wall
• •Batter angle: Slight backward lean that increases stability and resists soil pressure

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We install several types of retaining walls depending on your needs, budget, and site conditions. Each type has advantages for specific applications.

Concrete block walls use interlocking masonry units that stack without mortar. These walls work well for heights up to 3 to 4 feet and come in various colors and textures. They install relatively quickly and cost less than poured concrete walls. The blocks have a hollow core that we fill with gravel for drainage and concrete for reinforcement when needed.

Poured concrete walls provide maximum strength for tall walls or heavy loads. We build forms, install reinforcement, and pour concrete to create a solid structure. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or faced with stone or brick for a custom appearance. Poured walls work well when you need heights over 4 feet or have difficult soil conditions.

Concrete masonry unit walls use standard concrete blocks with mortar joints. This traditional method creates strong, permanent walls that can support heavy loads. We can leave the blocks exposed for an industrial look or apply stucco or stone veneer for a more finished appearance. These walls work well for both residential and commercial applications.

Drainage and Backfill

Water is the biggest enemy of retaining walls. When water builds up behind the wall, it creates hydrostatic pressure that can crack or topple the structure. We install comprehensive drainage systems to prevent this problem.

Behind every retaining wall, we place a layer of gravel that extends from the footing to near the top of the wall. This gravel layer allows water to drain down to a perforated drain pipe at the base. The pipe carries water away to a safe discharge point where it will not cause erosion or create other problems.

We also install weep holes through the wall face at regular intervals. These small openings allow water to drain through the wall instead of building up pressure. The combination of gravel backfill, drain pipe, and weep holes keeps your wall dry and stable.

Proper compaction of backfill soil is equally important. We backfill in thin layers and compact each layer to prevent settlement. Settlement behind the wall can create voids that allow soil to move and put additional pressure on the wall structure.

Applications for Residential Properties

Homeowners in Chino use retaining walls to create level areas for patios, expand usable yard space, control erosion on slopes, and add terraced gardens. We work with your landscape design to create walls that enhance your property's function and appearance.

Retaining walls can also support driveways on sloped properties, create raised planter beds, or define property lines. We coordinate with landscapers and other contractors to ensure the wall integrates properly with the rest of your project.

For commercial properties, we build larger retaining walls for parking lots, building pads, and erosion control. These projects often require more extensive engineering and may include tiebacks or soil nails for additional support. We have experience with commercial retaining wall projects and can handle the coordination, permitting, and inspection requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions