A retaining wall is a structure that retains earth. It is mostly used
where there is a vertical, or nearly vertical change in level. They may
be made of timber, steel, concrete, steel, brick or stone. A gravity
retaining wall is a large mass of concrete or stone, which retains the
earth through its stability and mass. A sheet pile retaining wall
consists of steel sheet piles driven into the ground. In both cases it
is important to drain the earth at the base of the retaining wall, which
will otherwise create additional water pressure. Typically one third of
the height of the sheet pile will be above the lower surface, with two
thirds of the height being completely buries. Tie-back anchors may be
used, connected with steel cables, to help hold back the top of a
retaining wall.
LEADING SUPPLIERS OF RETAINING WALLS
Poundfield Products: Retaining Walls. Founded by Mark Jardine in 1999, Poundfield Products is based in Ipswich, Suffolk. It manufactures the Alfabloc retaining wall system. The Alfabloc retaining wall system has no protruding toe and can in many cases be used freestanding. Poundfield Products also supplies the L-bloc retaining wall system. This is pre-stressed, and has an interlocking design. It is available in one and two metre widths.