2027 Retaining Wall Planning Checklist
Retaining Wall Design Checklist & Project Planning Guide for Engineers, Contractors, Municipalities, DOTs & Precast Producers
Successful retaining wall projects begin long before construction starts. Proper retaining wall engineering, site evaluation, geotechnical analysis, product selection, and project coordination help reduce delays, control costs, and improve long-term wall performance.
Use this retaining wall planning checklist and retaining wall design guide to prepare your project before the busy construction season and ensure every critical engineering, design, and construction milestone has been addressed.
LondonBoulder_2027_Retaining_Wall_Planning_Checklist_Print_Ready.pdf. Or, read below!
Project Planning
☐ Define project objectives and performance requirements
☐ Confirm retaining wall locations and horizontal alignment
☐ Establish preliminary project schedule and milestones
☐ Identify project stakeholders and design team
☐ Develop preliminary construction budget
☐ Determine anticipated wall heights and project limits
Site Evaluation
☐ Complete topographic survey
☐ Review existing and proposed site grading
☐ Locate underground utilities
☐ Evaluate drainage patterns and stormwater management
☐ Verify construction access and equipment staging
☐ Identify nearby structures, roadways, and environmental constraints
☐ Evaluate site access for heavy equipment
Engineering & Design Review
☐ Review geotechnical investigation and soil report
☐ Verify allowable soil bearing capacity
☐ Identify surcharge loading requirements
☐ Review global and internal stability requirements
☐ Confirm drainage design behind the wall
☐ Verify required setbacks and easements
☐ Review applicable local, state, and DOT retaining wall design standards
☐ Confirm design life and performance requirements
☐ Review applicable retaining wall specifications
Retaining Wall System Selection
☐ Compare retaining wall systems for constructability
☐ Evaluate precast concrete retaining wall systems
☐ Compare gravity retaining wall solutions when appropriate
☐ Review excavation and foundation requirements
☐ Compare installation methods and equipment needs
☐ Confirm architectural finish requirements
☐ Select the preferred retaining wall system
☐ Obtain preliminary retaining wall engineering resources and design assistance
Project Coordination
☐ Coordinate with civil engineer
☐ Coordinate with structural engineer
☐ Coordinate with geotechnical engineer
☐ Coordinate with contractor
☐ Coordinate with utility companies
☐ Coordinate with municipality or DOT
☐ Review permitting requirements and approvals
☐ Confirm project specifications and construction documents
Construction Planning
☐ Verify crane and excavator access
☐ Review transportation and delivery logistics
☐ Identify material staging areas
☐ Coordinate installation sequencing
☐ Confirm production lead times
☐ Review anticipated construction schedule
Precast Producer Planning
☐ Forecast upcoming retaining wall production demand
☐ Review mold availability and production capacity
☐ Verify aggregate and raw material inventory
☐ Schedule equipment maintenance before peak season
☐ Train production and quality control staff
☐ Coordinate upcoming projects with contractors, municipalities, and engineers
Final Pre-Construction Review
☐ Engineering calculations complete
☐ Retaining wall design approved
☐ Retaining wall specifications finalized
☐ Shop drawings approved
☐ CAD details verified
☐ Quantities confirmed
☐ Materials scheduled
☐ Permits obtained
☐ Construction schedule confirmed
☐ Project team aligned for installation
Need Engineering Support for Your Next Retaining Wall Project?
Whether you’re designing a municipal retaining wall, commercial retaining wall, transportation infrastructure project, industrial site, or expanding your precast concrete product offerings, the London Boulder team provides retaining wall engineering resources and technical support throughout the planning and design process.
Our engineering team can assist with:
- Preliminary retaining wall design guidance
- Retaining wall engineering resources and technical support
- Product specifications
- CAD details and specification assistance
- Precast retaining wall system selection
- Gravity retaining wall application guidance
- Installation planning and constructability reviews
- Engineering support for municipalities, DOTs, consulting engineers, contractors, and precast producers