Concrete retaining wall joint

[structurebeton]

I have a concrete retaining wall 14ft tall on which a 30ft tall masonry block is going to be built. Can I have control or expansion joint on the wall or should it be built monolithic the whole length. The wall is 115 ft long.

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

I can't comment on whether you can/should place an expansion joint in the wall. However, I would question the placement of a 30 foot masonry block wall on top of a retaining wall. It is very likely that the retaining wall will move (tilt) with time. When this happens the masonry wall will either tilt or possibly break due to bending. How has this condition been addressed?

 

[structurebeton]

The top of the retaining wall has a reinforced 8" thick tie back slab at the top.

 

[miecz]

I think you can build it either way. I would build it monolithic and use 1/2% horizontal reinforcing for shrinkage.

 

[dik]

For exterior concrete walls, I usually put in joints at 40'max spacing and for masonry at 30' max spacing. I would therefore use 30' for the concrete and make sure that the masonry joints align with those in the concrete

Dik

 

[structurebeton]

There will be a slab on top of the wall, 8" thick at the floor area, and 12" thick right above the wall. Therefore, there is no real continuity between the concrete wall and the block wall thus, I am not worry about matching joints...should I?

 

[dik]

good place for the slab to crack <G>... Slab on grade? ... sawcuts?

Dik

 

[structurebeton]

slab on grade, saw cut...

 

[dik]

Should line up all the 'quacks'... put your ducks in a row <G>

Dik

 

[miecz]

Make sure you install a sign telling the slab to crack at the joints.

 

[dik]

Generally a matter of timing the sawcutting operation... have had very good 'luck'

Dik