Best Backfill Material for Retaining Wall To reduce the pressure, a 3/4″ angular crushed clear stone (ASTM #57) is used to backfill a retaining wall. Clear stone is an important aspect of this aggregate. Clear stone refers to the stone being washed and clear of fines.
While some walls only need soil, compacted gravel backfill is the go-to for applications requiring durability and drainage. ✨ Why gravel backfill works: ✔️ Adds structure and stability. ✔️ Prevents water buildup with proper drainage. ✔️ Improves the longevity of your retaining wall. #RetainingWall #RetainingWallBlock.
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.
Compacted Stone
It is a highly stable and predictable material for backfilling. In many situations, compacted stone is a preferred choice for foundation backfill. It provides excellent drainage, minimizes the risk of settlement, and offers superior load-bearing capacity for supporting the structure.
When building a retaining wall, the normal build practice is to use 3/4 inch drain rock behind the wall, in order to facilitate drainage down the hill that you are holding back with the wall. If you want to use a retaining wall just as a decoration on a raised bed that is two feet by 30 feet long,...
While drainage gravel and perforated drainpipes excel at removing water, particles and debris that water carries can cause problems behind the blocks. Filter fabric, also known as a geotextile, functions as a permeable filter to prevent soils, sediments and nutrients from migrating into the drainage gravel.
One major thing to avoid when building your retaining wall is lining the back of your wall with plastic sheeting as this will surely result in the pooling of water behind the wall.
For cost effective materials outside of building envelopes look for fill/overburden or sand fill.
The backfill material must be appropriate for the job. Soil, sand, gravel, and crushed stone are all common backfill materials. The type of material will vary depending on the application. As an example, crushed stone can improve drainage around foundations.
Fill sand is recommended if your project requires a backfill material.
Sometimes retaining walls are designed as cantilevers. These typically include reinforcement and rely on the combined strength of the concrete and reinforcement to resist bending at the base of the wall. In that case, plan on waiting seven days before placing the full depth of backfill.
Controlling the Height of the Wall
Adjusting the height of the retaining wall can lead to significant cost savings. In scenarios where it's feasible, reducing the height of the wall while allowing for a gentle slope can decrease the amount of materials needed and thus the overall expenses.
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.
Leca® LWA has remarkable properties which ensure its versatility for use in a vast number of structural and geotechnical applications. When used against retaining walls, Leca® LWA will reduce the weight acting on the rear of the structure by at least 75%, in comparison to traditional fill materials.
IS1200: This code deal with excavation and backfilling of earth and in specific their measurement.
The base material, wall rock, and drainage stone all require a quarried backfill. Although you could use different materials for each, I recommend sticking with just one material for all three zones. This should be a clean crushed rock, like a #57 or #78 stone, 3/4″ crushed rock, or clean crushed limestone.
Type 2 consists of aggregate that is crushed and screened typically to 63mm down to dust. The coarse nature of the aggregate blend means that it provides a free-draining base, making this a popular choice of sub-base for pathways and walkways. Easily compacted, you can also utilise Type 2 as a backfill material.
Selecting the Proper Backfill Material Based on the Project
The choice hinges on factors such as soil type, climate, and the specific needs of the project, like load-bearing capacity or drainage requirements.
Retaining Wall Backfill Specification
The base of the wall should be installed at a minimum width of 6″ before the face of the wall, the depth of the wall block, and another 12″ behind the wall block. That 12″ behind the retaining wall is a minimum that must be carried up behind the wall to the top of the wall.
Plan to backfill the wall with well-draining gravel or sand. Higher walls or areas with soil that stays wet may need a drainage pipe. Keep in mind that clay soil retains water and sandy soil drains too easily. You'll need a well-draining soil mix behind your landscape retaining walls.
The Vinyl or PVC sheet pile has been a popular choice in many kinds of permanent applications including soil and water retention.
One way to protect wood is to use a wood preservative, which forms a tough barrier to for moisture and rot to break down over an extended period. You can apply wood preservative using a paint brush, use a solid insect repellant like creosote or weather sealer.