Durable Earth-Retention Solutions for Long-Term Stability
Customized Retaining Wall Systems Built to Last for Decades.
As one of the nation’s premier retaining wall contractors, Schnabel delivers customized earth-retention systems engineered to last a lifetime—tailored to the conditions of your project.
With decades of design-build experience, Schnabel provides permanent retaining wall solutions that balance durability, practicality, and aesthetics.
How Permanent Retaining Walls Work
Permanent tieback, soil nail and cantilevered pile retaining walls are practical and economical solutions when a permanent wall needs to be built in a cut or partial cut-and-fill situation. This is particularly true when it is desirable to avoid disturbing a road, structure, slope or other feature behind the wall.
Permanent walls are typically designed to last a long time (often 50 to 100 years). For this reason, the wall environment, including the soil and groundwater, are evaluated to determine their potential for corrosion. Schnabel’s wall construction specialists are also careful to ensure that the tiebacks, soil nails, facing connections and all the other details of the wall are designed to last for the lifetime of the wall.
To ensure the longevity of the wall, the facing is usually constructed using reinforced cast-in-place concrete, shotcrete, or precast concrete panels. The wall facing can also have any number of aesthetic treatments to improve its appearance or help it blend against the surrounding environment.
Permanent Retaining Wall Solutions
Schnabel designs and builds permanent retaining walls to accommodate diverse project requirements and challenging conditions. Our retaining walls are engineered to last a long-time, with careful evaluation of soil, groundwater, and other factors to ensure long-term durability.
We offer the following solutions:
Tieback Walls
Designed to maximize stability while minimizing site disturbance, ideal for preventing displacement of roads, slopes, and nearby structures.
Soil Nail Walls
Reinforces existing soil to create a stable, cost-effective permanent wall in difficult site conditions.
Cantilevered Pile Walls
Provides strong, long-lasting support in situations where space constraints limit other approaches.
Custom Finishes and Aesthetic Treatments
Walls can be faced with cast-in-place concrete, shotcrete, or precast panels, with optional finishes that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Why Choose Permanent Retaining Walls?
Permanent walls are ideal when long-term stability and safety are required. They are often used when it’s critical to avoid disturbing:
- Roadways
- Buildings and structures
- Slopes or embankments
- Other sensitive features behind the wall
Need a Long-Lasting Retaining Wall for Your Project? Let’s Talk Solutions.
Why Schnabel?
With more than half a century of experience, Schnabel is one of the nation’s most trusted retaining wall contractors. Our design-build approach ensures every project receives a tailored solution that addresses both engineering requirements and aesthetic considerations.
Here’s why clients choose Schnabel:
Ensure Your Retaining Wall Stands the Test of Time — Partner with Schnabel.
Real-World Results in Retaining Wall Construction
Projects Schnabel Has Worked On
Here are some projects where Schnabel’s permanent retaining wall solutions played a key role:
I-66 Soil Nail Walls
Location:
Fairfax, VA
Client:
FAM
Construction
Background
The I-66 expansion project required additional express lanes, new bike trails, and other infrastructure improvements along the eastbound section of the highway. To support the construction, excavation support systems were necessary.
Schnabel’s Solution
Schnabel constructed two large soil nail walls. The first wall covered approximately 13,000 square feet, while the second spanned nearly 60,000 square feet, providing essential excavation support for the project.
Results
The soil nail walls successfully stabilized the excavation areas, enabling safe and efficient completion of the I-66 expansion.
US 321
Location:
GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE
Client:
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
Background
As part of the U.S. 321 widening project along the edge of the Smoky Mountain National Park, permanent excavation support systems were required to stabilize the roadway and adjacent terrain.
Schnabel’s Solution
Schnabel designed and built 15 permanent tieback walls, with a combined length of more than 8,500 feet, to provide long-term stability for the widened roadway.
Results
The tieback walls ensured safe construction and long-lasting support for U.S. 321, enhancing transportation infrastructure through a sensitive mountain corridor.
Ready for a Permanent Retaining Wall Solution Built to Last? Let’s Talk.
Partner with Schnabel to design and construct a retaining wall that delivers unmatched durability, stability, and aesthetic appeal for decades to come.