Las Vegas has always been a "concrete town." The MGM Mirage City-Center project, located on the Strip between the Bellagio Casino to the north and the Monte Carlo Casino to the south, is constructed of structurally reinforced concrete, as is the vast majority of hotel towers on the Strip.
That's why if you decide to have a retaining wall in Las Vegas, choose concrete as your material. Read on to learn more about retaining walls in LV.
A retaining wall is a structure built to retain soil and define external property boundaries. It is constructed to withstand the lateral pressure exerted by soil, liquid pressure, or other granular materials held against the wall.
Retaining walls can be constructed for a variety of purposes on various properties. Consequently, a range of wall systems can be utilized to achieve a wide variety of functions.
With the following elements, retaining walls are fully operational. If one of them is off balance or missing, disaster may ensue.
Retaining walls must contain an extensive amount of dirt. Without the proper support structure, even the strongest ones will fail.
The most basic type of retaining wall is constructed using a sloping method known as step-back construction. This enables the retaining wall to exert pressure against the soil.
Vertical walls, particularly those greater than three feet in height, require additional support to remain upright. In certain instances, steel reinforcement, buried footings, or a cantilevered design are enough. Large walls are often held in place by strong tie-backs fastened to anchors behind the wall.
Frequently, extremely thick walls may withstand the pressure without additional support. However, these are only appropriate for really large gardens.
It is usual practice to bury approximately 1/8 of the wall below ground level to maintain the stability of the construction.
As a foundation, a basic step-back retaining wall typically requires merely a gravel-filled trench. Complex constructions require a sturdy structural foundation.
These concrete foundations are laid below the frost line. This indicates that they cannot be affected by soil contracting during a cold spell.
A back-fill mitigates the effects of soil swelling caused by moisture. This gravel layer is placed immediately behind the retaining wall to avoid cracking caused by soil movement.
Most of the time, the backfill will solve any drainage problems. However, sturdy concrete walls frequently require specialized drainage systems to prevent seepage.
There are two ways to categorize the many types of retaining walls: their construction method and the materials used to build them.
There are various techniques for building a retaining wall. The gravity wall is the most basic, as it is merely a wall holding back the earth. As they lack the extra reinforcement of other kinds, they are usually reserved for short walls.
L-shaped cantilever retaining walls are also manufactured. The base of the L extends behind the wall, so the stored soil weighs it down and provides additional support.
Next are sheet piling walls, which consist of a series of posts or pilings driven deep into the ground and used to support a sheet of steel, wood, or other material retaining soil.
Another prevalent type is anchored walls. Anchored retaining walls are constructed with numerous long anchors that extend through the wall and into the soil behind them.
Most homeowners, however, care more about the appearance of their walls than their construction. The appearance is mostly determined by the material from which the wall is built. There are other alternatives, but the following are the most common (along with their pros and cons):
| PROS | CONS |
| A material that is durable and long-lasting | Support structures of most walls must be professionally designed |
| Very low maintenance | Installation labor might be pricey |
| Numerous style options are available | Not suitable for a tall retaining wall |
| Inexpensive |
| PROS | CONS |
| Very attractive and natural appearance | Limited lifespan |
| Affordable materials | Prone to decay and insect infestations |
| Easy to install | Cannot withstand large retaining walls |
| PROS | CONS |
| Robust | Installation that is typically difficult and requires the services of professionals |
| Can be molded into virtually any shape | Vulnerable to frost and water damage |
| Consistent look |
| PROS | CONS |
| Elegant and timeless appearance | One of the most costly materials |
| Highly durable | Requires meticulously planned drainage |
| Extremely laborious installation |
| PROS | CONS |
| Minimal maintenance | Expensive |
| Durable against the elements | Limited color choices |
| Eco-friendly |
The needs of the installation site will partially determine the type of retaining wall you select. For instance, a very tall wall holding back a great deal of soil may prohibit the usage of materials such as cinder blocks and wood. When creating a retaining wall, it is typically required to employ the services of a competent engineer for this purpose.
The durability of a retaining wall depends on three factors: its composition, the quality of its construction, and its exposure to adverse conditions. This can make it difficult to predict how long they will last.
Let us assume that the wall was well-designed and built. A concrete wall should last between 50 and 100 years. Even longer-lasting are brick or stone masonry walls; there are retaining walls from the Roman Empire that are still standing. Wood retaining walls have a shorter lifespan, with a maximum of 40 years and, more likely, 10 to 20 years. A gabion retaining wall can last between 50 and 100 years, particularly if its metal wiring is not exposed to moist coastal air.
Below are the frequently asked questions about retaining walls in Las Vegas:
The majority of properties do not need retaining walls. They are frequently added for aesthetic purposes or to provide a more level patio or pool area.
However, you may require retaining walls for the following reasons:
If you reside on a property with a steep slope, soil erosion may be a problem. As the water flows down the steep slope, it transports soil with it. This may eventually expose your home's foundation or create deep water channels in your yard. Using retaining walls to level the land helps to manage water drainage and erosion.
In addition, if your property is prone to flooding, retaining walls can help direct floodwater away from the structure.
Usually, small retaining walls can be constructed by a do-it-yourselfer, but they still need to be competent. Even a 1-meter-tall wall could be vulnerable to tens of tons of force.
The majority of the time, a retaining wall must be designed by a geotechnical engineer. An engineer can establish the optimal design for the wall's size and stress and ensure that it has adequate drainage, both of which are essential.
Due to the diversity in size, length, and type of retaining walls, it can be difficult to determine their cost. Frequently, the price is calculated based on square footage or the face's surface area. Minimum material and labor costs per square foot are between $25 and $35, according to a rough estimate. Therefore, a wall that is 4 feet tall and 20 feet long would begin at approximately $2,000.
Obviously, this might quickly increase to $10,000 or more if the project is huge or complex.
If you hire a competent engineer to design the wall (which is normally a good idea), it is realistic to assume that the cost will increase by 10%.
It is difficult to construct a retaining wall, especially on hillside sites. However, you can count on professionals for quality and accurate work. Consult your chosen contractor immediately or schedule an appointment so they can check your property.
