Timber Retaining Wall Design

#1 in Retaining Wall
Design and Engineering

A timber retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil, rock, or other materials. It is commonly used in landscaping, agriculture, and civil engineering projects to create terraced slopes, control erosion, and provide support for vertical grade changes.

Timber retaining walls can be an attractive and functional addition to any property, but it is important to design them correctly to ensure they are safe, stable, and long-lasting. The Engineering On Demand team have decades of experience designing and certifying retaining walls and can help you build a timber retaining wall that will perform well into the future.

Important Design Factors for your New Retaining Wall

There are several factors to consider when designing a timber retaining wall, including the size and type of timbers, the spacing of the timbers, the type of foundation, and the type of backfill material. Size and type of timbers: The size and type of timbers used for the retaining wall will depend on the height and length of the wall, as well as the soil conditions and the type of load it will bear. In general, the taller the wall, the larger the timbers should be. The most common types of timbers used for retaining walls in Australia are hardwoods such as Jarrah and treated pine. These materials are resistant to rot and decay, and they can withstand the weight of the soil and other materials they are supporting. Spacing of timbers: The spacing of the timbers is an important factor to consider when designing a timber retaining wall. The timbers should be spaced close enough together to provide sufficient support, but not so close that they create unnecessary strain on the wall. Engineering On Demand have developed timber retaining wall standards to make choosing the right material sizes easy. For a very affordable price, not only will you know which size members to use and connection details for those members, but you will also have signed and certified engineering for building approval with your local council. Type of backfill material: The type of backfill material used behind the retaining wall is also important to consider. The backfill material should be able to drain freely to prevent water from building up behind the wall, which can cause it to collapse. Gravel is a common choice for backfill material, as it allows water to drain through and provides good support for the timbers. View our timber retaining wall engineering page for more information on types of backfill material.

Engineering on Demand Provide the Advice You Need to Build with Confidence

In addition to these considerations, it is important to follow local building codes and obtain any necessary permits before constructing a timber retaining wall. Engineering On Demand have the experience in council applications all over Australia and can do as much or as little of the process as you would like.

Overall, a well-designed and properly constructed timber retaining wall can be a functional and attractive addition to any property. By considering the size and type of timbers, the spacing of the timbers, the type of foundation, and the type of backfill material, you can create a wall that is safe, stable, and long-lasting.

Call us and speak to a timber retaining wall design expert for more details.

Patio Engineering

Get patio engineering and specifications, ready for council approval.

Limestone Retaining

Limestone retaining wall engineering for walls up to 4m high.

Masonry
Walls

Fully engineered masonry wall standards for brick and block walls and fences.