Soldier Beam Retaining Wall Construction Project in Orinda, CA
Location: Orinda, CA
Problems: Existing retaining wall along a shared driveway turnaround required replacement with a new engineered retaining wall system
Services: Soldier beam retaining wall construction, retaining wall replacement, drainage improvements and structural site repairs
Solution: Constructed a new 60-foot soldier beam retaining wall, incorporated drainage behind the wall, removed a portion of the existing wall, and restored the surrounding driveway and steps.
The Problem: Replacing a Retaining Wall Along a Shared Driveway
Many Orinda homes are built on sloping terrain where retaining walls play an important role in supporting driveways, landscaping and access routes. Shared driveways can present additional design challenges because retaining walls must provide reliable structural support while accommodating regular vehicle traffic.
For this Orinda property, Ward Construction was hired to construct a new engineered soldier beam retaining wall around a shared driveway turnaround. The work followed preliminary plans prepared by structural engineer Dave Olnes and included replacing one side of the existing retaining wall system.
The Solution: A New Soldier Beam Retaining Wall
Ward Construction constructed a new 60-foot soldier beam retaining wall surrounding the shared driveway turnaround.
Unlike many traditional residential retaining walls, soldier beam walls use structural steel beams embedded in concrete to create a strong framework capable of supporting retained soil. This type of retaining wall is often selected for sites where engineering requirements or site conditions call for a more robust structural solution.
Replacing the Existing Wall
As part of the project, one side of the existing retaining wall was removed to accommodate the new construction.
Replacing only the portion of the wall necessary for the new engineered system allowed the project to integrate the new retaining structure with the existing site while minimizing unnecessary demolition.
Incorporating Drainage Behind the Wall
Proper drainage is essential to the long-term performance of any retaining wall.
After the new soldier beam wall was installed, the space between the new and existing walls was filled with drain rock. Drain rock allows water to move more freely through the backfill, helping reduce hydrostatic pressure that can build up behind retaining walls during periods of heavy rainfall.
By incorporating drainage into the retaining wall design, the project addressed both structural support and long-term water management.
Restoring the Surrounding Site
Because retaining wall construction often affects nearby hardscape, the project also included repairs to the surrounding property.
Ward Construction repaired the asphalt driveway surface and adjacent steps as necessary after construction was completed, helping restore the functionality of the shared driveway turnaround while completing the retaining wall installation. The project also included obtaining the required building permit before construction began.
Why Choose a Soldier Beam Retaining Wall?
Not every retaining wall is built the same way. While timber and segmental block walls are common for many residential applications, some properties require a stronger engineered system.
Soldier beam retaining walls are often selected for hillside properties, shared driveways and locations where structural loading or site conditions require additional strength. By combining engineered structural elements with proper drainage, these walls are designed to provide long-term stability for challenging sites.
Need a Retaining Wall Contractor in Orinda?
If your retaining wall is showing signs of movement, needs replacement, or you’re planning improvements on a hillside property, an engineered retaining wall may be the best long-term solution.
Ward Construction specializes in retaining wall construction, soldier beam retaining walls, engineered retaining wall systems and structural hillside repairs throughout Orinda and the East Bay. We work closely with structural engineers to build retaining walls designed specifically for the conditions of each property.