Retaining Wall

This retaining wall failed due to an inadequate footing, in conjunction with, lateral earth pressure, and likely hydrostatic pressure, acting on it. The failed section of wall was removed and a properly engineered wall was constructed. A perforated foundation drain was installed behind the wall, to provide for proper drainage away from the wall, further preventing any hydrostatic pressure. The wall is then backfilled with free-draining material.

Lateral soil pressure caused this retaining wall to fail. The wall had an inadequate footing necessary to resist the pressure from the earth and water behind it.

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Eventually the wall cracked.

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In the center of this crack, you can see the reinforcing steel rebar exposed and water leaking through.

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The failed wall was removed. The properly designed stem wall is formed on top of the newly poured concrete footing.

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A view of the reinforcing steel rebar inside the wall stem.

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The new footing extends far behind the stem wall to provide the necessary resistance to overturning and adequately transfer horizontal pressure on the wall into bearing pressure on the soil below.

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A view of the front of the new wall with the footing poured.

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The wall and footing are completed and ready for drainage and backfill. This is the backside of the new wall. The fill will rise just below the top of the wall preventing surface water from flowing over the wall and onto the driveway.

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The backside of the wall is back filled with free draining fill and will be covered with top soil and seeded to complete the project.

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