Stabilizing a Concrete Retaining Wall in Albany, VT | Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems
Challenge
The retaining wall leading from the walkout basement of this Albany, Vermont home was showing signs of structural movement. Soil pressure behind a retaining wall can place significant force against the structure, and continued movement can lead to increasingly serious problems. The homeowner needed a solution that would stabilize the existing retaining wall without requiring complete demolition and replacement. Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems evaluated the retaining wall and determined that the GeoLock® Wall Anchor System was an appropriate solution for providing additional structural support. The system allows the wall to be connected to anchors positioned in stable soil beyond the area placing pressure against the retaining wall.
Solution
Our crew installed the GeoLock® Wall Anchor System to stabilize the retaining wall. Steel earth anchors were positioned in stable soil away from the wall. High-strength galvanized steel rods connect those anchors to steel wall plates installed against the retaining wall. Once tightened, the system provides support against the soil pressure affecting the wall and is designed to prevent additional inward movement.
Product Installed
• GeoLock® Wall Anchor System — A foundation wall stabilization system that uses heavy-duty earth anchors, galvanized steel connecting rods, and steel wall plates to secure a compromised wall to stable soil. The system provides permanent stabilization without requiring complete wall replacement.
The retaining wall now has a dedicated structural stabilization system designed to resist continued movement caused by pressure from the surrounding soil. Because GeoLock stabilizes the existing structure, the homeowner was able to address the retaining wall problem without the disruption associated with completely rebuilding the wall. Installing GeoLock Wall Anchors provided this Albany homeowner with a permanent solution for stabilizing the retaining wall leading from the home's walkout basement. Addressing the movement now helps protect the wall against continued displacement while preserving the existing structure.
