How can you Control Soil Erosion?

Erosion control is also known as “slope stabilization.” This process involves assessing the amount of stress a slope, hill or other soil-based area can handle before failing. In order to properly manage erosion it’s necessary to have your land areas assessed and to develop a stabilization plan.

What Causes Erosion?

Erosion, slope movement or landslides can happen when pressure creates a down-slope which is stronger than the earthen area can support.

Common causes of erosion include:

Increased downslope pressure
Weakened slope structure
Moisture changes (e.g. by steam erosion, rainfall, snowmelt, or changes in groundwater)
Natural forces (e.g. hurricanes, earthquakes or volcanic activity)
Human disturbance
Wind erosion
Poor surface drainage

How to Reduce Erosion

While many properties or projects may require professional intervention, there are things you can do on your own to reduce soil erosion. Some of these include:

Maintaining plant coverage year round (e.g. annual grasses, vegetation)
Mulching a few times a year
Using rough materials such as wood chips, pebbles or other landscaping options to create an artificial “topsoil” where vegetation is unable to grow
Use of geo-textile material, sod, or hydroseeding to establish a more resilient top cover for high-traffic areas
Minimizing or redirecting moisture in areas which have high stormwater runoff

There are also more involved methods of erosion control, which may require assessment and professional installation. Some of these include: The use of a silt fence. These are constructed using a long fabric barrier which can be used on any area where there is runoff or loose soil. These function as a good intermediary option for areas which need support while vegetation or other topsoil methods are put in place.

Erosion control matting is another option. Erosion control matting, as seen in the image to the right, is laid on top of loose soil and is secured into place. The matting remains in this location until native vegetation can begin to grow through, and does no harm to the environment. Erosion control mats provide the strength and surface area needed to protect an area from erosion or runoff.

Man-made terraces are very effective methods of controlling soil erosion, for steep slopes. Terraces require quite a bit of skill with multiple tiers. The subsoil is levelled, followed by installing a solid top soil and side supports. Natural terraces using elements such as grasses can also produce the same effect.

Contour ploughing works by ploughing along the natural curves of the land. This helps prevent erosion by interrupting earthen areas laterally ( never vertically, which encourages erosion). Meanwhile, couture barriers work similarly by using materials to create the same effect. Some examples of couture barriers include crop stalks, leaves, stones, grass strips or ditches.

Damage Caused By Erosion

As the population grows and more trees are removed, less rainwater is able to be absorbed by the soil, which can often create wells and springs. When erosion goes unchecked and structures are not properly maintained, erosion can cause significant property damage.

Some of the most common damages include:

Foundation Weakness. Erosion and poor stormwater drainage can lead to foundation setting or sinking, and uneven or sagging floors. If you notice any of these issues, it’s necessary to reach out to a foundation repair expert to assess and prevent further damage.
Destabilization. Landslides caused by erosion can weaken retaining walls or property slopes, which can cause runoff and structural safety concerns.

Drainage Issues: An important component of erosion control services is drainage and stormwater management. Aside from human use, water is erosion’s second-biggest enemy. In order to best combat both issues, determining the appropriate retaining wall or erosion control method is critical to the success of landslide control.

What do Erosion Control Services Include?

Erosion control is often necessary for a variety of reasons. In some instances erosion control is a part of maintaining a safe property. By minimizing runoff and degradation you can help protect the structural integrity of your property while also improving aesthetics.

Landslide control services are used for a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to:

Commercial or private roads/walkways
Dams or reservoirs
Excavation reinforcement
Trails for forests and parks

Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. was founded in 1993. Over the past 28 years, the company has completed thousands of foundation repair, slope stabilization and drainage systems projects in Southern California.

When is a Retaining Wall Needed?

If you have property along with a sloped land, then you most likely know the risk that comes with too much erosion. You need to find a way to ensure that the rate of erosion is reduced significantly. One of the ways to do that is by building a retaining wall.

You can call us at Unlimited Drilling to build your retaining wall and give you information on the advantages of having one. What most clients do not know is if they need a retaining wall.

When is a retaining wall needed?

Well, you will need one if you notice that there is too much erosion when it rains. If you are finding too much erosion around your property and it is coming from the upper parts of the slope then you need a retaining wall. This will ensure that there is no further risk of erosion that may collapse your house or other structures around it.

If there are fault lines in the soil around your property, then you need a retaining wall. The soil will most likely settle a little every time there is a heavy storm. This process can be faster and more dangerous if there is a disaster such as an earthquake. You need to build a retaining wall to ensure that the property will be safe from collapse.

The other instance when you need a retaining wall is if there is a sliding hill around your property. This often threatens the foundations of any structures around the hill. To prevent the structures from getting swept in a landslide, then it is crucial to get a retaining wall.

These are the answers to that question you have been asking when is a retaining wall needed? At Unlimited Drilling, we can give you the best design options and answer any questions that you may have regarding the materials that are best for the project. Contact us today.

Types of Retaining Walls

Different Types Of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are primarily used to hold back the natural materials behind them by withstanding the lateral pressure resulting from the soil, water, or any other particulate material therein. In addition to helping maintain the existing landscape, these structures can also be used to improve or enrich the appearance of the space in question.

If you are thinking about having a retaining wall built on your property, but don’t know much about these simple structures, here’s a brief guide on the different types of retaining walls.

Gravity Retaining Walls

In order to hold back the lateral pressure of the earth materials behind them gravity retaining walls rely on their own weight. Since all that is needed to keep the soil from shifting is weight, gravity retaining walls give you the freedom to choose your preferred materials. Stones, bricks, and pavers can be stacked to create a reliable structure. It is, however, worth noting that since these walls are not reinforced in any way, they are only economical for a height of around 3 meters.

Anchored Retaining Walls

These retaining walls rely on anchors driven into the earth behind them to support a “front.” The front, which can be made of a variety of materials and designs, then holds back the soil behind it. The anchors are driven deep into the soil behind the wall mechanically before being injected with concrete to increase their mass. Cables are used to connect the front to the anchors, thus providing the necessary support. This anchoring method can be used to provide additional support to other types of retaining walls where necessary.

Sheet Piling Retaining Walls

These retaining walls are constructed by simply driving steel, concrete, vinyl or wooden piles into the ground, up to a depth that provides the support needed to hold back the soil behind them. These walls are best suited to cases where space is limited. As a rule of thumb, for every two-thirds of total height above ground, a third of the pile has to be buried. Additional support measures may be required for very high walls.

Cantilevered Retaining Walls

Cantilevered retaining walls rely on the weight of the soil behind them to resist the lateral pressures in question. These walls, which may be prefabricated or built on site, have a stem and a base. The base is divided into a “heel” and “toe” section. The heel is buried behind the wall while the toe protrudes forward, past the wall. With the above information in mind, you can make an informed decision regarding the best retaining wall for you. As always, you can contact our professionals for more information about retaining walls and which options are best for your business or home.

Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. specializes in all aspects of foundation repair, slope stabilization and Retaining walls. Founded in 1993, Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. has completed over 1000 projects – on time and within budget. We pride ourselves in doing the job right the first time for a very competitive price. Your project will be done in house, meaning when you hire us we will do the work not hire a dozen subcontractors. You will see me on your job constantly, I don’t get a signed contract then hand off your project. I look forward to working with you!

Give Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. a call today!

Contact Us

Joe Azar, President
Tel: 619-449-7880
Fax: 619-449-7880
Cell: 619-871-7880
E-Mail: joeazar619@gmail.com

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