Retaining walls Adelaide, Retaining wall contractors
Retaining walls Adelaide
Established in 2001, Designer paving and landscaping are retaining wall contractors in Adelaide specialising in the construction of high quality concrete sleeper retaining walls and concrete block retaining walls.
With over 23 years experience in both commercial and residential retaining wall installations across Adelaide, we've gained the knowledge and insight to ensure every retaining wall construction is carried out using the right materials and building methods to withstand any adverse soil, environmental or man-made conditions which may be present.
All projects, from the installation of small low level retaining wall and garden beds, to the construction of large multi-terraced retaining wall builds, are meticulously planned and carried out to provide our clients an exceptional product in both its visual appeal and unwavering construction strength
Retaining wall suppliers Adelaide
Quality Retaining wall suppliers Adelaide.
To achieve the perfect outcome for your retaining wall project, we offer a wide range of quality made materials sought from Adelaide's leading retaining wall suppliers.
With a range of decorative pattern and plain finish concrete sleepers and blocks available in natural (grey) charcoal and sandstone colour, we can supply the right materials to best suit the needs of your home as well as your budget.
Retaining wall contractors Adelaide
Retaining Wall Contractors Adelaide
- Retaining wall contractors in Adelaide with over 23 years experience.
- Robust construction and unwavering strength in all conditions.
- Installation of highly effective water drainage system
- Large range of quality materials to choose from.
- Cement footings to all block retaining walls to eliminate movement
- Construction of outdoor retaining wall steps/stairs
- Fencing attached to retaining walls
- Repair work to existing retaining walls
- Free measure and quote to all Adelaide suburbs
Concrete Retaining Walls
Concrete sleeper retaining walls
Concrete sleeper retaining walls
Concrete sleeper retaining walls
Concrete block retaining walls are constructed using precast concrete blocks secured in place by a series interlocking lugs.
As with most of our block retaining wall constructions throughout Adelaide, we prefer to lay the base row on a 100mm thick concrete footing prepared on a layer of compacted quarry rubble to ensure against sinkage or listing.
Under normal conditions, concrete retaining wall blocks are fixed in place using construction grade adhesive and core filled with 14mm Blue metal aggregate. When environmental or structural factors require further strengthening to the wall additional steel reinforcing and concrete core filling is used to provide optimal strength and stability.
Available in a wide range of size and textures, you can choose a concrete retaining wall block to suit your homes needs with the versatility to be incorporated in the construction of matching steps.
To ensure the ongoing safety and visual aesthetics of our retaining walls, all constructions include an effective drainage system installed behind the wall to eliminate any movement or block separation caused by the effects hydrostatic pressure and ground movement.
Concrete block retaining walls
Concrete sleeper retaining walls
Concrete sleeper retaining walls
Providing exceptional strength with its robust materials and construction method, concrete sleeper retaining walls are arguably the best option when it comes to the retaining of earth for commercial and residential properties throughout Adelaide.
The strong combination of steel reinforced 60MPa rated concrete sleepers, structural grade C channel and I beam posts and thick 32MPa concrete footings has been a tried and tested method for years now, but the introduction of decorative concrete sleepers has added a new sharp modern look to the once plain looking natural concrete sleeper.
Working with large retaining wall suppliers in Adelaide we have a range of decorative finishes available in Charcoal and sandstone, decorative sleepers not only offer substantial charm and visual appeal to the construction of concrete sleeper retaining walls, but they are great in the construction of outdoor steps, retaining for garden beds and the construction of outdoor fire pits and tables.
Not to be overlooked when curvature is required from a retaining wall, we can construct curved retaining walls to suit most residential properties with great visual effect. (see gallery below)
To ensure the ongoing safety and visual aesthetics of our retaining walls, all constructions include an effective drainage system installed behind the wall to eliminate any movement or block separation caused by the effects hydrostatic pressure and ground movement.
Retaining wall drainage
Retaining Wall Drainage
How our Retaining Wall drainage system works
How our Retaining Wall drainage system works
The need for a well designed and constructed drainage system is a crucial component for the stability and longevity of any retaining wall installation.
The cause of over 90% of all Retaining Wall failures are due to either the effects of Hydrostatic Pressure or weakened footings caused from water logging to the sub-grade.
In this section we'll explain exactly what causes these factors and the steps which can be taken to prevent them.
Hydrostatic pressure
The strength of a retaining wall is calculated by it's ability to resist the pressure being exerted by the earth mass behind the wall, although these tests provide an accurate assessment of the walls strength, the findings are based on dry earth only. Studies have shown that the extra pressure generated by wet Earth (Hydrostatic Pressure) to the Retaining Wall was more than double than that applied by the dry.
When earth behind a retaining wall becomes saturated due to either rainfall, household irrigation or stormwater run-off, the fine pored characteristics of Clay hinder the waters downward flow causing it to travel horizontally.
When the water reaches a retaining wall which has insufficient or non-existent drainage, two equally dangerous situations can occur.
Firstly, the Hydrostatic Pressure generated behind the retaining wall builds to a point which it can no longer withstand, the concrete blocks are pushed outward leading to failure and collapse. Early signs of this include block separation, bulging, listing and cracking of the wall.
Secondly, the entrapped water eventually seeps down and saturates the sub-grade where the retaining walls footings were poured, this waterlogging compromises the footings stability leading to sinkage and possible collapse. Early signs of this include sinkage, bowing, and constant wet soil surrounding the retaining wall.
Both of these scenarios are dangerous and can be life threatening, the installation of a competent drainage system can eliminate the possibility of both occurrences and provide a strong and safe retaining wall over its lifespan.
How our Retaining Wall drainage system works
How our Retaining Wall drainage system works
How our Retaining Wall drainage system works
- When the lateral movement of water reaches the retaining wall its met by a 300mm thick layer of 20mm blue metal aggregate backed with 200um plastic construction film spanning from the top of the retaining wall ending in a U-shape just above the footings.
- The aggregate forces the water to flow downwards where it is contained by the plastic film at the bottom of the wall.
- Spanning the length of the retaining wall, a slotted 100mm agricultural pipe is laid on the plastic film just above the footings. The collected water enters the pipe through the slots and allows an unimpeded flow to the drainage systems release point.
- To avoid saturating the soil around the retaining walls footings at the release point, a 90mm stormwater pipe is connected from the agricultural pipe to the households stormwater system where the water can be safely released.
*If connection to the properties stormwater pipe is not possible we suggest a French drainage system be implemented instead.
Retaining wall features
Retaining wall features
Listed below are some features which can be incorporated into concrete sleeper and concrete block retaining wall installation.
- Retaining walls with steps. The construction of steps either concrete sleeper retaining walls or concrete block retaining walls not only provide accessibility for split level blocks, but also possess great visual appeal. Whether it be from a large formal entry to small garden steps their construction will add character and charm to any property.
- Retaining wall garden beds. Easily installed, retaining wall garden beds look great and can be used as screening to provide privacy within the home.
- Retaining wall seating. The inclusion of bench seating to retaining walls is another clever innovation. Working best in patio areas with a retaining wall height of 800mm or higher, bench seating can be constructed either facing outwards or recessed into the retaining wall for a clean, sharp look. With the addition of a matching table or fire pit your patio area can be transformed into a cosy outdoor retreat or the perfect entertaining area for family and friends.
- Retaining wall water features Another eye catching feature which can be incorporated into either concrete sleeper retaining walls or concrete block retaining walls are water features. Offering visual impact with the calming sound of flowing water they can be installed in a variety of ways that best suit your property.
- Lighting The inclusion of lighting to retaining walls not only creates a pleasant ambience but provides handy lighting to dimly lit outdoor areas and steps. Available in either solar powered or low voltage hard wired systems, outdoor lighting can be easily installed and is a great inclusion to any property.
