How to Build A Terraced Retaining Wall

Terraced retaining walls serve a dual purpose, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. The benefits of terraced retaining walls extend beyond their visual appeal. 

They play a crucial role in preventing soil runoff, controlling water drainage, and reducing the risk of landslides on sloped properties. Additionally, these walls can contribute to soil stability, creating a more secure foundation for structures and minimizing the impact of gravity on the landscape. In essence, terraced retaining walls are versatile and purposeful elements that harmonize the functional and aesthetic aspects of landscaping.

If you want to build a terraced retaining wall, follow along for everything you need to know.

Planning Your Terraced Retaining Walls 

The success of constructing terraced retaining walls hinges on meticulous planning, emphasizing the need for foresight and attention to detail. Proper planning is the cornerstone of a structurally sound and visually appealing project. Key considerations include assessing the site and soil conditions to understand the challenges posed by the terrain. This involves analyzing the stability of the soil, potential water drainage issues, and any other factors that may impact the integrity of the retaining walls.

1. Assessing the Site and Soil Conditions:
   1. Soil Stability and Drainage Considerations:
      1. Soil Type Analysis: Begin by understanding the soil composition on the site. Different soil types have varying levels of stability and drainage capabilities. Conduct soil tests to determine factors such as cohesion, texture, and permeability.
      2. Drainage Patterns: Evaluate the natural drainage patterns of the site. Identify areas prone to water accumulation or poor drainage. Proper soil drainage is crucial for preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the terraced retaining walls.
      3. Water Table Assessment: Consider the water table level, especially in areas with high rainfall or proximity to water bodies. An elevated water table can impact soil stability and may necessitate additional drainage measures.
   2. Potential Challenges and Solutions:
      1. Erosion Control: Identify areas susceptible to erosion and implement erosion control measures. This may include adding vegetation, installing erosion control blankets, or incorporating retaining walls with proper drainage features.
      2. Slope Stability: Assess the slope stability and address any potential challenges, such as landslides or soil slippage. Engineering solutions like geogrid reinforcement or retaining wall anchoring may be necessary.
2. Determining the Number of Terraces Needed:
   1. Slope Analysis: Evaluate the degree of slope on the site to determine the number of terraces required. Steeper slopes may necessitate more terraces to create a series of manageable levels.
   2. Usability Considerations: Consider the intended use of each terrace. If the terraces will accommodate different functional areas such as gardens or seating spaces, tailor the number and size of terraces accordingly.
   3. Structural Stability: Balance the need for terraces with the structural stability of the retaining walls. Each terrace should contribute to the overall stability of the landscape.
3. Design Considerations for Aesthetics and Functionality:
   1. Aesthetic Integration: Blend the design of terraced retaining walls with the overall landscape aesthetics. Consider using materials that complement the surroundings and create a cohesive visual appeal.
   2. Functional Zones: Design each terrace with specific functions in mind. Allocate spaces for gardens, seating areas, or pathways based on the users’ preferences and the natural flow of the landscape.
   3. Safety Measures: Incorporate safety features into the design, such as railings or steps between terraces. Ensure that the design accommodates ease of movement and accessibility.

Important Design Considerations for Building a Terraced Retaining Wall

Ensuring the proper spacing between upper and lower retaining walls is a critical consideration in the construction of terraced landscapes. It is essential that the distance of the upper retaining wall from the bottom retaining wall should be at least 2 times the height of the wall it is situated on top of. This guideline is paramount for preventing excess force on the bottom wall and maintaining the structural integrity of the entire system. By adhering to this distance requirement, you create a buffer zone that distributes the load effectively, mitigating potential pressure on the lower retaining wall.

Additionally, it is advisable to prioritize the construction of the bottom retaining wall unless specific constraints prevent it. Building the bottom wall first establishes a stable foundation for subsequent walls and promotes a cascading effect, ensuring that each terrace is adequately supported. However, practical considerations such as limited access may necessitate adjustments to the construction sequence.

Gathering Materials and Tools to Build a Terraced Retaining Wall

Materials:

• Retaining wall blocks or stones
• Gravel
• Landscape fabric
• Drainage pipe
• Sand or gravel for leveling
• Wall adhesive (if required)

Tools:

• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Tape measure
• Level
• Rubber mallet
• Spade
• Landscape fabric staples
• Circular saw (if cutting blocks)
• Compactor (plate or hand tamper)
• Carpenter’s pencil
• Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)

Excavating and Base Preparation for a Terraced Retaining Wall

1. Marking and Staking Out Terrace Levels:
   1. Precision in Elevation: Begin by precisely marking the elevation levels for each terrace. This involves staking out points along the slope to delineate where each terrace will be located. The accuracy of these marks is crucial for achieving consistent and level terraces.
   2. String Lines and Levels: Use string lines and leveling instruments to ensure that the terrace levels align correctly. String lines provide a visual guide for the terraced layout, while levels help maintain the desired slope and ensure that each terrace is properly aligned with the overall landscape.
2. Excavating Soil for Each Terrace:
   1. Guidelines for Proper Depth and Width:
      1. Depth Considerations: Excavate the soil according to the predetermined depth for each terrace. The depth will depend on the overall design, the intended use of each terrace, and the structural requirements. Typically, deeper excavations are needed for stability.
      2. Width Planning: Consider the width of each terrace, which depends on factors like the type of retaining wall blocks or materials used and the overall aesthetic design. Adequate width ensures that the terraces can support the weight of the soil and other elements placed on them.
3. Preparing the Base for Stability:
   1. Adding Gravel and Compacting the Base:
      1. Introduction of Gravel Layer: Once the soil is excavated, introduce a layer of gravel onto the prepared surface. This layer serves as the base material that enhances drainage and provides stability to the retaining wall system.
      2. Proper Compaction: Compact the gravel base thoroughly using compaction equipment. This step is crucial to eliminate air pockets and achieve a dense, stable foundation for the retaining wall. Adequate compaction contributes to the overall load-bearing capacity of the base.

Marking and staking out terrace levels ensure precision, while careful excavation and base preparation lay the foundation for the structural integrity of each terrace. These early stages are critical in creating a solid base that supports the retaining walls and ensures their long-term stability.

Block by Block: Build a Terraced Retaining Wall

1. Installing the First Course of Blocks: When embarking on the construction of terraced retaining walls, the installation of the first course of blocks sets the stage for the entire structure. Precision is paramount in this initial phase, necessitating careful attention to alignment and leveling. Each block must seamlessly connect with its neighbor, forming a strong and cohesive base. Ensuring the proper alignment not only establishes the visual appeal of the retaining wall but also contributes significantly to its stability.
2. Incorporating Geogrid Fabric for Reinforcement: To fortify the structural integrity of the terraced retaining walls, the incorporation of geogrid fabric becomes a crucial step. Placed beneath the first course of blocks and extending into the excavated soil, this fabric serves as reinforcement, preventing soil pressure from compromising the stability of the wall. The inclusion of geogrid fabric acts as a safeguard against potential shifting, enhancing the overall resilience of the retaining structure. Add geogrid every 2 courses of the wall or per structural engineer recommendations.
3. Building Subsequent Courses: As the construction progresses, building subsequent courses demands careful consideration. Staggering the blocks in a running bond pattern, becomes paramount for stability. This technique ensures that the seams between adjacent blocks are not aligned, distributing the load evenly and minimizing the risk of structural weakness. Each successive course builds upon the strength of the previous one, creating a robust and interlocked framework for the terraced retaining walls.

Adding Drainage and Backfilling a Terraced Retaining Wall

1. Installing Drainage Pipes Behind the Walls: Effective drainage is paramount for the longevity and stability of terraced retaining walls, and installing drainage pipes behind the walls is a key strategy. These pipes serve to redirect water away from the structure, preventing the buildup of hydrostatic pressure that could compromise the integrity of the walls. Proper installation involves placing the drainage pipes at the base of the wall, ensuring a gradual slope away from the structure. This strategic implementation of drainage pipes helps manage water flow and mitigates potential erosion issues.
2. Filling the Space Behind the Walls with Gravel: Once drainage pipes are in place, filling the space behind the retaining walls with gravel is a critical step to enhance drainage and provide additional structural support. The gravel serves as a permeable layer, allowing water to flow freely while providing stability to the backfilled soil. The choice of gravel size is significant, and its uniform distribution ensures consistent drainage throughout the backfill. This layer of gravel acts as a buffer, preventing the retention of excess water and maintaining optimal conditions for the stability of the terraced retaining walls.
3. Backfilling and Compacting Soil Behind Each Terrace: Backfilling the space behind each terrace with soil is the final step in creating a stable and secure foundation for the retaining walls. This process involves adding soil in layers, carefully compacting each layer to eliminate voids and ensure uniform density. Proper compaction is crucial to prevent settling over time, maintaining the intended slope and stability of the terraced retaining walls. The compaction process may involve using specialized equipment to achieve the desired density, ensuring that the backfilled soil provides consistent support to each terrace and the overall retaining wall system.

Conclusion 

The journey of building a terraced retaining wall is a testament to both the artistry and engineering involved in landscaping. From the initial assessment of site conditions to the meticulous construction of each tier, every step contributes to the creation of a harmonious outdoor space.

The terraced retaining walls are more than structural elements; they are an embodiment of your vision and commitment to enhancing your surroundings. Invite the beauty of the terraced design into your daily life, creating moments of joy and connection with nature. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of new plantings, the cozy corners for relaxation, or the structural elegance of the retaining walls themselves, savor the fruits of your labor. The completion of a terraced retaining wall marks not just the end of construction but the beginning of a chapter filled with the delights of a transformed landscape. Enjoy your revitalized outdoor sanctuary to the fullest!