Monday, July 7, 2014

By Rosella Campbell


Retaining walls are structures built on unstable sloping terrains to help in restraining soil to unnatural slopes. When constructed in a place, they serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Currently, construction and maintenance is done by many different companies that it takes caution to choose the right one. One needs to exercise some caution in picking a company to avoid sub-standard contractors. As such, whenever in need for high-performance retaining walls Tulsa offers one of the best places to check out.

Large areas that can be used for many activities are created by retaining walls. Among the activities done in such areas include hillside farming, patios, driveways, roadway overpasses, parking lots, and paths. To construct a safe and well designed structure takes a lot of skills, engineering, and knowledge especially on rugged terrains. Construction can be done in both commercial and residential settings.

Properly built barricades can do many functions besides providing security. Fences can be made over the structures to prevent access by outsiders. Soil erosion is also controlled effectively by these structures especially on sloping landscape. Lawns can be constructed at the bottom of soil accumulating due to soil. The barriers also stop landslides.

Currently, there are four major types of retaining barricades in wide use, that is, gravity, sheet piling, cantilevered, and anchored structures. Gravity walls depend on their mass to resist the push offered by the retained soil. Normally they are constructed from heavy materials such as stones, metals, and concrete. The stability may be improved by incorporating a batter setback in their construction. They vary in size from small ones which are made from segmental concreted units of mortarless stone to large one with huge footings.

Cantilevered walls are constructed to resemble an inverted letter T. They comprise an internal stem which is made of mortared masonry or steel reinforced cast-in-place concrete. Construction material required is less in comparison to that needed in gravity barriers. Strength is enhanced by incorporating counterforts on the back side or buttressing at the front. The base is constructed deeper than the depth of seasonal frost.

Soft soils and tight spaces are restrained by sheet pile retaining barricades. Steel bars, vinyl, or wood planks are drilled into the earth when constructing them. Construction approximations require that the construction material should be covered in the soil up to at least two thirds of the length. Only a third should appear above the soil. However, these estimates can be changed depending on properties of the soil and the environment. Tall sheet piling barricades must be supported by rod or cable tie-back anchors.

Any among the styles named above can be used to construct anchored barriers. The difference in anchored barriers is that they need support in form of a cable anchored inside the soil being retained or a rock. Anchored barriers are used when the weight of the retained soil is very high. Anchors are also used when wall is too weak to bear the soil.

Before construction of the structure begins, thorough survey must be done. It is advisable to seek services of professionals with this project. Designs are many and one can choose whichever they like most.




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