Scope and intended use
A retaining structure holds back ground and must be selected for the actual site conditions. Concrete walls, rockfill and gabions have different geometries, material requirements and construction methods. We assess execution packages once the responsible technical team has defined an appropriate solution. The height of retained ground is only one input: slopes above the wall, nearby loads, water and the condition of the foundation ground also matter. Appearance alone is not a sufficient basis for selecting the system.
Details that affect the work
Drainage behind and around the retaining structure should be coordinated with the design. Construction access and the space available for excavation can also limit the options. Gabion baskets require appropriate filling and assembly, while rockfill depends on suitable stone and placement. Concrete walls bring their own formwork, reinforcement and joint details. A clear proposal identifies excavation, foundation preparation, structural work, drainage and backfilling as connected activities, including the inspection stages that should occur before concealed elements are covered.
Planning the work package
The first assessment combines your brief with the drawings and information available for the site. We identify access constraints, quantities, interfaces with other trades and the operations that need a technical decision before pricing. The agreed proposal should explain inclusions, exclusions and the basis for measuring the work. A preferred programme is reviewed against the actual sequence, delivery arrangements and any inspections required by the project team. Changes to the initial scope should be described and assessed before they are incorporated into the works.
Preparing your enquiry
Send the municipality, a description of the intended result and any approximate dimensions you already know. Include information about access, neighbouring properties and whether the area will remain occupied or operational. Tell us which plans, studies and specifications are available, and who coordinates the technical design. Photographs can support the initial conversation, but hidden conditions may require additional checks. ECOSTA reviews enquiries in Girona as a priority; projects proposed in southern France require a separate assessment of location, resources and applicable requirements.
Agreeing the handover
Before the work begins, clarify the condition in which the package is to be handed over and which records are required by the project. This may include measured quantities, material information, test results where specified, and instructions relevant to future maintenance. An agreed review helps distinguish completed work from outstanding items and makes interfaces with the next trade understandable. Keeping this information connected to the actual scope gives the owner and technical team a clearer basis for closing the package.
