Hard Landscape 7

SUDS, Ramps and Retaining

Walls
By Rod Nairn

Levels Exercise
Nursery Yard

Ramp Requirements

Ramps & Paths

Maximum gradient for ramps and paths over 5m in length: 1:20
Maximum gradient for ramps and paths under 5m in length: 1:15
Maximum gradient for ramps and paths under 2m in length: 1:12
Minimum width of all ramps and paths: 1200mm
Provide safety edges to ramps and paths minimum: 100mm where there is
a level difference between ramp and surrounding area.
Level platform by entrances: 1500x 1500mm
Surfaces to be smooth but slip resistant.
Handrail to one side of ramp 800 1100mm high if ramp exceeds 2m. In
length

Landings
1:12 Gradient Ratio, Landing Platform Required at 2
Metre Intervals.
1:15 Gradient Ratio, Landing Platform Required at 5
Metre Intervals.
1:20 Gradient Ratio, Landing Platform Required at 10
Metre Intervals

Ramp Built Hard Against the Wall

All new build houses today must have level access, ie. no steps to the front door. Ramps are built up to and
against the house. The DPC goes under the threshold . There must be a vented drained space between the
end of the ramp and the house threshold to prevent water running into the house above the DPC. This is
called a threshold drain. Google some to see what they look like. This may be suitable for your project but
the more complex the solution, the more likely it is to fail in the future. If you just leave a gap between the
entire ramp and the building , job done, you know the DPC will never be compromised.

Damp Proof Course

SUDS
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
The need for them

SUDS
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
Key Principles
Source Control Control the run off as near to its source as
possible.
Management Train Integrated solutions to help reduce pollution,
volume and flow rate prior to discharge
Water Quality Removing pollutants from surface water is a key
part of SUDS design. ie. Fire Stations, petrol stations etc,
Amenity and Biodiversity Putting water back into aquifers helps
with existing trees and new planting schemes.

A SWALE

A RETENTION POND

SUDS
The Planning aspect of Front Gardens....
( nothing really new. but now it is and law..)
The Town and country planning re front gardens came into effect 1st October
2008 F1... ."Development is permitted by class F, subject to the conditions that
where:a.The Hard surface would be situated on land between a wall or boundary forming
the principle elevation of the dwelling house and
b. The area of ground covered by the hard surface or the area of hard surface
replaced would exceed an area of 5 square metres,
Either the hard surface shall be made of porous materials, or provision is made
to direct run-off water from the hard surface to a permeable or porous area or
surface within the curtilage of the dwelling house.
In principle this means, that it only applies to front gardens, sides and rear are
not covered,
It also means replacement of existing drives and patios need planning. It also
means any solid paving over 5m2 needs planning permission. It also means that
SUDS compliant systems must be used.

SUDS
Permeable Paving... A Closer
Look....
Basically there is two types....
Infiltration.. .Where the water passes
through the paving itself Concrete
Block or referred to as CBPP (Concrete
Block Permeable Paving) Ideal for slow
traffic areas,ie carparks, drives, etc
Porous... . Where the water drains
through the entire surface. It Can be
porous tarmac, i.e Tennis courts Even
Resin systems...but not forgetting the
humble shingles and decorative
gravels.. Still the cheapest by far....

SUDS

SUDS

SUDS
A filter drain. The effectiveness will
depend on soil type and site design

SUDS
Testing soil permeability

SUDS
Considerations of CBPP

Can only be installed where the area falls away

from the house
House should be 600mm away from the CBPP
If the driveway exceeds 20m in length or exceeds
a gradient of 1: 100, baffles may be required

SUDS
Baffles

SUDS
http://www.pavingexpert.com/pdf/pavingfrontgardens.pdf

Retaining walls in Gardens

Retaining walls can be more than just large structural
elements.
Create level changes

Retaining walls in Gardens

Retaining walls can be more than just large structural
elements.
Create level changes

Create terraces

Retaining walls in Gardens

Retaining walls can be more than just large structural
elements.
Create level changes

Create terraces
In step construction

Retaining walls in Gardens

Retaining walls can be more than just large structural
elements.
Create level changes

Create terraces
In step construction
Raised pools

Retaining walls in Gardens

Retaining walls can be more than just large structural
elements.
Create level changes

Create terraces
In step construction
Raised pools

Raised planters

Retaining walls in Gardens

Retaining walls can be more than just large structural
elements.
Create level changes

Create terraces
In step construction
Raised pools

Raised planters
Gardens for the disabled

Retaining walls in Gardens

Retaining walls can be more than just large structural
elements.
Create level changes

Create terraces
In step construction
Raised pools

Raised planters
Gardens for the disabled
Ha has

Factors Affecting Choice

The type and construction of a Retaining walls will be
influenced by three factors...
Gradient
Type of Soil
Water Content
Therefore always seek advice for structures above
600mm

Types of Retaining Wall

There are two main types of retaining wall

Gravity retaining walls

Cantilevered retaining walls

Gravity retaining walls are most common in

gardens, so we will look at these first.

A Simple Brick Retaining Wall

Brick Retaining Wall Section

Sleeper Retaining Walls

Other Gravity Walls

Gabions
Cribs

Interlocking Concrete Blocks

Gabions

Gabions

Gabions

Gabions

Cribs