When you're creating a beautiful landscape design at the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the biggest things you shouldn't forget is your retaining walls. This feature of a landscape doesn't sit at the front of your mind, and can even go unnoticed - but their value is extremely important. When you live in the Ozarks, the value of a retaining wall is even more important with the sloping terrain and clay soil that we have.
Whether you know all about retaining walls - or you haven't ever noticed them, we have a few interesting things to share with you about this important landscape fixture.
Gravity Walls - this type is perfect for small retaining walls, since they're not usually built to exceed four foot tall. It will rely on it's weight to resist the pressure of the force behind it.
Cantilever Retaining Walls - these are single-layered walls that are built in uniform thickness with its base. They're capable of holding significant amount of earth as well as supporting tall slopes.
Sheet Pile Retaining Walls - aka: piling retaining walls. This is a type of wall that is usually used on soft soils where there is not enough space for wide barriers. Generally, 2/3 of the material is hammered below the soil depending on the landscape.
Anchored Retaining Walls - these are similar to the piling retaining walls because it utilizes cables for extra strength.
Counterfort Retaining Walls - this type of retaining wall is similar to cantilever walls, but it's built with thin vertical concrete webs (counterfort) which are at regular intervals on the rear side of the wall. They connect the wall's top and base together which lessens the shear force and bending moments cause by the earth.
Whether you know all about retaining walls - or you haven't ever noticed them, we have a few interesting things to share with you about this important landscape fixture.
What is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall is a structure that is used to hold soil behind it. A retaining wall can be made out of many different types of materials such as concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timbers, rocks or boulders. There can be variances in the types of wall, how easy they are to install, and their lifespan - but the purpose is the same: retain soil.
Types of Retaining Walls
Cantilever Retaining Walls - these are single-layered walls that are built in uniform thickness with its base. They're capable of holding significant amount of earth as well as supporting tall slopes.
Sheet Pile Retaining Walls - aka: piling retaining walls. This is a type of wall that is usually used on soft soils where there is not enough space for wide barriers. Generally, 2/3 of the material is hammered below the soil depending on the landscape.
Anchored Retaining Walls - these are similar to the piling retaining walls because it utilizes cables for extra strength.
Counterfort Retaining Walls - this type of retaining wall is similar to cantilever walls, but it's built with thin vertical concrete webs (counterfort) which are at regular intervals on the rear side of the wall. They connect the wall's top and base together which lessens the shear force and bending moments cause by the earth.
Do I Need a Retaining Wall?
This is something we can help you decide. Before starting your custom landscape design at the Lake of the Ozarks, we will do a walk through in your yard. During the walk through we'll find out what you would like to see happen with the design of your yard, and what will be possible in the design. At this point, we'll be able to tell you if a retaining wall is necessary. A few ways you'll know if you need one is if you need to control downhill erosion. You may also want one if your foundation is threatened by a sliding hill, or if your foundation is beginning to wash away. Sometimes they aren't just functional, but beautiful, so a retaining wall can be used to create flowerbeds.
Creating a Custom Backyard Paradise
Whether you need a retaining wall or not, one thing you may want to consider is having your yard professionally landscaped. This is the perfect time of year to get your flowers, bushes and bulbs updated for the spring season. It's also the perfect time of year to start on these construction projects in your yard. The weather is nicer and the ground is easy to work with. If you are planning on any types of landscaping in your yard, call the team you can trust to get the job done right. We'll help you create your dream oasis at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.
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