Retaining Wall Deterioration & Repair

[SlideRuleEra]

I have a project where your input would be appreciated. Problem is, I am my own client, so I won't post this do-it-yourself question in a regular forum. My wife and I are moving to a new (20 year old) home that has a 3' high (maximum), chevron-shaped retaining wall about 15 feet from the back door. It is constructed of horizontal rail road cross ties and has deteriorated quite a bit (we assume that it is the same age as the house).

Here is a photo of the 40' long leg of the chevron

Here is a photo of the other leg of the chevron (20' long)

The highest point of the wall (3 feet) is at the point of the chevron. Soils are sandy.

...oh yes, the wall is between us and one of our neighbors, "Allie" - here is her photo

She is a 9 ft. long American Alligator who spends most of the sunny days basking behind the house. Good neighbor, so far, keeps to herself.

My question is, based on these photos (the first two photos), how long would be a reasonable time to delay repair/ replacement of the wall? Appreciate your comments.

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[BigH]

Bob - unless I'm blind - and when I umpired many thought so! - I really don't observe too much wrong with the R/R tie retaining wall. I see very little if any rotting of the timbers, there is no bulging of the walls that I can see - although perhaps the long leg is "toppling a bit" - but can't really tell from the angle of photo. I would say that you should not expect any significant repair for a few years at the worst. If you think that it doesn't look as nice as you would like, then why not put up a brick or stone facing? Anyway - that's my opinion. Now if you want to sponsor a bbq perhaps some of the Fdns by Terzaghi types might be able to provide more on-site, perhaps inebriated (more or less) opinions.

 

[VAD]

Railroad ties tend to have a considerable life. I would presume that the ties are much older than 20 years since very often they are used ties which have been in service for a number of years. Based on some experience looking at retaining walls at a golf course in place for over 60 years I would assume that you have at least 10 years of life and perhaps more. There is some rotting from the photos but the ties are treated and as such should be good. Allie your neighbour may like the rotted areas for the cool environment. Split sections that are decaying are especially good accommodation for snakes, spiders etc.
As BIG H has said there may be more opinions when viewed after a few brew. Could also be a good prediction of stability project.

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

I wouldn't do any thing, except maybe an alligator fence .

The walls are in good shape, I expect you could wait 10 years or so before a major rebuild will be required.

 

[PEinc]

Sorry, but I don't think the wall looks too good. It looks to me like it is leaning and bulging. Tear it out. Replace it with a slope if you have the room in front of the wall. Or possibly install a low, unreinforced SRW block wall in front of the tie wall.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Thanks to each of you for your comments. You have given me some ideas on how to proceed. For now, will get some accurate (horizontal) measurements to see if the wall is moving (over time) relative to a base line. The wood is in a lot worse shape than it looks in these photos (per PEinc comments). So will also take some elevations to see if the cross ties are compressing as decay continues - doubt if the soil under them is settling. As others have stated, I don't think failure is imminent. Will monitor the situation and repair / replace later.

Had never considered that a retaining wall could become another "hobby", but I'm willing to give that a try.

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