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Our engineering team bring a wide range of experience and diverse skills to our retaining walls service. We approach every project with care and attention, taking into account the unique challenges of your site and preparing a tailored solution to guarantee success.
We’ll analyse the existing pressures and geology of your site and come up with custom drainage, rock bolting, waterproofing and shotcreting solutions to ensure the safety and longevity of your project.
We design and construct commercial retaining walls to withstand the Victorian climate. Our expert team have worked with councils, private enterprises and governments throughout Australia and can handle even the most complex retaining wall projects. We’ll take into account drainage, soil composition, slope, intended site usage and more when analysing your project.
One of the most crucial aspects of our process is the planning and preparation we complete before construction begins. Our team of experienced ground stabilisation experts will examine and assess your area’s geology and assess any existing or potential geological risks which could impact your retaining wall system.
Our team will ensure minimal impact on the environment by conducting a thorough environmental risk assessment. They’ll also assess any inherent safety risks associated with your project to ensure ongoing safety for all workers and members of the public.
We’ll liaise with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth process and to keep your project on time and on budget. Our experienced team will ensure minimal disruption to your operations and the surrounding community.
For more information about our services, qualifications and projects, download our free company profile.
If you are looking for an experienced team to evaluate your retaining wall needs and provide tailored, long-term solutions, our knowledgeable and skilled professionals are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve the best result possible.
At GSS, we pride ourselves on our certified management systems, as supported by the standards and awards we have achieved. Our focus is on delivering the highest quality ground engineering services for every project we undertake. To achieve this, safety and efficiency are at the forefront of all operations that GSS are involved in.
A retaining wall is a structure designed to resist the lateral pressure of soil and retain earth, preventing erosion or collapse. Retaining walls are commonly employed in areas with variations in elevation, such as hillsides, road cuttings and sloped locations. These structures may be made from various materials including concrete sleepers, natural stone walls, timber, shotcrete and masonry.
There are a range of retaining wall systems, each of which are suited to different commercial applications. The most common retaining walls include cantilever, gabion, concrete sleeper retaining walls, concrete block retaining walls, rock retaining walls, reinforced soil and segmental block walls.
Commercial retaining walls are used for a range of purposes including shoring up railways, protecting public pathways and roads, and in mining and other industrial settings.
Building a commercial retaining wall can provide several benefits. It can be used to divert water away from areas in danger of flooding, create more usable space for outdoor activities and landscaping projects, control erosion, add visual interest to the landscape, and increase the value of the property.
Examples of commercial retaining walls include segmental block walls, concrete retaining walls, pre-cast concrete walls, and gravity retaining walls. Each type of wall offers different benefits depending on the specific project needs. Segmental block walls are often used for their aesthetic value, as well as their ability to be constructed quickly and relatively inexpensively. Pre-cast concrete walls offer high durability and require minimal maintenance, while gravity retaining walls are often a cost-effective solution for sloping sites. No matter the type of wall chosen, building a commercial retaining wall can provide many advantages and benefits to a property.
Commercial retaining walls are an effective way to improve the functionality and value of any property. With careful planning and design considerations, these structures can enhance landscapes and improve safety by protecting against floods, erosion, and landslides. Additionally, retaining walls can be constructed with a variety of materials to match the aesthetic needs of any project. With the right combination of engineering and design, commercial retaining walls can provide lasting value to any property.
The longevity of a retaining wall is contingent upon numerous aspects, including the material used, its size, location and original construction quality. Generally speaking, timber retaining walls have an expected lifespan of around 20 years with regular maintenance, while concrete and masonry walls can last up to 50 years.
Our engineer-certified, world-class retaining walls meet Australian and international standards and are guaranteed to last.
We engineer, design and construct commercial retaining walls for a variety of purposes and industries including:
Our experienced retaining wall specialists can construct bespoke wall systems to combat soil erosion, offer structural support and more – all with the assurance of unrivaled professional service.
Yes, you will need a permit to build a retaining wall in Victoria. Depending on your location and the size of the wall, it may be classified as either a building or planning permit. Building permits are generally required for walls that are over 1 metre high with a total area of more than 10 square metres. Planning permits may be required for walls that are over 1 metre high with a total area of 10 square metres or less. It is also important to check with your local council as they may have different requirements.
For example, some councils may require planning permits for any wall construction regardless of its size. Additionally, it is recommended to seek professional advice from an engineer or architect before beginning the project to ensure your wall is designed and constructed safely. You may also be required to submit an engineering design for approval from your local council. It is important that you follow all necessary regulations in order to avoid potential fines or having to tear down your structure.
It’s also important to note, that any work carried out on public land or a body of water may require additional permits. Additionally, you may need different permits if the wall is part of a larger construction project such as a house or major landscape construction.
It’s important to check with your local council and seek professional advice before beginning any retaining wall project in Victoria, Australia. It is also important to check any relevant regulations and obtain the necessary permits before undertaking any work.
In Victoria, the minimum height for a retaining wall that requires engineering is 1.5 metres or higher. However, generally speaking, all retaining walls over one metre in height should be engineered and built by a qualified contractor to ensure safety and longevity.
Examples of retaining walls in Victoria that require engineering include stone walls, timber crib walls, timber post and rail walls, gabion walls, and concrete or block walls. All of these types of retaining wall should conform to the Building Act 1993 (Victoria) and all applicable Australian Standards.
It’s important that the design for any new or existing retaining wall is reviewed and approved by a qualified engineer before construction begins. This ensures that the structure is safe, stable and has adequate drainage, as well as meeting any local council requirements. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or other penalties, so it’s important to ensure the structure meets all guidelines before proceeding.
Victoria also has some specific guidelines for retaining walls over 1.5 metres tall that require engineering. This includes the requirement for a geotechnical report, which must be prepared by a qualified engineer and assesses the soil conditions at the site. It also requires that footings and other structures are designed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards, and any necessary safety systems (such as guard rails) are installed. Finally, walls over 1.5 metres must include an engineer’s certification and a building permit from the council.
We use a range of materials to create our commercial retaining wall systems. Our experienced engineers will assess your project, the environment and the unique geology and advise you on the best materials and type of wall for your purpose.
We use the following retaining wall materials:
Timber retaining walls
Stone retaining walls
Concrete retaining walls including blocks and sleepers
Shotcrete
Our retaining walls are designed to be high-quality and low-maintenance, ensuring longevity, safety and performance for years to come.
Our engineers can construct retaining walls Melbourne-wide and throughout Victoria. We also offer retaining wall, ground stabilisation, rockfall prevention and a range of ground stabilisation systems throughout Australia. We can come to you and assess the unique challenges of your site and complete your retaining wall project with minimal disruption.
We work on a range of commercial and civil projects including large-scale civil construction projects.
At GSS we offer exceptional stabilisation systems backed up by excellent customer service. Safety is always our primary focus, and we ensure safety, efficiency and quality across the board. Our experienced engineers use only the best quality retaining wall supplies to create functional, safe and attractive retaining walls.
View our recent retaining wall projects and other case studies or check out our testimonials to learn more.
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