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Building Codes for Retaining Walls

Related Links:

What Retaining Walls Do

General Retaining Wall Design

Building Codes for Retaining Walls

What is Lateral Earth Pressure?

Gravity Retaining Walls

Semi-Gravity Retaining Walls

Cantilever Retaining Walls

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Monolithic Concrete Retaining Wall Proportions

Provisions for Joints in the Construction of Walls

Backfill Drainage of Retaining Walls

Decorative Poured Concrete Walls

Groundwork and Compaction: Important Issues

In most states, retaining wall designs taller than about four feet must be designed by or approved by a qualified, licensed professional engineer. Additionally, it is important to check with and adhere to local building codes prior to any construction, even when walls are shorter than four feet. Retaining walls are, and should always be viewed as load bearing members first, and aesthetic groundscapes second.

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