RETAINING WALLS GOLD COAST

What are the correct steps to build a retaining wall?

(Source: Gold Coast City Council, at

http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?PID=3654)

You should take the following steps prior to building a retaining wall to avoid future problems:

1. consult with an engineer, an architect, or a building designer to prepare a plan showing the location of the retaining wall on your property
2. consider at least 600 millimetre clearance between the property boundary line and the closest part of the retaining wall
3. ensure that the wall is not within 2 metres of Council underground services (sewer main, stormwater pipe or water supply main pipe)
4. engage a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) to select, design and certify the most suitable type of retaining wall for the site
5. advise the RPEQ if you are planning a another structure that may impose a surcharge loading on the wall (For example: driveway or building loads adjacent to wall)
6. obtain a copy of the engineer-designed section for the wall signed and certified by the RPEQ
7. obtain a building approval if a surcharge loading is imposed on the wall or the height of the wall is 1 metre or greater, or the wall is located within 1.5 metres of a building or another retaining wall
8. a building approval can be obtained from Council or from a suitably qualified private certifier prior to construction of the wall
9. engage a Registered Builder to build the wall under the supervision of the RPEQ
10. obtain inspection certificates from the RPEQ for the construction of the wall at different stages (excavation, reinforcement, subsoil drainage and final)
11. obtain a final certificate from the private certifier

Note: Items 7, 8 and 11 are not necessary where the retaining wall is self-assessable.

While this is a short American video, it is a great, concise, introduction to the things you need to think about BEFORE contacting a Gold Coast Retaining Wall Builder.

The video covers many questions you need to consider, such as Site Access, Water Draininage, Location of Utilities, Need for Permits, etc.

Once you listen to the video, you will feel much more comfortable and prepared when talking to retaining wall builders about what you want.

When planning your retaining wall, there are many factors to consider before constructing an Allan Block retaining wall. The video above leads you step-by-step through these considerations. Topics include: where utilities are located, whether building permits are required, pro’s and con’s of different soil types, cut vs. fill, site planning, water flow and management, and how easy site access is. More videos, photos, literature, estimating tools etc can be found at www.allanblock.com.

Duration : 0:3:50

The most durable Gold Coast Retaining Walls are built from Rocks / Boulders, Concrete Crib, Interlocking Concrete Blocks and Core Filled Blocks. Retaining Walls built from these materials can be expected to last 30-40 years. Concrete Sleepers tend to be slightly less durable.

Treated Timber Retaining Walls tend to have a lower life expectancy, typically 10 to 20 years. This is due to timber having several weaknesses – White Ants, and Rotting being the main two.

However, there are also pitfalls with stone and concrete walls., the main one being the space required. The redeeming features of Rock Walls are their long life.

One of the major issues with Rock Walls is that these are very dependent on the skill of the builder for stability; a Rock Wall that slides is no fun.

Hence you should choose your Gold Coast Retaining Wall Builder very carefully

Preparing the retaining wall site. This video discusses laying out and excavating the retaining wall site. It includes digging the base trench, placing the drain pipe, and building and compacting a gravel base. You can find more videos, photos, literature, estimating tools and more regarding retaining walls at www.allanblock.com.

Duration : 0:2:43

This video discusses the proper materials and preparation for building a retaining wall. Some of the topics include: block types and colors, rock, gravel and soil types, geogrid tools and equipment You can find many more videos, photos, literature, estimating tools and more regarding retaining walls at www.allanblock.com.

Duration : 0:2:6