Retaining Wall questions???

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by '89cab

Here are pics of a curved wall I built for seating and definition of space.

I used pvc to layout a shape that I liked (held in place with spikes or tent stakes).

Because of the yard’s slope and for proper drainage, I purchased a laser level from Costco that made my life easier. I used thin redwood bender board for the footing form.

Used thin rebar so it was easy to bend and poured the footing with redi-mix concrete.

I used the “H” shaped speed block. My most useful tool was a small electric grinder with a diamond cutoff blade/wheel attached to trim the speed block. You can make a shallow cut then bop it with a hammer to break off the piece you want removed. (I also used “8” shaped blocks and half size blocks on the ends of the walls.) Then rebar and concrete into the blocks.

Finally veneered the faces with a local stone. The diamond blade was priceless for this as well. I did not use the hardware that Milt referred to above. You will end up using more mortar on concave and convex surfaces than straight. I start at the bottom and work up when the first course is set and semi cured.

The work you did was great. That is the general idea of my wall plan. My stone is slightly different. Thanks for the picture and details of your project.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

Maybe I was not completely clear. I am not using the wall for retaining the slope. I am going to essentially create a raised planter for the front bed of bushes. I am going to build the wall, back fill with good soil, and put the current + new plants back in. In the picture I am standing at the bottom of the slope. It slopes up toward the front door.

In that case, yo are raising the level of dirt against the house. Is there foundation(cement block or concrete) behind the brick in that area? If there is wood framing behind the brick, you should not raise the level of dirt there.

Also, there may (should) be 'weep holes' somewhere in the brick, where trapped moisture can escape. Can't tell by the pics, but if they are there, don't fill dirt in front of these weep holes.

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by dad911

In that case, yo are raising the level of dirt against the house. Is there foundation(cement block or concrete) behind the brick in that area? If there is wood framing behind the brick, you should not raise the level of dirt there.

Also, there may (should) be 'weep holes' somewhere in the brick, where trapped moisture can escape. Can't tell by the pics, but if they are there, don't fill dirt in front of these weep holes.

I have brick on cement block. Good point about the weep holes. I'll check on that. Thanks.