Suitability of Timber Retaining Wall
Suitability of Timber Retaining Wall
(OP)
Considering possible structure types for a local sidewalk project; the wall is smallish - about 150 ft long with a max H of just under 7 feet; it takes one right angle turn near the tall end and there is almost no overburden. The (e) embankment is stable and standing at about 1.5:1 (H:V) but property line restrictions dictate a wall rather than another slope. They also severely limit my ability to use any sort of earth reinforcement system.
People seem to like the look and feel of a wood retaining wall. I too appreciate the aesthetics but there are so many concerns: durability, vandalism (e.g. fire resistance), potential for (slow-speed) traffic impact, maintenence, etc.
Would anyone have any thoughts or advice to share on these issues? Can a timber wall be made durable enough to "compete" with other cantilever material types such as concrete, shotcrete or CMU blocks? Can wood treatments or preservatives be used safely where people walk?
Any assistance is appreciated.
People seem to like the look and feel of a wood retaining wall. I too appreciate the aesthetics but there are so many concerns: durability, vandalism (e.g. fire resistance), potential for (slow-speed) traffic impact, maintenence, etc.
Would anyone have any thoughts or advice to share on these issues? Can a timber wall be made durable enough to "compete" with other cantilever material types such as concrete, shotcrete or CMU blocks? Can wood treatments or preservatives be used safely where people walk?
Any assistance is appreciated.





RE: Suitability of Timber Retaining Wall
http://www.southernpine.com/pressuretreated.shtml
http://treatedwood.com/
As the information on these websites will show, the material for fasteners used with available treated lumber must also be selected carefully.
In my opinion, treated lumber is not the best choice for retaining walls.
RE: Suitability of Timber Retaining Wall
You need to better describe what you are trying to do with the wall. Is the sidewalk in front of the wall at its base or is the sidewalk behind the top of the wall? Is the wall to hold up an excavated face or is the wall going to retain fill dirt? What do you mean when you say there is almost no overburden? Is there any bedrock present? If so, where is it with respect to the top of the wall? If there is a stable 1.5:1 slope, why do you need a wall?Where is the restricting property line? I assume it is behind the wall. Many answers are needed for us to understand your problem.
RE: Suitability of Timber Retaining Wall
Almost no overburden means the slope ends at just about the top of wall (the ground is nealy level behind/above.) The Property Line is located just about at the hinge point (where the cut slope was started and the new wall will top out.)
RE: Suitability of Timber Retaining Wall
RE: Suitability of Timber Retaining Wall