The Importance of Relying on Modern Drainage Designs

Retaining walls provide strong support to a structure by providing a solid and continuous vertical external fence against which the design can be supported. It is used to reinforce ground-level walls, retaining walls in built-up areas to retain soil, provide additional support for foundations, dams, embankments, retaining walls for access roads and railways etc. The walls make any structure completely waterproof, durable, strong and economical. Retaining walls can either be horizontal or vertical. Horizontal walls tend to give a uniform and continuous line while maintaining a good grade.

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It is essential to hire an experienced retaining wall engineer who has experience installing and repairing these structures, so that you do not have to deal with unsafe conditions in the future. Retaining walls reduce the risk of flooding and other water-borne hazards. It is very necessary to install these structures only after proper planning and coordination with all the local property owners and engineers. The structural strength and durability must be adequately evaluated before erecting any structure for retaining walls.

The main task of retaining walls in retaining walls Adelaide is to act as a barrier to prevent soil erosion due to any change in the earth’s tilt, slip, pressure, compaction or weather condition. Erosion of soil occurs when a massive amount of force is placed on the ground, resulting in the soil’s degradation. In addition, the soil structure is distorted due to this movement and compacting of the soil, which further results in soil movement. A combination of factors such as slope, exposure to sun, wind, snowfall, ice and rainfall can cause the occurrence of erosion.

In case of small erosion, there is no requirement to remove the damaged portion of the wall, but it is recommended to repair and replace it with new ones. Even if a large amount of soil erodes through small cracks, it may still pose a threat to people living nearby, as it may create a gap between the soil and the building foundation. This gap may allow moisture to enter the building and expand the foundation’s vulnerability to natural or human-induced damages.

Buildings and homes need to have good drainage to avoid damage due to slips and falls. Without good drainage patterns, the foundation may become vulnerable to water infiltration and eroding. Moreover, without good drainage in retaining walls Adelaide, water may accumulate at the bottom of a hill and cause hill slipping and eventual collapse. This may cause property damage and extensive repairs.

Whenever necessary, it is recommended to remove old retaining walls to check the stability of the wall. It is important to note that older houses and buildings usually have more cracks. The type of cracks found is determined by the kind of soil they are built upon. Clay-rich soil contains clay particles that create fine cracks when decomposed, while limestone contains larger cracks that are usually sharp and deep. Iron-rich soil contains iron particles that are hard, brittle and can easily cause structures to crumble. Therefore, it is wise to replace old retaining walls if cracks appear in them to ensure the stability of a structure.