Retaining Wall Design in Swansea & South Wales
Structural Calculations, Engineering Drawings & Expert Design Advice for Safe and Compliant Retaining Walls
Retaining walls play a critical role in managing ground levels, preventing soil movement and creating stable, usable space around homes, gardens, driveways and commercial sites. At Complete CAD & Structural Solutions Ltd (CCS), we specialise in the design, structural calculations and engineering assessment of retaining walls across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli, Bridgend, Cardiff and the wider South Wales region.
Call our team today to find out more.
We design retaining walls that are:
- Structurally safe
- Compliant with Building Regulations
- Long-lasting
- Cost-effective
- Designed for local ground conditions
- Accepted by all Building Control bodies
Every design follows Part A of the Building Regulations, Eurocode 7 (BS EN 1997) and the retaining wall standard BS 8002.
Blockwork Retaining Walls (Hollow Block / RC Filled)
A popular domestic solution using hollow concrete blocks reinforced with steel and filled with concrete.
Gabion Basket Retaining Walls
Wire cages filled with stone offering natural drainage and an attractive appearance.
Timber Sleeper Walls
A visually appealing and cost-effective solution for gardens and landscaping.
Tiered / Stepped Retaining Walls
Used on steep sites where a single high wall would be unsafe or visually intrusive.
TYPES OF RETAINING WALLS WE DESIGN
Gravity Retaining Walls
Built from concrete, blockwork or stone, using their own weight to resist earth pressure. Ideal for garden terraces and landscaping.
Reinforced Concrete Retaining Walls
Built using reinforced concrete with steel reinforcement, ideal for high loads or steep level changes.
Cantilever Retaining Walls
A cost-effective engineered solution using a reinforced concrete stem and base slab, suitable for residential and commercial projects.
OUR RETAINING WALL ENGINEERING & DESIGN SERVICES
We provide a complete design package including:
Structural Calculations
- Sliding resistance
- Overturning checks
- Bearing pressure
- Soil pressure analysis
- Surcharge and traffic loads
- Hydrostatic pressure analysis
Engineering Drawings
- Plans, sections and elevations
- Reinforcement details
- Footing layout
- Construction notes
- Drainage detailing
Foundation Design
- Foundation depth
- Footing width
- Reinforcement specification
- Soil bearing capacity checks
Retaining Wall Stability Checks
We ensure your wall resists:
- Lateral earth pressure
- Surcharge loads
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Ground movement
- Drainage detailing
Drainage Design (Critical for Wall Performance)
We design:
- French drains
- Perforated pipes
- Weep holes
- Granular backfill
- Geotextile membranes
- Waterproofing (if required)
80% of retaining wall failures occur due to poor drainage. Our engineering ensures this does NOT happen.
WHEN YOU NEED STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
You legally require structural calculations if your retaining wall:
- Is over 1 metre near a road
- Is over 2 metres elsewhere
- Supports a driveway or parking area
- Is close to a boundary
- Supports a neighbouring garden
- Supports a building or extension
- Is part of a development or excavation
Incorrect design can cause collapse, safety risks and costly remedial work.
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR RETAINING WALLS
Planning may be required if the wall:
- Exceeds height limits
- Is next to a public road
- Changes ground levels significantly
- Impacts drainage
- Is on a boundary
- Is in a conservation area
We provide scaled drawings and handle planning if required.
BUILDING REGULATIONS FOR RETAINING WALLS
Retaining walls must comply with:
- Part A (Structure)
- BS 8002 – Earth Retaining Structures
- BS EN 1997 – Eurocode 7
Our designs meet all compliance standards required by Building Control.
COMMON FAILURES OF DIY RETAINING WALLS
- Leaning or bulging walls
- Cracks along the wall
- Water build-up behind the wall
- Slab or footing failure
- Soil slippage
- Incorrect reinforcement
- No drainage system
- Insufficient foundation depth
Our engineered designs prevent all common causes of failure.
OUR DESIGN PROCESS
- Initial Consultation
We assess your site conditions, height differences and project objectives.
- Site Information & Measurements
You provide drawings, site photos or we conduct a measured survey.
- Engineering Calculations & Drawings
We design the wall using load modelling, soil analysis and structural software.
- Building Control Pack
We issue a calculation pack and drawings ready for approval.
- Support During Construction
We liaise with your builder and provide ongoing technical guidance.
Areas We Cover
- Swansea
- Neath
- Port Talbot
- Llanelli
- Bridgend
- Cardiff
- Vale of Glamorgan
- RCT
- Merthyr
- Carmarthen
WHY CHOOSE CCS?
- Structural engineer-led service
- 200+ retaining walls, extensions & structural designs completed
- Fully compliant with Building Regulations
- Fast turnaround times
- Cost-effective and durable solutions
- Accepted by all Building Control officers
- Local expertise across South Wales
- Clear fixed fees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need structural calculations for a retaining wall?
Yes, if your wall is higher than 1m near a highway or 2m anywhere else. Walls supporting driveways, boundaries or buildings always require calculations.
Do retaining walls need planning permission?
In some cases, depending on height, placement and ground level changes. We advise you based on your site.
How deep should a retaining wall foundation be?
This depends on soil conditions, wall height and loading. We calculate this precisely.
What is the best type of retaining wall?
For domestic projects: reinforced concrete or reinforced blockwork. For garden landscaping: gabion or sleeper walls.
Can I build a retaining wall myself?
Yes, but structural design must be completed by an engineer. We provide builder-friendly drawings.
GET RETAINING WALL ADVICE TODAY
We provide fast turnaround times and complete structural design support.