Over 80 years of experience in structural stabilization and foundation work, including engineering and contractor services related to drilling and grouting, anchor and tieback systems, installation of instrumentation, and cellular concrete and fly ash placement.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are required in excavations where the site does not allow for sides to be safely sloped back. Typically this applies to excavations greater than 8 feet or deeper in soil or unstable rock.

There are several types of retaining walls typically used depending on the conditions. In soil, common retaining walls include H-beam and wood lagging, and soil nailing. In rock, protection can be as simple as chain link fence to contain loose rocks or the more positive system or friction rock stabilizers (split sets) and a shotcrete face.

Top down construction of retaining walls is the process of completing the exterior or retaining wall from the top down. The process is usually used in conjunction with soil nailing or rock nailing. The soil nails serve the function of tying back the excavation and supporting the vertical loads of the retaining wall. The advantages include significant cost and time savings, the flexibility to accommodate design modifications during construction, and a "one wall" system that supports construction and provides a permanent wall.