Excavation and Soil Compaction

What happens here

The speaker illustrates a sloped landscape scenario on a whiteboard, where a retaining wall is needed to create a flat, usable space. The first physical step is to excavate a foundation at the bottom of where the wall will be. This involves digging a trench deep enough to partially bury the first course of blocks and to accommodate the drainage system. Crucially, the excavated soil in the foundation area must be thoroughly compacted using a compactor machine to create a stable base, preventing future heaving due to moisture.

Goal: Prepare a stable and level foundation for the retaining wall.