Retaining walls serve a number of purposes, both functional and aesthetic. They can keep sloped yards from eroding, provide boundaries around patios or driveways, or simply act as an accent for gardens and other landscaping features. But when retaining walls show signs of failure, they pose an obvious danger to the home and property and may require replacement. Fortunately, Vancity Retaining Walls is one of the best retaining wall contractors in North Vancouver and can help you with this project.
Block retaining walls are popular because of their versatility Vancity Retaining Walls block installation and cost-effectiveness. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and textures and can be combined to create unique designs. The materials for these walls are also environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for homeowners who want to make their yard more sustainable.
The most common type of retaining wall is the concrete block type. This material is durable and can withstand most conditions, but it is not as flexible as other options such as wood. It is also more expensive than other types of retaining walls.
Another type of retaining wall is the timber retaining wall. This material is more affordable than concrete, but it can be susceptible to moisture damage. It can also be difficult to install because of the need for proper sizing and positioning.
For highway projects, the design of MSE walls is regulated by the Supplement to CAN/CSA-S6-14 Bridge Standards and Procedures Manual. This guide includes design requirements for the structure, including soil reinforcement, stability provisions and erosion protection of exposed slopes above the wall. It also outlines the criteria for approval and certification by an Engineering Professional.
The Engineer of Record for a retaining wall project must ensure that the construction or implementation of the work substantially complies in all material respects with the engineering concepts or intent reflected in the design documents prepared for the work. This includes conducting field reviews to ensure that the actual site conditions encountered during construction are consistent with those reflected in the design.
This is a critical part of the retaining wall process and should be performed by an Engineering Professional who is qualified for the project. The engineer should have sufficient education, training and experience to perform the full scope of engineering services. If the engineer does not have the required qualifications, they must obtain the services of another engineering professional to undertake the field review.
Other cost factors include local material / equipment delivery costs and labor to prepare the worksite for Block Retaining Walls. This can include labor for protecting existing structures, preparing the sloped site and removal of gates to allow access for machinery. It can also include labor upcharges associated with master/premium craftsmanship, expedited scheduling and difficult / complex site conditions. It can also include the cost of obtaining permits or inspection fees if required by a local building department for this project.