First things first:

Failure of a retaining wall doesn’t necessarily mean that the wall has collapsed, but it’s indicative of impending instability manifesting in a retaining wall.  

These signs could involve cracking, bulging or leaning.

So why do retaining walls fail?

Clogged Weep Holes

Weep holes provide drainage to a retaining wall. These holes are typically made by omitting mortar at the side joints of each block of a retaining wall.

If weep holes become clogged or non functional, the hydrostatic pressure on a retaining wall exerted by the surrounding soil can reach unsafe levels, which can cause the wall to bulge and, ultimately, collapse.

Improper Backfill

Backfill refers to the material that sits behind a retaining wall. Like weep holes, backfill allows for adequate drainage, relieving some of the hydrostatic stress off a retaining wall.

There are different types of backfill options available for building retaining walls. Choosing the right backfill is critical to ensuring the long-term integrity of a retaining wall.

Using an incorrect backfill, or a backfill made from high water absorbing material can cause drainage issues in a retaining wall. This can lead to cracks, bulges and other structural defects in the wall.    

Overloading

A retaining wall is designed to hold a specific load. These load requirements are established at the time of construction based on the intended application of the wall.

Exceeding the load on a retaining wall beyond to what it can safely support can gradually weaken the wall and make it vulnerable to failure.  

Foundation problems

Just like any other building structure, a retaining wall needs a sturdy foundation to stand on. If not provided with a sturdy foundation, a retaining wall will eventually crack and collapse.

Poor installation

To cut corners, homeowners sometimes hire an inexperienced retaining wall contractor for the job, who then do a poor work and deliver a substandard construction.    

A poorly installed retaining wall will always fail.

Do you have a retaining wall that’s showing signs of failure?

Contact AMN Masonry today!

We’re a leading retaining wall repair and replacement company in Boston, providing quality and affordable retaining wall services to home and business owners in the area.

We’ve been installing and fixing retaining walls for more than 13 years and know how to make your retaining walls safe and long lasting.

Schedule your appointment with our experts here.