Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Apr 22, 2015 1:14 am Hi Everyone I have just built a new home, I have a challenging/sloping driveway to lay but need to retain it first. The retaining is approx. 30m long with varying height gradually up to 1.6m high, I have council approval for a concrete sleeper wall. However after starting I have found the area I am in is rock rock and more rock! So I am looking for another option so that I don’t have to dig deep holes in rocky terrain. I’m thinking of using dry stack besser blocks (Connex or Versaloc) with grout filled core, with the suitably engineered footing. What I am wondering, when I come to pouring the driveway should I tie this into the wall to help with strengthening or keep the driveway slab separate (as per my examples in web link below). I would welcome anyone feedback, or further suggestions. I’m basically looking for most cost effective solution, to retain and lay driveway. The retaining face does not have to look pretty as it is out of sight. I look forward to any thoughts or ideas Thanks Gary https://drivewayretaining.wordpress.com Re: Combining Concrete Driveway Slab with besser block retai 2Apr 22, 2015 8:20 am If you are planning something other than the sleeper wall you really need to get a complete redesign by an engineer. A thin wall vertical on a concrete foundation is unlikely to work. The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Combining Concrete Driveway Slab with besser block retai 3Apr 22, 2015 12:38 pm you first drawing is correct. In this instance I would design and build with drive tied into wall. Keep in mind you would have to have the whole structure engineered and re permitted It would be cheaper to build a sleeper wall due to only needed to drill / jackhammer manually, holes through rock instead of having to jackhammer with a machine and dig a stepped footing. A lot easier to build a sleeper wall. Np : dependant on rock type will determine the size of excavator with auger to drill holes ie: if you need a 20 tonne excavator make sure you get the costings for this portion correct as it can blow out financially Da Vinci Outdoor Living Architectural landscaping http://www.davincioutdoor.com Re: Combining Concrete Driveway Slab with besser block retai 4Apr 22, 2015 1:47 pm Many Thanks for the advice Re: Combining Concrete Driveway Slab with besser block retai 5Apr 22, 2015 1:49 pm Thanks for the advice, looks like I'll be sticking to Jack Hammering holes, one things for sure once I do manage to complete the holes the posts wont go anywhere. Thanks again Re: Combining Concrete Driveway Slab with besser block retai 6Apr 24, 2015 8:18 am Just curious are you planing on cracking the wall? You might want to refer to retaining wall & slab reinforcement details (sketch 1) depending on how you want to deal with the moments/stress distribution & cracking it may require more reo (and cost) than what you have shown. Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Combining Concrete Driveway Slab with besser block retai 7Apr 24, 2015 4:11 pm gazza_nz73 - please don't create duplicate threads in different sub-forums. I have merged your two topics into the one topic in the correct sub-forum. Completed a knock down and rebuild in northern Melbourne. Handover completed 27/09/2013 and now moved in. Re: Combining Concrete Driveway Slab with besser block retai 8Apr 24, 2015 10:02 pm Thanks for the cracking/reinforcement advice. The drawing was purely a concept only and not engineered yet. All of the advice has been great it has confirmed for me what I subconsciously knew. Stick with current engineered RSJ & Sleepers there is a standard besser block wall pdf somewhere online with footing sizes, also have a look at dincel. 1 2883 6 11133 Hi everyone, Newbie renovator here, after some advice for combining our family room in the picture and the alfresco and make a larger family room. There is a flush sill… 0 4877 |