Retaining walls are a great way to protect your property from erosion and soil displacement. However, they can sometimes be susceptible to water seepage, which can cause damage to the wall itself as well as the surrounding area. One common cause of water seepage is honey combing in the retaining wall. This occurs when there are voids or holes in the wall that have been created by air pockets during construction. These gaps can be difficult to detect, but once found, repairing them can be relatively easy. In this article, we will discuss some methods on how to repair honey comb in double mesh retaining walls and avoid water leakage from outside of the wall.

Method 1: Epoxy Injection

Epoxy injection is a popular method for repairing honey comb in retaining walls. Epoxy is a two-part adhesive that is mixed together before being injected into the voids or holes in the wall. The mixture then hardens to form a strong bond that fills the gaps and prevents further water seepage. This method can be effective if the honey combs are small and shallow.

Before starting the epoxy injection process, the voids or holes in the retaining wall must be cleaned thoroughly. Any loose debris or dirt should be removed using a wire brush, and the surface must be washed with water to ensure that it is free of any dirt or dust. Then, the epoxy mixture can be prepared as per the manufacturer's instructions. It should be injected into the voids or holes using a specialized injection tool. After the epoxy hardens, the wall should be inspected to ensure that there are no areas that have been missed.

Method 2: Grouting

Grouting is a method that involves pumping a mixture of cement and water into the gaps in the wall. This mixture fills the voids and creates a solid mass, which prevents water from seeping through. Grouting is an effective method for repairing larger honey combs that are deeper than the epoxy injection method can handle.

Before starting the grouting process, the holes and voids in the retaining wall must be cleaned and dried. Then, the grout mixture should be prepared as per the manufacturer's instructions. The mixture should be pumped into the voids or holes using a specialized injection tool. The grout should be allowed to set for a period of time to ensure that it has hardened completely. After the grout has hardened, any excess should be removed using a wire brush.

Method 3: Waterproofing Membrane

Waterproofing membrane is a material that prevents water from seeping through the retaining wall. It is usually applied to the outer surface of the wall and is effective for preventing water seepage from the outside. This method is helpful if the honey combs in the retaining wall are too large to repair using either the epoxy injection or grouting method.

Before applying the waterproofing membrane, the retaining wall should be cleaned and dried. Once the wall is dry, the membrane can be applied using a roller or spray gun. The membrane should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions, and any overlaps or joints should be sealed thoroughly. This will ensure that the entire wall is covered with the membrane and any gaps are sealed.

Method 4: Double Mesh Retaining Wall

Double mesh retaining walls are a type of retaining wall that is designed to prevent water seepage. The wall consists of two layers of mesh, which are separated by a layer of concrete. The mesh is designed to prevent water from seeping through. This method is suitable for retaining walls that are being constructed from scratch, and not for repairing existing walls.

Conclusion

Repairing honey comb in double mesh retaining walls ensures that the wall remains structurally sound. It also prevents water seepage, which can cause damage to the surrounding area. The four methods discussed in this article are effective at repairing honey comb in retaining walls and preventing water seepage. Proper maintenance and monitoring of the retaining wall can help prevent honey comb from forming in the first place. Remember to consult with a professional before starting any repair work, and ensure that all safety precautions are taken.