First, decide where you want to build the wall. Once you have a location in mind, tighten a mason line and attach a string level. Place the blocks at least 3 inches apart, front to back, and place gravel in front and behind the walls. Gravel should be at least one to two inches deep and should be at least four inches high. The blocks are four inches high, so make sure they are level.
Building code requirements
The Building Code requires a retaining wall to meet certain height and base material requirements. For homes less than 1.2 m, base material should be 100mm thick; for larger heights, it should be 150mm thick. The base material must be level, compacted to 95% standard proctor, and be topped with a layer of 13 mm well-graded sand.
The wall should also meet requirements regarding the height and location of any surcharge objects. A surcharge object is an object that could impose lateral force on the wall. These objects need to be evaluated by an engineer. Examples of such objects include vehicles, swimming pools, equipment, fences, and trees. However, small shrubs are allowed behind a wall. However, any structure that interferes with natural water runoff needs to be inspected and approved by the Metropolitan Sewer District of St. Louis before building any retaining wall.
To meet the Building Code requirements for a breeze block retaining wall, the wall must be built on a flat surface with a minimum seven-foot clearance to daylight. Footing sizes are provided in Table A. Depending on the bearing capacity of the soil, these dimensions may have to be increased or decreased. It is recommended that the building designer consult a licensed civil engineer or architect before proceeding with the design. The reinforcing steel used must be ASTM specification A615-85, Grade 40 or 60, with a minimum 24 inch splice.
Residential retaining walls require building permits. The wall must be at least three feet high, measured from the top of the grade on the non-retained side. It must also be equal in height to the property line. Building codes vary by city and state, so check with the local building department to determine the regulations for your area. If you’re building a wall for residential use, building code requirements will determine the height.
The proportions of lime and cement in masonry mortar must be at least 1.25%. The IRC also requires that the aggregate used must be a minimum of three times the cement and lime volume. The thickness of the mortar must be no less than 10mm for horizontal joints and 20mm for vertical joints. If visible joints are required, a concave joint section should be created. Afterward, finishing work will be done with a trowel.
Concrete block shape
When constructing a retaining wall, you must lay a foundation that will prevent the wall from shifting or breaking. You will need to lay out the foundation first using masonry string or stakes. Once you have marked out the foundation, place the blocks in rows and spread them evenly. Use a line level to check your foundation and make sure each block is level. Then, lay the wall using a combination of bricks, cement, and backfill material.
Ideally, your base soil should be solid and firm. It should also be free of moisture. Usually, wet soils are not appropriate for infilling because they cannot drain moisture. Freezing will cause the soil to expand and contract. Sand-based soils are suitable for drainage. Before erecting a retaining wall, you should consult a geotechnical report. In this case, you should check whether the wall is supported by rock and soil, as well as the soil’s elasticity.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to lay the base material. Depending on the height of your retaining wall, you can use a base material of 100mm or 150mm. In both cases, you should dig a trench deep enough for the base material and wide enough for the blocks, stones, and backfill. Once the base is leveled, you should use 13mm-thick well-graded sand to level the soil.
You can also build a retaining wall with steps. Concrete block retaining walls make landscaping easier. They give access to existing landscaped gardens, while maintaining privacy and mystery. Be sure to plant small trees farther back from the wall. Trees should be planted further away from the wall so that their roots do not damage the wall. The low walls constructed from concrete block and matching capstones make a beautiful accent to a landscape design. Various plants are arranged in different heights to highlight different levels.
The cinder block retaining wall is as strong and straight as its base. To build a four-ft. tall retaining wall, dig a trench a little deeper than the height of the block. Next, overlap the vertical joints and place a cap over the top of the wall to keep surface water out. Finally, apply concrete adhesive to the cap blocks to secure them. It’s easy to install and maintain, and once you’re finished, you’ll have an attractive retaining wall that lasts for years.
Structural integrity
The strength of a retaining wall depends on its foundation. For a four-foot tall retaining wall, dig a deep trench deep enough to support six inches of compacted base, one inch of leveling sand, and half the night of the first course of blocks. Vertical joints between successive courses should be at least four inches apart, and each layer should overlap the other. If you see a large crack or bulge, contact a facility manager or an engineer.
Once you’ve mapped out the structure, you’ll need to document the damage. Observations should be noted in detail. Take measurements of structural damage and document what kind of damage it caused. A detailed list of the damage will help you identify the damaged members and determine the scope of repairs needed. Using this data, you can make recommendations for repairs and determine which materials are required for repair.
A retaining wall is a useful tool for supporting structures and soil. The wall also beautifies the overall landscape. A retaining wall can be of any height – a few millimetres to a meter or more. If you’re constructing a wall for a building, you should get the council’s permission first. This is to make sure that your structure is stable and does not collapse.
Before you start fixing your wall to a breeze block retaining wall, you should check its thickness and core filling. A wall with a hollow core will be much stronger than one without an infill. If the wall is hollow, you should place a piece of masonry in between each block for a solid base. Also, check whether the Besser blocks have a hollow core so that you can see the steel reinforcing bars in the walls.
Cost
If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can probably handle a breeze block retaining wall on your own. However, you should remember that improper installation can result in a failed wall and costly repairs. Most communities do not require permits for this project. If you are unsure about your community’s building codes, you should call the building department. They will let you know if a permit is required. But you should not worry about this, because most communities don’t require one for walls of this size. Moreover, it is often free to mark underground utility lines, which should cost you around $75.
The cost of building a breeze block retaining wall depends on several factors, including the location and design of the wall. You must also be sure to consider the force applied by the wall on the earth. Depending on the size of your retaining wall, you may have to pay a higher amount. If you are planning on DIY installation, you can start with pea-gravel. However, you should use 3/4 drainage stone as the layer 6 to 18 inches above the drain pipe.
For a solid concrete block retaining wall, you should buy 10 percent more material than needed for your project. This extra material can be used for cutting the blocks if you need to make some adjustments. Alternatively, you can use gravel to backfill the walls. Once the wall is up, you can install landscape fabric to prevent the sand from seeping into the spaces between the blocks. You can also use a drainage pipe installed at the base of the wall to capture excess water.
A retaining wall is one of the best ways to protect your home from erosion and help you define spaces in your yard. It is very common for homes with septic tanks to use retaining walls to prevent erosion. Additionally, you can use a retaining wall to define areas, such as hills and tiered landscaping. Regardless of your landscaping needs, a breeze block retaining wall will enhance your property’s value and aesthetics.
