Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - retaining wall
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jwillie
05-25-05, 09:07 AM
I want to build a retaining wall using standard retaining wall blocks.
The wall will start at the corner of the house. Here's my problem -- since the blocks step back as you go up, this will create a larger and larger gap between the edge of the wall and the corner of the house.
I'm sure this is a common problem - any suggestions?
The wall will start at the corner of the house. Here's my problem -- since the blocks step back as you go up, this will create a larger and larger gap between the edge of the wall and the corner of the house.
I'm sure this is a common problem - any suggestions?
Frank99
05-25-05, 05:30 PM
Use a block that does not step back, there are alot of them out there.
Concretemasonry
05-25-05, 10:32 PM
This is a common application for segmental retaining wall units. Here are a few thoughts:
1. Search to sites of the companies that licenses the manufacturers of the different types of units. The block may have variations, but the applications are all the same. Name to searc for are "Allan Block", "Anchor Wall Systems", Keystone Retaining Wall Block" and "Versalok". You should be able to get some good ideas.
2. Contact a local supplier or manufacturer. He may beable to help, especially if he sees a sale. He could also give you the names of contractors that could give you some options in the form of a conversation and a bid.
3. These wall are separated into two types. Walls up to 4 feet high are gravity walls that rely on the weight of the block and soil to resist the horizontal soil pressure. Walls over that height are referred to a engineered wall that use geogrid (plastic mesh) that is placed into the soil behind a wall, tying into a large block. These type of wall have been built up to 50 feet high.
4. If you are going over 4 feet high many municipalites require a permit for a wall built out of any material. Many will accept the designs from the licensors or the licensors sites. In any event determine what is needed and how it should be installed. Almost all failures occur when someone just starts piling up block with no plan design.
5. Vertical segmental retaining walls are usually weaker because of the geometry unless the extremely heavy units (85 to 150 pounds) are used. This type of construction represents a small part of the market because of the weight and lanscapers preference.
Good luck -
1. Search to sites of the companies that licenses the manufacturers of the different types of units. The block may have variations, but the applications are all the same. Name to searc for are "Allan Block", "Anchor Wall Systems", Keystone Retaining Wall Block" and "Versalok". You should be able to get some good ideas.
2. Contact a local supplier or manufacturer. He may beable to help, especially if he sees a sale. He could also give you the names of contractors that could give you some options in the form of a conversation and a bid.
3. These wall are separated into two types. Walls up to 4 feet high are gravity walls that rely on the weight of the block and soil to resist the horizontal soil pressure. Walls over that height are referred to a engineered wall that use geogrid (plastic mesh) that is placed into the soil behind a wall, tying into a large block. These type of wall have been built up to 50 feet high.
4. If you are going over 4 feet high many municipalites require a permit for a wall built out of any material. Many will accept the designs from the licensors or the licensors sites. In any event determine what is needed and how it should be installed. Almost all failures occur when someone just starts piling up block with no plan design.
5. Vertical segmental retaining walls are usually weaker because of the geometry unless the extremely heavy units (85 to 150 pounds) are used. This type of construction represents a small part of the market because of the weight and lanscapers preference.
Good luck -
financ
05-26-05, 08:22 PM
JWillie,
I am planning to build a retaining wall similar to what you described and one of my neighbours has a retaining wall that fits the description. What they did is they started to build the retaining wall not at the corner but about 1-2 ft. before the corner. They started to pile up the SRW blocks with an angle close to 90 degrees to the wall. Immediately after the first block, they formed a corner and continued parallel to the wall. That seems to fix the separation problem you are talking about.
I hope this helps.
financ
I am planning to build a retaining wall similar to what you described and one of my neighbours has a retaining wall that fits the description. What they did is they started to build the retaining wall not at the corner but about 1-2 ft. before the corner. They started to pile up the SRW blocks with an angle close to 90 degrees to the wall. Immediately after the first block, they formed a corner and continued parallel to the wall. That seems to fix the separation problem you are talking about.
I hope this helps.
financ