Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Wall
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Retaining Wall
Having a beautifully built retaining wall can significantly enhance the look of your landscaping and the overall exterior of your home. That’s why it’s critical to hire retaining wall specialists when planning this type of project. At Fuller’s Landscape Co. Ltd., we will work with you to develop a plan that meets your landscaping needs and build the retaining wall to suit those needs. However, before starting, it is helpful to know what type of retaining wall you are interested in.
Pros of MSE
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls are known for their efficiency and strength. They use layers of geosynthetic materials or steel strips to reinforce the soil behind the wall.
- Strength and Stability: MSE walls are highly stable and can support significant loads, making them suitable for various applications, including tall structures.
- Cost-Effective: These walls are often more cost-effective than traditional retaining walls due to the use of locally available fill material.
- Versatility: MSE walls can be constructed with various facing elements, such as concrete panels, wire mesh, or natural stone, providing flexibility in design.
Cons of MSE
While MSE retaining walls have numerous advantages, there are some considerations:
- Installation Complexity: The installation process can be complex and requires careful placement of reinforcement materials.
- Aesthetic Limitations: Depending on the facing materials used, MSE walls may not always achieve the desired aesthetic appeal.
- Wildlife Interaction: While we take care to plant native and deer-resistant plants around your retaining wall, we cannot guarantee protection against wildlife trampling, eating, or rubbing against the plants. Clients without fenced properties should particularly consider this risk.
Installation
Having a beautifully built retaining wall can really improve the look of your landscaping and the overall exterior of your home. That’s why it’s critical to hire retaining wall specialists when planning this type of project. At Fuller’s Landscape Co. Ltd., we will work with you to come up with a plan for your landscaping needs and build the retaining wall to suit those needs.
Step 1
- We start by assessing the site and preparing the area for construction.
- Any existing vegetation, debris, or old structures are removed to ensure a clean working area.
Step 2
- Excavation is done to create a level base for the retaining wall.
- A layer of compacted gravel is laid down to provide a stable foundation.
Step 3
- Layers of geosynthetic materials or steel strips are laid in accordance with the design specifications.
- Each layer is carefully positioned and secured to ensure stability.
Step 4
- The facing elements (concrete panels, wire mesh, natural stone, etc.) are installed to form the exterior of the wall.
- These elements are connected to the reinforcement materials for additional support.
Step 5
- Backfill material is added in layers, with each layer compacted to maintain the integrity of the wall.
- Proper drainage systems are installed to prevent water buildup behind the wall.
Step 5
- The top of the retaining wall is finished with capstones or other decorative elements.
- The surrounding area is landscaped to integrate the retaining wall with your overall garden design.
Maintenance
Once our job is complete, the responsibility for ongoing maintenance lies with the client. This includes:
- Weeding: Regular removal of weeds around the retaining wall.
- Plant Care: Keeping plants and trees alive by following the care instructions provided.
- Inspection: Periodic inspection of the wall and reinforcement materials for any signs of damage or wear.
Contact Us
Get a Free Quote
Contact us to get a free quote on a Kelowna mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall.