Engineered Retaining Walls Built for Arizona Conditions
Bunney’s Inc. designs and constructs block retaining walls that control erosion, create usable space, and elevate curb appeal for commercial, industrial, and public-sector sites across Arizona. With decades of local experience, we plan for heat, monsoon moisture, and soil variability so your wall performs as intended and looks great for years.
New to Bunney’s? Learn who we are and explore our capabilities.
Why property owners and contractors choose Bunney’s Inc.
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Arizona-specific design: Wall geometry, drainage, and reinforcement tailored to local soils (including clays and caliche) and seasonal rains.
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Engineering where it counts: Partnerships with licensed engineers for walls requiring permits or sealed drawings.
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Quality materials & methods: Segmental block systems and CMU options installed to manufacturer specs with proper base, geogrid, and backfill.
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Safety & compliance: ADA/egress considerations, temporary shoring when needed, and jobsite safety plans.
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Clear delivery: Defined timelines, proactive communication, and a tidy site at turnover.
Serving businesses across Arizona, including the greater Phoenix area and surrounding communities.
What We Build
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Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW): Interlocking concrete blocks with geogrid reinforcement as required—ideal for landscape terraces, parking expansions, and grade changes.
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CMU Retaining Walls: Steel-reinforced masonry with grout fill for higher loads, tight footprints, or architectural finishes.
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Decorative & Architectural Walls: Textured, colored, or split-face units to complement building exteriors and site design.
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Ancillary Elements: Drainage systems, weep holes, underdrains, caps, guardrails, fencing, and stairs integrated into the wall design.
A Practical Guide to Block Retaining Walls in Arizona
Benefits
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Erosion control & slope stabilization during monsoon season.
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More usable space for parking, loading areas, patios, or walkways.
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Durability against UV, heat, and stormwater when properly designed.
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Low lifecycle cost thanks to modular components and targeted maintenance.
Ready to plan your project? Get a site walk and budgetary estimate from our paving team.
Key design considerations
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Height & loading: Wall height, surcharge (e.g., vehicles near the edge), and nearby structures determine reinforcement needs.
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Soil & base prep: Subgrade evaluation, compaction, and level base course are critical for long-term stability.
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Drainage: Perforated underdrains, free-draining backfill, and weep holes relieve hydrostatic pressure.
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Reinforcement: Geogrid placement and embedment length matched to wall height and soil properties.
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Permits: Many jurisdictions require permits/sealed calculations for walls over ~4 ft (check local codes).
Our Build Process
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Site Assessment & Proposal
We review topography, utilities, access, and code requirements to provide options and pricing. -
Engineering & Permitting (as needed)
Structural calculations, stamped drawings, and submittals coordinated with the AHJ. -
Excavation & Base
Trench to spec, compact subgrade, install and level aggregate base. -
First Course & Alignment
Set the base course dead-level and straight this governs the entire wall. -
Stacking & Reinforcement
Stagger joints; place geogrid at specified courses; compact free-draining backfill in lifts. -
Drainage Integration
Underdrain and outlets/weep holes installed to plan, with positive discharge. -
Capping & Finishes
Adhesive-set caps, architectural treatments, and any rails/fencing. -
Cleanup & Closeout
Final inspection, maintenance guidance, and as-builts provided.
Maintenance Tips
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Seasonal inspections: Look for movement, settlement, or clogged outlets after heavy rains.
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Keep drainage clear: Maintain underdrain outlets and surface inlets to prevent hydrostatic pressure.
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Vegetation control: Prevent root intrusion and remove weeds between blocks.
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Prompt repairs: Replace damaged units and relevel localized settlement to avoid spreading issues.
Common Applications
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Commercial sites: Parking lot expansions, dock ramps, dumpster enclosures, and grade separations.
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Public & education: Campus terracing, trail edges, and roadway shoulders.
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Industrial: Yard leveling, equipment pads, and retaining for heavy-load areas.
FAQs
How tall can a segmental retaining wall be without engineering?
It depends on jurisdiction and site conditions, but many Arizona cities require permits and engineered drawings for walls over about 4 feet or with surcharges (e.g., drive lanes, buildings). We’ll confirm local code and recommend the safest approach.
Segmental block (SRW) vs. CMU—how do I choose?
SRWs are efficient for most landscape and site-grading needs and can reach significant heights with geogrid. CMU is preferred for very high loads, tight footprints, or when a solid, reinforced wall is required by the engineer or AHJ.
Do retaining walls need drainage in Arizona’s dry climate?
Yes. Monsoon storms create short, intense runoff. Proper underdrains, free-draining backfill, and weep holes are essential to reduce hydrostatic pressure and extend wall life.
What causes retaining walls to fail?
Common causes include inadequate base prep, poor compaction, missing/undersized drainage, incorrect geogrid placement, or unaccounted surcharges. Our process addresses each of these.
How long will a block retaining wall last?
With correct design, installation, and drainage, block and CMU walls routinely last decades. Routine inspections and small, timely repairs protect your investment.
Can you match the building’s look?
Yes. We offer textured and colored units, cap styles, and architectural finishes to align with your brand and site design.
Do you work with occupied sites?
Absolutely. We phase work, manage traffic control, and coordinate with facility teams to minimize disruption.
