At Paul Basham Associates, our retaining wall inspections give homeowners and developers clear, reliable insight when concerns arise about wall stability, movement, or deterioration. With over 35 years of structural engineering experience, we identify failures, assess associated risks, and provide practical, achievable recommendations you can act on with confidence.
Clear, Reliable Structural Insight
We carry out visual, non-intrusive inspections tailored to each retaining wall’s construction and surrounding ground conditions. Our assessments help you understand whether issues are structural, what is driving them, and what remedial actions will provide long-term stability.
What We Inspect
We review all critical elements that influence the performance of retaining walls, including:
- Wall alignment: leaning, bulging, rotation, settlement
- Cracking: stepped, horizontal, vertical, or shear cracks
- Materials: concrete spalling, blockwork deterioration, mortar loss, timber decay
- Drainage: blocked weep holes, inadequate back-of-wall drainage, water build-up
- Foundations: undermining, slippage, bearing failure, erosion
- Ground conditions: surcharge loading, nearby trees, poor backfill
- Safety risks: likelihood of progressive failure or collapse
Common Issues We Identify
- Cracking from ground movement or inadequate foundation
- Sliding from soil failure
- Foundation defects
- Material deterioration from moisture, frost, or corrosion
Every inspection includes a clear summary of observed defects, their likely causes, associated risks, and straightforward recommendations for stabilisation or repair. Typical remedial guidance may include improved drainage, partial rebuilding, strengthening works, crack repairs, or reducing ground loads acting on the wall.
Supporting Safe Decisions
Our inspections give you confidence to proceed with repairs or future landscaping works, ensuring contractors, Building Control, and homeowners have a clear understanding of the retaining wall’s condition and the steps required to restore long-term stability.