Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design Re: Retaining Walls 27Oct 16, 2010 2:54 pm onc_artisan Hi ya, Probably Dec 1... If you have an issue... Re: Retaining Walls 30Oct 16, 2010 9:39 pm OK, I posted this Q in the wrong thread, so here it goes: What type of retaining wall is the strongest ... what about a concrete wall ? Or besser blocks core filled with concrete?? Or is a link block wall equally as good? My signature is distracting people from my wise posts ... Re: Retaining Walls 31Oct 17, 2010 7:36 am Hi Lex, Outright strength is not always the end all and be all. The main reason that a retaining wall fails is due to poor / no drainage behind the wall which creates pressure. The height of the wall, relationship to other items, and the allowable budget (DIY vs Tradie) will govern what material and building method is used. Consideration also needs to be taken regarding the finished look (Masonry vs Timber etc) Rgds Leonard. Re: Retaining Walls 32Oct 17, 2010 7:40 am onc_artisan :lol: Fu Manchu :lol: I'm a big fan of a cheesy joke like that http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys/smile_14_text.gif Re: Retaining Walls 33Oct 17, 2010 8:54 am Yeah, thanks KID. But theoretically, if there are no limits, what would be the strongest walls be constructed of? And I'm only talking about <1m high walls. Concrete (I suppose reinforced, but how?? ), link block, besser ... ? (Timber for us is out of the picture just for the overall "theme".) I know that the amount of water behind the wall and the correct drainage are essential, but does the walling material play an important role too (timber excluded). My signature is distracting people from my wise posts ... Re: Retaining Walls 34Oct 18, 2010 10:37 am Core filled Besser Blocks on a concrete foundation with starter bars is a commonly used method to achieve a solid result. I'm no engineer, so I cannot give you any spec's on load ratings etc. Re: Retaining Walls 35Oct 18, 2010 8:06 pm Thanks, KID. I did think that a besser block wall can be quite strong if properly constructed and reinforced etc. I just found a great manual for doing them - but unfortunately it is aimed at those in the know. It assumes knowledge and that the reader would know how to estimate the loads, surcharge etc. (is that the same thing?!) My signature is distracting people from my wise posts ... Re: Retaining Walls 36Oct 18, 2010 10:14 pm My understanding is that there are two types of common retaining walls - a "mass" wall which relies on the mass of the materials locked together by some simple building techniques to hold back the dirt (think stacked sandstone blocks, limestone walls etc) or a stregnth based wall where the sectional size of the materials is a lot smaller but the high strength of the materials (steel re-enforced concrete mainly) provides the strength to hold back the dirt. Interlocking core filled blocks are I think a combination of strength, mass (the interlocking pattern and core filling) combined with a battered back repose angle to lessen forces. A rule of thumb for mass walls is that the base width is roughly half the height of the wall (depending on density of materials used). The job of the structural engineer is the specify a wall that is "strong" enough (with a safety factor) for the site conditions, whichever method is used. Unfortunately I think a lot of the time they over spec to cover there own ar$es as they dont pay for the extra effort & materials so sometimes it pays to shop around. Lex I have no experience with clay so wouldn't like to state what will work with your situation - if a soakwell is used (say under the paving) it still needs to be able to drain eventually - I dont know how bad your clay is so you or someone is going to have to make the decision as to wether it will work or not. I live in beach sand which drains like a sieve. I would also be asking the engineer what effect the big expansion and contraction clay has would do to the wall when it wets and dries. . Re: Retaining Walls 37Oct 18, 2010 10:33 pm Actually Lex I have an Engineers drawing for a besser block wall if you would like a look, has specs for different heights etc. Has weep holes for the drainage rather than a french drain type situation behind the wall, could be your answer. pm me your email addres if your want a scan. Render your bathroom walls, two opinions versus the one, makes you wonder. 3 6057 The spacing of the studs looks pretty large especially for a load bearing wall. 3 11108 Nope, only on the inside, I've literally has my ears to the brick outside and can't hear anything. I can sort of 'reset' the noise by pressing firmly on the studs. This… 10 11758 |