Segmented Retaining Walls in Pittsburgh

Segmented Driveway Retaining Walls

Segmented driveway retaining walls are used in two different applications: to either retain or prevent soil from occupying the space that the driveway needs to function, or support the load created by the driveway above the retaining wall.  In each application, the main design issue is stability. Whether you have a concrete, asphalt, or paver driveway, we are the Pittsburgh retaining wall experts you can trust to keep you and your home safe!

Segmented Landscaping Retaining Walls

Segmented landscaping retaining walls are used primarily to extend the available square footage of property or to support land adjacent to an owners’ property.   In either case the requirement to either retain or prevent soil from occupying that space and support the load created by the soil above the working grade of the property.  Again in this application, the main design issue is stability.

A good example of soil instability and how geology in Western Pa., can effect and influence retaining wall design, is the major landslide that occurred in September 2006.    At that time, a commercial retail project was under taken to build a Super Center stone in Killbuk on Rt. 65 (Northwest of Pittsburgh, near Emsworth).  As excavation of the property proceeded,  a massive landslide occurred that  closed Rt. 65, as well as the railroad tracks running alongside the road.  In this case,  there were serious geological fault lines that existed, which when uncovered and disturbed, unleashed a huge landslide on the private and public access ways at the base of the hill.

Therefore, given the natural geographic features of Western Pennsylvania it is important to consider all the points that impact stability.  So, always double check the requirements and check with Wichman Landscape Construction.  They can help you and advise on further design considerations.