Implement Drainage with Landscaping Fabric and Backfill
At 0:13 in
BASE COURSES IN on this residential resort in the making. #hardscape
What happens here
The final crucial step shown is implementing a robust drainage system. The speaker points to landscaping fabric (geotextile) that is "wrapping around" the geogrid and backfill area. This fabric is used to "separate that dirt from that stone" to prevent them from "comingle," meaning it keeps fine soil particles from clogging the drainage layer. Behind the wall and geogrid, a layer of crushed stone (backfill) is placed, creating "a haven for water." This drainage strategy ensures that water does not build up behind the wall, preventing hydrostatic pressure and "frost thaw pushing this wall out," which is a common cause of retaining wall failure.
Goal: Ensure proper water drainage behind the wall to prevent hydrostatic pressure and frost heave.
Tools and materials
- Landscaping Fabric — Separating native soil from drainage aggregate to prevent clogging of the drainage layer
- Plate Compactor — Compacting the crushed stone backfill in layers
- Rake — Leveling the crushed stone backfill
- Shovel — Placing and spreading the crushed stone backfill
- Crushed Stone — Creating a permeable layer behind the wall for water drainage
- Native Soil — Final backfill above the drainage layer and fabric