Gravity Wall Solutions
Our gravity wall systems are a cost-effective solution to prevent unsafe soil movement.
GSS often employs the gravity wall technique. It is very cost-effective and most often used in areas where overall ground stability is not a concern.
One of the most common types of gravity walls is the crib wall, a simple and cost-effective technique often used for road way cuttings and similar slopes. Crib walls are constructed from interlocking precast concrete components filled with free-draining material and earth backfill.
While the process appears deceptively simple, it is critical that the wall is designed and constructed properly to ensure its structural integrity and longevity.
It’s important to have an accurate understanding of the project’s conditions and requirements to ensure that you get the right type of gravity wall for the situation.
Every retaining solution needs to be specifically engineered to withstand the pressure from the soils and other sedimentary loads exerting pressure from behind and sometimes from above.
The design process for each gravity wall must consider several factors, including overturning, sliding and bearing forces.
The GSS team has decades of experience designing and building effective gravity walls for clients throughout Australia. Contact us for an obligation-free quote and consultation.
A gravity wall is a retaining wall that relies on its own mass to resist the soil pressure behind it. These walls are typically built using heavy wall blocks such as precast concrete or stone and do not usually require reinforcement to stay in place. The wall’s weight provides the stability needed to retain earth and create usable space on sloped or uneven terrain.
Gravity retaining walls are often used in residential, commercial, and civil projects where soil retention is needed, but space is available for wider base structures. They are ideal for supporting garden terraces, road embankments, property boundaries, and areas behind or around adjacent structures where you need to stabilise slopes or prevent erosion.
Common materials include precast concrete blocks, stone, and sometimes recycled materials. These wall blocks are chosen for their weight and durability, allowing the wall to resist sliding and overturning forces without needing reinforcement.
The choice of material will depend on the site conditions, project requirements, and aesthetic preferences.
Gravity walls are key in preventing erosion by stabilising soil on sloped land. By retaining soil and controlling runoff, they reduce the likelihood of soil displacement during heavy rainfall or water flow.
The right retaining wall design can also include drainage solutions that minimise hydrostatic pressure, further reducing erosion risks.
There are several types of gravity retaining walls, and the retaining system that best suits your needs can largely depend on your project’s environment and structural requirements.
Contact the team from GSS now to discuss your needs, or alternatively, view our range of services below.
Proper construction practices are vital to ensure the effectiveness and durability of retaining structure/ walls. Key considerations include:
Gravity retaining walls have certain limitations that must be considered. For example, gravity walls are generally suitable for lower to medium heights. As wall height increases, the base width must also increase to maintain stability, which may not be practical or economical for tall walls.
A wide base also means that gravity walls require more horizontal space, which may be a constraint in areas with limited room or close property lines.
With these caveats in mind, seeking expert recommendations and effective, well-planned designs is important. Contact the team at GSS to discuss your project requirements now.
Do gravity walls require reinforcement?
In most standard applications, gravity retaining walls do not require reinforcement because they rely on their own weight to resist pressure. However, additional strength may be required for taller walls or walls located near other structures. This can be achieved by increasing wall width or incorporating reinforcing elements into the wall design.
How tall can a gravity wall be?
The need for increased width typically limits the height of a gravity wall as the wall grows taller. While lower walls (up to 1.2 metres) are common and straightforward to construct, taller gravity walls may require more detailed engineering and design to maintain stability without reinforcement. In these cases, careful consideration of wall height, wall blocks, and load conditions is essential.
What kind of excavation is required to install a gravity retaining wall?
Gravity wall installation typically requires excavation for the base course—the bottom layer of the wall that supports the rest of the structure. The depth and width of this excavation will depend on the size and height of the wall, as well as soil conditions and project specifications. Proper excavation ensures the wall can withstand earth pressure and perform over the long term.
For more information about our services, qualifications and projects, download our free company profile.
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.
"*" indicates required fields
Please fill out the form below to request our company profile. One of our team will send through our profile shortly.
"*" indicates required fields
