What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a structure that is designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion. It is typically used to create level areas on sloping landscapes or to prevent soil from sliding down a hillside.

What materials are commonly used for a retaining wall?

Retaining walls can be constructed using various materials, including concrete blocks, natural stone, wood, brick, or even gabion baskets filled with rocks. The choice of material depends on factors such as the desired aesthetics, budget, and the height and purpose of the retaining wall.

How long does a retaining wall constructed last?

The lifespan of a retaining wall depends on various factors, such as the quality of construction, the materials used, and the local climate conditions. A well-constructed retaining wall made with durable materials can last several decades or even longer with proper maintenance.

Retaining Wall Drainage: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Retaining walls are functional and aesthetic assets to any property, offering stability, style, and efficient use of space. From residential gardens to commercial landscapes, retaining walls serve an important function in holding back soil erosion while creating level surfaces on sloped terrains. Yet behind their beauty lies one crucial consideration that often goes unnoticed: drainage. The longevity and structural integrity of retaining walls depend on their ability to manage water effectively. Without adequate drainage systems in place, these walls become vulnerable to hydrostatic pressure, erosion, and catastrophic failure – as explored here. We’ll explore why drainage systems are significant as well as common related issues and techniques for improving them so your retaining wall lasts.

The Role of Proper Drainage in Retaining Wall Longevity

Key to Stability and Durability

Retaining walls frequently encounter multiple stress types, among them the hydrostatic pressure caused by accumulated water behind the wall. In the absence of sufficient drainage, water may accumulate, applying significant pressure on the wall. This situation can cause damage or even lead to the wall’s collapse. Implementing appropriate drainage solutions is crucial for preserving the structural stability of your retaining wall.

Preventing Erosion and Wall Failure

One of the primary purposes of retaining walls is to prevent erosion by holding back soil. The soil behind the wall can become saturated with adequate drainage, leading to better drainage conditions. This affects the wall’s stability and can result in erosion and damage to your property.

Dealing with Poor Draining Soils

In some cases, the native soil behind the retaining wall may have poor drainage characteristics. This can exacerbate drainage issues. Implementing effective drainage solutions to address this is crucial, which we’ll explore later in this guide.

Common Drainage Issues with Retaining Walls

Water Accumulation Behind a Wall

Accumulation of water behind a retaining wall can be a serious source of problems. When this happens, hydrostatic pressure increases dramatically and could eventually cause it to collapse – hence why an efficient drainage system must be in place in order to avoid such scenarios.

Inadequate Drainage Stone

Proper drainage behind a retaining wall often involves using various materials, including crushed stone and gravel backfill, for drainage purposes. Unfortunately, insufficient or improper placement of drainage stones may result in poor drainage conditions, posing a threat to its structural integrity, and should, therefore, be carefully avoided.

Weep Holes

Weep holes, or small openings in walls, serve an integral purpose in water management: they allow excess liquids to escape while simultaneously preventing accumulation. Without sufficient weep holes, water could become trapped behind the wall’s structure, leading to its eventual failure and creating potential wall failure.

Effective Drainage Solutions for Retaining Walls

Proper Drainage Design

A successful retaining wall project begins with an in-depth drainage design. This strategy considers factors like wall height, type of soil, and climate conditions when planning drainage solutions such as drainpipes or weep holes.

Behind-the-Wall Drainage Systems

Drainage systems used behind walls often include crushed rock or gravel backfill materials to manage water flow while avoiding pressure buildup behind the wall. These materials help manage moisture without pressure buildup occurring behind it.

Drainage Pipes

Drainage pipes are a component of many retaining wall systems. They help direct water away from walls while keeping debris and fine material from entering drainage systems that could otherwise obstruct its operation and decrease flow rates.

Soil Compaction for Improved Drainage

Compacted soil is another key aspect of maintaining a retaining wall, as compacted earth prevents fine materials from infiltrating its drainage system and water from seeping behind it into the area behind. An effective soil compaction system ensures uninterrupted drainage – thus contributing to its longevity and prolonging its useful life.

Filter Fabric for Preventing Fine Material Infiltration

One of the major challenges compromising drainage systems is infiltration by fine material into drainage stones. Filter fabric provides water passage while blocking fine particles from entering, significantly improving drainage performance and decreasing maintenance requirements. It provides an efficient solution that drastically enhances performance while decreasing maintenance needs.

Retaining Wall Drainage Systems in Detail

Drainage Pipes

Drainage pipes are essential in retaining wall drainage systems, capturing and directing excess water toward an efficient drainage point. Their purpose is to capture, redirect, and channel it back toward its source while simultaneously keeping out fine material, such as debris, that would clog it. Consequently, effective drainage is maintained.

Weep Holes and Their Mechanism

As previously discussed, weep holes play an integral part in maintaining effective wall drainage systems. They’re strategically positioned near the base of each wall’s structure so water can escape freely, helping prevent the buildup of hydrostatic pressure by letting excess liquid flow freely out through its structure and away from hydrostatic pressure buildup. Understanding their mechanism is integral for effective system maintenance.

Hydrostatic Pressure and its Impact

Hydrostatic pressure caused by water accumulation is an undue force that must be managed. Unmanaged hydrostatic pressure may lead to wall collapse; drainage systems work against it by diverting excess water away from walls for proper drainage conditions and counteracting hydrostatic pressure by redirecting it away from them.

Water Management and Its Impact on Retaining Wall Stability

Dealing with Buried Water Sources

If your property has buried water sources, such as underground springs or runoff from neighboring properties, addressing them is recommended for effective drainage. It is important to account for these sources to avoid water entering the drainage system behind the wall.

Backfill Material Is Key

Adequate backfill material plays an essential part in proper drainage. To do so efficiently and without pressure buildup, backfill material should consist of materials that allow water to move while not creating pressure buildup in your retaining wall. Compacted backfill materials will increase stability.

Transform Your Retaining Wall Today with Garland Landscape

Ready to enhance the durability and aesthetics of your retaining wall? Garland Landscape of Gig Harbor, WA, provides top-quality landscaping and hardscaping services for commercial and residential clients. Contact us today at (253) 858-5328 to discuss your retaining wall project. Let us help you safeguard your investment and enjoy a long-lasting, beautiful retaining wall. Don’t wait—reach out to Garland Landscape today!

Chris Garland

As the owner of Garland Landscape, Chris brings over 19 years of experience in landscaping and hardscaping to every project.