Drainage: Does My Retaining Wall Need It

Drainage System and the importance of it ….

We all know the damage water can do. When designing a retaining wall there are many factors that goes into it .One of the most important parts is a drainage system other’s include compaction , geo-grid and leveling pad some times called the footing Without proper drainage this WILL happen and cost you this $$$$$$…..

Notice no drain rock or drain pipe…

No drainage : This will happen

In order for any retaining wall to function properly and remain sound ,a drainage system should be a integral part of the wall. Drain rock and perforated pipe should be used to create an effective drainage system.

With our retaining walls we add a minimum of 12 inches of drain rock from the back of the wall to the top of the wall . The perforated pipe is use to divert the water away from the retaining wall .

So as my friend Bruce at http://www.davisons4seasons.com/ look at it as very cheap insurance….

Over 100 tons of drain rock

At All Access we try to keep it as simple as possible. Remember any of our retaining walls can be built using Baselite Allen block, Belgard ,Redi-rock block system , Versa-Lok or any other system you may think of.

Who is All Access?

From concrete to retaining walls, modern landscape to pavers. All Access is one of the Bay Area and Northern California’s most well–respected hardscape and landscape contractors. Contact us for your next project by making an appointment online or the old fashion way 510-701-4400

Geogrid: Do I need it for my Retaining Wall?

written by Joe Johnson on January 15, 2014

GeoGrid what is it ?

Geogrid is a geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and similar materials. Geogrids are commonly used to reinforce retaining walls, sub-bases or sub soils below roads or structures. Soils pull apart under tension. Compared to soil, geogrids are stronger in tension. This fact allows them to transfer forces to a larger area of soil than would otherwise be the case.

Ok… Ok…. that’s the technical term…Hell I don’t even understand it (lol).

You may have to cut the geogrid at different widths depending on the plans…

When the weight of a retaining wall units along is not enough to retain soil loads geogrid will provide the additional soil reinforcement necessary for your wall stability. A properly design wall can be constructed to heights exceeding 30-40 feet.

That’s still a little too technical so here it is….

It’s safe to say pretty much any retaining wall over 4 feet or with special requirements might need geogrid (Check with your local building department or engineer).

At All Access we try to keep it as simple as possible. Remember any of our retaining walls can be built using Keystone, Baselite ,Allen block, Belgard ,Redi-rock block system , Versa-Lok or any other system you may think of.