Continue Wall Construction and Emphasize Geo-grid Importance
At 17:38 in
How NOT to build a Retaining wall
What happens here
Continue the iterative process of laying successive courses of geo-grid, installing retaining wall blocks, backfilling with structural soil, and compacting each layer. The 'Dirt Monkey' emphasizes that the geo-grid behind the blocks is the true retaining element, creating a massive soil mass designed not to move. He notes that the visible face of the blocks merely prevents erosion and holds up a small amount of soil. The video highlights that cheating on geo-grid installation (because it's unseen) is a critical error that can lead to wall failure and contractor liability, even years after construction. Proper installation, including correct grid lengths and appropriate backfill, ensures the overall strength and longevity of the retaining wall.
Goal: Build the remaining sections of the retaining wall, prioritizing proper geo-grid installation and backfill for long-term stability.
Tools and materials
- Daewoo Excavator Daewoo — Assisting with earthmoving and material placement
- Kubota R30 Loader Kubota — Transporting and dumping backfill
- Levels — Ensuring blocks are level
- Rakes — Evenly distributing backfill
- Rubber Mallets — Seating blocks
- Shovels — Spreading and leveling backfill
- Skid Steer — Moving materials and assisting in backfill
- Vibratory Plate Compactor Wacker — Compacting backfill layers
- Geo-grid — Reinforcing soil layers
- Retaining Wall Blocks Versa-Lok — The main components of the wall
- Structural Soil — Backfilling behind the wall