Retaining Wall Failure and Rebuild 6041

Retaining Wall Failure: upper portion collapsed

When this 38-foot high retaining wall failed, Kowalski Engineering was retained to help.  Our services included determining what caused the failure, redesigning the new retaining wall, and reviewing the new wall's construction.

Many of the retaining wall blocks were reused on the project - demonstrating that these blocks are extremely durable, even after being dislodged from such a height.  You see, the large and durable block facing was not the problem.

Retaining Wall Failure: upper portion collapsed

The problems were: the type of soil used during construction, the spacing of the geogrids, and (you guessed it) water.  Remember this recipe for failure: "Just Add Water".

Good design and good construction will account for the "added water" and a retaining wall will be quite stable.  We engineered the new retaining wall and reviewed its construction.

Retaining Wall Rebuilt

View Retaining Wall Expert Projects Map in a larger map