Do I Need Drainage Behind Retaining Wall in Cumbria?

Introduction

Retaining walls are essential components of landscapes and civil engineering projects. They are built to hold back soil and provide support for vertical or near-vertical grade changes. The retaining wall is constructed to ensure that soil is restrained and does not move out of place. In Cumbria, retaining walls are particularly important because of the area's geology and topography. Drainage is a crucial aspect of any retaining wall construction project in Cumbria. This article delves into the importance of drainage behind retaining walls in Cumbria.

What is Drainage?

Drainage is the system used to collect and remove excess water from a site. The drainage system comprises different components, including surface drainage, subsurface drainage and drainage behind retaining walls. Proper drainage is essential to ensure that water does not damage your property or cause other problems such as soil erosion.

Why is Proper Drainage Important?

Drainage behind retaining walls in Cumbria is crucial for ensuring that the walls remain stable and that water does not accumulate behind them. The presence of excess water behind a retaining wall can cause damage to the wall and make it unstable. Consequently, the wall could collapse, leading to property damage or injuries. In addition, excess water in the soil causes a reduction in soil compaction, resulting in soil settling and movement, which can cause further damage.

What is A Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a structure designed to restrain soil on one side to a specific elevation on the other side. They are usually constructed where landscape slopes impact the property or where terrain requires the support of a structure to prevent soil erosion. Retaining walls provide support to vertical or near-vertical grade changes. They are an essential component of many structures, such as bridges, dams, and highways. In residential projects, the walls are commonly used to create garden beds, patios, and driveways.

What Is Behind a Retaining Wall?

The area behind a retaining wall is referred to as the backfill. The backfill is the soil that is placed behind the retaining wall after it has been constructed. The backfill is usually composed of material that can absorb water and allow it to drain out of the wall. The materials used for backfill vary; they could be sand, gravel, crushed stone or soil. The backfill is graded to match the slope of the wall to provide proper compaction.

Do Retaining Walls Require Drainage in Cumbria?

Yes, drainage behind retaining walls is essential in Cumbria. The area is known for having high rainfall rates; therefore, water accumulation behind retaining walls is a common issue. Soils in Cumbria are also prone to being wet or damp due to the high water table. With improper drainage, the soil behind the retaining wall will become saturated with water, leading to instability in the structure. It is essential to design and install a drainage system behind retaining walls in Cumbria to prevent water from accumulating.

How Does Draining No Affect the Retaining Wall?

If water accumulates behind a retaining wall, the soil becomes unstable and pore pressure increases. Pore pressure is an upward force exerted by water against the base of a retaining wall. The increased pore pressure reduces the effective stress pushing the soil against the retaining wall. When this occurs, the retaining wall can fail, leading to property damage or injuries. In addition, water accumulation behind retaining walls leads to increased hydrostatic pressure that forces the wall outwards. If the water penetrates the wall, it can cause structural damage, which often requires costly repairs.

What are the Components of Drainage Behind Retaining Walls in Cumbria?

The drainage components behind retaining walls in Cumbria comprise gravel backfill, drain pipes and drainage holes. The gravel backfill is an aggregate material that provides a medium for water to flow through. The drain pipes are perforated plastic pipes placed near the base of the retaining wall. The pipes capture water that has drained through the backfill and transport it away from the wall. The drainage holes are small openings placed at the base of the wall that allow water to drain from the backfill.

How Does Drainage Behind Retaining Walls Work?

The drainage system behind a retaining wall works by capturing water, making it flow through the gravel backfill, and out through the drainage holes or drain pipes. The water drains away from the retaining wall and prevents accumulation of water behind the wall. The gravel backfill has a high capacity to absorb water, making it a suitable medium for facilitating water flow. The perforated drain pipes work by capturing water that has drained through the backfill and transporting it away from the retaining wall.

What is the Proper Site for Drainage Installation in Cumbria?

The proper site for drainage installation in Cumbria is usually at the base of the retaining wall. This is where the water accumulation with the highest risk of causing damage occurs. The drainage system should be installed levelled, sloped or graded to prevent the accumulation of water behind the retaining wall.

How Is the Soil Compacted In Drainage Behind a Retaining Wall?

Soil compaction is essential to ensure that the drainage behind a retaining wall functions effectively. The soil behind the retaining wall must be adequately compacted to ensure stability of the wall. The soil is usually compacted in horizontal layers with a machine till the desired level is achieved. After every 6-8'' layer of soil, the layers are compacted using a vibrating plate which effectively presses it down. During this stage, it is essential to ensure that the soil has the proper moisture content, which makes it easy to compact.

Conclusion

Drainage behind retaining walls in Cumbria is essential because of the area's high rainfall rates and the potential for soil instability. Proper drainage techniques should be applied to ensure that the water behind the retaining wall drains away. Installing a drainage system behind your retaining wall not only minimizes the risk of failure of the wall but also protects the surrounding landscape from water damage. At Drainage Cumbria, we specialize in providing drainage solutions for retaining walls. Our team can help with your drainage problems with experience and excellent customer service. For inquiries, reach out to us at 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected].