6-7ft block retaining wall with fiberglass pins and grid strength?

Question

6-7ft block retaining wall with fiberglass pins and grid strength?

birmingplumb (Mechanical)

(OP)

26 Jul 23 08:51

Neighbor replacing failed concrete retaining wall with cinder block type blocks and grid made of plastic . The wall is to be 1 ft above his asphalt drive . So there is a load on the asphalt and the fill which is 6 ft . Th wall was demoed and 6 ft of the sandy soil exposed and wondering if there is erosion after old wall removed. There is a concern also of the absence of a vehicle barrier. So besides a car coming over the side of the hill dropping 6ft on our property due to his side entrance garage--I am wondering the strength of small block retaining walls with fiberglass pins dowels and small sections of grid. Me plumber in motown And if a engineer must design this as he told son he's keeping under 10 block high to avoid engineer. Motown

JedClampett (Structural) · Answer 1 · 2023-07-26 15:09:10

If I understand your description, those are called segmental retaining walls and if they're engineered (big if), they can retain huge amounts of soil. One type is versa lok.
I can see why you're concerned. It seems a bit shabby, made of plastic and all. But the plastic is not exposed to weather so it should last indefinitely. And as I said, these should be engineered, especially for your height.

birmingplumb (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2023-07-29 15:11:04

Thanks --update --fill under asphalt eroded due to rain and 3 ft chunks of it broke off and slid.

TigerGuy (Geotechnical) · Answer 3 · 2023-07-31 15:10:56

Depending on your location, the building department should have reviewed the plans and issued a permit. If the neighbor does not have that permit, it may be a time to offer to discuss over lemonade. Lemonade/coffee/beverage of choice tends to make more progress than bringing in the attorneys and building officials right away.

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6-7ft block retaining wall with fiberglass pins and grid strength?