Strengthening River Banking

wozzy

Hi folks, I'm new to this forum.

I have just recently purchased an house next to a river and would like to know which is the best way of strengthening a river banking. The banking is probably about 18 feet high off the river.

The reason is I am shortly going to build a double garage and a driveway which will run along the top of the river banking. The banking in this area if you go too near falls away therefore I would like to know how to strengthen this so I can run the driveway near to the edge without it falling away.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards
Mick

RJ Lindblom

I would start with a civil engineer, have them take a look at what you have and what explain what you want to do.

Most retaining walls over 42" require an engineer to sign off on the plans anyway.

concretemasonry

Since you are considering building a permanent structure near a river bank, definitely get some opinions and ideas from a civil engineer.

Lakes can flood, but do everything quite slowly even if they come up 20 feet ovewr a few years. With a river, you have to look at the flood history and the erosion problems. He will also be able to asses the soil type and give you some suggestions.

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Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

artisanstone

It's also very common to require special permits etc. to build near a waterway. Consult your building dept. and an engineer as mentioned above.

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Cole

If you could post some photos, that would help.

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wozzy

Thanks for your prompt replies.
I work in Europe during the week therefore when I'm home this weekend I will take some photos and post to this thread.

Once again thanks

Milhaus

Pay attention to any residual effects that your work with place on the river. Throwing a bunch of rip rap on the bank can change the ecosystem and flow within the river. There are good and bad bank stabilization techniques. Check with your local soil and water board after you consult the engineer. Typically, the river environment is completely ignored in favor of building. If you can find a balance in there, nature will thank you.

Steve Manning

Do you live in the USA. If so you can probably find this river on the FEMA web site, do a google search and when you get there hit the site map at the bottom of the page. Look for FEMA flood maps latest available and also Flood Insurance Studies (FIS)

it likely will have been studied to determine various flood events water surface elevations (voodoo). There likely will be limitations on where you can build structures or at least minimum finished floor elevations.

Ty.

contact your local dnr, depending on where you live, and and if there is erosion, you can get into a cost share program where the dnr will pay for a certain percentage of the work and materials.