How retaining walls are rebuilt after failure: a step-by-step guide
Retaining walls are essential for maintaining soil, preventing erosion, and adding structural support to landscaping. But when a retaining wall fails—whether due to poor drainage, soil pressure, or storm damage—it can create serious property ricks. Rebuilding a failed retaining wall requires careful planning, engineering, and construction expertise to ensure long-term stability.
Here’s what homeowners and property managers need to know about repairing or rebuilding a failed retaining wall.
Why Retaining Walls Fail
Before rebuilding, it’s important to understand the most common causes of reatining wall failures:
▪️ Poor drainage: Water buildup behind the wall creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes the wall outward.
▪️ Incorrect Foundation: Walls built without a proper footing or compacted base are prone to shifting.
▪️ Soil Movement: Expansive or unstable soil can cause walls to tilt or crack.
▪️Improper Construction Materials: Using substandard blocks, timber, or mortar can shorten a wall’s lifespan.
▪️ Excessive Load: Placing heavy landscaping, vehicles, or structures too close to the wall can lead to collapse.
Understanding the cause of failure helps contractors design a more durable rebuild.
Step 1: Site Assessment and Engineering
Rebuilding a retaining wall begins with a thorough site inspection. A contractors will:
▪️Evaluate soil type and slope stability
▪️ Measure wall height, length, and location
▪️ Identify hidden damage, like cracked footings or compromised adjacent structures
▪️Determine if retaining wall engineering to permits are required
For walls above certain heights or supporting heavy loads, local building codes often require engineering designs to ensure safety.
Step 2: Demolition of the Failed Wall
Removing the existing failed wall is the next step.
▪️Dismantling blocks, timber, or stones
▪️ Excavating damaged soil and debris
▪️ Ensuring the surrounding area is protected from further erosion or collapse
Proper demolition ensures that the new wall can be built on a stable, prepared foundation.
Step 3: Preparing the Base and Footings
The foundation is the most critical part of a retaining wall rebuild. Contractors will:
▪️ Excavate and level the base area
▪️ Install a compacted gravel or crushed stone base for drainage
▪️ Pour concrete footings if required by wall design or local area
▪️ Include drainage pipes behind the wall to prevent water pressure buildup
Step 4: Rebuilding the Wall Structure
Once the base is ready, the wall is reconstructed using materials suited to the projects design and soil conditions. Steps include:
▪️ Laying blocks, stones, or timbers with proper alignment
▪️ Installing Georgie reinforcement for taller or engineered walls
▪️ Backfilling behind the wall with free-draining material
▪️ Compacting the backfill in layers to prevent future settling
Attention to detail during this step ensures the wall remains straight, level, and structurally sound.
Step 5: Final Grading and Landscaping
After the wall is rebuilt, the contractor finishes the project with:
▪️ Proper grading to direct water away from the wall
▪️ Installing topsoil and landscaping, if required
▪️Adding finishing touches like caps or protective coating
Correct grading and drainage are crucial to prevent future wall failure
A failed retaining wall is more than a cosmetic issue—it;’s a structural concern that affects your property’s safety and stability. Rebuilding it correctly requires engineering insight, proper materials, and construction experience.
Hiring a professional is the right thing to do, it ensures your retaining wall is rebuilt to last, protecting your land scape, property, and peace of mind.
Forged Built is here for you, give us a call or email with any questions you may have.
971-486-6587
Levi@forgedbuilt.com
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