Designing a Retaining Wall
The first step is to determine whether you need a gravity wall or reinforced wall.
Gravity Walls
Gravity walls rely on their own weight and setback to hold up the soil behind them. Learn more about gravity wall construction.
Please note that the gravity wall chart provided has specific heights for specific site and soil conditions. If you are not sure of your site conditions we recommend being conservative with your wall heights or use geogrid in your wall.
Reinforced Wall
Reinforced walls use layers of geogrids to combine the soil and block together to form a reinforced soil mass.
Without exception your wall and landscape will come together with a detailed design.
Use the chart below to find the maximum height that the wall can be built before reinforcement is required. Typically most soils will be considered clay. For sand conditions outlined in the table the soil must be a clean, granular material.
Video: Designing your retaining wall