Precast Concrete Retaining Wall Systems

AFTEC specializes in manufacturing customized precast concrete retaining walls to withstand the lateral pressure of gravity. We engineer retaining walls with multiple finishes and textures for added versatility.

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What are Retaining Walls?

workers installing an AFTEC concrete retaining wall

Landscape retaining walls are engineered using large retaining wall blocks. These walls are specially designed to provide maximum support against the lateral pressure of gravity to the upright soil slopes and sloppy walls. These walls are the most suitable solutions to control landscaping and erosion of patios and soil slopes.

Several types of retaining walls are used to withstand the lateral pressure of gravity most prominent among them are, cantilever, gravity, concrete retaining walls and sheet-piled.

AFTEC manufactures retaining wall systems in a controlled environment with various decorative accents, finishes, and textures for added versatility. Our services are available in South Carolina.

Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks

AFTEC specializes and practices in the engineering of large precast retaining walls on observable surfaces with various architectural patterns.

We manufacture large precast retaining blocks that can be used to support small to medium soil slopes up to the height of 12ft from one level to another. We also construct precast fences and barriers on top of the walls where needed. Our customized services are available in Charleston and Columbia. Our skillful and experienced engineers follow current growing needs and trends while manufacturing retaining walls.

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Types of Retaining Walls

AFTEC provides upright soil slopes and ideal protection against lateral gravity pressure. Our customized walls are best for small to medium slopes of up to 12ft. moreover, we provide precast concrete fence and barrier installation services for the top of the walls as well where required.

These are some of the most significant types of retaining walls.

medium retaining wall with precast fence wall on top

Gravity

Gravity walls are engineering using rigid-footing techniques and various reinforcements for added strength. These walls are made of large concrete blocks and boulders. Upright slopes use the weight of concrete blocks to withstand lateral pressure of gravity.

Masonry

CMU blocks are used to concrete masonry retaining walls. Precisely, the standard size of kiln-fired brick and mortar for this purpose is 8” x 4” x 2.25”. Steel is also used to engineer masonry for added strength and long lifespan.

Sheet Piled

The sheet-piled retaining walls are the most suitable option for soft soils. These walls are constructed by fiberglass, vinyl, steel, plastic and wooden planks. The sheet-piled walls must be hammered 2/3 elevation of the wall into the ground at least.

Cantilever

Masonry and concrete blocks along with steel reinforcement are used to manufacture cantilever retaining walls. Cantilever walls are considered the most durable due to their ability to transform horizontal pressure into perpendicularly vertical ones.

Precast Retaining Wall Materials

AFTEC industrial and commercial retaining walls consist of precast concrete panels and columns designed and engineered to withstand the lateral pressures of the earth to be retained. These walls are available with architectural finishes such as stone, brick, block, stucco or custom architectural designs on the visible side of the wall.

Concrete: Aggregate, cement powder and water designed for the engineered mix desired. Steel reinforcement and concrete are the ultimate materials for building retaining walls.
Concrete Blocks: Small rock aggregate, cement powder and water formed into a hollow block. The concrete blocks are then stacked on continuous concrete footings using grouted cells and reinforcing for structural strength. Labor intensive.
Cinder Blocks: Volcanic aggregate, cement powder and water formed into a hollow block. The cinder blocks are then stacked on continuous concrete footings using grouted cells and reinforcing for structural strength. Labor intensive.
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 an fascia appearance on retaining walls.
Wood: Wood timbers or rail road 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 South Carolina

Design Process

The foremost step that goes into building a retaining wall system is design engineering. The design has to get approved first before initiating the production process. Our molding workshops word hard to assemble the design-specific concrete retaining wall blocks to construct the retaining walls system. The production process is generally carried on employing the Forming Equipment by one of the AFTEC producers that operate near the jobsite.

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

These are the most significant advantages of concrete retaining walls.

Aesthetic Appeal: Precast concrete retaining walls comes up with various textures and finishes that enhance its aesthetic appeal and add versatility to its style as well as designing.
Erosion Control: Soil erosion destroys the infrastructure of upright soil slopes. Precast concrete retaining walls provide steadfast lateral support to slopes and enable them to withstand lateral pressure of gravity that controls soil erosion.
Flood Prevention: Retaining walls protect against floods. It’s the most suitable approach for premises situated near water bodies.
Cost-Effective: Precast concrete retaining walls can be installed quickly. It is time and cost-saving and very durable as well.

Service Areas: Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Clemson, Hilton Head Island, Spartanburg, Florence, Rock Hill, Anderson, Summerville, and in all other cities of South Carolina.

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 South Carolina

Design Process

Retaining Walls System Installation

Cost Determinants

Benefits of Precast Concrete Retaining Walls

Service Areas: Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Clemson, Hilton Head Island, Spartanburg, Florence, Rock Hill, Anderson, Summerville, and in all other cities of South Carolina.

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