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  • Versa-lok Retaining wall project Bay area

    Wood retaining wall had to come down after 40 years . Poor design, no drainage but hey it was 40 years ago… There are many factors that go into building a retaining wall. How tall should it be? Does it need to be engineered? Does the contractor have experience? We can take the guessing part out for you. At All Access we stand ready to serve you and answer any and all questions that may come up during the project. […]

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  • Retaining Walls – What is Global Stability?

    When dealing with retaining wall design, Global Stability means the stability of the soils above and below the retaining wall.  If the soil that supports a wall kicks out, and the wall shifts downhill, that is a Global Stability Failure.  This video is a short discussion of retaining wall global stability. Joseph Kowalski, P.E. www.RetainingWallExpert.com Current State PE Registrations

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  • Retaining Walls – Fence Required at Top?

    Retaining Walls – Fence Required at Top?

    Most building codes require a handrail or a fence if a wall is about 4 feet or higher.  So, what’s the best way to get your fence constructed without damaging the blocks or the geogrids? FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR PROJECT PHOTOS Joseph Kowalski, P.E. www.RetainingWallExpert.com Current State PE Registrations

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  • Retaining Wall Failure Caused by Water

    Retaining Wall Failure Caused by Water

    In this video we show a retaining wall that failed because the downspouts for the buildings were discharging water into the ground right behind the retaining wall! Sometimes the recipe for retaining wall failure is “Just Add Water”. Be sure your retaining wall is designed to divert, collect and remove water. Joseph Kowalski, P.E. www.RetainingWallExpert.com Current State PE Registrations

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