Your property’s landscape can be completely changed by adding a retaining wall made of blocks that has both practical and decorative value. A well-constructed retaining wall is essential whether you’re looking to prevent soil erosion, create flower beds, or terrace a sloped yard. In order to guarantee stability and longevity, this project needs to be carefully planned and carried out.
Examine the area where the retaining wall will be built first. Take into account the soil’s composition, drainage patterns, and land’s slope. Your choice of design and construction method will be influenced by these factors. Before starting any work, it’s crucial to make sure compliance with local building codes and regulations.
Next, choose the kind of stones or blocks you want to use to build the wall. Blocks for retaining walls can be made of concrete, stone, or even wood, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Select materials that will work well with your landscape design and offer the structural integrity required for the wall’s height and intended use.
Make sure you have a thorough plan and layout for the retaining wall before beginning construction. Pay close attention to the measurements, particularly the base trench’s length, height, and depth. A strong base is essential to the wall’s stability. Make sure the trench is level and compacted as you excavate it in accordance with your plan.
Use a level as you start to lay the first course of blocks to make sure they are all straight and even. Tightly interlock the blocks to form a sturdy foundation. After the initial course, add a layer of gravel to help with drainage and stop water buildup, which over time could weaken the wall.
With the joints between the blocks spaced out for stability, keep building the wall course by course. Pack the base and each layer after it firmly using a mechanical compactor or hand tamper. In order to ensure adequate drainage away from the structure, backfill behind the wall with crushed stone or gravel.
Last but not least, finish the retaining wall’s top with specially made capstones or blocks. This gives your project a polished appearance and helps to secure the top layer of blocks. It also looks better.
Block retaining wall construction calls for close attention to detail and adherence to accepted building methods. Your outdoor space will be enhanced for years to come with a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing structure that you can build with the correct supplies, equipment, and methodical approach.
Prepare the Site: | Clear and level the area where the wall will be built. |
Choose the Blocks: | Select suitable interlocking concrete blocks for stability. |
Plan the Layout: | Map out the wall"s dimensions and curves, if any. |
Excavate Trench: | Dig a trench for the first row of blocks to sit partially below ground. |
Install Base Material: | Fill trench with gravel or crushed stone for drainage. |
Place First Row: | Start laying blocks, ensuring they"re level and tightly packed. |
Continue Stacking: | Build up rows, staggering blocks for stability. |
Add Drainage: | Insert perforated pipe behind the wall and cover with gravel. |
Backfill and Compact: | Fill behind the wall with soil and compact in layers. |
Finish: | Clean up excess soil, inspect for stability, and allow for settling. |
- Requirements
- Features of choice
- Types of designs
- What are they made of??
- What stones are suitable for construction?
- Best stones for supporting walls
- Materials and tools for construction
- Step-by-step DIY construction instructions
- Possible difficulties and errors
- Average prices
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Requirements
Depending on their intended use, these structures have different requirements. This indicator divides them into strengthening and decorative categories. While the latter need to be strong and long-lasting to withstand considerable soil pressure, the former are intended to add landscape to an area with mild slopes.
Retaining walls are primarily used to keep the soil from sliding and the fertile layer on the plot from washing away. Blocks are subject to stricter requirements for these kinds of structures under urban planning standards.
Features of choice
The construction sector manufactures a range of block products intended to stabilize and rectify topographical errors, thereby impeding additional soil collapse or sliding.
Blocks have the advantage of serving as a protective barrier against landslides, ornamental elements, and a means of bringing the surrounding area into line with the chosen style.
The following crucial considerations must be made by the developer when choosing block types based on sizes and materials:
- characteristics of the soil and its susceptibility to destructive processes under the influence of natural factors;
- geometry of unevenness, rational methods of slope compensation;
- what kind of retaining structure should be: load-bearing or in the form of a stable foundation, for this preliminary calculations must be performed;
- the wall material is determined taking into account the height, type of retaining structure and principle of operation.
Further requirements need to be met when selecting blocks for retaining walls that are situated in densely populated areas:
- take into account dynamic impacts from all types of transport;
- the inevitability of demolition of dilapidated buildings at the construction site;
- the importance of performing archaeological research;
- the obligation to dismantle old underground utilities and foundations;
- the need for reconstruction and strengthening of surrounding buildings.
Types of designs
There are three categories of block-based reinforcing retaining walls:
- Massive, maintain ground pressure due to their large mass. In this case, the strength of the structure will depend on the size of the recess. Such walls require a large amount of building material. Therefore, for private housing construction in areas with a slight slope, it is recommended to construct low retaining structures above the soil level by 0.6-0.7 m, with a depth of 0.2-0.25 m and a thickness of 0.3-0.40 m.
- Combined, have less weight than the first ones. In order to increase stability, a foundation is built with a size much larger than the width of the retaining wall. In this case, the soil layer will put pressure on the protruding components of the foundation, thereby reducing the load and increasing the stability of the structure.
- Thin-walled perform L- or T-shaped configuration. In this design, the vertical soil pressure on the support will reduce horizontal loads and increase the resistance of the retaining structure to overturning.
What are they made of??
Typically, this design consists of four parts:
- body – main visible part;
- foundation – underground foundation;
- drainage – atmospheric water collection system;
- drainage – a pipeline system for discharging collected atmospheric waters.
Furthermore, the remaining portions of the structure are required to meet technical requirements if the first part is primarily needed to implement the retaining function and pursues an aesthetic goal.
By height, these structures are grouped:
- small up to 1 m;
- medium up to 2 m;
- high over 2m.
After calculating the retaining wall based on the loads that could affect its structure, the block and foundation’s material and dimensions are chosen:
- vertical: the force from the backfill soil acting on the wall and the area; weight exerting pressure on the upper surface of the structure;
- total mass of the retaining wall structure;
- horizontal: the frictional force that occurs in areas where the soil connects to the foundation;
- soil pressure on the retaining wall;
- forces arising from seismic vibrations of the soil;
- wind pressure, especially for walls above 2 m;
- water flows, especially in basins;
- vibration destructive forces arising from the movement of transport, especially railway;
- winter heaving of soil.
What stones are suitable for construction?
You will need to consider the strength and aesthetics of the garden area as well as the installation of the drainage system and the overall size of the retaining structure when deciding which type of block is best.
Given that the designs are typically costly, the financial aspect is important.
In order to guarantee that the ground will stay stable for many decades to come, the wall material is chosen during the design and survey work, which will also install the necessary block type and wall dimensions. Typically, a feasibility study is conducted to determine the best option for masonry stone by weighing the pros and cons of each option in relation to the "price-strength-design" ratio.
Low retaining wall construction is typically done for aesthetic reasons, so high-strength blocks and careful stability calculations are not necessary.
Accurate load calculations, block material selection, and dimensioning are necessary for taller structures. Furthermore, the following actions are done to keep the wall from toppling over or shifting:
- the side facing the ground is made as rough as possible, with protrusions for adhesion to the ground;
- protrusions are made in block structures;
- to reduce soil pressure on part of the structure, a slope is made on it directed towards a hill.
Note: Lightweight porous material blocks are used for decorative protective walls based on regulatory requirements. The 400 mm wide, 2000–2300 kg/m 3 FBS concrete blocks are used to create stronger strengthening structures.
Best stones for supporting walls
When selecting wall material for retaining structures, the strength and composition of the blocks are crucial factors to consider:
- FBS block: M150-200, density 2300 kg/m 3, 20x20x40cm and light weight – 33 kg, average cost 5312 rubles. per 1 m 3 . Such dimensions allow the wall to be erected without the use of lifting equipment. This is an excellent solution for landscape design, although they are usually used when constructing a reinforced building foundation.
- Expanded clay concrete blocks can be used for retaining walls with an additional protective layer. The best modification: solid D1950, 390x190x188 mm, M 100, cost 4180 rub. per 1 m 3 .
- Foam blocks – the lightness of the building material and ease of installation, at the most affordable cost, make them preferable for many developers. However, when installing it you need to be careful when choosing the brand and strength. You will also need to plan for the installation of waterproofing and an effective drainage system. The most suitable for a retaining wall may be a modification of blocks with the following characteristics: structural D1200, M150 with a density of 1200 kg/m 3, with a vapor permeability coefficient not exceeding 0.1, with dimensions 200x300x600 mm, cost 3800 rubles. per 1 m 3 .
- Cinder blocks, you need to choose high-quality ones with smooth outer edges and high-strength characteristics, either with expanded clay filler, or sand-cement M-100 and 125, it is better if they are 2-hollow, so that additional vertical reinforcement can be performed. Such wall material will also require finishing and waterproofing. Characteristics of the best option: M100, density 1200 kg/m 3, dimensions 390x190x189 mm, cost 4200 rubles. per 1 m 3 .
Materials and tools for construction
Before beginning construction, a developer who chooses to erect a 1.5-meter-tall retaining wall on his property must arrange the necessary tools, equipment, and building supplies:
- Blocks according to design documentation.
- Additional blocks of different sizes.
- Masonry components for the mixture: cement and sand.
- Reinforcement material: reinforced mesh and reinforcement.
- Geotextiles, roofing felt for waterproofing.
- Gravel and sand for making a foundation pad.
- Concrete mixer, manual or electric.
- Containers for transferring laying mortar.
- Measuring tools: angle, tape measure, building level and plumb lines with marking cords.
- Shovels.
- Tamping.
- Master OK.
- Slings for heavy blocks if they will be lifted by lifting mechanisms.
Step-by-step DIY construction instructions
This guide has been prepared to use FBS and expanded clay concrete, the most widely used blocks for retaining walls.
For safeguard walls that are higher than 1.A five-meter project will be needed, and the structure can be built in accordance with a detailed drawing if less soil support is generated from the slope on the nearby plot. It delineates the boundaries and curves of the structure. It will assist in determining the quantity of building materials needed.
Before you can begin digging the trench, you must next move the drawing to the site’s surface and precisely outline the retaining partition’s passageway.
Detailed instructions:
- For serious retaining structures made of heavy blocks, a foundation will be required. For clay soil, it is enough to install a belt type; in areas with weak soils, a pile option. The width of the pit is selected based on the width of the wall multiplied by 3, that is, for a block of 20 cm, the foundation must be at least 60 cm.
- The foundation is installed in formwork with reinforcement, on a gravel-sand cushion, at the rate of 1st layer of gravel at least 30 cm, and a layer of sand – 18 cm, both layers are carefully compacted.
- Formwork for the foundation is constructed below ground level 20-25 cm. For additional reinforcement, reinforcement is placed in it, on broken brick and filled with concrete M 150/200.
- If the blocks are porous, a waterproofing layer is laid between the foundation and the first row of stone; as a rule, several layers of roofing material are used.
- For greater structural strength, the masonry mortar should be in the form of a cement-sand mixture (CSM).
- A solution of DSP is generously applied to the waterproofing layer and the blocks of the first row are installed, leveling them with a mallet.
- After the 1st row has dried, begin laying the second and so on.
- For low retaining walls, masonry is done in half a block, and for reinforced walls, in two blocks
- After the last row has been laid, the upper part is protected with a canopy, which can be made of cement, metal or metal tiles. This is necessary in order to protect the structure from atmospheric moisture getting on the walls and their further destruction.
- Install a drainage system to drain flood and rain water. Effective drainage reduces the risk of destruction and also prevents the creation of cracks from swelling of liquid at sub-zero outside temperatures.
- The space between the retaining wall and the soil is filled with river sand, which is carefully compacted.
- If necessary, decorate the wall with decorative building materials.
Possible difficulties and errors
There shouldn’t be any minor details overlooked when building retaining walls, particularly in regions with poor soils and steep slope angles.
If the developer neglected to complete the necessary steps of building a protective structure, a catastrophic scenario might occur whereby sliding soil would not only destroy the protection but also harm the neighboring utility and household rooms. We will need to demolish this wall and erect a new one.
The following errors are frequently made by developers when building retaining walls:
- The calculation of the FBS structure was incorrectly carried out; the foundation cannot withstand the weight of the structure and the pressure of the retained earth.
- Absence or improper installation of the drainage system, constant flooding of the retaining wall.
- During construction, a waterproofing layer was not installed between the foundation and the first row of blocks.
- The waterproofing layer on porous blocks has not been completed.
- Improper excavation of the pit.
- Uneven and poorly prepared foundation base.
Average prices
No | Block name, strength and dimensions | Average cost RUB./m 3 |
1. | FBS block, M150-200, 20x20x40 cm | 5300 |
2. | Expanded clay concrete blocks, D1950, 39x19x18.8 cm | 4200 |
3. | Foam blocks, D 1200, M150, 20x30x60 cm | 3800 |
4. | Cinder blocks, M100, 39x19x18.9 cm | 4200 |
5. | Block 01-1486, 39.5×30.5×16.7 cm | 7900 |
You can greatly improve the look and feel of your property by building a retaining wall out of blocks. You can build a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing barrier that successfully retains soil by using an organized method. Start by carefully considering the arrangement and style of your wall. Think about things like the wall’s height, the kind of blocks to use, and any drainage needs.
As the foundation for the entire structure is laid by the first row of blocks, make sure they are level and aligned correctly during the construction phase. Use a solid foundation material to encourage drainage and stability behind the wall, such as crushed stone or gravel. Use a level to ensure evenness as you stack each row of blocks after that, and make sure the blocks are vertically aligned on occasion.
It is essential to install drainage behind the wall to avoid water accumulation, which over time could weaken the structure’s integrity. To direct water away from the soil the wall retains, install gravel or perforated drainage pipe behind the wall. This lessens the chance of erosion or damage during times of intense rain or thawing and helps to relieve pressure.
After the wall is constructed, think about adding finishing details to make it blend in with the rest of your outdoor design, such as capstones or landscaping. You can make sure that your retaining wall is functional and aesthetically pleasing for many years to come by performing routine maintenance, such as looking for any indications of erosion or shifting.
Of course! This is a succinct thesis statement for your paper: A useful way to control soil erosion and define areas on your property is to build a retaining wall out of blocks. This article walks you through all the necessary steps, from organizing and setting up the site to selecting the appropriate materials and building the wall. Homeowners and do-it-yourself enthusiasts can confidently improve their landscape with a strong, aesthetically pleasing retaining wall that fulfills both practical and decorative purposes by adhering to these straightforward instructions and tips.