How to find engineer to consult about retaining wall

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solival

160 posts

Master Geek

#189446 30-Dec-2015 11:12

Hello everyone,

I'm going to build retaining wall DIY from concrete block with reinforcement and I would like to get professional consultancy on how to build it properly. Various manuals and instructions recommend to "consult engineer" first and generally I agree with that as retaining walls are structural thing and my wall will reach 1.5m in highest point. However, I cannot really understand where to find them. Googling returns only companies that build these walls. Are they ok to ask for professional (paid) consultancy? They offer free quote but I don't need quote. Can their opinion be biased to force me to use builders where it is not necessary? Is it possible to find just practising independent engineers?

fastmikey

288 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#1459077 30-Dec-2015 15:46

You're looking for a engineering consultancy - where in the country are you?

blackjack17

1705 posts

Uber Geek

#1459078 30-Dec-2015 15:57

If you are in Auckland we used Chambers Consultants friend of a friend type thing.

Well priced, effective, old school paper and pencil kind of guy that has been doing it for years. Took about 2 months to invoice us as well.

He doesn't have a web address but here are his contact details

http://www.papatoetoe.net.nz/users/236/38/@Chambers-Consultants-Ltd/

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solival

160 posts

Master Geek

#1459081 30-Dec-2015 16:01

Thanks for reply's. I live in Lower Hutt (Wellington), so Auckland will not work for me. So, do I just need structural engineer?

surfisup1000

5288 posts

Uber Geek

#1459111 30-Dec-2015 16:24

1.5m retaining wall does not sound very high. What is the law?

DarthKermit

5346 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1459112 30-Dec-2015 16:24

Just google "civil engineers wellington" that should give you at least a few companies to try.

Jase2985

13466 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#1459157 30-Dec-2015 17:13

http://www.buildmagazine.org.nz/articles/show/retaining-walls/

some good info there in about what standards need to be met

1eStar

1604 posts

Uber Geek

#1459326 30-Dec-2015 23:01

1.2m height is the limit before you need an engineered solution from memory. I know Roy Taylor does this type of work. Or he will put you on to someone who does.

http://yellow.co.nz/y/taylor-roy-engineer

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solival

160 posts

Master Geek

#1459552 31-Dec-2015 15:19

Ok, thanks guys
Now I know at least who I need to search for :)
I tried to call some of them but seems they all on holidays. Anyway, it's not urgent so will continue next week.

Cheers

knoydart

904 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#1459559 31-Dec-2015 15:43

Can suggest Don Tompson Consulting Engineers based in Northland as an alternate.

antoniosk

2358 posts

Uber Geek

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Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1459565 31-Dec-2015 16:05

I've used ABuild Consulting in the past; you can also try SylvesterClark, but both are in the territory of proper retaining walls that hold back wellington hills and houses :-)

________

Antoniosk

driller2000

935 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#1459584 31-Dec-2015 17:10

i work for one of the mid-larger engineering consulting firms in nz......but for this sort of job a smaller outfit will be able to do the job and at a more competitive price:

if you don't get any recommendations - google some of these - civil / structural / geo - is what you will need:

http://yellow.co.nz/new-zealand/engineers-consulting?sortResults=&refinements_location=wellington+region