Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls?

   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #11  
I've had good luck with those blocks and no tie backs. I put a drain tile below them and backfilled rock behind them. It's important to get the base layer really level, so they don't end up tilted out.
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls?
  • Thread Starter
#12  
62 lbs per block. 2 is 124 lbs

It was no fun at all for a guy my age.... palletizing 170 blocks.
10,540lbs.

I hired one helper from HomeDepot for the first (5000lbs) load.
5,000 lbs off the ground and onto pallets on my trailer, in one hour.
ugh.
Unloaded witht he tractor forks, then took a nap.

For the 2nd load (5500 lbs) I hired 2 guys and just counted blocks.
This was just to get the blocks on-site.
I haven't unloaded the 5500 lbs yet.

planning the project,,,,
I thought:
Just do 10 blocks in the morning
then
10 blocks in afternoon,
then go in the house,
....take a nap.

It will be done in a week.
With ease.


But looking at the mini-ex just sitting there
..... I entertained the idea ......

soft-jaws for blocks1.jpg

soft-jaws for blocks2.jpg

soft-jaws for blocks.jpg

Soft-jaws for setting blocks at the bottom of the stairs.

And I get to use my favorite toy.
 
Last edited:
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #13  
Clever. It would be cool if you could do a video
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #14  
The blocks are typically designed to build a 48” high wall without additional reinforcements. The first layer is buried to key the wall and provide lateral resistance. The first layer should be installed on a well graded(not same size) gravel. Behind the wall the gravel should be free draining.
Wall building looks good
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #15  
I have very little knowledge of walls like this. But it doesn't seem like it wouldn't hurt to put some tiebacks. What about stainless wire that is staked back into your geotextile and then sandwiched between layers of block. Maybe make a anchor by twisting the wire around a piece of rebar or something. Seem like a really cool project you got going. I think the end product is going to look really good. Hard to see the bigger picture of what is going on but it seems like what you are doing will really maximize space. Take your time and do it right and it will serve well for years to come. Following!
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #16  
Second or third row down from the top looks like you would have room to do a "tie-back" with geo grid. Its cheap insurance.

While the geo lifts may not push....you still have alot of material to backfill. And dirt or sand absolutely will push. Its imperative that the backfill be with washed and screened stone. "free-draining" as mentioned earlier.

the top 6" or so can be topsoil if you choose to plant grass or flowers there. A layer of geo-fabric before the layer of dirt wouldnt hurt
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #17  
The additional picture really shows the issue much better.

Because of the amount of labor involved and never wanting to do this again, I'd check for any YouTube videos that discuss this. Fine Homebuilding might have some articles, too. Might even try calling a manufacturer's rep for whoever made the block and certainly look at their installation instructions.

From what I quickly saw, some YT videos strongly advocate using geo grid to tie the block back to the fill material, but I didn't watch enough or read enough to be confident this is the best way for your situation.
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #18  
Are those 2 big trees I am seeing on top of your landing there? Do you worry about them being compromised during this process? Or affecting your wall in the future?
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls? #19  
I Like your soft jaws very clever. I really would try to get a drain in behind the wall even if it is a smaller two inch drain at the bottom of the wall and then a 4 inch drain higher up. the large drain would handle most of the water and then the small drain would handle whatever gets below the large drain. you may have to make a 2 inch drain. not sure they are available commercially

not sure if you get freeze and thaw where you are.
 
   / Who knows about stacked-block retaining walls?
  • Thread Starter
#20  
I doubt enough water could back up 2 blocks enough to cause a problem. I bet water has soften halfway up with muddy backfill to cause trouble. Thats a guess.

Its all sand, with geotextile reinforcement.

A bunch of sawcuts on a small plastic pipe would be easy though. Maybe there’s space. I can extend it out so I can see if it ever drips water then I’ll know theres water behind the wall. And have to divert it or something. Thx for the suggestion of a small perf pipe.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

10'X20' SHED (UNUSED) (A40517)
10'X20' SHED...
2017 Xtreme Green Utility Vehicle (A41519)
2017 Xtreme Green...
Wolverine SS QA Hyd Postino Fork (A41856)
Wolverine SS QA...
Miva Auger Excavator Hook Up (A39161)
Miva Auger...
1996 BROCE RC300 BROOM, CANOPY (A40517)
1996 BROCE RC300...
Drip Irrigation Filter (A41852)
Drip Irrigation...
 
Top