The most common construction of retaining walls in NZ is either a masonry block cantilevered retaining wall or cantilevered timber poles.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) section 20 (Retaining walls) states the requirements around constructing a retaining wall without a Building Consent. If your retaining wall doesn’t meet the MBIE requirements, then get in contact with ProConsult for Engineering signoff/assistance on your retaining wall design.
It is important to remember that any retaining wall on a boundary, or with a driveway or surcharge requires a specific engineering design.
The charts and details below provide a quick reference for architects and builders to use to know approximately what size retaining wall is required for the retention height. Retaining walls require engineering signoff for Council submission if they are outside the MBIE requirements. Typical details have been provided for a block and timber pole retaining wall.
If you require further assistance with the design of your retaining wall or sign off on a retaining wall in your building, please get in contact with ProConsult. We can offer efficient design solutions for your retaining wall requirements. There are also several variations for retaining wall designs, particularly for concrete masonry wall foundation arrangements.
Click on the image to enlarge all the details on typical timber pole retaining wall detail.
Click on the image to enlarge all the details on typical block retaining wall detail.
ProConsult has been engaged with many retaining wall designs throughout the country. Please contact us today to discuss your requirements.
Stewart is the journal editor for SESOC (Structural Engineering Society New Zealand (Inc.)
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