Shotcrete Retaining Wall: Concrete Drainage Asphalt & Wall Shoring
This shotcrete retaining wall project was necessary due to the old 8 foot tall retaining wall that separated the rear parking lot from the apartment building beginning to fail. The building was constructed within 5 feet of the old support wall so it could not simply be removed because it was part of the support system of the apartment building. The wall was failing due to age and hydraulic pressure caused from excess water from the buildings damaged perimeter drainage system which was not properly managing rainwater. It was only a matter of time before it collapsed onto either a car or a passerby. Never mind the possible repercussions of the wall failing, therefore leaving the foundation of the apartment building it serves unsupported.
For this project we had to remove and recycle the old parking area asphalt, test the building drainage, excavate around the building and install a new drainage system. We also had to shore up the existing retaining wall by drilling and installing rods 15 feet into the soil below the apartment building and inserting support rods to support the new retaining wall, which would then help support the building’s weight from causing the wall to lean out and away from the building as it continues to settle. The existing retaining wall was augmented with an additional shotcrete retaining wall to provide both additional support as well as a fresh new face. Once the retaining wall was completed we also repaved the asphalt parking area and added a new set of stairs on the east side for the residents to get from the parking area to walkway around the building.
2095 West 3rd Ave – Vancouver
Before picture of the drainage area
The existing 8′ high wall was failing and could have fallen over into the parking area onto cars or a person, along with the apartment losing its support at North side of building. The apartment building was only built 5′ away from retaining support wall.
Troubleshooting drainage
This picture shows the results of testing the existing drainage system buried between the building and the retaining wall.
Drainage Line
The trenching for the installation of a new drainage line behind newly installed retaining wall was done with both heavy duty equipment and good old men with shovels.
Mini Excavator
This mini excavator is one piece of equipment that we can use to speed up the timeline of your project. It’s small size allows us to get it into areas that larger equipment simply cannot get to.
New Drainage System
This photo shows the new drainage system installed in the trench we dug behind the existing retaining wall.
Drilling for supporting rods
Here we see the drilling machine used to bore holes for new anchor rods drilled under apartment as part of rebuilding & shoring of the new retaining wall addition.
Drilling Machine
Here we see the drilling machine with retaining wall already being framed and prepped for the shotcrete to come behind the machine.
Anchor head
Here we see the anchor head of the support rod that extends 15 feet into the embankment behind. This rod will be tied into the mesh and rebar before becoming an integral part of the new addition to the wall with the final application of shotcrete.
Paving Burnaby
Installing wire mesh and rebar reinforcing onto existing failing wall before installing the shotcrete concrete.
Excavating below parking lot level
Excavating at bottom of existing wall before installing shotcrete so extra concrete will be installed below the finished grade of new asphalt that will be installed after wall is completed.
Concrete Paving Burnaby
Process of finishing the face of newly installed shotcrete. After the completion of spraying/installing of shotcrete. This must be done quickly before the shotcrete has had a chance to harden.
Applying Shotcrete
Here we are in the process of installing shotcrete concrete. Which is sprayed onto the reinforced stabilized face of existing failing wall.
Wall Finishing
Another shot showing the process of finishing the face of newly installed shotcrete.
Finished Wall Face
Finished face of wall after the spraying installation stage.
Forming the stairs
Forming of new concrete staircase that was installed on the East side of new parking lot retaining wall.
Finished asphalt parking area
Here we see the old parking area with freshly paved asphalt. Now the residents can park their cars knowing that the old retaining wall will not collapse on them or their cars
If you have a development or apartment building that will require a commercial paving and concrete contractor, learn more about our commercial services and give us a call at (604) 298-8775 or fill out our online quote request form. We guarantee all our work and we’ve been an accredited member of the BBB for over 20 years.