Excavation Dig a trench for the bottom row of blocks. They should be buried about 1 inch deep for every 8 inches of wall height. This provides strength and stability to your retaining wall. Make sure that your trench is level and compacted.
The footing, or first row of your retaining wall, should be about 4 to 6 inches deep and about 12 inches wide, or twice the width of the block you are using. The blocks should sit about halfway into the soil.
A commonly used embedment depth calculation for walls with level ground below is 1 in (2.5 cm) of depth per foot (30 cm) of wall height with a typical minimum of 6 in (15 cm) for commercial projects.
Absolutely! Even a 2-foot retaining wall needs an effective drainage system. Without it, water can build up behind the wall, leading to pressure that might cause the wall to lean or even collapse. All walls need systems to manage water effectively, preventing damage over time.
Hydrostatic Pressure and Wall Failure
When water isn't properly drained, it can accumulate behind the wall, exerting pressure on the structure. This pressure can prompt the wall to shift, crack, or even collapse. To avert such failures, it's crucial to have adequate drainage behind the retaining wall.
Excavation
Dig a trench for the bottom row of blocks. They should be buried about 1 inch deep for every 8 inches of wall height. This provides strength and stability to your retaining wall. Make sure that your trench is level and compacted.
In summary, retaining walls do need a footing to ensure they are structurally sound and have proper drainage to prevent cracking or collapse. Without a footing, the ground beneath the retaining wall can shift, which can cause the wall to shift as well, leading to cracking or collapse.
Longevity and Durability
One of the most appealing features of diamond block retaining walls is their impressive life expectancy. Thanks to their concrete composition and interlocking design, these walls can last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Rules of thumb commonly used by designers to establish the geometry of the wall include (refer to diagram): Base width = 1/2 to 1/3 of the height of the wall. Base thickness = 1/8 of the height of the wall but not less than 12 inches. Stem thickness = 6 inches + ¼ inch for each foot of wall height.
What is the cheapest type of retaining wall? Poured concrete is the cheapest type of retaining wall, in terms of materials. Pressure-treated pine is next, and wood retaining walls are becoming more popular now. If you prefer stone, granite is generally the least expensive option.
Retaining walls are typically built between 3 to 4 feet tall. The typical height for most retaining walls is 3 to 4 feet.
Building a low-level retaining wall is a straightforward DIY project that offers many benefits and landscaping opportunities.
Proper drainage is critical to prevent water buildup behind the wall, which can lead to pressure and eventually cause the wall to fail. For effective drainage, the choice of gravel is paramount. Fractured rock is often the preferred choice for the drainage layer of retaining walls.
The footing should be 16in wide (or more depending on you block depth) and 6-8in of compacted crushed gravel. The depth of the trench should also include the height of one full row of blocks which will be buried below the finished grade. So if your blocks are 6in tall, your footing trench should be 12-14″ deep.
In conclusion, deciding between a cinder block retaining wall and a concrete one is a matter of preference. Both materials have unique benefits and drawbacks that must be evaluated before making a decision. Cinder blocks are often more affordable, but not as long-lasting as concrete.
Install Retaining Wall Boards
Install a final row of boards along the bottom, using 2-by-6 boards. The bottom edge of this row will be about 2 inches below ground level.
Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable choice for retaining walls. It may also be carved and formed to look like mortared stone depending on your taste.
Increased Property Value – A well-designed and properly installed retaining wall can add value to your property, potentially improving your resale value. Improved Accessibility – By creating level areas in sloped landscapes, retaining walls can make navigating your property easier for people with mobility issues.
Using a professional-grade fabric in retaining wall construction is important in ensuring the longevity of the wall.
With the permission of both property owners, a retaining wall can be built on property lines. But it's worth noting that the two parties still have responsibility for any of their actions that destabilises the wall's structural integrity.
Base Installation
The depth of the trench should be one inch for every one foot of wall height.
Concrete block retaining walls must be stronger than freestanding walls. Insert rebar in the footing when you pour it; this should be done every three blocks or at intervals specified by your local codes.