The Perfect Things To Consider About Ledgestone Retaining Wall 

The retaining wall to your property, whether in a backyard or a field, is just as important as the structure itself. The role of the wall is to keep sediment from eroding all over your yard and fields and causing damage. This can be done with natural stone ledgestone. Other times you may need engineered solutions. Here are some factors you should consider before building one yourself. 

Formwork

Formwork is the first thing to consider when you are preparing to build a retaining wall. If you make a concrete wall, it is vital that you create an exact mould of the wall shape and height. A pouring screen will help you achieve this more efficiently. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to build your supports to hold the concrete in place as it dries.

Drying Time

Drying Time is an important factor to keep in mind. A common mistake people make when building a retaining wall is thinking that the formwork can be removed from the concrete once it’s dry. The truth is that if you remove the formwork while it’s still wet, your wall will collapse. It’s better to wait until your wall has completely dried and gently remove the supports so you don’t damage or crack the concrete.

Moulds

While waiting for the wall to be completely dry, you may want to consider making a mould. A mould is simply a reproduction of your retaining wall’s shape and height. When your wall is dry, and at its correct height, you can easily remove the formwork from the concrete with your handheld pry bar or crowbar. Your new poured concrete will have an exact shape and look similar to the original one.

Structural Capacity

The size of a concrete retaining wall and its corresponding height will affect the structural capacity or load. You’ll need to consider your retaining wall’s depth, thickness, length and width to get an accurate calculation.

Concrete Mix

Another important factor is the amount of concrete Mix you will need to complete your project. While you still have your formwork in place, you can easily calculate the amount of concrete you need. You can also get a quote from your supplier before starting the project.

Steel Reinforcement

To make sure that your wall can hold its own against gravity, wind and any earthquakes, consider using steel reinforcement while building your retaining wall. There are many different types available, but remember that the more steel you add to the concrete wall, the heavier it will be.

Concrete Density

The density of the concrete mixture is also a factor to keep in mind. Concrete is made of sand and cement, which differ in their densities and other properties. The Mix used for your retaining wall will be greatly affected by the type of materials you decide to use for its production.

Foundation

Frequently, a retaining wall is built on top of some foundation. Typically, the support area will be one level above the ground and constructed out of steel reinforcement bars set into concrete piers or blocks. Some retaining walls have a platform of concrete forming what’s called a buttress foundation. This type of foundation is usually created out of blocks that can be very heavy and difficult to move once your wall is fully built.

Wall Reinforcement

Sometimes, the soil around your retaining wall may be loose and unstable. If you are planning on making a concrete wall for this area, you will need to ensure that the area is sturdy enough to support the weight of your structure. In this case, consider using steel reinforcement bars for added stability.

Drainage System

If you are building a retaining wall on a sloped field, you will probably want to consider installing an in-ground drainage system. This way, the ground will drain away from the area of soil and concrete rather than towards it.

Concrete Wall Durability

When choosing a material for your retaining wall, you must select one that is not only strong but also durable. It’s important to consider how long you want your wall to last and the climate of the area. You may consider building a concrete wall that can withstand heavy weathering, water, or extreme temperature changes.

Screeding

After you’ve laid out your concrete retaining wall, it is important to finish it with screeding, otherwise known as troweling. Doing this can create a flat surface on top of your wall and make it look more uniform and pristine. This can be done with a handheld screed or by buying an electric or pneumatic screed.

Sealers

If you are keeping the concrete wall for an extended period, it’s important that you seal it with a proper sealer. This will protect your wall against any mineral stains or water damage and keep it looking perfect for years to come.

Concrete Wall Safety

The final step to preparing your wall for construction is not to forget about safety. It is important that the area is free of any loose materials, tools or other debris before you begin construction. This will prevent you from accidentally damaging your concrete wall during the process of laying and pouring it.

Marking

Once you’ve completed all the above steps, it’s Time to begin construction. Mark off the area you need for your retaining wall and once it is completely dry, begin construction by removing the formwork. Also, remember to wear safety gear, take the proper steps to protect the area around your project and use a basic hand tool to hold up materials while they are pouring.

Pouring

Once your concrete is poured and dried, you can commence by using a hammer or other appropriate tool to drive steel reinforced anchors into each stake. It is important in this process to use a sharp edge and not the flat side of the anchor. These anchors will help to keep your concrete wall in place and will make it much more sturdy than those built without them.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve been through all the steps involved in building a concrete retaining wall, you should be able to easily create one on your property. Remember, if you have any questions about your project or need some help, don’t hesitate to contact a local contractor. They will provide professional guidance and assistance in order to ensure that your wall is built correctly. When building a new ledgestone retaining wall, most people don’t think about drainage systems. However, water that seeps into the soil or concrete below your wall can be very dangerous.