Can I pour a concrete pad (below grade) for a retaining wall?
#1
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Can I pour a concrete pad (below grade) for a retaining wall?
I'm building a 2' high retaining wall parallel to the house about 7' out from the house. Behind the wall will be built up a driveway, which will get paved. I understand that the base of the retaining wall should be below grade and conventionally would be compacted stone, topped with sand.
But my excavator suggests pouring a 4" deep concrete pad the length and width of the wall and laying the first layer of blocks on that. He thinks that will be easier to make level and provide a firmer base. The grade slopes slightly so there will need to be a couple of steps down along the wall.
I've never heard of doing it this way. Any opinions? Or better yet, experiences?
But my excavator suggests pouring a 4" deep concrete pad the length and width of the wall and laying the first layer of blocks on that. He thinks that will be easier to make level and provide a firmer base. The grade slopes slightly so there will need to be a couple of steps down along the wall.
I've never heard of doing it this way. Any opinions? Or better yet, experiences?
#6
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Unless you're going below the frost line, a concrete footer is probably going to do more harm than it does good. Also one that is only 4" isn't going to help at all anyway. Just put on a good gravel footer like recommended by the manufacturers of retaining wall blocks. It's easier, cheaper and works better.
#7
If you set the retaining wall block on a concrete slad or footing, you are not following the specific installation specifications. The retaining walls are designed to not be used on a rigid concrete footing. - A compacted gravel base is specifically recommended by every system I have seen.
I saw a segmental retaining wall along that was 2' to 40' high and 400' long. It looked pretty good when I saw it about 15 years after construction.
Dick
I saw a segmental retaining wall along that was 2' to 40' high and 400' long. It looked pretty good when I saw it about 15 years after construction.
Dick