Constructing the Retaining Wall and Integrated Steps
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Building a Retaining wall start to finish #1
What happens here
After the foundation is prepared, the first courses of the Versa-Lok standard retaining wall blocks are carefully laid. Each block is placed and meticulously leveled to ensure a straight and stable wall. Subsequent courses are stacked in a staggered pattern for structural integrity. Geogrid reinforcement is laid between specific layers of blocks and extended into the backfill area. This reinforcement is crucial for taller walls, providing tensile strength to resist the lateral pressure of the soil behind the wall. Integrated steps, made from Chilston steppers (6-inch thick), are built directly into the wall structure, creating a seamless transition up the hillside.
Goal: Build the new block retaining wall and seamlessly integrate the steps.
Tools and materials
- Chilston Steppers — Creating the integrated steps
- Geogrid Various — Reinforcing the retaining wall against soil pressure
- Level — Ensuring blocks are perfectly level
- Plate Compactor Various — Compacting gravel behind the wall and within layers of geogrid
- Rubber Mallet Various — Adjusting and seating blocks firmly
- Shovels Various — Adjusting base material and backfill
- String Line Various — Maintaining straight lines for wall courses
- Versa-Lok Standard Blocks Versa-Lok — Building the main body of the retaining wall