Lay Initial Courses of Retaining Wall Blocks and Geogrid
At 5:58 in
This makes MORE walls FAIL than anything. #retainingwall
What happens here
Begin laying the first course of retaining wall blocks directly onto the prepared, level trench. After laying a few blocks, unroll the geogrid material over the blocks, ensuring it extends behind the wall into the backfill area. Place the next course of blocks on top of the geogrid, interlocking them if your block system allows. Workers use shovels to spread gravel and dirt behind the blocks, and a plate compactor (also known as a tamper) to compact the backfill in layers. Blocks may need to be cut using a concrete saw to accommodate curves or corners, ensuring proper fit and alignment. Repeat this process for several courses, adding geogrid at specified intervals according to the wall design.
Goal: Construct the base layers of the retaining wall with reinforcement and proper compaction.
Tools and materials
- Concrete Saw — Cutting blocks to fit curved sections or ends
- Dust Mask — Protecting respiratory system from concrete dust
- Geogrid — Reinforcing the soil mass behind the retaining wall for stability
- Gloves — Protecting hands during handling of blocks and tools
- Hearing Protection — Protecting ears from loud noise, especially when cutting blocks or compacting
- Plate Compactor — Compacting backfill layers to prevent settlement
- Retaining Wall Blocks — Constructing the main structure of the wall
- Safety Glasses — Protecting eyes from debris, especially when cutting blocks
- Shovel — Spreading gravel and dirt for backfill
- Gravel/Dirt for Backfill — Filling and compacting behind the retaining wall blocks