Rairoad Ties For Retaining Wall?

[ddbackhoe]

....I've seen wire cages filled with 3" stone that might suit your purpose as a retaining wall....Jack

They are called gabion baskets, we usually use those for severe erosion control areas. IMO, not the most attractive things.

 

[newbury]

See if you can buy a couple of used highway barriers.
/edit - repurposedmaterials Concrete Highway Barrier -15' -Located In Texas | repurposedMATERIALS sells them for about $250@. If you can move them it's a quick solution. But since you don't put your location in I don't even know if you are in the US.

 

[ddbackhoe]

See if you can buy a couple of used highway barriers.

If not in a hurry, I can get them from the local concrete/precast plant for $100 each. A 12’ Section weighs ~ 5,000 lbs., a 20’ comes in around 8,000

 

[newbury]

If not in a hurry, I can get them from the local concrete/precast plant for $100 each. A 12’ Section weighs ~ 5,000 lbs., a 20’ comes in around 8,000

Is that price for a new or a used one?
I've occasionally seen used ones at a local gravel plant but never asked about price.

 

[aczlan]

Is that price for a new or a used one?
I've occasionally seen used ones at a local gravel plant but never asked about price.

The other thing that is common around here are what are sometimes called "mafia blocks" most cement places have them, they are 2' high, 2' wide and 2', 4' or 6' long. They are heavy though.

Aaron Z

 

[ddbackhoe]

Is that price for a new or a used one?

Whatever is sitting on the lot. Sometimes the new ones look used. They are normally leftover/return to plant from the readi-mix operation. They get poured into barrier and block (2x2x?) molds.

 

[MikeInEburg]

They are called gabion baskets, we usually use those for severe erosion control areas. IMO, not the most attractive things.

Actually, there are some very attractive gabion basket installations. It's ALL about what filling stones are used and how the basket is filled. Gabion installation is very forgiving, will last for a very long time and will allow water to easily pass thru.

In the end, there is no quick, easy or cheap retaining wall. Like others, I've used railroad ties - I'll never use them again.

 

[Diggin It]

If not in a hurry, I can get them from the local concrete/precast plant for $100 each. A 12’ Section weighs ~ 5,000 lbs., a 20’ comes in around 8,000

I don't have a crane.

 

[nimblemotors]

Did you do the math on just pouring concrete? Maybe used ties as forms?

 

[RidgeHiker]

Have not read through the thread so this may be a repeat. On the west coast many of the railroad ties are treated with creosote. Depending on age and wear of ties it can smell strong, especially in hot weather, and is not healthy. If you expect to be spending time in the shed ties may not be the best idea or may need to put plastic over front side as well.