Retaining wall is a specially designed structure meant for retaining or holding the soil behind it. There are different types of materials used in the making of these retaining wall stones. Some of them are blocks made of concrete, while others are made with treated and processed timbers, poured concrete, boulder or rocks. Not all of them last for a long period of time; however, they are capable of retaining soil as far as they are in good condition. However, there is a special type of stone that is specifically meant for constructing retaining walls, known as retaining wall stone. This is used quite commonly in making these types of structures.

There are different types and designs available as far as retaining walls are concerned. Here is brief insight into some of them:

Retaining Wall stone

#1. Gravity retaining wall:

These types of walls carry a certain amount of self-weight so that they can resist the lateral pressure of earth. Usually, these walls are quite big, as they require a considerable amount of gravity load to counter against the soil pressure. The standard height of these walls is 3 meters. While designing this type of walls, various factors like overturning, bearing and sliding forces need to be taken into consideration. best quality of retaining wall stone is used to build these structures. Different types of materials like stone, masonry units and concrete are used in the making of gravity retaining walls.

#2. Gabion retaining wall:

These types of walls are built with multiple cells along with wire mesh boxes that are rectangular in shape. These boxes are filled with different types of materials along with the retaining wall stone. Usually, these types of walls are constructed for the purpose of controlling erosion. They are also very useful in stabilizing steep slopes.

#3. Crib retaining wall:

These are special types of gravity walls that are constructed with different boxes interlocked to each other. These boxes are made of precast concrete or timber, filled with different types of coarse granular materials or crushed stones for creating an efficient draining mechanism. Some of the common types of these walls are timber retaining wall and reinforced precast. These walls are the best options for supporting planter areas; however, they are not recommended for offering support to slopes.

Stone Retaining Wall

#4. Cantilever retaining wall:

These walls are made of base slab, stem and retaining wall stone. Reinforced concrete is used for constructing these types of walls, along with prestress concrete and precast concrete. Among all the different types of retaining walls, these are the most common types to be found. Usually these walls are constructed on prefabricated offsite or on site. These walls can be constructed up to a height of 10 meters.

#5. Buttressed retaining wall:

This is a type of cantilever retaining wall that has added strength due to the counter forts monolithic on the base slab and at the back of the structure. Usually, these walls are constructed up to a height of 12 meters.

So, these are some of the most common types of retaining walls used in the construction industry. These walls have proven to be very effective when it comes to offering support to big and sturdy structures; besides, they can also prevent erosion to a great extent. They can offer resistance against the lateral pressure of the Earth by strongly holding the soil behind the structure. Different types of materials are used in the making of these walls and retaining wall stone is one of them. These stones are very sturdy and durable and offer the strength and support needed by these walls.