A gravity retaining wall is a type of retaining wall that relies on its own weight to resist the pressure exerted by the soil behind it. It works by using the weight of the wall itself to counteract the lateral forces acting on it. These walls are usually constructed from heavy materials such as concrete or stone, and are designed to be wide enough to provide stability.
The purpose of a gravity retaining wall is to hold back soil or other materials and prevent them from moving downhill. They are commonly used to create level ground for building structures, to prevent erosion, or to stabilize slopes.
The criteria for using a gravity retaining wall include:
- Soil type: The soil should be stable and firm enough to resist the pressure exerted by the wall.
- Wall height: Gravity retaining walls are suitable for walls up to about 10 to 12 feet high. Above this height, the weight of the wall becomes too great to be practical.
- Load bearing capacity: The wall must be able to withstand the weight of the soil it is holding back, as well as any additional loads placed on it.
- Drainage: Proper drainage must be provided to prevent water from accumulating behind the wall, which could increase the pressure on the wall.
Gravity retaining walls can be used in a variety of applications, including:
- Landscaping: Gravity retaining walls can be used to create terraces or raised garden beds.
- Roads and highways: Gravity retaining walls can be used to stabilize slopes along roads and highways.
- Residential and commercial construction: Gravity retaining walls can be used to create level ground for building structures.
- Erosion control: Gravity retaining walls can be used to prevent erosion along riverbanks and shorelines.
