Precast Concrete Retaining Wall Systems

AFTEC takes precedence in Massachusetts as the most competent retaining walls company. We’re known for our quality retaining walls production, engineering them with precise measures that help them to withstand lateral gravity pressures. At AFTEC, you can get a variety of retaining walls manufactured and add versatile finishes as per your request.

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What are Retaining Walls?

workers installing an AFTEC concrete retaining wall

Retaining walls are built to ensure that the soil stays upright. These walls comprise of large wall blocks, which provide lateral support to upright soil slopes. Retaining walls are a perfect option especially for keeping leveled a patio area or keeping a check on erosion. These also allow providing the lateral support that can help keep level during lateral pressure of the earth. Several types of retaining walls include concrete, sheet piled, cantilever, etc.

These walls are constructed based on the requirements and diversity of the surface under focus.

Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks

AFTEC is a specialist in manufacturing large precast retaining walls that can be customized with architectural patterns on the visible surface.

The large concrete retaining wall blocks that are manufactured by AFTEC are customized to support medium elevations of soil ranging up to 12ft from one to another level. Our company is also reliable for the manufacturing of precast fence or barrier walls required by the customers. We keep an eye on the growing trends as well as the needs of our customers. It has helped our engineers to design flawless precast concrete retaining walls in Massachusetts and its surrounding areas.

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Types of Retaining Walls

AFTEC holds expertise in manufacturing different types of precast retaining walls. These can be customized in terms of designs as well as heights. We manufacture precast industrial retaining walls that provide lateral support to small and medium heightened soils.

medium retaining wall with precast fence wall on top

Gravity

This type of concrete wall block is constructed using precast concrete. Large boulders or blocks are customized as per required and are installed for support using reinforcement and rigid footing techniques. Gravity concrete retaining walls are able to withstand pressure from all directions too.

Masonry

CMU block walls are used to construct masonry retaining walls. In addition, brick masonry concrete retaining walls are constructed using standard 8” x 4 x 2.25” sized kiln-fried bricks and mortar. These walls are also strengthened using steel frequently, which prolongs their lifespan.

Sheet Piled

The most suitable option for soft soils and compact areas, sheet piled concrete retaining walls are manufactured from steel, vinyl, fiberglass, plastic planks or wooden planks. The sheet piled retaining walls is hammered at least two-thirds of their total surface into the ground.

Irrespective of the technique used for manufacturing them, the critical elements for these retaining walls are the apt design, finishing, and installation. That is why AFTEC is the best brand to contact because we provide steel-reinforced precast concrete retaining walls in Massachusetts that are 3-8ft. long, competent enough to withstand soil pressure.

Cantilever

This type of retaining wall is manufactured by mixing precast concrete or masonry with reinforced steel. It gives cantilever concrete retaining wall blocks a strong structural foothold, helping them to sustain pressure as well as transforming horizontal pressure to a perpendicular vertical one

Precast Retaining Wall Materials

AFTEC’s manufactures industrial and commercial retaining walls comprising of precast concrete panels and columns that are engineered to withstand earth’s lateral pressures. These can be amended with architectural finishes, including stone, brick, stucco, or any customized option as needed

Concrete: Concrete retaining blocks are manufactured by mixing aggregate, cement powder, and water as needed for the engineered mixture. Steel reinforcement and concrete are the best materials for manufacturing retaining walls.
Concrete Blocks: These are small rock aggregate that is mixed with cement and water to form hollow blocks. These hollow blocks are then stacked on concrete footings continuously to reinforce the structural length. However, the process requires extensive labor.
Cinder Blocks: These blocks are formed using volcanic aggregate with cement and water to form hollow blocks. These hollow or cinder blocks formed are then stacked on concrete footings continuously using grouted cells, helping to enforce structural length. The process also requires extensive labor.
Stone: Stone is sometimes used for retaining walls in areas where it is plentiful by slant stacking, using the specific gravity of the stone to retain earth.
Brick: When used, brick is a fascia on retaining walls for appearance. Brick does not have structural integrity for retaining capabilities.
Stucco: Stucco is also used for a fascia appearance on retaining walls.
Wood: Wood timbers or railroad ties are sometimes used for retaining walls, but unless properly treated, wood deteriorates.
Steel: Steel is used in all steel-reinforced concrete retaining walls for structural strength.

Building a Retaining Walls System in Massachusetts

Design Process

The primary step in building a retaining wall system is design engineering. For the process to move forward, the design has to get approved first, since the production will be following the design.

At AFTEC, our molding workshops strive to construct the best precast retaining walls that are manufactured design-specifically.

Retaining Walls System Installation

The installation process of a retaining walls system begins with the digging and excavation of the Caisson foundations. The Caisson foundations are then flooded to the precise height with the structural support and columns, installed into the foundations. After lying down the Caisson foundation, the wall blocks or panels are delivered and installed.

Cost Determinants

The cost of designing, producing and installing a retaining wall system for a project is determined by many factors that are mentioned below

Project Location
Retaining Height
Wall Length
Soil Conditions
Lateral Pressure and Loads
Water Drainage

Required Backfill
Architectural Finish Type
Labor Conditions
Right Equipment Availability
Owner/Contractor

Requirements for Jobsite
Underlying Obstructions,Obstacles, Utilities, etc.
Overhead Bridges,
Obstacles, Barriers,
Utilities, etc.

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Benefits of Precast Concrete Retaining Walls

Aesthetic Appeal: AFTEC offers a wide variety of precast concrete retaining walls designed to suit any and every artistic taste. The walls are easily colored with stains or sealers to enhance the area where applied. AFTEC retaining walls are also available in many colors, designs, textures, and styles.
Erosion Control: Erosion affects more than just beaches and canyons; it damages lawns and gardens too. The most common types of landscape erosion come from two sources: water and people walking on the grass. Both are easily prevented when utilizing a precast concrete retaining wall where applicable.
Flood Prevention: Those who live close to bodies of water understand the persistent threat of flooding. By placing retaining walls alongside property borders near water, you’re protecting your area before it gets flooded.
Cost-Effective: The walls utilized by AFTEC products are cantilevered concrete walls that are among the most durable in the marketplace; some even meet the standards of hurricane resistance. The unique design of a cantilevered wall also maximizes durability while reducing the amount of material needed to make the wall.

Service Areas: Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, Salem, Plymouth, Lowell, Waltham, Quincy, Framingham, and in all other cities of Massachusetts.

What are Retaining Walls?

Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks

Types of Retaining Walls

Gravity

Masonry

Sheet Piled

Precast Retaining Wall Materials

Building a Retaining Walls System in Massachusetts

Design Process

Retaining Walls System Installation

Cost Determinants

Benefits of Precast Concrete Retaining Walls

Service Areas: Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, Salem, Plymouth, Lowell, Waltham, Quincy, Framingham, and in all other cities of Massachusetts.

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