Excavate and Prepare Subgrade

What happens here

The first step in building a new retaining wall is to remove any existing structures and prepare the subgrade. If there's an old concrete masonry unit (CMU) retaining wall, remove the blocks using a skid steer with a Stanley MB-550 hydraulic breaker or a mini excavator. Pay particular attention to the footing, as it is often thick and deep, requiring heavy equipment to remove. Once the old structure is removed, compact the subgrade thoroughly. A plate compactor, ranging from 150 to 1,000 pounds, is recommended to ensure the soil reaches full compaction, providing a stable foundation for the new wall.

Goal: Remove existing structures and compact the soil for a stable foundation.