Retaining walls and patio

[Streetcar]

So I've got the retaining wall under control, it's just a matter of time to stack and backfill.

For the pavers, I'm planning on running pvc for a couple of channel drains back there, then a layer of weed barrier followed by 4 inches of granite fines compacted, then 2 inches of washed concrete sand for the base. Am I good with that setup?View attachment 682563

I use only one inch of sand, any thicker and I have differential settlement

 

[the old grind]

Ants cause pavement/pavers to settle by undermining the base over time, esp sand. They're drawn to the thermal stability of large slabs and stay close to weeds for the moisture available within.

What works for termites works as well for ants, esp emulsion products like Bifen IT that can be applied just once or twice/yr depending on climate.
I apply most diligently around the 20' x 30' concrete in front of the garage. (six sections)

 

[Muhammad]

Getting close. One hired hand stacked about 110 blocks in two days. Once we're five courses high we will backfill with gravel to the top of 5 courses if not already there and put down a soil barrier then a few inches of dirt on top after the caps go on.

Still have a couple of small walls for some cutouts to do which actually take a bit of time since they're more detailed than just stacking blocks. For those we will need to make some cuts and step-ups, as well as use corner blocks for a couple of right angles.

 

[Muhammad]

This is how you do inside 90s with these blocks and get them to interlock with pins.

Outside 90s need 3-sided corner blocks which I'll show this coming week.

 

[Muhammad]

On the topic of pavers, Westfield recently spent a lot of money renovating an outdoor mall here in San Diego and the walking paths are almost all pavers. It's been about three years since the first set of pavers were installed and they're already uneven and beginning to sink. I wonder if they went with a 2" base? That seems to be the consensus, along with 4" concrete driveways.

 

[/pine]

Plate compacting prior is the key...

 

[Muhammad]

Plate compacting prior is the key...

Definitely planning on that.

 

[Muhammad]

Here's an outside corner done with three sided corner blocks plus the outlet point for the drain line that runs behind the entrie wall.

 

[user.69169]

You plan on some kind of filter sock on dat drain before you rock it in?
What about cleanout?

What de plan fer primary rain drain up near top of fill? Any direct drain thru wall or just seepage?

Probably no need to factor in frost heave where you located.

 

[Muhammad]

You plan on some kind of filter sock on dat drain before you rock it in?
What about cleanout?

What de plan fer primary rain drain up near top of fill? Any direct drain thru wall or just seepage?

Probably no need to factor in frost heave where you located.

Yes, sock already on. Cleanout from the other end if needed. This one runs under the wall so it takes care of our drainage needs. Might have a little seepage in heavy rain, we'll see. No frosty here.