ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
More Than A Wall
A retaining wall does more than hold back soil. It can help manage changes in grade, protect surrounding improvements, create usable outdoor space, and become an attractive part of the property.
ISE provides site-specific structural engineering for residential retaining walls, coordinating the wall design with existing site conditions, nearby structures, surcharge loads, foundations, and required structural reinforcement.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Engineered foundations, reinforcement, and structural details tailored to the wall system.
SITE COORDINATION
Designed around existing structures, slopes, grade changes, and surrounding property conditions.
PERMIT-READY PLANS
Clear structural drawings and calculations prepared for permit review.
FEATURED PROJECT
Retaining Wall with Pool
This residential project includes a new engineered retaining wall located along a sloped rear yard adjacent to an existing pool and residence.
ISE developed the structural plans to coordinate the wall with the existing site conditions, including the wall layout, foundation system, structural reinforcement, guardrail conditions, and surrounding improvements.
Engineered for sloped site conditions
Integrated with existing structures
Permit-ready structural plans
ENGINEERING DETAILS
Engineered for Site Conditions
Retaining wall engineering extends below the visible wall. ISE develops coordinated structural plans and details addressing the relationship between the wall, slope, foundation system, reinforcement, existing improvements, and site-specific conditions.
The examples below are drawn from an actual residential retaining wall project and have been simplified for portfolio presentation.
CROSS SECTION
Shows how the retaining wall relates to the slope, pool, residence, and below-grade support.
Understanding the Full Site Relationship
FOUNDATION PLAN
Illustrates the wall layout, foundation system, and coordination with adjacent site improvements.
Structural Support Below Grade
LANDSCAPE RETAINING WALL DETAIL
Highlights the wall, reinforcement, grade relationship, and integration with adjacent improvements.
Where Structure Meets the Landscape
RETAINING WALL FOOTING DETAIL
Shows the reinforced concrete footing that supports the retaining wall system.
Engineered Foundation + Reinforcement
CONCRETE PIER DETAIL
Illustrates the pier and reinforcement used where additional below-grade support is required.
Deep Structural Support
Project-identifying information, dimensions, reinforcement requirements, connection specifications, calculations, and select technical information have been removed or simplified for privacy and portfolio presentation. These drawings are project-specific and are not intended for use on other properties or projects.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Discuss your project goals, existing conditions, and available project information.
OUR PROCESS
From Evaluation to Permit-Ready Plans
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SITE EVALUATION
Review site conditions, slope, surrounding improvements, and potential structural constraints.
DESIGN + ENGINEERING
Develop coordinated structural plans, details, and engineering calculations for the retaining wall.
YOU BUILD
Move forward with clear structural plans developed for your property and project conditions.
PERMIT SUPPORT
Prepare permit-ready structural documents and respond to plan check comments through approval.
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Let's Talk
HAVE A RETAINING WALL PROJECT?
Questions?
Call or Text Yola
(408) 836-6604
🇺🇸 🇲🇽 ¡Hablamos Español!
Every property is unique. Contact us to discuss your project and learn how ISE can provide the structural engineering you need.