Decorative retaining walls, functional retaining walls and structurally engineered walls are all types of retaining walls. Site selection for retaining walls is determined by the area that needs retaining. There are various reasons for the installation of retaining walls and there are numerous retaining wall systems available for your specific project. Some of the main reasons for constructing a retaining wall include:
Decorative Retaining Walls
Decorative retaining walls are built for the purpose of entertaining or enhancing a landscape. Examples of decorative retaining walls include sitting walls, tier walls and garden walls. Sitting walls are free-standing walls generally built for the purpose of sitting or enclosing an outdoor living space. Tier walls can be structural or decorative depending on the implementation. Most tier walls are installed to create depth in landscape beds by stair stepping the retaining wall as it ascends. Garden decorative retaining walls are small walls that are usually installed in garden or landscape bed areas. These walls are not designed to retain much back pressure.
Functional Retaining Walls
The purpose of most retaining walls that are built to retain ground are constructed to level out lawn areas or secure structures. If you have a property with a huge drop off that has unusable space, constructing a retaining wall can level out the area. By leveling out the area, you will create additional usable lawn space in your lawn. Walls that are built to secure structures can serve many purposes. Holding back foundations on houses, supporting parking lot areas and stopping erosion on hill sides are just a few of the many functions of retaining walls.
Structurally Engineered Walls
Most larger engineered walls are found on projects of massive proportions. These walls can hold up hill sides so that roads may be built or they may serve as a break in elevation. What ever the purpose is, these walls require the input of a structural engineer to ensure that the walls are installed properly. These walls do not have failure as an option. If these walls fail the damage can be catastrophic.