When tackling landscape design or addressing soil stability issues, the terms "retaining wall" and "engineered wall" often surface. While both structures serve the fundamental purpose of holding back soil, a crucial distinction lies in their design complexity, the forces they are designed to withstand, and the level of professional expertise required for their construction. Understanding this difference is necessary for homeowners, contractors, and developers alike, ensuring the safety, longevity, and effectiveness of the chosen solution. Simply put, not all walls built to retain soil are created equal.

While a small garden bed might only require a simple retaining structure, a significant slope or load-bearing scenario demands a more robust and meticulously planned engineered wall. Navigating this distinction correctly can save time, money, and, most importantly, prevent potentially hazardous failures.

Retaining Walls Vs Engineered Walls

Here, the team at Rolling Hills Landscapes discusses the main differences between these two types of walls:

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are essential structures, and here are some main points about them:

• Purpose - Hold back soil and loose materials on slopes, creating level areas and preventing erosion.
• Applications - Common in landscaping for terraces, hillside stabilization, and defining planting beds.
• Pressure Handling - Typically designed for straightforward soil pressures and minor surcharge loads.
• Common Materials - Often constructed from timber, pre-cast concrete blocks, natural stone, or brick.
• Design Principles - Rely on gravity and the inherent strength of the chosen materials for stability.
• DIY Potential - Smaller walls can sometimes be a DIY project, especially with modular systems.
• Critical Considerations - Proper drainage and backfill compaction are crucial for preventing failure.
• Foundation Knowledge - Basic understanding of soil mechanics and construction is important for success.

Engineered Walls

These robust retaining structures are designed by qualified engineers to handle complex soil retention challenges involving significant pressures and unstable conditions.

• Professional Design - Always designed by a qualified professional engineer due to complexity.
• Complex Situations - Necessary for significant soil pressures, steep slopes, unstable soil, and substantial surcharge loads (e.g., buildings, roads).
• Sophisticated Design - Incorporate advanced design elements and construction techniques for enhanced stability.
• Thorough Analysis - Design involves detailed site analysis, including soil testing and precise load calculations.
• Geotechnical Principles - Engineers apply geotechnical engineering principles for safe and effective designs.
• Specialized Methods - Employ advanced construction methods like reinforced concrete, SRWs with geogrid, sheet piling, and soldier pile walls.
• Skilled Construction - Requires specialized equipment and experienced contractors for proper execution.
• Strict Adherence - Construction must strictly follow the engineer's plans and specifications.
• Professional Oversight - Often involves inspections by the engineer to ensure structural integrity and safety.

The materials and construction techniques used in engineered ones are often more robust and specialized compared to those used in simpler retaining structures. Therefore, the cost of an engineered wall is typically significantly higher due to the engineering fees, specialized materials, and more complex construction processes.

Seeking Professional Guidance for Wall Solutions

Navigating the decision of whether a basic retaining wall or an engineered wall is necessary for your project can be complex. Consulting with hardscaping professionals early in your project will ensure that you choose a solution that is not only effective in addressing your soil retention needs but also safe, durable, and cost-efficient in the long run. Their guidance will help you make an informed decision and ensure the stability and longevity of your landscape or construction project.

At Rolling Hills Landscapes, we offer clients high-quality retaining walls using the best materials. For more information, you can contact us via this Online Form or call us at 412-885-7049.