Hoping to finish this retaining wall by the end of the week. Now that I’m almost done, it got me thinking. I’m using the 24 lb trapezoid blocks from Lowe’s. This side of the wall is about 35 ft going up a 6 degree slope. After it’s done, it’s going to be about 8 courses (32 inches) high at each point, maybe shorter at the top. Did I use the wrong block for this project? Should I have gone with the bigger ones, the ones that weigh 80 lbs or so? Too late now to do anything, but your advice is welcome. Thanks.
by NB_Supreme
13 Comments
Get some geogrid between some layers. At this point it will be easier to strengthen this wall
Not sure what your concern is and, as you point out, it is moot since it is done. What are asking us for? The internet is not the best place to seek reassurance.
Looks good from my house
Did you buy the big case of PL?
It’ll be fine IFF you have the proper drainage behind. I see the pipe you have. What’s the rock and other things you have packed on top of the drain pipe? Good drainage will save you from the wall heaving.
Did you use any geo grid half way up?
A wall that size, I don’t think there’s any problem with wall integrity from using a smaller block. But what do I know?
I can tell you, from the standpoint of building a wall of similar scale with 55lb block, it’s high effort because I’m a novice and every block on the bottom course had to be placed two or three times to get it right. Using 80lb blocks would have been backbreaking.
I have a ton of various types of retaining walls and extensive drainage systems, by necessity.This literally looks like how it’s supposed to look. Unless you’re aware of anything specifically that was done wrong, I wouldn’t be concerned about it.
It looks great to me. Keep an eye on it. Look for drainage issues. But hopefully will hold alright!
You’re a legend
I have used this size up for a wall to 3ft. Easier to load, unload and install. From what ive seen, the bigger blocks tend to be a bit more expensive for the space they cover. Your wall looks great! You have gravel and a drain.. well done!
Most of that 35ft of soil force doesn’t go into the wall. Loose stone was a good choice 👍🏻 wrapping your drain tile was a good choice 👍🏻
Yes, your biggest mistake was trying to DIY the job of a structural engineer who would have specced out proper materials.
Not to be so brash about it but this is why engineers exist and why structural stamps are required for retaining walls over a certain height.
You should be wondering if it’s the right block type *after* you’ve built the wall.