Owning a house in an area like Los Angeles can be a bit of a challenge due to geographic and climatic issues such as soil erosion, landslides or storms. To counter many of these problems, different types of retaining walls can be built in a number of ways depending on the problem being solved.
Gravity Retaining Wall
A gravity retaining wall is a type of retaining wall that solely relies on its own weight to hold back earth. These types of retaining walls must have the weight that is greater than the earth that they are holding back and are usually made from concrete, bricks or stones. They are usually thicker at the bottom.
Related : Ways to Prevent Damage to Your Retaining Wall
Cantilever Retaining Wall
A cantilever retaining wall is a retaining wall that cantilevers the weight of earth to it’s footing. The horizontal pressure from the earth gets transferred to the ground through the vertical wall. Unlike other types of retaining walls, cantilever retaining walls have uniform thickness and thus require good engineering to make sure that they can withstand earth.
Sheet Piling Retaining Wall
Sheet piling retaining walls are built in areas where the soil is very loose or soft and there isn’t enough race to build a barrier. Usually either steel, planks or vinyl are placed in the ground while leaving the top exposed.
Related : Ways to Prevent Damage to Your Retaining Wall
Anchored Retaining Wall
Anchored retaining walls are just like other retaining walls but they have cables that are attached to them and anchored into the soil to make the wall more stronger. Anchor retaining walls are usually needed in areas where the earth is heavy.
Related : Why You Should Hire A Professional Foundation Contractor To Build Your Retaining Wall?
If you are wondering which retaining wall is best for your Los Angeles home, then contact a retaining wall contractor for expert advice. Call California Foundation Works on 323-418-2239 to schedule a free retaining wall inspection and estimate.