Retaining Wall Backfill
Retaining Wall Backfill
(OP)
The retaining wall is designed with 2000 psi grout strength at 28 days. The contractor wants to back fill in 7 days. I know the grout will gain about 70% strength in 7 days,should I allow back filling in 7 days or increase the grout strength.






RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
Specify hand tamping only - nothing heavier than a Bobcat within a lateral distance edqual to the height of the wall, and ...
If the contractor still complains, ask him how much his bond is.
His schedule is not your concern. Don't try to be Mr. Nice Guy here. As the engineer of record, you call the shots, not him.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
Bracing should always be done to protect against wind, vibrations or whatever for the first few days.
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
Very often engineers specify a grout that is too strong. It may be good the look at what is needed. The normal suggested practice is specify grout the is slightly higher than the hollow block strength. Some engineers put is a maximum allowed that is allowed for grout.
The principal is to have a balanced design since the main purpose to transfer the loads between the reinforcement and the masonry units. Strong grout can affect the distribution of the loads contrary to the basic assumptions mad in the design methods.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill
was more typical.
Run through the service level loading and compare to the estimated strength at the 7 or 14 day grout strength. I am guessing it won't be until 14 days is there adequate strength. We make them wait 14 days or use an accelerant.
Be careful about bracing a retaining wall. You can cause moments to develope in location in the stem that it was never designed for.
RE: Retaining Wall Backfill