Types of retaining walls used in landscape design: construction features, installation nuances of structures. Types and designs of retaining walls Retaining wall in landscape design

A retaining wall in landscape design is an absolutely indispensable element that can not only decorate a site, but also divide it into zones. Therefore, we decided to consider the topic in more detail and tell readers how such a structure can be built with our own hands.

Retaining wall represents a kind of emphasis, an obstacle and at the same time a rather original decoration of the dacha landscape. Especially popular given element the landscape enjoys very much.

Today we will tell you how, without making any special efforts and without spending serious money, to build a wall that will not only form flower beds or a whole plot of various ornamental plantings, but also restrain the soil from landslides and unauthorized geoplastics.

How the design works

The retaining structure is installed in almost any place you need in the country, but it must necessarily consist of certain parts. This is the foundation that holds the entire structure on itself, the body of the wall made of the material you have chosen, as well as a special drainage system that helps protect the main material of production.

What materials are suitable for work

First of all, the material should be determined based on the landscape design and style of the site, connecting imagination and be sure own opinion. The next step is to decide on the budget. Honestly, no matter what material you choose, the cost will not seriously differ, only if it is not the most expensive material and is not ordered by a professional team. Save money and do everything yourself, it will be much cheaper, and more interesting.

Wooden retaining wall

By wood, we mean thick logs that can be planted vertically or horizontally into the ground, thereby forming a wall out of them.

Logs are selected with a diameter of 20-30 cm, installed tightly to each other in order to create a reliable support for the soil behind and an original appearance for the structure itself. For logs, a special trench is dug, with a depth of at least 40-60 cm, depending on the height of the retaining wall. Such an installation depth will give serious strength to the wall, but it is also worth considering the drainage layer and the foundation.

In principle, it is possible to install logs on an ordinary gravel pillow, but it is simply necessary to treat them with special protection against moisture. For this you can take professional tools wood protection, or ordinary used engine oil, roofing felt, and so on.

The installation takes place very tightly, depending on the design decisions, the logs are fastened with reinforcement, clamps, transverse jumpers, and so on. After, they fall asleep for stability, and on the reverse side, a layer of materials is spilled to create a drainage system and already ready ground for a flower bed or forming another area for plants.

stone building

A rather rare option, since the process of arranging such a structure is considered laborious, and not cheap, because it is unlikely that it will be possible to buy a quality stone at a low price.

Work begins with drainage and foundation - the initial layers, which are laid in a specially dug trench along the line of the wall. After pouring the reinforced foundation (it will do for this and construction garbage- reinforcement, wire, bent electrodes, etc.) is laid on top of it a natural stone. Most often, these are quartzite, granite, diabase and other rocks that are most suitable for this process.

You will have to choose the type of masonry, and here you can safely use dry or classic masonry.

Dry laying occurs as a standard, and voids are laid with soil with plant seeds - flowers, herbs, moss. If you decide to lay a stone on a cement mixture, then the voids should be finished with a special grout.

Gabion variant

A popular choice today. IN ready-made gabions are metal meshes of various shapes with stone material inside. If the gabion retaining wall is low, then it can be installed without a foundation, just on a well-cleared and prepared site. If the height is 1 meter or more, it will be necessary to fill the foundation with a gravel-sand cushion.

Containers are installed and tied up with each other. Installation occurs sequentially, waking up with material. If you use ordinary gravel, you can not really puzzle over the production of the wall, but if you want to get a more decorative appearance, on the front side it will be necessary to carefully lay flagstone, granite and other materials, and sprinkle the rest of the container with inexpensive cobblestone, pebbles or the same gravel.

brick construction

Brick walls, like ordinary ones, with the same requirements for the foundation and mortar for fixing the material, but in terms of rigidity and pressure from the inside, they are slightly different. Thus, if the wall is low, in the region of half a meter, laying in half a brick is enough, if from 50 cm to 100 cm - in a brick, if the wall is more than a meter high, it is advisable to make reinforced masonry, one and a half bricks.

The wall foundation requires drainage and ligation, especially for high walls. Behind it will be necessary to lay a high-quality drainage system, since the brick especially does not like moisture.

Concrete building

Pouring concrete walls is quite simple, especially for hereditary builders or regular readers of our site, because we have repeatedly worked with cement and foundations. Enough high-quality dressing, standard for the requirements of the parameters of the construction of the foundation with drainage, formwork and high-quality mortar. It is also worth noting that a solid wall can be heavier than brick or wood, and therefore it is imperative to make the foundation stronger and wider.

Do not forget about the high-quality protection of the finished product from soil moisture, and therefore be sure to install a drainage system to maintain the integrity and rigidity of our structure.

Very often, concrete walls are not the prettiest, and therefore, in order to comply with all the requirements of landscape design, it will be necessary to produce decorative trim. At this point, use your own imagination as an assistant, which will dictate the necessary materials to you.

How to make a drainage

It is not enough to fill the trench for the foundation with sand and gravel, fill in a high-quality foundation and correctly place the design of the landscape decoration and zoning of the site on it. It is very important to protect the wall on the reverse side from moisture, for which we need high-quality drains, a drainage system.

On the this moment, professionals in this field recommend that craftsmen install the following types of drainage systems:

• Underground drainage is a special perforated drainage pipe, which is wrapped in geotextile and installed at the very base of the wall structure. Thanks to the pipe, water does not accumulate, but simply goes through it to any drain point;
• Ground drainage is installed on the back side of the wall from any loose material that does not allow water to reach the surface of the material of the structure, but allows water to go down. It can be gravel or broken brick;
• Drainage with filtration holes in the wall can be made in a stone or concrete structure. To do this, it is necessary to leave only one vertical seam without a fastening material in every second row of masonry. It is through these seams, which should be located every 1.5-2 m, that the water will leave.

Retaining walls require some attention, and therefore choose the material, fulfill all the requirements and do not forget about the most important thing that you want to do on the site - decorate the landscape. It is in this sequence and if everything is done correctly that you can achieve good results.

Reviews and comments

(5 ratings, average: 3,50 out of 5)

Emir 06.01.2014

Everything is correctly stated in the article, for people who live in a relatively flat area, this may not be so relevant, but for people who have a summer house or a house in a mountainous area, like mine in Crimea, this is very important. Although even with flat terrain, a retaining wall can be used as an element of the landscape.

Igor 12/13/2014

The diagram shows very accurately and correctly how best to make a retaining wall. Although it is clear from the photographs that the conditions can be different, and not all of them have a classic retaining wall - in part it is just a wall where the earth is filled up. or the slope is too small and it is just a wall that promotes leveling, that is, its support is relative. I myself have these.

Goshia 24.11.2016

A retaining wall must be arranged if the site is located on a relief. It can be built from red solid brick, 250 mm thick, from rubble stone, approximately the same thickness, or a little more. If it is possible to rent a high-quality panel formwork, then you can make a retaining wall from monolithic reinforced concrete. Its thickness, in this case, should be at least 200 mm, and the concrete class should be taken at least B 7.5. The retaining wall should not be located on the surface of the soil, but go deep into it by 500 - 600 mm.

Victoria 20.01.2017

I'm embarrassed to ask how much to deepen the foundation for a retaining wall 500 mm high?

Elizabeth 06/21/2017

We have stove heating and every winter we burn a large amount of firewood. Since we use only them for heating, then the ash is pure wood. Not all of course, but we collect some of the necessary amount in bags and scatter it in the spring when planting potatoes. This method can be considered environmentally friendly in the fight against beetle and other muck that affects young tubers.

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retaining walls various types are designed to securely fix the soil in places of strong drops. They are designed and built taking into account:

• manuals to SNiP 2.09.03-85 (now replaced by SP 43.13330.2012) "Design of retaining walls and basement walls", is for reference only;
• "Guidelines for the design of retaining walls and basement walls for industrial and civil construction", the current regulatory document.

The standards distinguish two design options:

• massive;
• thin-walled.

Such types are most often used for strengthening or decorative functions. For the manufacture of walls, concrete or rubble stone is used. They can be made using two technologies: prefabricated and monolithic.

The design must resist two types of impact:

• shift;
• overturning due to the horizontal pressure of the soil on side surface.

The massive wall resists these forces only due to its own weight. The disadvantages of retaining structures of this type include:

• high material consumption;
• the complexity of the work;
• high cost of construction;
• the need for special equipment.

All these shortcomings are most pronounced in the construction of fortifications. high altitude. In the manufacture of decorative elements for landscape design, the inconvenience is not so noticeable.

Monolithic construction with buttresses.

In construction, massive retaining walls are often made from foundation concrete blocks. It is important to correctly assess the height and length of the wall. For greater stability of the structure, the following measures are taken:

• The bottom of the wall is made wider than the top. The lower the wall is buried in the ground, the more pressure it experiences. Particularly loaded area is better to make wider. In the upper part, the wall thickness is reduced, since the pressure here is not so great.
• To prevent overturning and destruction of long walls, buttresses are provided. Buttress is vertical design protruding beyond the wall. Most often it is associated with the main retaining element. But there are options for free-standing buttresses. Made from the same material as the wall ( monolithic concrete, concrete blocks, rubble stone). The buttresses take on part of the thrust from the horizontal impact. They can be both straight and with ledges. Buttresses help to strengthen the wall without a strong waste of materials.

There are several types of sections of retaining walls:

• rectangular, suitable only for small height differences (mostly decorative);
• T-shaped with broadening from below;
• trapezoidal, are distinguished by good stability, have one inclined side surface, they are made wider at the base.

Prefabricated elements

They are made of rubble stone or concrete blocks with a width of at least 400 mm. It is not recommended to choose porous materials for construction. The manufacture of brick walls is prohibited; this material cannot be used as a constructive material for the construction of underground structures.

Retaining wall made of concrete blocks.

The prefabricated technology has several advantages:

• increase in the speed of work, there is no need to wait until the concrete hardens and gains strength;
• low costs when using standard elements;
• simplicity of technology.

Most often, large construction companies that do not lack special equipment and labor resources construct structures from FBS foundation blocks. In private construction, such walls show significant disadvantages:

• the need for lifting equipment to install the blocks in the design position;
• the cost of transporting products from the factory;
• the construction of the block structure will require professional workers capable of attaching the products to the hook of the crane, correctly installing them, as well as organizing warehousing and unloading.

Monolithic walls

This type of construction is better suited for private construction. There is no urgent need to reduce the time, as it happens in the mass construction of buildings. To the advantages of the construction method own house or a small object can be attributed to:

• no need to hire a crane;
• You can easily get the job done with more than one person.

For the manufacture of a monolithic structure, a concrete mix and reinforcement will be required. It is important to correctly select the brand of concrete (or class) and the diameter of the reinforcement.

Since the structure simultaneously works in compression and bending, it is recommended to use concrete not lower than class B25 or grade M350. You cannot use the same concrete as, for example, for a strip foundation, which only works in compression. If the recommendations are not followed, cracks or destruction of the retaining wall under the pressure of the soil may occur.

Working fittings are located in two directions: vertical and horizontal. The exact diameter depends on the load, but 12-14 mm can be taken as an average. Clamps are used to tie individual rods into frames. The minimum diameter of such rods is 8 mm.

Such elements are a product in the form of a corner. They are made from concrete. The principle of operation consists in the presence of a very wide sole, which includes the entire soil located near the wall in the work against overturning. This is the main difference from a massive structure, where the wall resists external influences only due to its own weight.

The advantages of thin-walled structures include:

• low material consumption;
• reducing the cost of transporting products;
• reducing the need for labor resources;
• reduction of financial investments.

Such options are the best solution. According to regulatory documents expensive massive structures can only be used if there is a justification. But often builders find themselves in such a situation that it is impossible to buy a corner retaining wall at the nearest factory. It is almost impossible to pour such a structure directly on the site due to complex shape. It is precisely because of the greater availability that massive types have gained more popularity than thin-walled ones.

There are three types of corner walls for soil support:

• corner console;
• corner anchor;
• buttress.

Types of thin-walled retaining walls.

The most important place of the corner-type retaining wall is the area where the sole and the vertical part meet. It is here that in the vast majority of cases problems arise during operation. It is important that the reinforcement of this part of the structure is done correctly.

In the absence of the opportunity to buy a solid thin-walled element, prefabricated or prefabricated-monolithic technology is used. The prefabricated version involves the use of front (PL marking) and foundation (PF) slabs produced according to the 3.002.1-1 series. They are prefabricated items. The PF plate has a special broadened shape, due to which it can effectively include the adjacent soil in the work against overturning.

Precast-monolithic technology is as follows:

• horizontal part ( foundation slab) is poured from a monolith;
• the vertical part (front plate) is constructed from prefabricated materials.

When using prefabricated or precast-monolithic technology, it is especially important to remember the vulnerability of the junction of the sole and the vertical part. It is required to ensure reliable fastening of the elements to each other.

Probable destruction of the retaining wall made of PF and PL slabs.

gabions

Gabion structures can be called a kind of massive prefabricated walls. They are collected from stones, which are held by a metal mesh. The mesh can be made of wire or rods. Several types of filler are used to fill the frame:

• basalt;
• granite;
• limestone;
• sandstone;

Depending on the design features There are three types of gabions:

• box-shaped for landscaping and strengthening;
• cylindrical (shaped like a sausage or candy in a wrapper) to strengthen the banks of reservoirs, the construction of dams;
• flat (low in height) for cladding or foundations.

Calculation of retaining walls of different types and designs

Calculations are performed on the basis of the manual to SNiP 2.09.03-85. The calculation is carried out for two groups of limit states and includes checks for:

• shear stability of the wall;
• foundation soil strength;
• strength of retaining wall elements and joints;
• allowable deformations;
• allowable crack opening sizes.

It is quite difficult to do this work professional builder. It is necessary to operate with a large number of formulas and take into account several factors at once that affect the design. If you need to build a structure with a high degree of responsibility, it is recommended to seek help from experienced professionals. Decorative walls can be built without calculations, based on the minimum requirements (for massive walls, it is indicated earlier).

If the type of retaining wall and its design are chosen correctly, and the technology was not violated during construction, such a protective element will ensure safety both with a strong and with a small difference in elevation on the site.

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In suburban and urban areas, where a complex terrain with hilly or ravine places creates a lot of problems regarding breaking up a garden and planning a beautiful yard, I want to put things in order. Usually, in this case, it is convenient to divide the territory of the site into terraces, which are located at different levels. The retaining wall plays a key role in such cases.

Terracing a site is the process of artificially forming a fortified horizontal plane - a terrace or ledge.

The retaining wall is built on the boundaries between such planes, which helps prevent the occurrence of collapses and landslides, as well as washing out fertile layers earth.

Unfortunately, it is true that not all owners land plot they can say that they have an even relief. So the conclusion suggests itself that the retaining wall is an indispensable part of the site. It will not only decorate your garden, but this structure will also divide it into special zones.

Making a retaining wall yourself is not at all difficult. During the process itself, a wide variety of plans related to landscape design are implemented. Next, we will consider the main features of the construction of retaining walls with our own hands.

Retaining wall: device and functions

There are different designs of retaining walls. It all depends on the function that this building should perform. The retaining wall can be both decorative and fortifying. For each of the two types, there must be a certain degree of impact. But the "backbone" always consists of the following main components:

Retaining walls have the following features:

What affects the stability of retaining walls

Maximum stability, resistance to high pressure are very important qualities that a well-made retaining wall should have. Otherwise, the structure can easily collapse, and the soil can slide. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account every factor on which the strength of retaining walls depends.

So, we need to figure out what still acts on retaining walls? The influence of the own weight of the building, the forces of adhesion and friction with the ground, the pressure of the soil, the additional weight of the components that may be on it - all this is of tremendous importance.

What can affect the design of the building:

• soil swelling in winter;
• wind strength (if the retaining wall is higher than 2 m);
• vibration level (for example, if there is a railway nearby);
• any seismic event (each region has its own characteristics);
• washing with rainwater.

An additional factor affecting the level of stability of the building is the thickness of the wall. It is determined by the type of soil and the height of the structure itself. If the ground is soft and the support is high, then it is natural that the width of the protective “shield” should be greater. This is logical.

How to set up a retaining wall. Basic moments

The retaining wall is a rather complex engineering structure, therefore, before constructing it, it is necessary to take into account certain factors that affect the level of strength, reliability and service life of the wall. Of course, when real specialists are involved in this business, everything is done strictly according to the rules. And this is very good. But having certain specific skills and taking into account the circumstances under which you can build a support, you can build such a structure yourself without any problems.

How to make an underground part. Which foundation to choose

Retaining walls with a height of more than 30 cm must necessarily be with a reliable foundation. The main principle that should not be forgotten when laying the foundation is that if the soil is soft and unstable, then the depth of the foundation should be increased.

If you want to level your site and you will learn how to do it.

The depth of the foundation and the height of the support, taking into account the friability of the soil

• If the soil is quite dense, then the depth of the foundation and the height of the upper part of the support (above the ground) should be related as 1:4.
• In the presence of soil with medium friability, the depth of the foundation should be 1/3 of the height of the support.
• If the soil is loose, soft, the depth of the foundation should be 1/2 of its height.
• Concrete, crushed stone, gravel, compacted with heavy clay or cement, should form the foundation.

Use of drainage, drainage and waterproofing for the construction of retaining walls

For the equipment of the support, it is necessary not only to lay a high-quality foundation and build a supporting wall on it. The design needs to be protected on the other hand from moisture, which adversely affects it.

Organization of drainage, drainage and, if necessary, waterproofing inside walls - all these are necessary measures, regardless of what material is used, and what size and shape the retaining wall has. The most important thing is that this prevents the accumulation of moisture and water, which, for obvious reasons, act destructively on the structure.

The drainage of retaining walls can be transverse, longitudinal, and also combined.

With a transverse organization of drainage, special holes are installed in every second or third rows of masonry (their diameter should not exceed 10 cm) or tubes at an angle. Then the water will immediately leave the territory of the site, which is what we wanted.

For longitudinal (underground) drainage along the retaining walls (underground at the level of the foundation), corrugated, ceramic or asbestos-cement pipes (their diameter is about 10-15 cm) are laid, wrapped in geotextile materials that absorb water, since it enters the pipe through small holes and assigned to the site.

Also, special visors or cornice blocks with a slope are made so that atmospheric water does not enter the masonry, because at low temperatures this will lead to the destruction of the retaining walls. And this cannot be allowed.

Drainage layers between wall and ground

When the wall is assembled and has stood for a couple of days, the space between it and the slope must be filled. Coarse-grained soil (for example, with gravel, coarse sand and pebbles) is suitable for this task. We'll have to stock up on small pieces of brick and other waste material. Regardless of the fact that the gravel presses on the support, this is an additional drainage layer.

Each layer of drainage mixtures and soil is poured separately in order to compact these layers. Here it is preferable to deal with coarse soil and sandy loamy sands.

The use of vegetable soil is necessary for the upper ball of laying materials. When the tamping of the last layer of the retaining wall is finished, the wall is left in this state for a couple of weeks without additional load. Such a measure will lead to the fact that reinforcing materials will acquire all the necessary properties. It is also necessary to remove a layer of soil in advance with a sufficient amount of humus and put it on top. Having done all these manipulations, you can move on to the equipment of the site with peace of mind.

Use of waterproofing

To increase the service life of a retaining brick, wooden, metal or concrete wall, it is necessary to waterproof it from the ground. For this important event use roofing material or roofing felt applied in two layers. If the soil is dry, you can use bitumen or mastic to apply to the inner surface.

What material are retaining walls made of?

First you need to decide on the purpose of the retaining wall, and then select the material for it. It has already been said before that retaining walls can be reinforcing and decorative.

To build a reinforcing element of steep slopes, natural stone or concrete should be used. There are areas near railway which are regularly subjected to ground vibration. And because of such a constant powerful pressure, a more fragile material will soon lose its properties, which will negatively affect the level of reliability of the wall.

If you are planning to build a retaining wall decorative element, then the use of wood, brick or gabion is already acceptable here.

Retaining wall made of wood

The installation of this type of retaining wall is considered cheap, but the construction process itself will not be as easy and fast as it might seem at first. Creating and installing a wall will immediately require smooth, high-quality wood. A more simplified construction method is to place the logs vertically, fitting them tightly together. Logs with a diameter of 12-18 cm are considered the most suitable for building a retaining wall. The height of the logs must be calculated depending on what height of the supporting wall we are planning. Calculating each step in advance, do not forget that when installing the wall, somewhere around 50-60 cm of the structure will be buried in the ground. And this is at least.

Each log is placed vertically and close to other logs. At the top, they are tightly wrapped with wire. And to prevent displacement, the logs are connected with nails. For maximum stability, after the logs have been fixed, the trench must be completely filled with concrete.

To avoid rotting wood, which is partially underground, it is lubricated with engine oil. This is very effective remedy for this situation.

Would you like to use the next method called "fence"? This will be more difficult when building, since here each vertical log must be established at a certain interval. It is necessary to make a special hole in which a log of a smaller diameter will be installed quite tightly.

Here you can’t do without high-quality and even logs, because because of rotten wood, everything can completely deteriorate. And we certainly don’t need this, otherwise it will turn out that all efforts and labors will go down the drain. This method is often used: logs are taken, arranged strictly vertically, tightly docking with each other. The diameter is taken here, as in the previous method. But the parts that remain underground are about 40-50 cm. This length will be quite sufficient for the structure to stand straight in the spring and not move when the soil begins to absorb moisture many times more. The reliability of the design must be ensured in the first place.

Retaining wall made of concrete

This is the most durable and solid construction. Its construction begins like this: a trench breaks out, which will have exactly the same perimeter as the wall itself. It is worth considering the fact that the height of the wall affects the depth of the trench.

At the bottom of the trench, a mixture with gravel and crushed stone is laid, after which reinforcement is laid, which is fixed with a bonded wire. Only after that the formwork is removed. The formwork is made of boards with a thickness of at least 25 mm and not more than 45 mm. Nails or ties give the structure a fortress. In the future, it will not crumble, deform concrete. Due to the pressure of the mixture, the side walls of the formwork may begin to buckle. To prevent possible further destruction, it is necessary to score metal rods at intervals of 1.5 meters.

At the end preparatory work to strengthen the retaining wall, concrete is evenly poured. You have to wait a couple of days for the wall to form. Then the formwork is removed. And if there are any irregularities, they are leveled with plaster.

Then you can proceed to facing work, in the implementation of which each owner can choose the necessary materials at his own discretion. Here you can already give preference to whatever your heart desires.

Construction of a brick pillar

The brick wall is laid in exactly the same way as during conventional construction. The only thing that needs to be emphasized is that here the thickness should be made smaller. If the wall less than a meter in height, it must be laid out with a half brick. If the wall is higher, then a whole brick is used. Facing materials for a brick structure, the same ones are used as for a concrete one.

For this structure, a foundation of that depth is needed, which will be affected by the final height of the wall, the composition of the soil and the degree of its freezing. If we talk about the width, then it is often 20-30 cm larger than the retaining wall itself.
During the construction of the wall, the main thing is not to forget to follow the ratio of length and thickness of 1: 3. The special design of the retaining brick wall has always distinguished it from similar structures made of other materials. The installation of such a wall is not considered too simple, but at the same time it is not very difficult. The main thing is to carefully follow each paragraph of the instructions.

Retaining walls made of natural stone

The construction of stone walls is more significant material and physical costs. But the game is worth the candle, because the beauty and aesthetics of such a support cannot be compared with anything. Indeed, if you look closely at such a structure, you cannot fail to note this special style and appearance that natural stone gives to the entire building.

A stone retaining wall has a considerable advantage: plants are planted in pre-formed earthen pockets. Natural stone is the most attractive material from which a retaining wall is manually created. Often, granite, basalt and syenite are used in construction. These are the most common natural stones. Sandstone or lime will help give the retaining wall an antique look. They can quickly absorb moisture, moss appears on the treated areas. Because of this, the design has a touch of an old building. And this decision looks very romantic. The foundation is laid in such a way that its width is more than 30 cm. Without following these rules, you can end up with an unstable wall, which may soon collapse.

Retaining stone wall, the height of which is 1 meter, with a longitudinal drainage system.

1) You need to mark the site.

pre-selected appropriate place for support (with a slope at the terrace, which is located higher than ground level). Stakes are driven in along the edges of the selected area and a cord is pulled.

2) Prepare the trench.

With the help of a garden knife, the soil is cut along the markings. And with the help of a shovel it is removed thin layer earth. This will be followed by digging the trench itself, the depth of which will be 40 cm.

3) Laying the foundation.

The bottom of the trench is well leveled and compacted. Then a layer of concrete is poured with a depth of at least 30 cm. The concrete mixture for the foundation consists of one part of concrete, 6 parts of sand and gravel. That should be the proportion.

If the soil is loose, then before pouring the concrete mixture, a wooden fence should be made. Let the concrete pad dry completely, which will take about three days.

4) Creation of a lime layer.

When the foundation is completely dry, before laying the stone, it is necessary to smear it with a lime mixture in layers of 2-3 cm. The composition of the mixture includes sand, water, cement and lime. For one part of quicklime, 3-4 parts of sand are needed. For each kilogram of such a mixture, 300 ml of water is required. To avoid lumps, water is added gradually. Then you can add cement. We get the ratio: 1 part of cement to 7 parts of the mixture.

5) We lay the stone.

The stones are carefully cleaned of dirt and wetted with water. You can not put a stone one on top of the other. Otherwise, the building will fall apart due to the slightest external influence. The junction of two stones is located in the center of the stone located in the previous row. A larger stone with regular shapes is always placed along the edge. For the middle, a smaller stone is suitable. We must try to find stable positions for all stones.

For the next row of the wall, the same principle is used, applying lime mortar. The mixture should be with a minimum thickness of 1-1.5 cm, otherwise too large seams will be quickly destroyed. For the stability and strength of the structure, the side that is behind is made with a certain slope towards the retained soil (approximately 5-10 degrees).

A broken curvilinear retaining wall configuration is stronger and more reliable, since such wall lines are characterized by a reduced span length. There is no huge load on them, and thanks to the rough surface of the back wall, there is a closer contact with the soil.

6) Use of drainage and drainage.

Every set row the support between the soil and the wall requires falling asleep a layer of crushed stone with gravel or small pebbles with gravel. After that, everything is neatly rammed. When laying the second row of support, you will need a drainage pipe.

When the retaining wall is in place, traces of lime mortar are removed with water, a sponge and a brush.

Retaining wall in landscape design

Immediately it should be said that each site has its own individual shape, size, relief features. Therefore, in the process of building retaining walls, their own special approaches are used, taking into account the personal preferences of the owner, his tastes, the style of the house itself, the garden area and everything that relates to it. For example, if this landscape has a pronounced relief, then it is worth using a vertical layout. This move would be really appropriate. To do this, the site is divided into horizontal levels, which are fixed with supports.

For a small land area, the height of the wall being erected reaches 60 cm. Bushes grow well along such structures. While too high a wall creates an unpleasant impression of heaviness. If, however, such buildings are planned in advance on the site, then they are “diluted” with the help of various interesting architectural elements (for example, a bench, niches, steps, and the like).

The selected material for the construction of retaining walls should be explained by specific design solutions. It would be logical. After all, relief, textured material is used to “elevate” the monumentality of the support. Also in this case, the installation of large granite stones, laid with a large seam, is welcome. And here it is appropriate to use a powerful log. To create a more refined, somewhat inconspicuous, but on the other hand elegant relief, wall cladding is done using small stones and plasters.

Today, any project can be realized. It is important not to violate the construction technology.

Video How to make a retaining wall

The plot allotted for the garden does not always have a flat relief. Very often there are areas with hills. Many people think that they need to be aligned as much as possible, but in fact, this is a great option for introducing various landscapes into landscape design. original ideas. One of these is a do-it-yourself retaining wall. You can make it from the most different materials any design. This article will provide general recommendations and advice from experts on arranging a quality wall in the garden.

Getting to know the design

Before you start building, you should carefully study the design. This will allow you to properly plan all the work and get a good result. So, any retaining wall consists of three main parts:

1. Foundation. As in the construction of a house, this part is almost entirely underground, which allows it to take the entire load of the building.
2. Body. The main part is a vertical wall.
3. Drainage. Artificial drainage reduces the likelihood of damage from moisture.

The next step will be the calculation of the retaining wall, since soil pressure will act on it from the opposite side. Because of this, careful thought must be given to its design so that barriers to pressure resistance are created. Based on the average data, in the country most often erect walls from 30 cm to 1.5 m high. They are small, so you can easily perform all the calculations yourself, without involving specialists.

The best way to cope with the task is a special computer program for landscape design. If the difference is more than 1.5 m, professional advice will be required, as well as engineering and geological surveys.

Note! If you make the wrong calculations, then next spring, it is likely that the soil along with the wall will collapse and you will have to do everything from the very beginning.

It is necessary to choose the material not at random, but planned. The choice will be influenced not only by the size of the planned budget, but also by the existing style of the site, landscape design. By connecting fantasy, you can quickly think of everything and be sure to sketch it in order to then calculate required amount material. Consider the most common options.

Wood

In this case, not any lumber is suitable, since we are talking about thick and durable logs. They are installed both vertically and horizontally, depending on the project. When creating a retaining wall of logs, there are a few key points to consider:

• the diameter of the logs should be at least 25–30 cm;
• each must be dug into the ground to a depth of at least 40 cm (the parameter is determined depending on the height of the structure);
• set as close as possible to each other to obtain a reliable support;
• Reinforcement or clamps, which carry out fastening, will also give reliability.

First comes the foundation, and then the drainage layer. It is also acceptable to create a simple cushion of gravel, but the wood should be processed protective equipment from insects and moisture. These include:

• professional (can be purchased at the store);
• machine oil;
• ruberoid.

On the reverse side, a layer of any material is poured to form a drainage system.

Note! For the convenience of fixing logs in the ground, a trench is dug.

Stone

Due to the high labor intensity and costs, many refuse to create stone retaining walls. Nevertheless, if you decide on this complex process, then you should proceed to the formation of drainage and foundation. These layers must be laid in a pre-dug trench. The foundation needs to be strengthened. Suitable for these purposes:

• wire;
• fittings;
• bent electrodes, etc.

After the foundation has completely hardened, you can proceed to laying natural stone:

• granite;
• diabase;
• quartzite and other rocks.

The type of masonry is chosen absolutely on an individual basis: dry or classic masonry. Many prefer the first option, since in this case the voids can be filled with soil mixed with seeds of flowers, grasses and even moss.

Note! Avoid cruciform joints when laying stone, as they will affect the strength of the entire retaining wall. It is best to use a chess scheme.

gabions

This innovative solution appeared not so long ago. Modern designers quickly found use for gabions not only in the construction of fences and fences, but also in the creation of retaining walls. The structure is a metal mesh various forms that are filled with stones.

Prepared containers are put in a row and tied together with wire. All elements are placed in series and covered with material. When using simple gravel, you can not bother, but with decorative stone you have to do everything carefully and carefully. The result is an original design.

Note! If the planned wall is of a small height, then you can do without a foundation, but with a height of 1 m or more, a preliminary filling with a gravel-sand cushion will be required.

Brick

It will not be difficult to make a retaining wall of brick, since the scheme and technology are identical to building a house. The requirements are practically the same, the only nuances are stiffness and pressure from the inside:

• for a low wall with a height of 50 cm, a half-brick wall will suffice;
• a wall up to 1 m high requires a width of one brick;
• if the structure is more than 1 m, reinforced masonry of one and a half bricks will be required.

A drainage system must be laid between the wall and the foundation to protect the material.

Note! The foundation of the wall implies the presence of ligation and drainage, especially for tall structures.

Concrete

Also simple and affordable way create a strong and reliable wall. Especially the process will not cause difficulties for men who have ever encountered this building material. So, in order to create a solid retaining wall of concrete, it will be enough:

• perform high-quality dressing;
• lay drainage;
• create formwork;
• provide waterproofing and drainage system;
• mix the solution in the correct proportion.

To make the gray wall attractive, you should carry out a decorative finish at your discretion.

Note! It should be noted that the wall will be several times heavier than brick or stone.

Step-by-step instruction

Now let's look at detailed example how to make a retaining wall in the garden with your own hands. Let's dwell on brick, since this material is quite common and during the arrangement it will not require many power and time costs. It will act as a separator and separate one zone from another.

The preparatory work is quite simple:

• pick up the remains of bricks after construction in the amount of 120 pieces;
• set dimensions: length - 150 cm, width - 50 cm and height 50 cm;
• drawing markings on the selected area;
• preparation of tools: trowel, hammer, jointing, cord and plumb line.

1. We dig a pit for drainage along the outlined perimeter with a depth of no more than 20 cm. We form a sand cushion, compact it well and pour it with water for maximum shrinkage.
2. In the role of a waterproofer, a sheet of roofing material will be enough, which should correspond to the size of the retaining wall.
3. We prepare the mortar: the proportion of cement to sand is 1:3. Add water until the desired consistency is obtained.
4. We put the first row directly on the roofing material. First, to make everything even, set the extreme bricks and pull the thread between them. The entire bottom row should consist of 24 bricks: 6 pieces in length and 4 in width. If there are chipped bricks, then it is best to lay them with the damaged part in the middle.
5. The second row also begins to be built from the corners according to the technology of the first, but the masonry seams should not match. Be guided by "chess" technology. For convenience, whole bricks with a hammer, which has a narrowed end, are split into even 2 halves. Evenness should be leveled with a plumb line.
6. We repeat the subsequent rows in the same way as the technology described above. The remnants of the protruding solution are immediately removed from the wall with a trowel.

A small retaining wall can serve not only as a stand for flowers, but also act as a bench.

Note! Choosing to build old brick, you can give it the effect of antiquity, which is very popular in modern design.

When planning to build a retaining wall in a garden plot, it should be noted that it will perform not only a practical, but also a decorative function. With careful planning and careful construction, the design will become a real highlight of the entire landscape design. There are a huge number of materials and technologies for decorating and decorating the wall, so everyone can choose the best and most suitable option for themselves.

Front garden with retaining walls

Often, steps or so-called artificial terraces have to be created on uneven sections of the garden. Hilly areas need to strengthen the slopes, and such steps serve as a beautiful decor. Often, even on flat country plots, the owners prefer to create decorative retaining walls.

Retaining walls can be not only practical, but also a picturesque interior detail.

With a small slope (up to 8%), it is possible to fix the slope with plants whose roots hold the soil well. High level slope (8-15%) involves terracing the slope. It implies the creation of horizontal steps, which are separated by retaining walls. Today we will dwell in detail on the technique of manufacturing such structures.

The main groups of retaining walls

The site will not be landscaped and comfortable if you do not strengthen its slopes from the slipping of the soil. Problems can arise both at the top of the slope and at the bottom. Thus, the arrangement of walls and fences is a matter that requires maximum responsibility.

On a plot with a slope, it is possible to create the most terraces with your own hands. different types and designs. For convenience, we have divided the options for arranging a retaining wall into three conditional groups:

1. Rigid walls built using concrete, brick, various kinds natural and artificial stone. Such structures do not change their dimensions under the influence of soil loads. They are characterized by reliability and durability, can have the best appearance quite expensive and labor intensive. This group deserves separate consideration and is described by us in a special article.
2. Flexible walls made of wooden or gabion elements from old car tires, according to the technology of soil reinforcement. Such structures can change their dimensions under the influence of soil pressure. These technologies quite reliably fulfill their purpose. They are characterized by moderate cost and labor intensity, they can look quite decent. These options are the subject of this article.
3. High-tech structures using screw piles, bored piles and sheet piling. The use of these technologies requires the use of special equipment, technology and knowledge. This is clearly not for those who are used to solving problems with their own hands. However, if funds are available, slopes of any complexity can be arranged.

The simplest retaining wall made of logs

Wooden retaining walls

What can artificial steps be made of? The material for the retaining wall is the main and decisive moment in the construction. The most popular because of its availability is wood. It is possible to use both logs and timber to support steps. The size will depend on the height of the fence defined for the retaining walls. An excellent alternative for the device steps - railway sleepers.

Steps that rise above the ground to a height of no more than a meter require logs with a diameter of at least 15 cm. The length of the logs varies from 1.5 meters (half a meter of which go to the underground part).

So that the wood does not collapse under the influence of the environment and pests, it should be treated with special antiseptic agents. The part that will be dug into the ground should be treated with hot bitumen or fired.

The next step is to dig a trench. In depth, it should exceed the size of the buried part of the logs by about 15 cm, and the width of the trench should be 20 cm larger than the diameter of the log. The walls and bottom of the trench are carefully rammed; Having done this stage, you should pour 10-15 cm of gravel on top, then tamping is repeated.

Logs should be placed on compacted gravel in a strictly vertical position. You can fix the logs with nails and wire. This fix is ​​temporary. The inner part of the walls is lined with roofing material or roofing felt. This is necessary to prevent rotting of the tree, which is possible as a result of exposure to soil moisture.

The retaining wall of vertical logs is in harmony with the finishing of buildings

The trench should be filled with concrete. When creating a low retaining wall of the terrace (up to 40 cm), the use of concrete is optional. In this case, you can fill the logs with gravel and compact well. The remaining free space between the wall and the embankment is filled with gravel. Sleep on top fertile soil and planting plants.

The given construction technology is subject to change. Logs can also be placed horizontally. This arrangement implies the installation of wooden supports in pairs along the future retaining wall of the terrace. The step between the supports will be equal to 1.5-3 meters. The gap between the paired supports is slightly larger than the diameter of the log. Logs are placed in the grooves between the supports. Thus, something like a fence will turn out.

At horizontal arrangement logs can be dispensed with without gravel and concrete, which means that such an installation will be cheaper. It should be taken into account that the bearing capacity of this second option will be lower in comparison with the first one. Obviously, when laying wood horizontally, the retaining wall should not be high.

Making a gabion retaining wall

Let us analyze in detail the device of the retaining wall from the gabion. Gabion is a three-dimensional product made of a strong twisted wire mesh filled with stone. Gabion structures can be of various forms. In the manufacture, a mesh of double twisted wire with a diameter of up to 3 mm is used. The grid is covered with zinc or an alloy of zinc and aluminum. Gabion building material is formed by hexagonal cells of different sizes. Sometimes an additional polymer coating is used to coat the wire. The gabion retaining wall is common in landscaping because of its durability.

Gabions industrial and handmade

Gabion structures are of the following varieties:

1. Box-shaped, which are a rectangular structure similar to a box.
2. Mattress - such structures have a large base and a height of up to 50 cm. Diaphragms placed transversely help to increase the strength of such structures.
3. Cylindrical gabions. This type of gabion is invaluable in the construction of retaining walls near water bodies, acting as foundations under water.

We offer to build gabions from welded galvanized mesh, and preferably with PVC coating. The welded structure is inferior in strength to gabion variants made of twisted wire, but with a sufficient wire diameter and small sizes you can make reliable gabions with your own hands. So, with an initial height of a mesh roll of 2 m, a box with a size of 100 * 50 * 50 cm can be made.

The mesh is well cut with scissors for metal or a grinder. To obtain even bending angles, it is convenient to use wooden beam as a tool. You can correct the corners with a wooden or rubber mallet. Bends are best done away from the welds. For knitting a structure, it is convenient to use mesh trimmings. The work is done with pliers.

Gabions stacked on top of each other

Features of stone retaining walls in a grid

1. there is no need to build an additional foundation or foundation;
2. fast construction speed, the possibility of installation regardless of the season;
3. the blocks are porous, which means they take on the drainage function, easily passing water through the structure;
4. structures based on gabions are durable and resistant to significant shrinkage or soil subsidence; the flexibility of the gabion helps prevent destruction;
5. voids in the gabion retaining wall are filled over time with soil in which plants begin to appear; plant roots are an additional fastening component, which makes gabions even stronger.

Step by step installation

1. installation of retaining wall elements is carried out on a prepared horizontal surface;
2. gabions are interconnected with galvanized wire;
3. the visible side is laid with flagstone or even stones; the rest is covered with pebbles, rubble, etc. (up to 90% of the container volume);
4. containers are arranged in a sequence similar to building a tower of cubes; the wall rises to the required level;
5. final binding of all elements with wire;
6. the inner wall of the structure can be covered with a geotextile filter.

Galvanized mesh suitable for gabions

Tire retaining walls

Using tires as the basis for the design, you can get fairly reliable walls. They are able to hold significant volumes of soil and prevent it from sliding down. This method of fixing the slope is quite inexpensive in terms of cost and requires little time.

Below are two options for creating a retaining wall from tires:

1. Tires are mounted on piles driven vertically into the ground. On the slope, the tires are placed in a ledge. The lowest tire rests with its inner edge against the pile (the edge that is closer to the top of the slope), and the uppermost is fixed to the support with clamps by the opposite edge of the inner hole of the tire. Tires located between the upper and lower layers of tires do not touch the pile and are fixed between each other. The layers of tires are fixed to each other with cobblestones that fall inside the holes. Clamps can be cut from a conveyor belt fastened with screws. You can also fasten adjacent tires with plastic wire, as well as propylene cords.
2. Tires can be arranged in several rows. They all form columns. To make such columns more stable, support piles are driven into their center. Tires should be filled with soil and compacted. Tires adjacent in rows are attached to each other with clamps.

Tire retaining wall can be cute

Reinforced soil retaining walls with geotextiles

It is possible to perform the external design of the slope and strengthen the structure of the retaining wall using geotextiles. For the construction of reinforced soil walls, it is necessary to make a special formwork. Such formwork allows you to compact the soil in layers, strengthening it with geotextiles. Similar reinforced soil retaining walls are equipped with a slight slope. The soil placed on top can protect the outer layer of geotextile. The soil can be replaced with bitumen or decorative cladding such as metal or wood. step by step technology constructions of reinforced soil retaining wall:

1. First, formwork is installed from boards fixed with pegs. The height of the formwork must be higher than the future soil layer. The formwork is mounted in increments of 1.5 meters.
2. Having installed the formwork, you can lay a sheet of geotextile on top of the already compacted soil. The length of the canvas should exceed the length of the formwork step by 3 times.
3. The free outer edge of the geotextile fabric is placed on top of the formwork: from the top of the slope for 1/6 of the length, and from the bottom - for ½ of the length. The soil is laid on top and well compacted.
4. The free lower edge of the canvas should be unscrewed and placed on top of the compacted soil. We received a package wrapped in earth geotextile. On top of the package, a double layer of geotextile was obtained, on which the next package will be laid with the help of formwork. The formwork is needed so that the soil tightly fills the corners when tamping.

The strength of such reinforced soil walls is very high. In addition, such a building will be very inexpensive and durable.

Reinforced soil retaining walls with geogrid

Retaining walls made of soil reinforced with geogrids, with the use of geotextiles, have proven themselves positively in all respects. The walls perfectly withstand uneven draft, and also cope with temperature movement.

The geogrid is a reinforcing material in the form of sheet strips fastened together. The height of the strip varies between 50-200 mm. The fastened strips form cells of the lattice web, on the basis of which it is possible to create retaining walls of almost any type and configuration at the summer cottage. The slope can be very steep, up to vertical.

Geogrids are superimposed one on another, thus forming a multilayer structure. Geogrids can be laid with or without offset. The cells of the geogrid are filled with sandy loam with the addition of stone components. A sheet of geotextile is placed on top of each layer. Stones in the filler are needed to obtain a drainage effect.

Free end cells should be filled plant soil, into which grass is then sown. Growing, the vegetation strengthens the wall and serves as a decoration.

This type of retaining walls made of geogrid-reinforced soil has a number of advantages:

• durability;
• the minimum amount of materials used;
• low total construction cost.

Geogrid allows you to create inexpensive and reliable retaining walls

The geogrid is installed according to the following scheme:

1. the slope surface is leveled and compacted;
2. geotextile is laid;
3. sections of the geogrid are laid out and joined with a stapler;
4. the geogrid is attached to the ground using plastic or metal brackets, which guarantees stability against displacement;
5. filler is poured into the cells;
6. grass is planted in the soil.

Strengthening the ditch at their summer cottage

Often in the country there is a need to strengthen the ditch, which can be compared with two small slopes and apply all the above technologies to create an artificial terrace. The sides of the ditch can have a different slope, which means they can be reinforced in a different way, or the slightly sloping side may be left unreinforced. In most cases, when the ditch is shallow, the techniques will be somewhat different.

The most reliable and durable way is to cast a concrete ditch tray using the following technology:

1. A pillow of sand and gravel (10 cm each) is pre-prepared. The base for the tray is rammed.
2. Next, formwork is installed from boards, which are attached to pegs hammered into the ground. The inner part of the formwork is fastened from boards in the form of a tray and installed on supports (brick, stone, etc.) 10 cm above the outer walls.
3. Concrete is being poured. At the same time, every 2 m, it is necessary to lay wood pads treated with an antiseptic into the concrete to prevent destruction during freezing and thawing of the soil. Separation pads can also be made from several layers of rolled waterproofing.

The walls of the ditch are cast from concrete

It will turn out a little faster and more beautiful if only the bottom of the ditch is cast from concrete, and the sidewalls are laid out with a ready-made concrete border. An easier way is to use sheet material to strengthen the slopes of the ditch: slate, metal siding, plastic panels, ready-made plastic garden borders or a concrete border. The material is cut into plates of the same size and buried or driven into the ground to a depth that provides sufficient support for the bottom of the workpiece.

Further, the plane of the wall is reinforced with supports hammered into the ground. Galvanized pipe, tarred timber and even plastic can act as supports. sewage pipe(orange, for external use). The distance between the supports is chosen so that the sidewall sheet does not bend under the influence of the soil.

The more reliable the material, the longer the ditch will last. A great solution is to install spacers between the walls of the ditch. They can be made from wood. In any case, they will last longer than stakes driven into the ground. The spacers should be fixed 1/3 of the height from the top edge of the wall.

How to care for retaining walls?

Obviously, any design eventually becomes unusable. Nothing can be done - you have to do the repair of the artificial terrace. Everything is very simple: you just need to replace the failed elements. In this case, it is necessary to take into account an important circumstance - the reinforced soil can collapse. So general rule during repair: before dismantling the failed structures, it is necessary to ensure temporary retention of the soil from displacement.

Retaining wall and flowers successfully complement each other

Choosing Plants for a Retaining Wall

What flowers and plants can decorate a do-it-yourself retaining wall? Properly selected colors will create a finished and attractive look to the wall. White and pale pink shades of flowers look especially good, they can be “diluted” with lilac or blue tint. Silver wormwood will give a pleasant tenderness to the design idea.