What are common retaining wall failures?
Understanding the common reasons for retaining wall failure, such as poor drainage, inadequate design, construction flaws, and overloading, is essential for preventing such failures and ensuring the longevity of these important structures. Absolutely! Even a 2-foot retaining wall needs an effective drainage system. Without it, water can build up behind the wall, leading to pressure that might cause the wall to lean or even collapse. All walls need systems to manage water effectively, preventing damage over time.Drainage is one of the most important factors in ensuring the longevity and stability of a retaining wall. When water builds up behind a retaining wall with no way to escape, it increases pressure on the structure, leading to bulging, deterioration, and even collapse.Using improper backfill materials like clay or expansive soils leads to poor drainage and increased hydrostatic pressure behind the wall. These soils retain water, swell when wet, and shrink when dry, causing movement and potential failure of the retaining wall.A retaining wall generally benefits one neighbour more than the other and therefore, are not a matter of joint responsibility between neighbours. The responsibility for maintenance of the retaining wall falls with the owner whose land benefits from the retaining wall.
Whose responsibility is it for a retaining wall?
Sometimes a retaining wall is built on the wrong side of the boundary. This can occur by accident – for example, when a developer builds adjoining properties. Regardless of which side of the boundary the wall is, the owner receiving the benefit of the wall is responsible for maintaining it. A failing retaining wall often causes the soil behind the wall to begin moving as the wall moves. Movement of the soil held back by the wall will cause damage to any structure supported by that soil.