Allan Block Retaining Wall

[Cityboyfarmer]

I was inspired by another thread using interlocking cinder blocks. So, being in need of a retaining wall where I dug out the ground next to my basement while learning to use my tractor and FEL, I decided to look into it.

Here is a shot of yours truly digging out the dirt bank that would eventually require a retaining wall.

 

[RedRocker]

Nice place, I hate to see you working hard like that though. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

After researching the material costs of the various block retaining wall systems, I decided to go with the Allan Block system. I priced out the materials to do the complete job, including tool rentals, geo-grid, drainage, gravel, etc. Then I got contractor bids for the job. I discovered that by the time I completed the job myself, I would wind up saving less than $500 over the contractor price. A man’s gotta know his limitations, and knowing me it would have taken me at least a month of weekends, so I hired it out. Total cost, material and labor $2300.00. The wall consists of 200 blocks and 1 tandem axle dump load of gravel plus the drainage and geo-grid material.

Here is a shot of the first course going in on the leveled gravel bed. The first course takes longer to install than the rest of the courses combined.

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

Another shot of the first course

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

Another from above where the wall now stands

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

Here is a shot of the backfill and geo-grid fabric

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

Here is the sock drain and gravel backfill

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

About one third complete

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

From a different angle

 

[Bob_Skurka]

If you move that wall about 2' over to the left it will be just about perfect /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Seriously, setting those walls that straight is a challenge, I've done several myself and that is a mighty good job of it. I wish all mine were that nice.