Building Durable Concrete Retaining Walls on Salt Spring Island, B.C.
John Lohan • February 13, 2025
In the rugged terrain of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, the importance of a robust foundation cannot be overstated. Double Black Construction's recent project on the island demonstrates our expertise in constructing defensive concrete retaining walls that stand the test of time, overcoming geotechnical challenges.
British Columbia's diverse landscape and topography presents unique engineering challenges for construction. Uneven terrain, landslide risks, shifting soil conditions and persistent water runoff demand extensive site preparation before concrete can be poured or steel framing installed.
Site Excavation and Preparation
Most of our projects – and this one in particular – begin with thorough site excavation. On Salt Spring Island, the challenging location involved creating a level surface for the building's foundation. In hilly areas, concrete retaining walls can be a crucial addition, providing resistance against soil shifts and water runoff while offering a strong barrier against potential landslides.
When our leadership team
analyzed the building requirements to determine the extent of engineering required, they conduct a thorough structural analysis to determine the complexity of the foundation needed for the job:
- Building weight and size
- Seismic and weight loads
- Soil strength and stability
- Ground slope
These factors guide critical design decisions, ensuring the foundation meets both structural and environmental demands. A well-designed foundation serves multiple purposes:
- Provides a level platform for the structure
- Protects against seismic activity and severe weather
- Keeps water and dampness out of the building
In the case of the Salt Spring Island project, a nearby slope was going to be an ongoing issue, requiring a supporting concrete wall to protect and reinforce the rest of the steel framing and wall systems. The team relies on the power of concrete to cast a heavy-duty barrier to protect the structure.
Reinforcing the Structure with Cast-in-Place Concrete
Concrete
remains the material of choice for commercial structures due to its durability and versatility. At the Salt Spring Island site, Double Black Construction employed cast-in-place concrete supported with metal rebar for the retaining wall, a method favored for its structural integrity and adaptability to various shapes and curves.
Constructing strong foundational walls requires building wooden forms (to contain and shape the concrete), a rebar framework (to reinforce it and enhance load-bearing capacity), pouring in concrete
(in controlled phases), allowing sufficient time to set and then removing all the casting materials. Double Black Construction utilized FormPly, the commercial name of the form casts, to construct the foundation and retaining wall. This advanced forming system ensures precision and strength, crucial for the long-term stability of the building.
Managing water runoff is a crucial aspect of foundation design, particularly in B.C.’s wet climate. While the formwork was being constructed, our team simultaneously installed drainage systems to control subsurface water and prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup. These measures help to maintain the structural integrity of the retaining wall and foundation over time.
Understanding Local Conditions to Build Engineering Foundations for Longevity
Double Black Construction's work on Salt Spring Island exemplifies our commitment to creating the appropriate foundation to support the needs of local conditions. By anticipating future challenges and employing advanced techniques, we ensure clients receive a maintenance-free, dependable structure that will serve them for decades.
In the demanding landscape of British Columbia, where the ground beneath our feet is as dynamic as the structures Double Black Construction builds upon it, a solid foundation isn't just important — it's everything. Our company’s expertise
in this crucial aspect of building installation continues to set the standard for precision, durability and reliability, making us a trusted partner for manufacturers, general contractors, engineers and architects alike.
Double Black Construction works with North America’s largest and most reputable pre-engineered building manufacturers to deliver your ideal pre-engineered commercial or industrial facility. For a free quote, contact us today
or call (833) 322-2722
to speak directly with our leadership team.
About the author:
John Lohan
has over 20 years of experience designing, engineering and installing over 500 metal buildings for architects and clients across North America and the globe. He’s managed all aspects of steel building construction, including material logistics and managing local and foreign construction teams. John also has special expertise in concrete foundation and excavation. He can be contacted at Double Black Construction at (833) 322-2722, by email at info@DoubleBlackConstruction.com
or on LinkedIn.
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