building retaining wall on existing slope
building retaining wall on existing slope
(OP)
I'm not exactly sure where to begin except for how is it done? In addition to the wall design, would I have to specify the construction technique? How do you cut into a hillside to place a retaining wall without the hillside crashing down on you? How do you dig the heel? Can the heel encroach on an adjecent property?





RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
Can you bench off enough room to get a large rig in to drill in beams? Micropile soldier beams might be an option too if access is restricted.
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
I looked into secant walls and to some extent soldier walls. The examples shown were massive projects spanning miles and several meters deep. It's hard to imagine how I would get that equipment on site for a 10' cut that's 70' long.
Since the piles are vertical, wouldn't it appear as the wall is failing since there will be horizontal flexure?
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
Of course the wall will have some deflection, but you're talking about a few inches maximum at the top. It will most likely not even be visible to the naked eye. Also, if it's a permanent wall, you'll probably be pouring a concrete facing in front of it once you've excavated down to subgrade.
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
However, if you're not sure what type of wall would be best suited for your site, not sure how to design it, and not sure how to build it, your best bet might be to get in touch with a desigh-build specialty contractor...
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
This shouldn't be a big deal unless you are dealing with very poor native soils. Put it out to bid on a design/build basis and save your fees to develop a performance spec and evaluate the alternates that come in. Make sure the contractors have the appropriate levels of E&O, and evaluate the proposals carefully.
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
I understand the desire to design something and not hand it off, but if you're not experienced with wall design methods and working with clay soils then I'd reconsider and follow the design/build advice. It may very well be that you would look at the design and say "Dang, I could've done that", well next time you can!
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
RE: building retaining wall on existing slope
In changing the landscape here, the overall "global stability" need checking. Most geotech engineers can check that. No point in having your whole area, neighboring house, wall and soil sliding down the hill.