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Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

(OP)
I am building a 6x6 timber retaining wall that will be about 5 feet high and 20 feet long.  I need to figure out a way to tie the retaining wall back into the slope.  Typically, I would use deadmen to do this, however I have two trees that about 4 feet behind the proposed retaining wall so I cannot excavate this area to place deadmen.  Does anybody have any other ideas to tie the retaining wall back into the earth?  I thought I could use some type of screw anchor but am having a hard time locating them for purchase.  The ones I have been able to find are huge and are not used for a small application like my retaining wall.  I thought I could use about a 4 foot screw with a 4" to 6" thread but haven't been able to find them.  Any other ideas?

RE: Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

Look at the web site for Williams Form Engineering.  They sell Manta Ray and Sting Ray mechanical anchors.  They are relatively low capacity anchors that get driven into place.  Once driven in far enough, they are pilled on in order to engage or flip a toggle-like metal bearing plate.

www.PeirceEngineering.com

RE: Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

Or use larger verticals spaced closer together and drill the holes deeper.  No tiebacks needed.  That's what I did 20 years ago.  Still there...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto:  KISS
Motivation:  Don't ask

RE: Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

(OP)
Mike,

If I were to do this, here is what I envision:

8 foot 6x6 vertical at the corner, then another one every 4 feet.  There would be 3 foot of bury on the 8 footers and 4 foot horizontals between the verticals.  Think that would hold with approximatley 4.5 feet of earth retainage?

RE: Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

Why not Versalok or equal.  Wood will rot out in about 20 years....

Cost will be close..

RE: Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

hydroponder:

That's what I did...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto:  KISS
Motivation:  Don't ask

RE: Timber retaining wall tie-backs...what to use?

Most  lumber yards sell a screw anchor for Manufactured home tie downs or swing set anchors. My guess wuld be call Home depot or Lowe's and ask about them. I bought some from  Lamperts Lumber. They were 3 feet long and about 3" in diameter.  

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com

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