Retaining Wall Design
Engineering Strength Into Every Slope
A retaining wall is more than a landscaping feature—it is a structural necessity designed to resist the lateral pressure of soil. Whether you are creating a level backyard, preventing erosion, or supporting a driveway, a failed wall can lead to costly property damage.
At Pisano Development Group, we specialize in the structural engineering of retaining walls based on your specific conditions. We provide the calculations, drainage plans, and stamped designs to be sure your wall is safe, functional, and compliant with local building codes.
Why Retaining Walls Require Professional Engineering
Many municipalities require an engineered design for any wall over 3 feet in height. However, even shorter walls can fail if they are supporting a "surcharge" load, such as a vehicle, a fence, or a building.
We address the critical factors that standard landscaping often misses:
- Lateral Earth Pressure: We calculate the specific force exerted by the soil behind the wall, which varies based on soil type (clay vs. sand) and moisture content.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Management: The #1 cause of wall failure is water buildup. We design integrated drainage systems (weep holes, perforated pipes, and gravel backfill) to relieve this pressure.
- Surcharge Load Analysis: If your wall is supporting a driveway, a pool, or another structure, we engineer the reinforcement necessary to handle that additional weight.
- Global Stability: We ensure the entire slope is stable, preventing "deep-seated" failures where the entire hillside slides, taking the wall with it.
Types of Walls We Design
Different sites require different structural approaches. We help you choose the most cost-effective and durable solution for your specific topography.
| Wall Type | Best Used For... |
|---|---|
| Gravity Walls | Shorter walls using heavy materials (stone, massive blocks) to resist pressure through weight alone. |
| Cantilevered Walls | Reinforced concrete walls with a "foot" that uses the weight of the soil to hold the wall in place. |
| Segmental Walls (SRW) | Modular blocks that use geogrid soil reinforcement to create very tall, stable slopes. |
| Timber Walls | Cost-effective solutions for smaller residential grade changes, engineered for proper anchoring and rot resistance. |
Our Design & Permitting Process
We provide a seamless transition from site evaluation to a permit-ready plan.
- Site Assessment & Soil Review: We analyze the slope, identify soil characteristics, and check for existing utilities or structures that may be impacted.
- Structural Calculations: Our engineers perform an evaluation to determine the recommended thickness, reinforcement, and footing depth.
- Detailed Engineering Plans: You receive detailed drawings including cross-sections, drainage details, and material specifications.
- Professional Stamping: We provide the PE (Professional Engineer) stamp required by building departments to approve your construction permit.
Secure your property with an engineered solution.
Don't let a shifting landscape threaten your home. Contact Pisano Development Group today to schedule a site consultation for your retaining wall project.
Areas We Serve
Pisano Development Group is proud to offer our professional engineering consulting and construction and project management services in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas including:
New Jersey
- Atlantic County
- Bergen County
- Burlington County
- Camden County
- Cumberland County
- Essex County
- Gloucester County
- Hunterdon County
- Hudson County
- Mercer County
- Middlesex County
- Monmouth County
- Morris County
- Ocean County
- Passaic County
- Somerset County
- Sussex County
- Union County
Pennsylvania
- Bucks County
- Chester County
- Delaware County
- Montgomery County
- Philadelphia County