Ideally new buildings are placed on flat ground where the construction is often straightforward. Now, where is the challenge in that?

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In New Zealand we have a varied landscape and our love for nature means we often have to build our dream homes on sloped ground which may require some sort of soil stabilization and it may require  retaining walls. 

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As the name suggests retaining walls retain soil and stabilize the ground around the building so a flat building platform can be provided. Sometimes the buildings have basements where the walls have to be designed for lateral load from the soil.

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Existing soil conditions on site, ground water table, expected surcharge loading, height of the retaining wall, allowable lateral movement in the wall etc. would often determine the type of retaining wall needed and the Geotechnical Engineers provide the necessary technical information for structural engineers for the design of retaining walls.

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AB Consulting Engineers have extensive experience in design of retaining walls and shallow basements in often poor soil conditions. We would co-ordinate with the Geotechnical Engineers and the Architect and provide a pragmatic and workable engineering design.