Retaining walls
Gravity wall in Quebec, New Brunswick, the N.W.T. and Nunavut
JPC Consultants inc. designs gravity walls in Quebec City and across Quebec, in concrete blocks, rocks or gabions, for temporary and permanent structures.
Our approach
A wall that stands by its own weight
A gravity wall resists soil pressure through its weight. Its mass and geometry ensure its stability, with no reinforcement placed in the backfill.
For more than 15 years, JPC Consultants inc. has designed all kinds of retaining walls, including concrete block gravity walls and rock gravity walls. We carry out the calculations to current standards.
We work with several established, well-known suppliers in Quebec. This lets us offer the product best suited to your site.
For steep slopes, a gravity wall can be combined with APAJA anchors. This combination reduces the depth of the wall.
- Concrete blocks, rocks or gabions
- Calculations to current standards
- Temporary and permanent walls
- Several well-known suppliers
Choosing well
When should you choose a gravity wall?
A gravity wall is well suited to low to medium heights, when there is room for a fairly wide base. It is simple to build and requires no reinforcement in the backfill.
The taller the wall, the wider and heavier its base must be. Beyond a certain height, a reinforced soil wall often becomes more economical. We compare these options with you.
Drainage and the quality of the backfill behind the wall play a key role. Our plans specify these details to ensure the structure performs over time.
A gravity wall can also replace a slope that is too wide. It frees up usable space at the toe or top of the slope, for example for a road or site development.
Systems we design
The gravity walls we design
The material depends on the height, the loads, the desired look and the products available. Here are the systems we design.
- 01
Concrete block gravity wall
Stacked blocks, designed with the right drainage and backfill.
- 02
Rock gravity wall
Large placed rocks, for slopes and site development.
- 03
Twisted-wire gabions
Wire mesh baskets filled with stone, modular and free-draining.
- 04
Architectural gabions
Gabions with a refined finish for visible landscaping.
- 05
Anti-collision wall
Gabion wall designed for train derailment.
- 06
Product approval
Calculations for the approval of suppliers' products by the MTQ.
Our process
From site analysis to sealed plans
- 01
Site analysis
Review of geotechnical data, topography and nearby structures.
- 02
Choice of system
Comparison of wall types based on height, space and construction cost.
- 03
Design and plans
Calculations, sealed engineering plans, drainage and backfill details.
- 04
Site support
Technical answers and supervision visits during the work.
Who we serve
For all types of projects
We design gravity walls for contractors, public bodies, mining companies, developers and private owners.
We also inspect existing retaining walls. When a wall shows signs of weakness, we propose a repair method.
- Contractors
- Public bodies and municipalities
- Mining companies
- Developers
- Private owners
Why us
Why choose JPC Consultants inc.
Since JPC Consultants inc. was founded in 2012, the goal has always been the same: keep the same clients and contractors, and make sure they are satisfied.
Fast response
An engineer gets back to you quickly and gives you an opinion from the very first conversation.
Deadlines and fees respected
Documents are delivered within the agreed deadlines and in the required format.
Expertise
In-depth knowledge of our fields of expertise, and we handle all the calculations.
Personalized service
Each mandate is approached according to the project's technical and contractual constraints.
Transparency
If we believe a project is not viable, we tell you.
Recognized suppliers
A wide range of suppliers established in Quebec, to offer you a variety of solutions.
Between Fermont and Gatineau, by way of Nunavut and New Brunswick, JPC Consultants inc. has worked on a great many projects. We are members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), of NAPEG for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and of AIGNB-APEGNB for New Brunswick.
A gravity wall holds back soil through its own weight. It can be made of concrete blocks, rocks or gabions.
The choice depends on the height, the loads, the soils and the available space. We compare both options with you, with their pros and cons.
Yes. We design temporary and permanent retaining walls, including gravity walls.
Yes. We inspect retaining walls and propose a repair method when needed.
In Quebec, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, including projects in remote areas.
Planning a gravity wall project?
For gravity wall design in Quebec City, in the surrounding regions or in remote areas, tell us about your site. An engineer will outline the possible options and the information needed for the design.